He has won Producer of the Year TWICE! Howard Benson Interview

[@Producelikeapro]

Who would you like to hear from next? Thanks ever so much for being such amazing members of our community! It's such an honour for me to be part of it and I love reading all of the amazingly positive and supportive comments. Seeing people help and interact with each other in such a positive way is so rewarding! Please check out www.producelikeapro.com for our Academy where you find even more people like yourselves who love to learn and share information! Many thanks Warren!

[@kingbassk83]

Harley Benton.

[@owendorsey5866]

Dj swivel would be cool

[@t.j.fuller9531]

Beau Hill. I’m still trapped in the 80’s

[@Producelikeapro]

@@t.j.fuller9531 yes! I hear you!!

[@JazJames616]

Beau Burchell!

[@lessthanraj]

I was lucky enough to make 2 records with Howard and he even mentions Less Than Jake in this interview. Thanks, Howard for all the knowledge I gained working with you and Mike! I really loved those times even tho we yelled at each other about that one song that I wanted “punk” and you wanted “pop” haha! ❤️

[@TheLeon1032]

this guys vibe and perspective has got me inspired at a time when I'm slightly bored of music talk and actually haven't turned my DAW on in 2 months due to broken ribs, the pain is so bad you can't concentrate on anything but breathing, anyways that's over now n this dude just helped turn my antenna back on, nice one Warren, well needed inspiration, top man and take care))

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing your insight!

[@ttrack9089]

Super interview Warren(like always)Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@iamanactualcat]

I loved his work with my chemical romance!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, amazing work!!

[@Kaotonix]

Thank you for continuing to post videos Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@MUSIC-PRODUCER]

You are the best, guys!! Thank you very much!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@desmokid1477]

Everytime I check back with your channel I discover another diamond like this one.

[@robertmacleod7851]

Just about to go into the studio with a band for a week, this chat was great inspiration before going in! Thanks for all that you do Warren. Bonus F1 chat too..!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Robert! Glad to be able to help!

[@steveroy4119]

Thanks Warren ! That was a really interesting interview

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Steve Roy thanks ever so much!!

[@sharegan6822]

i’m not sure if theres an award dedicated for best tutors in music production. If such award existed i think warren must win it every year. I learned how to keep learning mixing everyday. i learned that theres no template for mixing but im sure i have got an idea of how to treat sounds and blend them together watching your videos. Im still going to keep watching and take away knowledge from your videos. this is the first time im commenting on your channel. Thanks Mr.Warren you are my guru and all time favourite❤️

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much Sha Regan! I really appreciate it! You're very kind my friend!

[@metaldefender49]

Great statement I listen to all sorts of engineers and Warren comes across as a man who wants to help. Big fan of his as well although it took me some time to get used to his accent lol

[@carloslaend1635]

Fantastic interview, many thanks to all involved.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Carlos!!

[@LesonDeson]

Amazing interview, thank you guys

[@thomasmcgill6918]

I feel like Im in the same room with you and the person you interview. Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Thomas! That means a lot!

[@nrgsnrgs8829]

هههههه ه

[@Producelikeapro]

@@nrgsnrgs8829 Haha I wish I knew what this meant! Haha

[@RC32Smiths01]

Someone with those accolades sure have information and knowledge to teach! Appreciative of the informative and enlightening content as always!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@Producelikeapro You are very welcome!

[@rudyvega6957]

Warren, you have the most amazing, most informative, most inspiring videos, always full of knowledge and great advice. Thank you, really, from the bottom of my heart.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Rudy!! I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

[@oldbootsrecords]

Great interview with a wise and legendary dude... knowing Keith Olsen , Butch Walker and Mr. Benson were all in the same studio together kinda makes me want to revisit that Southgang record. I think those album's he did with Papa Roach are worthy of accolades as well..... Good F1 sidenote and nice to know that having my soundexchange ID# wasn't a waste of time obtaining. Cheers to you Warren!

[@duffybrickwood]

Thanks for all the great content. I’d like to see Trevor Horn, Stephen Lipson and Giorgio Moroder.

[@Producelikeapro]

Those are ALL amazing ideas!!

[@bikesnbeerz]

@@Producelikeapro +1 For Trevor Horn. Oh my gosh good.

[@marciomesquita]

Yes, Trevor Horn, please! And thanks for all the amazing (free) content, Warren!

[@michaelbarry7410]

Loved this one! Great to hear the behind the scenes business realities. Best part, Warren's part Irish!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Michael! Yes, indeed!

[@tomlebeau7921]

I just learnt so much in 26 minutes. What a guy!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@MiximusMaximus]

Sad to know that Keith has passed. I worked with him for a brief moment during my Mackie Designs days when the d8b was a thing. Love these interviews with these guys.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, horrid news! I remember the d8b very well! I made records with the Mackie and ADATs!

[@adamkiefel79]

Great Interview and Content. Thank You!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Adam Kiefel thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@popolokross444]

Amazing interview, warren! I remember when u called Mick Gordon "The Great" during the interview... not long after that he won many awards for his DOOM soundtrack. And literally become one of the greats now. U might be psychic, warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha maybe? Wouldn't that be amazing!! Yes, Mick is AMAZING!!

[@ksparbanie]

Great interview! Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@heartshinemusic]

Really great, but I wish this interview lasted longer. Would've loved to hear more of Howard's production "secrets". I know Howard does a lot of doubling instrument (guitar)parts with synths after the recording, he's sorta famous for that and I wish he'd talk about that in real depth for once, like what he does exactely. Maybe show it in a project file. Could be one whole episode about his own specific production techniques. Thanks Warren and Howard... hope you'll do this again soon.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, I understand! I could talk to Howard for hours more! I learned so much!!

[@N1K5TA]

excellent Warren super insightful..loving these ..hes got the talent and business smarts. Innovate and move with the times if you want longevity in the game

[@ClintRoxx]

You guys are awesome such great advice and learning from every video you produce !

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Clint!

[@adamburger858]

You rock Warren! I remember asking for some modern metal producers or artists not too long ago, and here Howard Benson is! awesome!..I really like the 3 minute mark.. .so honest I think everyone remembers where they were at when 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' first played on the radio..everything changed after that.. Cya- Adam

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! You're very welcome Adam! I do remember Nirvana very well, the UK wasn't dominated by big hair metal so it was little different, wasn't quite as big a change, Indie and Alternative bands were already fairly mainstream.

[@adamburger858]

@@Producelikeapro That's very interesting, sure was different over here in the states..lol I'm curious to know what bands were doing well, at that time, in your neck of the woods?

[@Producelikeapro]

@@adamburger858 wow! There was such a different scene all the way through the 80's and early 90's. Stone Roses, The Smiths, Happy Mondays, The Cure, Massive Attack, Portishead...huge list! The big hair metal was the occasional single in the charts, but it wasn't the driving force it was here in the US.

[@abrackas1]

Would love to know, if Howard remembers, what guitar/amp/effects were used for the intro of Daughtry’s song Home. It’s so perfect for the song! Really nailed it. Great interview Warren!

[@carlgarthwaite6935]

Great interview! The parts about music business were a real eye opener!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Carl!!

[@michaelgarding516]

"Get the cheque!" Best advice ever! Thanks For another great vid Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha yes, indeed Michael!

[@musicbyfavio]

A lot of industry perspective in this video. Just for the record, Howard Benson produced Helena by My Chemical Romance and the Move Along album from The All American Rejects. Just for young producers like me that grew up with these bands.

[@brooklynboy1000]

great interview!

[@chrisstrobel3439]

I have no interest in engineering or producing .. but I’ve been binge watching this channel for the past week while hunkered down in bed with a sore throat, really interesting stuff and keeps my mind off the pain. It would be fun to see a segment on Ocean Studio, Burbank, I worked there in the early 90’s as a studio keyboard player, I see on the web they are still there with the same big NEVE console and 2” 24 track tape machine, and it looks just like it did back then. Thanks Warren for your killer interviews man 👍

[@ThomasECahill]

Great interview, great to hear these stories from Howard very inspirational, thanks.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Thomas!

[@LarryGreenMusic]

Great business advice!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Larry!!

[@renierhenning]

I always enjoyed your videos Warren but knowing you guys are F1 fans has made me like you even more.. Great interview!

[@rileyioacura]

What computer would be best on a budget?? I want to use cubase or studio one professional 4... I wanted to use uad apollo or arrow... but what would be a good alternative?? What specs would you recommend for the best start on a pc or Mac mini

[@adrianwagner336]

my main take away from the meeting of these two great minds? "if you're not scared quit!" however, there is a bit of wisdom hidden in that nugget...how many times in life have we sat or stood in a situation and KNOW inside that you are over your head in some way yet we stick it out and learn and push ourselves to be better than we thought we would be and realize that we were scared because we wanted to be better than we were before and now we ARE better for facing that fear hope that makes even a slight bit of sense...wait what am i saying, this is a bunch of people who make sense of nonsense each day lol

[@mikeloosen53]

Great interview as usual! After listening to this conversation and so many that hit on some of the same points about the industry, pace, budgets and distribution. Is it part of the reason that music today (NOT ALL) seems to be kinda flat, just kinda plodding along. Are we missing out on some great music because the time isn't there to spend more than a few weeks to write a record?

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for the marvellous comment! Music, at least commercial music has definitely dramatically changed! There's not much Rock music on commercial Top 40 radio, with the very occasional exception! I believe it's combination of bands not wanting to write Pop Friendly songs anymore meeting the changing tastes of younger people listening to mainly programmed music.

[@gregdicrosta]

The Less Than Jake stuff sounds fantastic! One of my favorite bands ever.

[@MCAlvesPortugal]

Great interview.😎

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@davewestner]

Besides the fact that this interview is great, two things impress me in this video 1) I love that Mr Benson isn't fazed by the fact that he's being filmed to stop dropping F-bombs, and 2) The fact that I just realized that Warren never actually swears.

[@digitalmusicalart3494]

@24:50 I watched Season 1 also, about to get into Season 2 this weekend. I like the guy who left Red Bull and went to drive for Renault I believe.

[@noiseinthebasement8139]

Third pro I've heard talk about the shift that happened when "Smells Like Teen Spirit" hit. Wow.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Noise in the Basement yes, it’s very commonly understood how huge a shift Nirvana were in the industry, particularly in the US where Rock has been very stagnant for a huge amount of time!

[@keepmovinent7679]

Hey bro I don't know if u or anyone else that sees this can give can answer but if I have 2 unrelated sounds (gtr & piano) pan hard left and right is it normal for the volume to attenuate when summed to mono

[@Psychonautilus]

Will there be a studio tour? Would be great to see Howard's base in detail. He does talk about the real estate quite a bit ....

[@resington]

Great interview

[@ragingchimera8021]

24:43 Senna!!!! :) Monaco in the rain... incredible.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Senna was amazing!

[@EricGPLAP]

Howards done so many albums I listened to growing up! Especially My Chemical Romance ;) Such an awesome guy

[@danymalsound]

Hell yeah and most of which were mixed by CLA \m/

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, so many amazing albums!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@danymalsound yes, indeed!!

[@rb032682]

great episode

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks!! You Rock!

[@gfunkstube]

very interesting insight!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Adam!!

[@juliosilencer]

One of the best producer, howard benson.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, indeed

[@AudioReplica2023]

wow , nirvana even changed the way producers think.

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely! Huge, they created a shift in the music industry!

[@SSRT_JubyDuby8742]

It's a business and we all know it, it's just a shame that's all. Great interview, which I have come to expect from you, lots of nice insights and tales. The mention of the great man was cool, was there no one that he failed to help? 😎🎙🎛✅

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Julian!

[@chernobylcoleslaw6698]

According to Pitchfork, when he went to the studio to work with My Chemical Romance they thought he was the pizza delivery guy! 😆🍕

[@acommon]

A lot of people think that the rock game changed around that time (2010's) due to Mumford and Sons, and acoustic music.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Alexander! Interesting! If the radio was dominated by Folk Rock Acoustic Artists I would be happy! Haha However, that isn't the case.

[@Czyszy]

I know it's a bit late for this kinda comment but I'm *really* glad you're not using thumbnails with that blue background anymore. Let's be honest. It didn't look very professional. xD

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha we had a young guy in trying some new ideas! I chose this look, I really like it!

[@mr.mikehunt4286]

both these dudes put the STL tones plugin on their screen.....although I think HB and Mike got the tightest plexi mod IR it would be nice if they expanded on it outside STL cause STL is not happening to me, maybe HB and Mike could release an exclusive neural DSP or softube model

[@ctld5266]

Please do an interview with Rob Cavallo and Doug Mckean

[@Producelikeapro]

That would be amazing!!

[@ma9na111]

Another great story and I am a F1 fan as well....go Ricciardio!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Peter! Go Lewis! Haha

[@imslicc]

could someone explain to me the section where he talks about emailing and demanding a check? 13:50 what did he mean when he said "the album cost 40k to produce", why does he care? doesn't the record company pay for this? thanks

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi imdlicc, even though labels pay, you have to chase them to get paid! The 40k or even less is what the album would have cost to make, multiple studios, rentals, session musicians, mixer, engineer, producer fees, that's the fee that has to be recouped before any potential royalties might be paid, depending on the deal.

[@imslicc]

@@Producelikeapro you're telling me they don't pay as soon as the session ends? let alone in advance? what the...

[@Producelikeapro]

imslicc if only!! Haha you can wait months to be paid!

[@Producelikeapro]

imslicc if only!! Haha you can wait months to be paid!

[@imslicc]

@@Producelikeapro apologies for asking, kinda feels unbecoming, but how did the music production community end up in this situation? it's like going to a supermarket and telling the manager "listen, i'll pay you 4 moths from now, when i get enough money".

[@pclairoot]

BTW, Keith Olsen passed away 5 days ago (Marh 7th 2020)

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, that was very sad to hear Pascal!

[@peterahlberg8808]

Thanks God for Old school producers. Can you please call Mike Fraser? And John Mutt Lange, please.

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous idea Peter!!

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

7:52 There's a danger in some aspects of professional audio with this kind of appeal to popularity/authority fallacy, especially if you're talking about things like converters, sample rates, etc. Just because you know how to make music sound good, doesn't mean you know how human perception works, how digital audio works and so on.

[@Producelikeapro]

Indeed, although that wasn't what was being talked about. It was all about focus, organisation, getting the album made in the best possible way, sounding the best, on budget and in time! I worked with Keith and he was one off the most focused and easy going people I've ever worked with! Unfortunately he recently died and he will be sorely missed!

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

Damn, I know this may make me sound like I'm not tuned into the reality behind the business, but it gets to a point where I'm not sure I like the buisness when all I hear is talk about money, sacking people, lawyers, managers, points, publishers, recoups et al, in an endless procession of stories about people not getting what they are owed. This is not a new story, it's the oldest story in the book in popular music, but when you hear the facts saying it's still alive and kicking, you wonder if the democratisation of music production, at least in the States, is little more than lip service paid to a gullable new breed of artists, just to hide them from the big surprise that 'someone is going to run off with their cash!' I think perhaps, it's time that artists started looking at global self-market strategies, in order to break the industry stranglehold, because since the collapse of the old industry format, along with the bottomless budgets, those already creaming the artist are now using different techniques to hold onto the same reins. And, you know, underneath and behind all of this, that wonderful thing we call music continues to thrive regardless of all that greed, because it's emotional connection is still valid. Best wishes, people

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for your comment! I didn't hear any of what you're saying in this video though! Hah In the now 1,000 videos I've done I think it's ok to talk about the music business! Haha Ultimately Artists want to work with great Producers like Howard and that means they have to find new and unique ways to be able top pay for his services! That's all we are talking about here! Every Producer and Artist has a different relationship, there is no one standard!

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

@@Producelikeapro Dear Warren, my comment wasn't aimed at either you or Howard, who both show yourselves to be very shrewd operators in a shark-infested sea - hats off! I was just reflecting on the fact that artists and producers are still having to fight - even to the extent of employing people just to do the checks - just to get what you deserve. There is an unwritten law, an unspoken fact, that you need to 'expect' the machinations of the bigger wheels, just to get your bread and butter. You yourself have said that if you want to make money in music, get into publishing! That might be the reality, but it's little more than saying, 'hold on to your hats, guys, we're about to get burnt!' Perhaps it was a downbeat assessment, but not without hope, and yes of course, it's fine to talk about the business

[@Producelikeapro]

@@Bring_MeSunshine that's quite alright! I understand! Yes, this will always be a huge talking point the Music 'Business' is an interesting almost oxymoron! Haha Luckily we can have these mazing discussions with people like Howard Benson!

[@carlgarthwaite6935]

Ah! Indeed... To most Artists, "Music business" IS an oxymoron. It's the last thing we tend to consider when writing, playing, producing, recording, mixing and mastering. Nonetheless it IS a fact of life. We simply need to learn to swim in those waters, so the business side of things doesn't drown our creativity. As a teen I remember hearing how the members of Kiss would go to business meetings in 3-piece suits. Everyone I knew said "What? How can this be? They're KISS! They should be wearing platform shoes, leather costumes and face paint 24/7! They go to business meetings?" It's laughable now. Welcome to the real world kids! Thank you Warren!. These are things that Artists really DO need to be aware of... To navigate this crazy world we call Music. Don't allow us to become complacent.

[@paulEmotionalaudio]

Love hearing people’s stories like this. Grand Prix in Melbourne could be cancelled this weekend. 😱🤢😢

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Yes, unfortunately it was cancelled!

[@MartyV666]

Are Aeron chairs mandatory in pro studios.? Those are everywhere :) Hey how about Adam Steel?

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha yes, they are quite popular indeed!

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

Despite their 900$+ price tag, they're office chairs, not meant to be sat on for long periods of time. You can do much better for a fraction of the price.

[@MartyV666]

@@BrunodeSouzaLino yeah I went to Ikea got a lookalike and got rid of the arm rests. They are guitar killers anyway.

[@MichaelDaniels241]

Do A Teddy Riley Interview....

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous idea!

[@splashesin8]

😃

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Audrey!!

[@ShadowReubenKee]

I can't say a whole lot of nice things about Benson. Perhaps he was a good producer etc before, but his star has faded dramatically. The recent shit-fest he's involved in is the band In Flames new re-recording of Clayman. The mix sounds absolutely terrible. Flat, and there is no punch to it when compared to the old version.