Why every musician is OBSESSED with

On today’s episode of DeadWax, Jack and Ryan are joined by singer-singwriter/guitarist Ariel Posen as they dissect the magic of Sting’s hit “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” and attempt to solve the riddle of why musicians and non-musicians alike are obsessed with Sting.
HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode: Ariel Posen!!
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Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman
Guest: Ariel Posen
Executive Producer: Ryan Lerman
Production Managers: Jason Shadrick, Rachel McGowan
Video: Jenny Baumert
Editor: Adam Kritzberg
Theme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Podcast Producer: Isaac K. Lee
#jackconte #ryanlerman #thedeadwaxshow #deadwax #musicians #musiciansreact #music #sting #arielposen

[@verdean11]

We need an episode on Prince and get Questlove as a guest

[@wjackter]

This, a hundred times yes

[@josemariareyes3448]

million times yes

[@mousiky]

That could go for HOURS... yes please

[@ianshonaman7592]

Holy balls yes!

[@lawr8th]

That actually had one already. They covered Kiss and something from one of his new records on that episode

[@andrewweir9151]

In the Sting/Miller interview with Beato, they mention how the bass lick in verse only appears once, which bring an element of surprise to the song because the listener is waiting for that lick

[@galetinm]

Yup. He does it once in the first verse, not sure about the second verse, I think also once. But I think he does it twice in the last verse.

[@groooover2]

What I most love is how the lyrical theme of losing one’s faith in all these foundational things-religion, government, science, etc.-and the life-altering disorientation that would cause is echoed in the musical theme of a shifting, often uncertain key. Feeling that the verse is possibly in D, possibly in A; having these challenging sustained notes countering the chords; pivoting through the pre-chorus from A to E-all of these mimic what life feels like when the normal things can’t be trusted. But then the chorus lyrically and sonically pulls us into the most solid ground we have left-“my faith in you” paired with a rising set of chords based on E (the guitar/bass’s lowest note), almost as if he’s attempting to build a new foundation to stand on. But the modal feel of it hints at how it too might all fall apart, and how losing that final thing to believe in (“you”) would be the most devastating. It’s such a powerful way to deliver a declaration of devotion, a love song that is more than just the standard pop tropes. It hits so hard.

[@amystraussyoga]

Love this interpretation!

[@trustnugget280]

Bruh why is this analysis so good

[@donnaevans9894]

God I love that Dead Wax is back! I love the musical nerdy breakdown of music. As a learning musician its so informative and an awesome way for me to learn. Thanks guys!

[@thomasmancini3894]

Love the new format of the show! But would also love if you brought back the song/album recommendations - the what are you listening to right now section. So valuable - Got me into a lot of new music!

[@DeadWaxShow]

yes! we will get back to that ;)

[@StanfieldFamilyFilms]

I don’t read music. I have no training in theory. But I find this video utterly captivating and entertaining. I learn so much just by watching you all share your passion and nerd out on the musicianship. I sincerely appreciate this channel for helping me listen and pay attention in new ways.

[@GuyRicheyGibbons]

Ten summoners tales is utterly glorious

[@thephatalien]

100 %

[@3hooks781]

Masterpiece of an album. Always considered it a 6th Police album.

[@thedaver8]

Every time I hear this song it just SOUNDS like the 90s--in a great way. It's like one of those songs that takes you to a time and place.

[@pauloinpattaya4677]

In his interview with Beato, Sting talks about the importance of "surprise" in music. This analysis reinforces that idea.

[@BenCDaugherty]

I had the privilege to meet/jam/learn from Ariel at Cory Wong’s summer camp. I really can’t say enough great things about him as a musician and person. Extremely humble, talented, and very cool! He even let me play his Mule Guitar :)

[@meegel]

My mother used to always play Sting records when I was a kid, these songs have such a special place in my heart. So good

[@unshavenmarc]

I love the energy. This feels like sitting in the room with my big brother and his friends, and I keep nodding like I have ANY CLUE what they're saying. "Yeah! I DO hear that shuka-shuka-shuka throughout. NO WONDER IT'S IN A!"

[@dalejones4322]

With this episode, Deadwax is officially back!!! This was perfect guys. You have recaptured the old vide and energy and it was so enjoyable. If you can maintain this overhead, there is no need to go any higher. The guest was perfect and knowledgeable. Thanks for bringing it back.

[@justin_obrien]

This is not only my favorite song by Sting, but possibly my favorite song ever. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, you could have talked about this song for another 2 hours without running out of things to say. So glad Dead Wax is back!

[@profoundsinger]

Omg!!! I’ve ALWAYS been blown away by the sheer genius of this song! SO happy to see someone else nerd out on the hidden complexities that Sting so effortlessly swim in. Love it!!

[@Grant_Ferstat]

I would really like to take music lessons with these guys. The way that theory was taught to me was SO uninspiring that I let it slide, never progressed and became basically a self taught "ear" player. This left me with huge gaps in my musical understanding to this day. Listening to Jack & Ryan (and in this case Ariel) though, hearing them apply their knowledge to analysing songs is so exciting and makes so much sense to me in context. The way it's applied here the theory and the "ear" are all part of the same thing.

[@erichohl]

Dude, the depth they are going into in these conversations is literally unrivalled. Incredibly insightful and actually helpful. Could totally do with a super nerdy 2 hour podcast version of this format. Please?

[@stewiegriffin993]

19:23 thanks so so much for devoting time to the issue of loudness, I feel like only hardcore audiophiles talk about this and then it becomes somewhat of a meme, but the sound of an album is SO much defined by the breathing room it has (or doesn't have) that it's truly lost in subsequent 'remasters' (think, for instance, Speaking in Tongues by Talking Heads. One of the most dynamic pop/rock albums out there). On the other hand, some album have REALLY suffered because of the loudness wars in the late 90s onwards. I mean people are literally trading around a leaked pre-mastered version of RHCP's Californication because it's SO brickwalled that it can't really be thought of as an artistic choice. That was truly just 'make it as loud as it goes so it stands out on the air'

[@HeyJettRink]

Dang where can you find that copy of Californication??

[@andrewweir9151]

Yes!!! Massive Sting/The Police fan…so glad you reviewed IIELMF, one of the greatest and underrated pop songs ever, also my favorite band lineup…Sancious, Miller and Colaiuta, killer!

[@Sweer-]

So much for artists (labels) blocking or demonetising content like this. I instantly want to listen to more sting again. And I’m probably not the only one who feels this way after an analysis like this!

[@vinylarchaeologist]

As a kid I used to listen to this song a lot (around 1995) and even though I knew nothing about music theory (still don’t), every little thing you single out here I remember standing out to me! That’s crazy.

[@marc5535]

Gentlemen, I understand maaaybe 20% of what you're discussing on the technical domain, but on the composition, the structure, the instrumentation and the melodic domains, I am deeply appreciative of your total geek-out analysis of this record. Incredibly illuminating; thank you!

[@fileundervalued]

I'm glad you guys got to the swing of the groove. The tambo is a huge factor in the feel. So many great swingy feels on this record. And I always loved how infrequently Sting drops that tasty bass fill in the verse. Genius in lots of ways.

[@d.c.6942]

Boys, that was the best episode yet! The amount of detail and understanding the three of you bring to the table is amazing. I've been listening to that song for basically my whole adult life, but there is so much to discover. Like in a master painting, the amount of dedication, time and thought a group of brilliant musicians put into this recording back in the 90ies at Stings lake house can not be appreciated better than by another group of great artists deep diving for all the shiny bright bits that lie hidden under the surface. Oh, and bring back Ariel, his is such a chill dude, not to mention his ripping power, if needed.

[@badm0t0rf1nger]

Love Ariel- what a player he is. And by all accounts a thoroughly decent human being too- ya love to hear it! :)

[@genekelly3961]

The haunting #4 motif, the sixteenth note drum anticipation, chordal analysis, modulations, etc. is high level and helps to understand, appreciate Sting’s masterpiece, better. These guys are not only great musicians but great teachers!! 😊

[@BluePhoenix476513]

This is probably the last album Sting had such athleticism in his voice...the way he hits that high c sharp is like breaking into heaven or something. Whenever someone feels out of harmony with the universe they should listen to this song. Word yo.

[@jvz773]

This episode was f*#%ing EPIC! I could have easily listened for another hour or two! That was SO incredibly revelatory, educational and entertaining. Thank you for breaking down one of the best tracks ever recorded with such insight 🙏👍🏼💛🎶

[@ThvonS]

This could be twice as long. Enjoyed every second

[@kronisklyd4349]

This episode of you guys nerding out over one of the best songs ever actually brought me to tears! Your enthusiasm is so compelling! Thank you for this!

[@GM-kz4qw]

the way you guys discuss his use of modulation brings to mind the single ‘Can’t Stop Thinking About You’ (one of his latest) He took a simple, straight forward tune, and extracted so much from it by manipulating basic chords…just brilliant.

[@RadCenter]

This is like watching chefs describe each ingredient in your favorite meal. 😃

[@cooldebt]

Great analogy!

[@beamannydanny]

The genius of this song is that modulates between 5 different tonic key centers! C, A, E, G, and B here they are listed in each of their sections, I hope this helps anyone trying to figure out this song!! Intro key - Am (aka C) Verse 1 key - A Chorus 1 key - E Verse 2 key - A Chorus 2 key - E Bridge/Verse3? key - starts in Em (aka G), modulates into A, and then modulates very briefly into E before Chorus 3 key - B Chorus 4 key - E Outro key - Em (aka G)

[@bldallas]

Really great analysis. I’ve been a Sting/Police fan since college (first saw them live in 1981!!!). I’ve always known Sting is an amazing musician, but y’all have given me a completely new perspective on his genius. Really cool.

[@matthewmacdonald9851]

Thanks y'all, that was ridiculously fun. I remember this song striking me as utterly genius back in the day when it dropped, and now some folks with the requisite knowledge have managed to help me understand why. Much appreciated! Oh, and ditto on a Prince-focused episode. I was thinking the same thing when y'all were discussing how rare talents can skirt the fine lines between approachable pop with mass appeal and highly nuanced, intricate arrangements loved by music nerds. Great stuff!

[@paulracco4145]

Jack's "Goddammit" @43:45 i nearly fell off my chair

[@dsuleyma]

Guys, I love that youre back. Great episode. Please continue to ask your guests for new music recommendations. You guys always knock it out of the park!

[@patrikeriksson4019]

Just keep those kind of episodes coming! I could listen to it all day 😊. Soooo interesting conversation!

[@belizk]

I feel like the tempo in all these 90s songs (as in your Fugees example) derives from legendry UK band Soul II Soul. With their syncopated rythm, starting from the end of the 80s, they influenced a wide genre of music.

[@cooldebt]

Love Soul II Soul also

[@valeriekings3901]

So happy you guys are back! LOVE THIS CONTENT!!

[@avedic]

I think Ten Summoner's Tales was Sting's apex moment as a solo artist...which is cool since it was like 10 years into him as a solo artist. The live gig they filmed in some English country house perfectly captures the vibe...just a bunch of super talented musicians, having a lot of fun. Old enough to be super honed...but young enough to really swing for the fences. If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, Fields of Gold, Seven Days, and Shape of My Heart are all 10/10 perfect songs imo.

[@darkbluebossa]

Sting is amazing! I suggest an episode with Prince too. Unfortunately, most people don´t know how great and versatile he was as an artist/musician.

[@badscrew4023]

To interview Prince they would need to cross the Styx river, and that could be a little problematic.

[@elliotcurrie7143]

Now I need an episode explaining the 'volume wars.' I too like a mix with headroom. Dire Straits, Steely Dan, that sound. This was a completely engrossing episode!

[@itakatz6592]

I love the way you just sit and geek-out on this amazing song, I used to do it in the past (not in this level of details as you do...) with a friend, geeking on Sting songs was a thing, and when you talk about the modulation to E (around 40:00) I was thinking "that corresponds with the "let me say this first" lyrics" - 10 sec later Ariel says it! priceless.

[@alex0589]

Sting is the only guy to ever use a chorus as a pre-chorus the modulation during the last chorus feels like that, a release of tension while still playing the same chorus, genius.

[@Ricardorochamusic]

What a great conversation. Wish it would last 2 more hours. This one is focused in one song, although it would be interesting to compare it to other Sting’s eras, including 99 Brand New Day. The song “After the Rain Has Fallen” has so much elements that could be compared.

[@chaza.2891]

This is where I DREEAAAMMM to be as a musician, to have musician friends like THAT

[@mikelarsonmusicman]

Same

[@hanschristeler2392]

Great episode! A lot of it is over my head theoretically but very enjoyable anyways. As a bass player myself I would like you to consider doing an episode of another of my favorite bass players… Brian Bromberg. (Especially his double bass work)

[@cnewton61]

Fantastic to see talented musos commenting on other musos musical choices - Ariel remembers similar kick rhythms from the 90's?!?

[@jasonremy1627]

Love that you're back. Please don't go away again!

[@cliffkennedy7883]

Hey Jack - you are “all over the place” in the best possible way! Don’t ever get slick! LOVING that you guys are back!!!!!

[@grantbob]

Super nerdy and I'm here for it!!! Great episode.

[@JulesStoop]

5:22 That bass thingy is extremely sticky and defining, but it only happens once in the entire song 😅

[@panzenmusic7929]

I was about to bring this up as well! ”He toys with your expectations” with this one as well. The hook is so good that you only need it once but you still think it’s there even though it’s not. Great stuff!

[@keithprior8279]

Larry Adler on Harmonica. Legend. 😊

[@forskelligt2541]

Greetings from Denmark - at 6:08 - the perfect mix - the ORGAN is resolving the sus4 chord by taking the note (f#) an octave above the expected guitar note. That's why we all think it is resolving - it IS but it's another instrument taking over! Genius arrangement! Can you hear it? ;)

[@Dave_Moore_Malin-Music]

Fantastic analysis! The excitement of discovering the pivot chord is so fun!

[@RobSymington]

Amazing video chaps! Great to see Ariel on the panel too. Love the jams. Keep them coming ya legends!

[@Abear138]

I was obsessed with this song when I was little and completely forgot about it til now.

[@daemoc7430]

Hearing the breakdown on each transition, it so hard for my mind not to wander to Trent Reznor. It’s strange how much of a visceral reaction I get from truly amazing music.

[@valle2601]

This made my week, didnt know you were back

[@DanL-gw1qw]

What a great episode! I appreciate all the work y’all have put into making analyzing music so fun, insightful, and inspiring.

[@Sweetmanthanks]

Sting and The Police have been major influences all my life, their music is a perfect example of how good writing can fill up the sonic space using very little instrumentation without needing the saturation of distortion or effects.

[@thefungai1]

Great insight fellas. As someone who engineered and played in actual studios with actual tape ( yes I’m that olde ) the loss of dynamics these days is real. Dynamics now are when two instruments drop out of a maxed out mix. 😁

[@fredericlipgens9808]

Finally dead wax is back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Needed you guys to come back so bad.

[@dhruvghanekar6121]

Thank you guys ! Please do more of this in depth deconstruction’s.

[@alwaysrighter]

fab, fab, fab, another great show. pleeeeez, keep'm coming ...

[@richardfairlamb9728]

A masterful song for sure. I was lucky enough to see this tour in the early 90’s.

[@groovepooper]

Love Sting, and so happy you choose one of my favourite songs of his!

[@BrisbaneTeslaGuy]

From the moment I got it in 93 it’s been a huge factor in all of my listening since that first purchase

[@knoxvl]

Such a joy watching this video. Love all the nerdy comments and discussions.

[@mattroach5382]

Hearing it in two different keys often happens when sus chords are used in songs with key changes. The Beatles, and Soundgarden songs are sometimes difficult to decipher because of sus chords and key changes. Some of Chopin's Nocturnes do this also. These types of songs are my favorite, because of the feeling the juxtaposition creates when the change happens.

[@NattyTrugs]

Wow, you guys have such a good vibe together. Even though I'm not a musician I really appreciate what you're doing. If you're taking requests I would love to hear take on The Wild Ones by Suede. Or indeed anything written by Bernard Butler such as "Yes".

[@trudypearce6448]

soo happy that you guys are back with these videos

[@djm0111]

Speaking of the internet, this CD was the first thing ever sold online.

[@chadwickcameron]

I don't understand half (okay more than half) of what these guys are talking about but still find this whole video compelling. I was super proud of myself when I picked up on the clever, "Let me say this first" lyric before Ariel noted it. Thanks!

[@theoutlandos]

Sting's best album. Also my favourite drum album.

[@Angus.Maclean]

Thank you for great Canadian content! Love my homeland musicians! When is the Joey and David Landreth episode? 😁

[@MoneyGrip70]

This show is great for musicians, fans, intelligent minded people non musically gifted. I thought of this 10 years ago wish i woulda capitalized , I can play drums and guitar, but not formally trained. Great episode. Sting is god like in ways

[@ghujdvbts]

That chorus is paradoxically circular yet feels always evolving

[@gabrielschiappacasseparra3874]

I love you are back, guys. I would love a extended format of this kind of videos. Is there available more staff in some other platform?

[@DeadWaxShow]

will start putting more stuff up at patreon.com/scarypockets !!

[@CB_ChaosLove]

so so happy to listen to your infectious positivity and musical knowledge guys :)

[@kylevandeusen]

Love this show so damn much. Don't go away like before - those were dark days.

[@radiozelaza]

from the record I like "Something The Boy Said" the most. A simple and underrated song

[@luisquintero2992]

Sting, Andy Summers y Stewart Copeland, The Police como conjunto, son uno de esos momentos en la historia de la musica moderna en los que hay un antes y un después. Cada uno por su lado son brutales y juntos como trio son mejores todavia.

[@corecreekproductions6533]

This is probably the best Sting album. As a drummer first, Vinnie nailed the feel. But as someone who plays guitar bass and keys more these days it was great to hear your analysis. Great stuff.

[@Betunnn]

This was so much fun!! Cheers from Argentina 🍻

[@michaelshearer3559]

This was too much fun, so many gems.

[@jakehendriksen2841]

@29:23 I was at a Cory Wong show last night, and he made the same point, comparing the feel of the musicians in Vulfpeck being mostly "on the grid", while Fearless Flyers find he and Joe Dart on the front end of the beat while Nate Smith and Mark Letieri were leaning back on the beat. (OK, I may have the specifics wrong, but the point is valid :D)

[@matcaster]

35:51 The bridge is not exactly the chorus chords transposed, the first chord is minor (F# minor)), the melody describes a minor arpeggio. The second time it becomes major. So smart.

[@davidbeck5250]

Insanely good content. Love me some Dead Wax. I feel compelled to shout out that Ryan’s socks match the album cover perfectly. It’s the small details.

[@arnlmndza]

This is what i love about these episodes. music geeks on an adventure.

[@ivanproano3742]

Please do the "part II of the exact same song"!!! :'D lovely!! Bravo!

[@fisch723]

I almost always throw on a Sting record on my studio system for a reference of what a good mix/sound is.

[@bradleydoolittle9784]

OMG you guys didn’t even mention Vinnie’s snare! It’s SOOO forward in the mix and never moves! The snare drives the whole track! You guys are such nerds and I’m here for it 1000%! I try to explain this stuff to my wife and kids driving around in the truck but they just don’t seem to get it like you guys. Keep it up nerds!

[@tommoranofficial]

There better be an episode 2 for this song, that was too much fun to stop now. 😁

[@Shawnee845]

Title: Faith Original Key: B Major Vocal range: F#3-G#4 Difficulty in Original Key:

[@testpattern098765432]

I am so glad you guys are back ❤❤❤

[@emiliabeckers]

Great episode. Also. Sting's vocal range is worth of a whole episode. It's right up there with that of Freddie Mercury.

[@powellrandolph]

The kick and snare gives it a 3/2 clave feel too.

[@Fnortner01]

This is one of my favorite songs ever. Maybe my favorite.