Soundgarden's "Spoonman": Inside the Song with Michael Beinhorn - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

[@Producelikeapro]

Which Song would you like to hear about next? Let me know below!

[@Chasam0d]

Oh fell on black days if its the Garden, if not..... any Gabriel would be super interesting!

[@blakecurtis7809]

This is a great band and track to do. I would love to see a in depth video of PRIMUS. Track: Southbound Pachyderm. Album: Tales From The Punchbowl. Some of the best recorded drums in my opinion. Soundgarden drums are up there as well.

[@doublepedaler]

The day I tried to live by soundgarden.

[@gilbertspader7974]

Games without Frontiers , Peter Gabriel.

[@Ronny1031]

How about Thoughtless by Korn?

[@shwilly]

I honestly wouldn't mind if they discussed every song from this record. Superunknown is like my new testament

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, it's a masterpiece of an album!

[@sonidojamon]

@@Producelikeapro well....What about a couple more songs in 2022? Let Me Drown (What a great album starter!!), Like Suicide, Fell On Black Days, The Day I Tried To Live...

[@craigusselman546]

A perfect album This record came out when I was 13 blew my mind.

[@Tdonn25]

I second this!

[@gregbear123]

My Wave 🙏

[@russwilson2305]

Beinhorn. There is none higher. Superunknown may be my favorite rock record of all time.

[@WillRichey]

The best lesson from this video: knowing when to step back and get out of the way of the performance. Letting Cornell record his own tracks was the best choice as a producer. Props to you Michael Beinhorn.

[@rickyandtherebels2802]

Love the fact that Michael made the decision to give Chris 'full reign' over putting down his vocal parts... that was awesome! Very insightful.

[@WhaleBluePRS]

38:50 Knowing that the artist has capabilities that need to be utilized, not "produced". No wonder Michael Beinhorn has the resume he has. He "knows when to hold 'em , knows when to fold 'em, knows when to walk away and knows when to run..." Thoroughly enjoyed this interview!

[@joshyoung81]

I could listen to Michael Beinhorn speak on music for hours. Such a cool perspective and comes off as really humble.

[@mattbmichaelis]

The thing I like most about this entire video is around the 39:30 mark when Michael is describing how Chris does the best work when he is by himself. Michael, that was very sensitive and human of you to recognize that quality in Chris, and kudos to you for enabling him to flourish in that way that he does best. This is especially relevant now that he is gone, how much he must have struggled with people and perceptions even this early in his career. This part made me cry while I was watching it on my treadmill at the gym. Thank you both for the spectacular video.

[@ksparbanie]

"If God would only permit us, we'd be able to do all our recordings on tape." -- Michael Beinhorn

[@johnwanderin3872]

I love CDs. I’m 31 and still haven’t bought a song or album digitally. Something about having a physical copy can’t be beat.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi John Wanderin I still love Vinyl because of the huge surface area for artwork and credits!

[@sallyschildcare]

I'm 45 and a child of the 80's just got the new tool CD for £79.99 and I wouldn't buy my music any other way(untill CD's become obsolete!!!)

[@sallyschildcare]

@No One I like to be in complete control of the music I am able to listen to. At anytime a particular artist/artists can remove their music from KZbin or streaming services. If you don't own the physical product then your left with nothing and YOU are not in control of the music you can listen to. You could then be left with nothing and no longer a music fan. For me it's about control. Plus sound quality, artwork, liner notes etc. etc.

[@ksparbanie]

I really dug "Louder than Love" by Soundgarden. Powerful album.

[@TheZooropaBaby]

tbh I wanted to know how they made Let Me Drown, though........ there's this insane scream from Chris and. I wanna know the story behind it

[@Producelikeapro]

TheZooropaBaby marvellous idea!

[@theclanmorrison]

Isn’t Michael just an absolute Gentleman and amazingly talented

[@cunninjo]

I got to meet "Spoonman" perform on the street in Denver, CO when I was a kid post-Soundgarden fame and had a lengthy conversation with him. To say he beats himself is an understatement. His face, head, legs, everywhere else. And hard. It's insane but he was an incredible performer and full of personality.

[@jordanshreds747]

This song helped mold my taste in music. Michael is one of my favorite producers and Cornell one of my favorite singers. I loved this. I wish I had something productive to say, but I feel like a kid when I listen to this. Thank you Warren. I'd love to hear how Head Down came to be. I know it's obscure but this album.... Man...

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Jordan, thanks ever so much my friend!! Great idea!!

[@douglassher1710]

I remember Chris Cornell kind of taking a slap at Beinhorn on Headbangers' Ball. It was right after Superunknown came out, and the exchange went something like: Interviewer: Who produced this new album? Chris: Michael Beinhorn. Interviewer: Different from the previous album? Chris: Very. Interviewer: In what way was he different? Chris: Well, we got along with the last producer, that was the biggest difference. He then went on to say that they actually worked well together, and, obviously, the final result speaks for itself.

[@Producelikeapro]

HI Douglas, thanks for the comment! Great art takes all kinds of ways to make!

[@blakecurtis7809]

I am on board with hearing the rough mixes. That can tell you a lot. If they true musicians, or a guy in "band ". Some of my favorite albums are lower quality recordings. But the people playing the instruments writing amazing songs make the album amazing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Blake Curtis fingers crossed!!

[@242Savagery]

In this case, I can't imagine rough mixes are drastically different than the finished product. It's going to be mixed more in the sense of perhaps reinforcing the drums with some tasteful samples, eq and compression, balancing + riding, maybe some chorus here, delay there and reverb there. Mixing would not be Fixing here, just enhancing and adding some excitement. I bet the roughs sound f'in great.

[@piotrala]

"I'm not afraid to crank it 'cause it's gonna hit me the whole time" - sounds like a good song production goal!

[@jimsanger]

Such a big album for me at the time. Michael's story of recording Chris's vocals is a real sign of a great producer; it's not all just about technical knowledge it's having an overview of how to get the best from the musicians.

[@scottallen9556]

The best song is probably The Day I Tried To Live but to get the most info out of Mr. Beinhorn you should go with 4th of July. It's got layers of drop tuned guitars and double tracked vocals and an absolutely worked out guitar solo for good measure. Thanks for posting these interviews, they're fabulous.

[@jc.1191]

That whole album is like something amazing from the future.

[@guitfidle]

Warren, seriously thank you for this!! I absolutely love Soundgarden. I remember reading about this, I remember Artis "the spoonman" Taylor. I remember Matt was banging on garbage cans, and hitting a fire extinguisher with a hammer to get some of those extra percussion sounds. The acoustic guitar is there because the original riff was part of Chris Cornell's background music from the movie Singles. I can't remember which scene it was used, but the riff was played on an acoustic for one of the transitions between scenes.

[@jerkerjansson386]

I love Kim's solos on that record! Pretty much all of them could be described as "reckless". Love it! So emotional!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Doomeå yes! Amazing! I love the combination of excitement, melody and chaos all at once!!

[@jc.1191]

Hell yeah 🤘

[@int3533]

Man! what a vocal!

[@Producelikeapro]

I know!! Incredible!

[@rome8180]

You should also check out Rick Beato's "What Makes This Song Great?" of this song. You get more isolated vocals on that. His voice gives me chills. Possibly the greatest rock singer of all time.

[@devinbuchhorn]

Michael clearly loves do these shows. Id love to see him do a top to bottom mix of a song with you.

[@joakimbernhardsson3938]

Oh my god! Started crying after watching this. Realizing how Michael Beinhorns wonderful sensibility for bringing out the best possible vocal performance from Chris Cornell is part of why this album is so great. Thanks Warren for doing all these interviews. They are great!

[@kellybrincks]

That end piece of doing Cornell's vocals is amazing

[@Producelikeapro]

Kelly Brincks agreed! I learned so much!

[@ZackBlackMusic]

This, and the Black Hole Sun interview were both great! Thank You for the work you do, very insightful into how these amazing records were made.

[@Producelikeapro]

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

[@neonvandal8770]

Scarily good album - no filler, sequenced perfectly, and an awesomely broad and deep sonic pallette. Love it! 🖤🎧

[@geartweaker8518]

Bahhh album would be better if they left off "Half" and "Kickstand". They have a B-side vibe, not up to the very high standard of the rest of the tunes

[@jamiebradbury2331]

Michael Beinhorn is literally the coolest guy, never says a word which doesn't make sense and literally has the coolest opinions when it comes to how people behave over trivial music issues. We need more Horn!!

[@MarcBecker_Music]

Awesome. Every time when I think it cannot get any better, you prove me wrong. Thank you Warren and thank you Michael!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Marc! You Rock!!

[@christinecanty5409]

I’m so glad Michael mentioned the breaths Chris would take at the end of a note because that is one of the first things I honed in on when listening to him sing. Thank you Michael. Thanks to both of you. And thank you Chris for everything. ❤️

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it

[@leeroden7900]

Fascinating to learn Chris was playing most of the rhythm and not him and Kim doubling up like live. Everyone knows he was an amazing singer but he was a hugely underrated rhythm player Thanks for this amazing video

[@billyhughes9776]

Re-watching this one -- love it. Hopefully once the VID settles down you can do more of these again (face to face) -- would love for you to have Michael back in for "rough mixes" and another song break down from SuperUnknown.

[@NihilQuest]

The Spoonman "mystery" is rather hilarious for any fan. The dude is in the music video for this song, performing the spoon solo (no blood though). They even played gigs with him. You can see his performances on KZbin, just search for Artis the Spoonman.

[@SamZcko]

How about doing Like Suicide from Superunkown? The drumsound and buildup along with Kim's solo at the end makes it an absolute masterpiece, and I didn't even mention Chris's brilliant vocals

[@tisbonus]

At about 7:00 mins in I hear the percussion and Chris when all of a sudden "Whole Lotta Love" smacks my conscience as well as my eardrums! Love this stuff and this series Warren!

[@Dracu13]

THIS IS INSANE...I'm blown away by the story of this Artis dude. Again, Warren, what insanely awesome content.

[@Producelikeapro]

Sebastian Dracu Ghana ever so much! I really appreciate your kind words!!

[@rerichoj8712]

One of my favorite songs. I live for videos like this

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!

[@rawkinj6609]

Holy Cow, that is awesome Warren ( and Michael ! ) I'm so glad your featuring this song! This production is wonderful! Thank you..i'm drooling ! So true man, it's like you wanna keep turning it up! It sounds REAL like, yes like ACDC sounds, just great musicians, parts and intention!! Real people playing music, this is it!

[@vladdyvansavage8760]

What an epic kickass tune, just as memorable as Black Hole Sun. Very interesting story & interview. Chris was one of a kind of a singer & songwriter. Alternative rock music just isn't the same nowadays. He is dearly missed.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Brendan O'Brien next? I'd love to hear about his PJ sessions.

[@guitarandmore69]

Could've had him in the same interview talking about how he mixed this.

[@MitchM240]

One of my favorite songs of my childhood. So underrated.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@doublepedaler]

Awesome man...soundgarden was a amazing band..thanks for doing this.

[@promixacademy6904]

YES!! So GOOD!!!

[@EricGPLAP]

Such an amazing band!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Yes, agreed, amazing band!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@promixacademy6904 Haha thanks!!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@EricGPLAP indeed! Amazing!

[@davehumpleby3440]

I could lie on that couch, close my eyes, and listen to you two discuss epic music like this all day. Bloody wonderful.

[@inphanta]

I especially like your videos with Michael. He's incredibly lucid and I really enjoy his perspective on things. I'd love to sit and chat with him and pick his brain!

[@ricolync]

Exploding drums! One of my favourite records.. At 17:00 Micheal says what I've just realized myself. Digital has no crosstalk of a analogue mixer or the fusion and fuzziness of tape distortion - saturation... My mixes jumped up a notch now that I discovered good saturations to use on masterbus and on individual tracks that need it...

[@gilbertspader7974]

I am old and learning the bass. I have noticed it is possible to buy a bass for under $100 , headphone amps $15 , wired earbuds $10 , wireless headphones $25 and clip on tuner $10 . Tune the strings , plug the amp into bass , earbuds into amp . Bluetooth the headphones to an iPad or phone and put over the earbuds . Play to your favourite instructional Utube video and learn a song . This of course works for guitar also. Love you guys . Great video Warren !!#!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Gilbert Spader Thanks ever so much for sharing! I really appreciate it

[@EricGPLAP]

So fricken cool to know the story behind this track!!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@BetinaLundkaerJensenartist]

Cool!! Any song on the Superunknown.....why not Superunknown....or Limo Wreck!! Cheers!

[@Producelikeapro]

Great idea!!

[@billyhughes9776]

Limo Wreck? :-)

[@CamiloPefaur]

To me, Limo Wreck is the best song on that album

[@TeamUltraSlow]

The two Inside the song with Michael have been awesome! I would love to hang out with you two all day and just listen. A course with Michael would be pretty cool...

[@ClintRoxx]

Incredible song great lyrics and such a grooving melody,driving bassline and drums sync well together great rock band .Thank you Warren Huart and Michael Beinhorn for this awesome video.

[@geet77777]

Please do more videos with Michael Beinhorn. When he gets going and talking it's amazing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely! 100%!

[@vagabundo1600]

Head Down and Like Suicide. So many! A fantastic album! My favourite band ever! I want him to talk about the skill of the other musicians please.

[@brndnbass]

Of all the wonderful guests you've had, these are my favorite. I could watch Michael talk about ANY song for at least an hour.

[@ReyYbarra]

This is the best one yet! dangit it was amazing start to finish! that damn bass tone ripped my face off! and hearing Chris sing almost brought me to tears... amazing amazing work y'all!

[@camilocamacho]

i have learned so much with this videos. like; M & M when im recording.. i mean.. listening to your heroes records has no price... thank you so much for this!!

[@AaronJoseph-t4b]

I love the voice of the guitar speaking with dissonance,point,counterpoint,along with a jug band/busking percussion of Artis'work on spoons

[@MusicMe264]

It's an absolute treat to hear Michael tell this great story, thank you both for this!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Yes, Michael Rocks!!

[@BrashFink]

Fantastic. I have always wanted to hear the spoons soloed.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Brash Fink Fantastic!!

[@HenritheHorse]

I'd listen to you two talk for years!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Henri the Horse you’re very kind of you! Yes, Michael is a gentleman.

[@makrown]

That’s fantastic 🌟 thanks! Michael one of my all time fav is 4th of july 🌟👋🏿

[@Producelikeapro]

makrown thanks ever so much!!

[@michaelball7830]

The greatest album ever made & great to see how it was made even though I have no idea what you are talking about most of the time

[@KenjiKitahara]

Great interview and what a great producer... seems like he was mentor to the band.

[@Producelikeapro]

Kenji Kitahara yes, I absolutely love this album!!

[@Scream4vengeance]

Thank you for another fantastic story!! Those ITS episodes never disappoint!! (And rough mixes sound sweet!!)

[@noelghallager4672]

this channel is one of the best things on KZbin... goddamn, thank you Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw schucks! Thanks ever so much

[@marcthacker4walls]

So I finally find out about the real spoon man - good stuff! This song is so rich, no matter how many times you've heard it.

[@guitarnerd1027]

No pressure, but, the enthusiastic kid inside of Warren is what keeps this channel fun... Thank you

[@splashesin8]

Thanks you two! Doing my own breathing out response sounds all the way through hearing this. Seems like it gets better every time I hear it again, particularly in this way! ❤️

[@Producelikeapro]

Audrey Sims Thanks ever so much my friend!

[@bluwavdave]

What a great interview! Thanks Warren and thank you Michael!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Dave!!

[@jayorazi9784]

Great musicians. Great tube Mics. Awesome vintage neve pre amp. Splash of compression. Recorded to analog. Period This is heavenly recipe that wil never die Kudos Michael

[@Eddie_Did_That]

Looove this! Please do some Korn with Michael as well. The Untouchables is just so amazing

[@MusicMe264]

Yes please!! Totally agree

[@Producelikeapro]

@@MusicMe264 yes!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Great idea Edward!

[@BrettTalleyMusic]

Edward Kelnar Yes. YES.

[@ryanfitz-henry3371]

Pleeease

[@christianvolpe]

Thank you for discussing & posting. Incredible drums & percussion in this song.

[@SynthStreet]

So cool!! Soundgarden was my jam in the 90s!

[@Producelikeapro]

Synth Street yes, amazing artist!! What a band!

[@SynthStreet]

​@@Producelikeapro Yea!! I think i must have heard this song and the album a million times.. what a cool insight thanks!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Synth Street you’re very welcome my friend!!

[@SynthStreet]

@@Producelikeapro 😊🙏💚

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Synth Street I wish I knew emojis so I could properly respond! Haha

[@strandedsouthmusic]

Thanks Michael for helping to create one of the heaviest, tribal, most interesting opening riffs of all time. By the way, the opening riff from Produce Like Pro sounds strangely similar! :}

[@roadhogthunderstruck]

Could listen to Michael Beinhorn all day - the guy has such a unique ideology, and he knows how to tell a great story. Warren, I love how this series changes my interpretation of songs I thought I knew. The vocals and percussion in this song are (obviously) utterly incredible but they'd be nowhere without the anchor of a rock solid guitar tone and performance. On a personal level I'm definitely drawn to a really simple core tone when it comes to guitar and this track is a perfect example of what this can achieve. Cheers!

[@FireMoon42]

As always, a fascinating insight into the artistic and technical process that goes into making a recording. BTW a tip for you Warren, there's a shop on fleabay that sells replacement cushions for chesterfield sofas.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi FireMoon42 thanks ever so much! Thanks for the tip on the Chesterfield!

[@FireMoon42]

@@Producelikeapro Welcome Warren. 2 Drummers to add to your "play the song list". Simon Kirke and Mick Fleetwood. Would love to hear you chat to Martin Birch about working on "Then Play On", Fleetwood's drumming on that album is perfect and Fire and Water by Free... Oh sitar guitar, got one, "Band Of Gold Freda Payne"... "Wild Mountain Honey Steve Miller" (another gorgeous mix well worth going back to listen to) and "Know What I like ( In your wardrobe) Genesis" ..all classic sitar guitar songs

[@sharjesm]

One of the best rock songs ever! Thank you. I hit the bell!

[@markbeeson5674]

Wonderful. Thanks for peeling back the layers.

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome Mark!!

[@marcbauder1002]

Loved this soundgarden was amazing Chris Cornell is an amazing singer. Thank you Warren for mentioning Mother Love Bone not a lot of people know them Andrew Wood was also an amazing singer and the lyrics he came up with was like "soup" I would love to hear stuff from them like stargazer crown of thorns to name a few

[@rlbradish]

Both of you make a great team going over these tunes. The Chemistry is obvious.

[@Producelikeapro]

Bob Bradish Thanks ever so much! I’m a huge fan of Michael and all of the albums he has made!

[@makusmati]

What an excellent Inside the Song. It hugely helps that you are a producer too Warren, you ask good questions and make good observations. Once again awesome to see Michael as guest on the show, I love listening to his recollections and anecdotes. Thanks so much.

[@catloverextreme]

Fantastic video Warren! I love Michael's perspective on music, very refreshing. Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@Melvin7727]

"Tape is wonderful. Tape is where it's at. If God would only permit us, we would be able to do all of our recording on tape." The way he said that at 16:45. I'm convinced this guy is some kind of audio serial killer.

[@Producelikeapro]

Kyle Mills what? Haha I have absolutely no idea what you mean.

[@Melvin7727]

@@Producelikeapro All in good fun lol

[@akauntakaunt6114]

Amaising! Definetely the raw mixes we want! :) thanks for sharing all of this

[@roryyerama5496]

More Beinhorn please!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Definitely

[@BlackenedNL]

Yes let us hear the rough mixes!!! As always Warren, these video's are PURE GOLD!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi MK thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@acommon]

Epic!! So cool to see and hear! Interesting that they used a jazz bass!

[@Producelikeapro]

I know! Who knew? Thanks Alex!

[@davidallenhammond2777]

Yes, let's hear some rough mixes!!!!! Thank you Warren and thank you Michael, great to hear how you handled recording Chris' vocals. Masterful!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Might have to be Academy only!

[@gdw3]

This is the second vid I've seen with Michael Beinhorn. I really like his approach and his way of describing things. And the guitar tones on this track! Holy sh*t.

[@Bcwilderness]

what an amazing and intelligent understanding of an artist mike has, a real listener, thank god for that album

[@Producelikeapro]

4string yes, agreed! I’ve learned so much from Michael!

[@dfgvjnkjdsnbkjsbdvjkhdsb]

amazing! Warren we need that guy once more with rough mixes!)

[@future.conservativeleaders4325]

Mr. Huart, I cannot thank you enough for what you do. It has truly been my salvation during the pandemic. I was wondering if you recall the comps he used on vocals, also would anything by Radiohead be possible? Maybe something from Then Bends? Again thank you so much for all you do, you have no idea how much it means, Justin.

[@future.conservativeleaders4325]

sorry I meant Compressors.

[@blakecurtis7809]

Was Matt playing his Ayotte kit in the studio? Love those drums. Know he used a Kepplinger and a black beauty snare, as stated in this video. Thanks to you both for awesome video.

[@acarlovonsexron1994]

He had two DW kits, with 12, 13, and a 14 inch rack tom he'd mount in a snare basket as a floor tom, then a 15 and 16 inch floor toms and a 22 and 24 inch bass drums between the two of them. The Ayotte's weren't used until Down on the Upside.

[@stuartcarswell2815]

@@acarlovonsexron1994 some of the best sounding drums ever committed to tape imo

[@blakecurtis7809]

@@acarlovonsexron1994 Cool man thanks for the information. One of my dream kits is a Ayotte. But they are getting harder to find and expensive.

[@vary99]

this is amazing, thank you so much for these video series

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Alvaro Vicente Thanks ever so much!!

[@stuartcarswell2815]

I've always heard the acooey in there...sounds great in the track 😍

[@heathceccato2953]

This was a holy session.

[@sansocie]

Artis.....LOVE you, Dude!!! Deep bow to everyone involved.

[@mayorofthenonsense]

Am in total agreement about tape being better than digital, especially for Rock music. Iconic albums like this one have a particular kind of warmth which you just don’t get with modern music. Tape has this way of capturing energy that computers just don’t.

[@eaaivazian]

I'd love an interview/documentary on THE DAY I TRIED TO LIVE. I've always been amazed that this song wasn't even bigger than it was! Yes, BLACK HOLE SUN is, in retrospect, the "radio hit"...but I personally find THE DAY I TRIED TO LIVE even more powerful (and super-catchy).

[@NicholasRichardson]

Michael Beinhorn: my new favourite nerd. Maybe ever.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed!