Show Us Your Junk! Ep. 23 - Steve Albini (Shellac, Electrical Audio) | EarthQuaker Devices

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

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[@joemcneff2521]

lol Why does he show us his worst pedals?

[@WritingOnGames]

Rest in peace to the absolute greatest to ever do it. There will never be another Steve Albini.

[@dpclerks09]

💔

[@foefafee]

Didn’t know one of my favorite video essayists had such good taste. I’ve been going back to these old Albini videos this week

[@tonychaez420Sexfood]

the absolute greatest dude

[@caprise-music6722]

Thank you for Recording my Favorite album of all time. In Utero. RIP

[@BruellaDeVille]

Word

[@FlateriqueFTW]

RIP Steve. You will never be forgotten. You are a true legend.

[@dpclerks09]

LEGENDS NEVER DIE 💔

[@dawgboybinley6128]

20:43 "if they are doing something that I don't get, my first impulse should not be to change things" - a very mature concept I wish more engineers understood.

[@jonunderscore]

I wish more people understood it in all walks of life

[@Overlorddz]

Absolutely! Most engineers are just all about the theory THEY think works well and none other. Which is stupid because engineering is all about hearing and nobody's ear hears the same really.

[@lassebang]

RIP Steve. You were a true fucking legend. Thanks for all the soundtracks to my youth

[@dpclerks09]

💔

[@matterask]

It just occurred to me that Steve Albini is wearing a beanie in this video. Steve Al-Beanie. That just occurred to me.

[@danieladams8085]

Yeah he could do a side project making albini wear

[@shadcovert1160]

Oh wow. What a fun occurance. I wonder what it means.

[@technicoloursound2115]

Illuminati confirmed

[@scottend5239]

@@shadcovert1160 Beanies are good.

[@mjrleaguesweetie]

Great job man

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

5:38 "That's a really nice compressor..." Steve says, and points to some unidentifiable lil' box - and I'm like: "yeah, but WTF is it called?" ... and then I realize it's actually called "Really Nice Compressor" 😄

[@AshleyPomeroy]

On the positive side they're still affordable, because no-one knows that they're called!

[@McDoinky]

They are! Looking to get one for myself soon

[@danieldevine8588]

FMR Audio RNC

[@8NoneofyourBusiness]

Transparent and excellent

[@patrickkoenigsfeld1253]

I got to shake Steve's hand in Portland, oregon, and tell him he was the reason I played guitar. He was super humble and went to get me a shirt. Too bad they were all out. But it really didn't matter because that Shellac show blew us all away. Thanks to the earthquaker for keeping this spirit of music alive.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thats awesome! Cheers :)

[@stylinghead]

Was that like 97?

[@Overlorddz]

I met him in The Hague in 2019 and he was indeed super kind and easygoing!

[@DeiNostri]

I really like the attitude of Steve Albini and he seems humble. He seems proud of his accomplishments without being full of himself. I´ve experienced alot of musicians and sound engineers being full of themselves and egotistical. This guy would give a noise project, a singer/song writer with one instrument or a grand arena rock band the same respect. A respectable master of his craft.

[@moritzlienhard273]

gotta love him.

[@scottstalcup4453]

A lot of folks from the Chicago scene way back when might disagree with that. I got no dog in this race, but in You Weren't There, he seems to bag on a lot of folks.

[@allaboutdatGDA]

Kyle Ganger nothing better than an engineer that doesn’t see himself as the producer of the music he is recording.

[@doitnowvideosyeah5841]

When he was younger, like many geniuses, ( genii?) he was arrogant as all fuck. Age does help with humility...

[@matthewarmistead7872]

I asked him what it was like to record Tony Conrad. He told me he miced up some strange autonomous string instruments and Tony's much younger lady friend was praying over Tony's food with crystals. He has a really subtle snark happening.

[@PickledPotato]

You can see how passionate he really was about music. One of the greatest to ever do it! RIP

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Truly! ❤️

[@xbreathingisirrelevantx]

Lets be honest, this is the one we all wanted to see from the beginning

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

yeah I think I may have seen some requests...

[@K33ntan]

Steve: If a piece of equipment doesn't prove absolutely versatile, we'll just get rid of it. Also Steve: These are definitely the worse pedals ever, check these out your gonna love them. This was a great video, I really enjoyed it.

[@thenear1send]

Hilarious because the first thing I thought when he said that was "BS!" I appreciate the concept, I really do, and I dont believe he doesn't purge stuff, but there's no way a bunch of unused junk isnt lying around that, or any, studio. It's just the nature of the business.

[@econogate]

That was the best setup of all time! I enjoyed it! He had me rolling!

[@torontotonto6189]

@@thenear1send i think he meant if you have bunch of mics or like for example pedals that sound the same then why have bunch of them and not just 1that is the best

[@drpibisback7680]

Gotta have a little fun in your life.

[@homeslicetv8688]

ok ok but the sound go round is awesome total spacemen 3 trem sound

[@dynestudios]

Young Steve Albini sounds just as disinterested as the current one. Thats just awesome, he's never changed! And I think its the laid back attitude that allows him to take mixes systematically.

[@raingirlcat2245]

RIP. ❤I’ll put on a Shellac LP and dedicate it to Steve. ❤

[@fray3dendsofsanity]

He's such a pure dude. So intelligent, so knowledgeable, a nerd in the best way possible, such an artist without any pretension. Love it, pure Midwest humility. Steve Albini is a national treasure.

[@alexstewart839]

The sound insulation at Electrical Audio is frustratingly effective. I used to live in the neighborhood and I'd always perk my ears when I walked by just to see if I could hear anything interesting. Not a peep. It was impressive and frustrating.

[@MKRocker2012]

Well to be fair you should never really hear anything coming out of a competently designed studio.

[@pupupupupuberty]

@@MKRocker2012 incorrectttttttt

[@TheLamech777]

@@pupupupupuberty It all just depends on the building, design and how much money you have available

[@wilhelmvg9978]

MKRocker94 wrong

[@aholder4471]

@@TheLamech777 And how loud they're playing

[@nickmjones]

"It's worth whatever some blues lawyer is willing to pay for it." Blues lawyer. That's genius.

[@johneeeemarry34]

It’s not genius it’s a widely used generic insult often made by people in the music industry who are actually wealthier than lawyers…to be fair to Steve he’s made some great records, unlike some KZbinrs who haven’t, yet use the term while uploading generic blues content..

[@bongusdongus2137]

This man changed the way I play music and shaped my taste for weird, off-putting, and above all, natural sounds. Most people who have something “magic” are working off a lighting-in-a-bottle, brief stroke of genius, and then spend their career chasing that high point; Steve had something truly magic, but rather than some nebulous fluke, it was completely quantifiable, an inhumanly comprehensive knowledge and mastery of every aspect of his craft. RIP to an absolute legend, and one of the best to ever do it.

[@matthewdobsson3883]

I’ve never heard the better description of the guy who owns all the nice mics as “blues lawyer”

[@admbrnk3665]

Matthew Dabson yeah that is perfect

[@hunterthompson2206]

Would make a good band name - Blues Lawyer!

[@ElephantTusks]

It’s a very common term. It’s generally geared more towards collectors of high end and/or vintage guitars. Generally the kind of individual who can’t play worth shit or does a few generic blues riffs. This equates to owning multiple high end and/or vintage instruments that rarely if ever get played. They feel entitled due to their income despite lack of musicianship and need. I’ve included a link to an example below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHqVgZdufdyed8U

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

I believe the term dates back to 2011

[@itchyvinyl]

Yes! Love that term. Haha It’s been thrown around here (SF) since the mid 2000’s. Rich business stiffs buying up all the vintage guitars to decorate their man-cave.

[@officialnaplava]

you know what, steve did age really well. just like his work

[@johnsmith-so5do]

NAPLAVA that surprises me too, I last saw him on that foo fighters doc of city’s.

[@bonhamhouse1169]

That’s just luck.

[@kingtrance6826]

@ Bonham House No that’s genes.

[@officialnaplava]

King Trance lucky genes

[@galleryofrogues]

Italians seem to age well

[@mwdollar]

Our field is lesser without him. RIP Steve. Thank you for helping to create such great music over the years and for greatly inspiring the next generation of creatives.

[@SteelyDanimal]

This guy is a wealth of information. I love hearing informed people talk about their craft.

[@CakeHunter333]

Me: "ooh! This will be exciting!" *Clicks video* *First line in* "Nothing excites me."

[@vinyldiary6664]

LOLOL

[@eronackerman565]

Hah, yeah great opening quote

[@ihrstinkt100]

Albini is a really smart and honest guy. Love listening to him

[@ihrstinkt100]

👌

[@michael.davides]

This really needs to be the top comment

[@1978garfield]

I love that he not only wears coveralls to work, but he has a pocket full of screwdrivers and pens and his company's logo silk screened on the coveralls.

[@Darwinist]

You know he really approaches his work as "work" when you seem him and you honestly don't know if he's about to record a killer album or change the gearbox fluid on a 1978 Peterbilt semi.

[@vienabalsi]

Last song of last shellac album is called "I don' fear hell". Incredible... Thanks for the heaven you tried to build , the integrity, and the inspiration you gave to us.

[@andygtmo]

"Pow! Your pregnant!" But all joking aside, To All Trains is an amazing send-off. RIP to Steve

[@coleemmersonhallman5329]

the thought that went into the architecture of this studio is stunning

[@xerstat1]

I snuck into the 7th street entry in Minneapolis when I was 17 and saw Big Black. The band was awesome and I loved how Albini was abrasive with some of the audience that were being antagonist. They deserved it! I loved how Albini wore his guitar mounted to a guitar strap tied around his waste. RIP The world has lost a huge contributor helping and recording great music! His knowlede and intelect will be missed!

[@StaggaLags]

I didn't know this much encyclopedic knowledge could fit inside one person's brain. What a goddamn legend Steve is.

[@doctorauxiliary]

this man is just so brilliant & so perfectly balanced throughout the spectrum that ranges from the technical to the creative... & is so incredibly good at verbalizing every aspect of all of that. I'm just awestruck. & it's clear how generous he is as shares his ideas & such. wow!! he's a frickin' angel. may he rest in peace.....

[@TipsterStu]

This utilitarian approach to music and the equipment is to be admired ... Could listen to him talk all day.

[@MrJoec76]

Joseph Christ! This is one of the best videos I've seen on youtube. Just a masterclass in ethics and open mindedness and not allowing your work or ego to define you. You can tell he is both incredibly academically knowledgeable and completely unpretentious and focused on the work at hand! Truly inspiring

[@FedericoAscariAudio]

this Show Us Your Junk series is simply the best thing on KZbin, I enjoy watching these episodes so much. Thank you EarthQuaker!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

aww, that's great to hear Federico, thank you for watching!

[@magendrag]

I could listen to Steve Albini for days. Rest in Power, you absolute legend.

[@mattbayley284]

How could anyone have anything but the most love and respect for Steve Albini!... No matter what kind of music you make!!! His consideration for the bands music and to not try to make every album the Steve Albini album is admirable to say the least. I wish every engineer had similar ethics.

[@GraemeWoller]

"Medusa's Nest" and "Blues Lawyer". Gold!!

[@jonnyhundley]

Rest in peace to the man! Rewatching this because this is one of my favorite videos!

[@LinkMassing]

Is it me or does he just seem full blown genuine without the bullshit ego? Thank you so very much Steve for the work you have given! Cheers!!!!!

[@jackroberts399]

this could have been so much longer, and i would have happily watched it all

[@cmousdale]

he needs his own netflix series… I could watch them all!

[@tabletop77]

I can hear the sound of all the things he mentions doubling in price on Reverb ☺️

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

haha yep

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

So true I used buy up every interfax harmonic percolator for cheap anywhere I could find them The last few years astronomical . I still have 2 working so fingers crossed lol

[@kirkdecker6228]

@@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung You lucky bastard.

[@Bhatt_Hole]

It's already happening, I think. That compressor is now being listed at nearly $200.

[@Big_Old_Bondy]

Reverb practically always want retail value for gear that's a few years old. I never buy on there

[@spocho23]

I don't know why, but I can listen to this guy all day, what a charming a peaceful man he is.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

Elvis Gordillo right

[@mairinger80]

You can watch hours of Steve on youtube - there is also a 6 hrs all-analog recording session with him... setting up the tape machine alone takes an hour or so ;-)

[@suzramuse]

Big Black made me feel peaceful.

[@dummy0000000]

What a man! Thank you so much EQD for making this

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@GG70]

Hey EQD, thanks for using my footage and crediting me from that basement studio tour soooo long ago.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thank YOU

[@brettsparks9000]

Hey man, Imagine my surprise when I saw you appear herein. Very cool.

[@brettsparks9000]

I was taken aback, seeing you and that footage. Cool. Best.

[@kazimzaidi5854]

I love how simple and raw this video feels. Mr. Albini doesn't seem to have much direction; instead, it kind of feels like I'm just hanging out with him and talking shop. Very cool.

[@coreygalletlydrums77]

Rest in peace Steve. Really enjoyed your work and will continue to do so forever or until I’m dead

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Truly One of a kind!☝️

[@raycavazos8927]

Albini is a nerd in the beat possible sense and meaning of the word. His devotuon to the study and production of sound is world class

[@raycavazos8927]

And he could probably walk up to your mom, ask her what her favorite band is, and then look her dead in the eye and honestly tell her oh yeah I know them. I recorded them

[@nedkent5239]

RIP brilliant, funny and kind Steve Albini!

[@revol40]

One of the best engineers/producers out there.

[@bradmodd7856]

one of the best "unproducers" ...if you want your band to sound "unproduced" call Steve

[@bradmodd7856]

the ONLY guy that can take a band into an expensive studio and make a record that sounds like it is recorded in a garage

[@nickfanzo]

I am proud that I have seen shellac several times and met Steve in person. He is a recording genius and a historical figure in the small music world I personally enjoy.

[@zachsine6465]

I had the privilege to record at Electrical Audio back in November, it was the best experience I've ever had recording music. That place is magical.

[@BenedictHarris]

Wow NICE.

[@tednruth453]

Cool as eggs

[@youarethecreator1]

I could watch a Steve Albini episode once a week.

[@baddriversofcolga]

Steve is my favorite engineer/"producer". No one else gets the clean rawness that he does. And unlike a lot of other people that produce their own music he also knows how an album should be mastered. It's just a shame when someone gets him to engineer their album and then they go and get it mastered too loud. But Shellac's albums are incredibly awesome to listen to with the volume turned up. And "Pod" by The Breeders is, in my opinion, one of the best sounding albums ever made.

[@wado1942]

Albini explicitly tells people he's not a producer. I agree though; he's a great engineer and always the professional.

[@wulfshead]

Think this is about the tenth time I’ve watched this in the last year.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thanks for watching all of these and for all the nice comments! We appreciate you. Glad you are enjoying everything!

[@JoseGonzalez-t1m]

I was around 17 when I heard Big Black for the first time. I’m 54 now and I have to say they left a lasting impression on me. Raw and in your face for sure

[@AlmostGrewMyHair]

Big RIP to a legend that will live on through his passion.

[@tite93]

You have to do one with Sunn O))), especially since they recorded their last album in Steve's studio

[@mavisp]

watching this helped today. thank you

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Glad to hear it! You’re welcome! May he RIP!

[@b0d0p33t3rs]

RIP Mr Albini, your attitude and respect towards music is much needed. Thank you for being such a humble and knowledgeable giant!

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Oh god this was worth it just for the “worst pedals” alone! Legend!!

[@brianarguello7576]

The FUsion jaZZ fuzz pedal had me crying

[@davidjameschamberlain]

@@brianarguello7576 the ModernFusion was an Ibanez soundtank

[@johnotis6764]

Time has served to delineate the brainy, innovative S.A. from the snarky, smarmy, angry punk S.A. This man is one of the true architects of modern sound--an artist, an innovator, a true visionary. Hearing him talk his craft is like listening to a gifted philosopher talk epistemology or an artist talk colors and palettes and shapes and light.

[@josedaniloAvSv]

I have so much respect and admiration for this gentleman.for what he's done and Continues to do.

[@katiepower1570]

I agree with him on capturing the natural sound of the band and letting it become unique from there. My old lecturer used to say bands come in and say 'capture me' and he obnoxiously would say how dare they think that their sound can just be captured. But with good bands and artists this is exactly what it should be. Not overly planning scientifically the session and deciding on every last detail before even going ahead.

[@rayg3116]

Free Steve Albini Masterclass!!! Thanks for this GEM, EQD. I'm gonna go buy one of your pedals now :)

[@strstudio8625]

WOW!!! using the basement for the low end of the room .... that's so cool... I love the fact that he lets art be art... stay out the way and just try to capture it. thanks for sharing Steve.

[@karipmana]

such a simple, no bullshit approach to recording music, my kinda person!

[@veerchasm1]

I hope they can keep the studio running in honor of Steve. RIP my friend

[@aisle_of_view]

Really intelligent guy who has mastered his art. Devo inspired jump suit. His obstinence with the Nirvana recordings ended up blacklisting him for a while back in the mid 90s.

[@xerstat1]

His recording techniques are and were unconventional but inspirational ! For example, Albinis way of recording influenced me and my band to record ensemble and also when recording i thought hmmm, encase the amp with cynder blocks. got a great sound. All because of the influence of Albini.

[@Scoots1994]

I love his music and I love his recording style, but his essay on the music business is possibly his greatest contribution. I show it to all new musicians I can.

[@thomasturner5090]

Good guy Steve Albini. Seriously a class act in a world of artificial music.

[@ironmaiden6771]

One of my biggest KZbin wishes just came true. Thank you, EQD.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

sure thing, thanks for tuning in!

[@andygtmo]

Watching this again because I remembered it existed. RIP 🖤 his acerbic wit and how down to earth he was will be missed, absolutely

[@ericmzik5125]

This is simply the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you Steve Albini and Jamie Stillman for the gifts you have given us all.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thanks for checking it out! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Soulpuddinghtx]

God damn these videos keep getting better. KEEP THIS SERIES ALIVE

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Just getting started

[@michaelshoop1549]

I’ve been waiting for this since I found out about the series! Thank god for Steve Albini

[@ericynot]

I'm just a guy who likes to listen to music. I had very little understanding of most of the stuff Albini discussed here. But I couldn't stop watching anyway because it's always rewarding to listen to an articulate committed expert in any craft or profession talk about what they do.

[@rckstr1123]

This was the first thing I thought of when I heard. RIP 😞

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

A true legend may he RIP!

[@remko1238]

RIP Steve ❤️‍🔥 -- i never heard of you and listen to you a lot

[@kirkdecker6228]

Steve is a GENIUS and a pretty cool guy. Recorded at his old studio at his house while he was building new studio.

[@aquilarossa5191]

Overalls and a beanie. My dress code for 12 years at sea. I have a hard time trusting people who wear suits and ties -- especially in the music business.

[@timbosak2519]

I could listen to him talk about his studio for hours. Seems like Steve Albini, a couple beers, and some technical stuff would lead to a very interesting and enjoyable conversation.

[@pastorpresent7774]

We all became a little poorer when Albini died. With every artifact I witness, my heart bleeds a little more. It isn't just that he seemed wise, respectful and thoroughly decent as a person, but also that he achieved what he did at the exact time when such a thing was actually possible, and all without ever giving a single concession. RIP to a true hero.

[@daverlb]

Im pretty sure Albini is god. I know this because he answered my emails personally.

[@one-pu2rw]

Wat

[@mtr801]

Wat

[@nickfanzo]

Yes he does that

[@pongo1085]

he did that for me too! what a cool guy :)

[@TheLordcasio]

SO GOOD! Was taken aback from his RNC testament. A friend of mine recorded their some years ago and painted a picture of Mr. Albini being VERY anti-compression. I love my RNC and all my FMR bits.

[@fargoflagrant7796]

Of course Steve is a legendary audio engineer and musician; but aside from that, his ethics and what they represent in such a centralized industry, where relationships of power are often unfair and everyone fights over their own piece of the cake, inspire me beyond music. Thank you for this interview.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

thanks for watching Mateo!

[@romulodornelas3206]

I deleted my comments by accident. But just pointed out that it was some gossips in Brazil early 00’s when the “1000 hurts” came out, about Shellac has refused to play in Brazil because the quality of the gears it wasn’t appropriate or something like that. In 2008 they came to Brazil and that revels untrue. They o played a lot of shows in small venues, playing with super modest gears in some small cities and for free in some cases. Super nice dudes and down to earth. Enormous respect from them!

[@johnloughner6572]

My friend Scott from zao got to work with Steve albini for their album the fear is what keeps us here. I wish I had more time to pick his brain about how they did things.

[@fletanfeten]

Thanks for your wisdom and generosity Steve..Descansa en paz, socio 😢

[@davemckay4359]

I like how he doesnt really interfere with the bands sound. Just recording them the best way possible.

[@groovynut222]

One of my musical heroes, I think I like everything he’s ever worked on. And often what happens, I find an album I really love and then discover Albini produced it. I know he’s very adamant that his creative input as an engineer and a producer is very minor, but I can’t help but feel he just has a magic touch.

[@rtmis1]

20:40 - 21:18 Mr Albini, the world needs more engineers like you

[@am5790]

I can listen to Steve anytime. So much knowledge.

[@alexarmenta327]

loved being in that studio! it was truly awesome being able to play with everything

[@furlag2]

The best episode of whole series. Couldn't imagine a 10minute for Steve... As always... Thank you for posting this. Good job.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thanks for watching!!

[@matrav]

Recorded an album in 2004, third one recorded at EA for the band, and I can say it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It was great.

[@johanboes1]

We recorded there in 98....Was also my best experience ever...

[@MrROTD]

I'm back after years, I took a work placement through my college at a studio, the drums had a bad resonance, I figured out it was a cymbal stand, I held on to the stand with my hand during three takes to dampen it until the engineer/producer could figure something out. I got an A grade form the studio owner to take back to school. Those guys won the battle of the bands that year which was pretty cool I still am friends with those guys.

[@starfishplectrumelectrumge8013]

Man I grew up with your music: Shellac Rapeman Big Black Pixies Nirvana Nine Inch Nails PJ Harvey McLusky Weedeater Om Mono Labradford Man or Astro-man? The Jesus Lizard You are responsible for 80% of the music I've listened to three to four years ago. I still receive delight from your production work. The way you process your drums, especially and metallic-sounding guitars.

[@vlcheish]

You forgot Bush :)

[@1985cactus]

He didn't record NIN

[@samuelmorse784]

Bush, Jawbreaker, Slint

[@bigdog517]

www.electricalaudio.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1458 Seems Steve did work with NIN

[@JohnMotherfucker-n7o]

Fucking kyuss man

[@rikkifknrobin]

One of the most down to earth and humble producers/musicians ever. Rest in peace Steve❤️❤️

[@dbmayne]

When I think I know it all, I listen to Steve Albini; then, I am first disabused of the notion, and then I learn a little more.

[@paulmanningremixes6408]

I love Steve, you can just tell his knowledge is just part of his musical and aural DNA, and the way he explains things with not a trace of BS or bluster is most refreshing. It’s no surprise so many have sought him out and wanted his input and expertise.

[@MrGappi123]

waiting on that Michael Gira episode knowing he'll never let it happen

[@lukeblue2089]

I didn't know I wanted this until you mentioned it

[@cloudedleopardeffects5010]

That would be so good

[@emmarossignol4445]

The problem is Michael doesn't own a studio. When it's time to make an album he just rents a studio out and nearly goes bankrupt. Literally, he's talked about it.