Demoing Questions And Answers
October 26, 2008, Matthew Good A lot of people email me questions about my recording process after I post a demo, so I thought that I would write an entry about it in hopes of answering some of those questions.
First let me say that a decade ago I didn’t even demo songs at home, I just wrote them and continually played them until they were either performed, recorded, or demoed in a studio. Prior to the business imploding, there was a time when you would actually demo material in studios, as was the case with the songs on Beautiful Midnight for example. In fact, they were demoed in the exact same studio that the record was recorded in months later. Those demos also costs literally tens of thousands of dollars to record, which is ridiculous when you think about it given the quality of the demos that I can now produce at home by myself.
Anyway, that’s the past.
I didn’t start recording demos on my own until I switched to using Macs and GarageBand was released. In the beginning, like anything, I sucked at it. It’s a very simple program, but given my inherent impatience it took a while for me to wrap my head around it. So I spent a lot of time refining the process until the songs became workable outlines of the final product. In fact, when we tracked Hospital Music we just muted the drums and Pat Steward simply played along to the demos for the most part. On a few songs that didn’t happen, but on most of them it did. But that process took a few years and a lot of trial and error to master – and again, we’re talking about a very rudimentary program here, something that is nowhere near as complicated as Pro Tools HD or Logic Pro, both of which are very expensive and come with manuals thicker than telephone books.
All of that said, let’s start with the program that I use.
GarageBand
GarageBand comes standard on every Mac as a part of iLife. Over the years they have made a lot of improvements, and have also released what are known as Jam Packs, which provide countless tools and sounds with which to work. Of all five of the Jam Packs available the only one that I do not have is the World Music one.
Besides these additions, I don’t use any other programs or plugins when I record – everything is done in GarageBand, from guitar and bass sounds to effects.
Now, if you’re seriously thinking about using GarageBand as a tool with which to demo, and want a wide variety of sounds with which to work, then I highly suggest getting the Jam Packs, especially Rhythm Section and Remix Tools. Personally, I couldn’t live without the Symphony Orchestra pack, I use it all over the place. In fact, there wasn’t a single live string on all of Hospital Music. All of the strings were played on a keyboard using GarageBand sounds that I just messed with here and there.
Drums
One of the toughest things to master is the drums. While GarageBand comes with countless loops, using them is rather pointless if you’re working on something that requires beats to change to support original arrangements. That said, you’re left with using a keyboard and your fingers, which is challenging to say the least.
When I record drums, after selecting the kit that I’m going to use and making a few adjustments to the sound, I go about it in five steps.
The first is the main drum track. On this track I record kick and snare and, on occasion depending on the beat, toms. The second is the first of two cymbal tracks, which I use to record hats or ride. The third is a duplicate of the first main drum track that I use to record complicated fills. The fourth is used to record crash cymbals and the fifth, if needed, is used to record percussion, such as tambourine or hand claps. It’s important to remember that you can use a variety of different kits for each of the tracks.
Obviously you don’t just sit down and start recording drums to nothing but a click, so I always lay down a scratch bass or guitar track to click first. I then go back and play the first drum track to the scratch track. It’s important to remember though that if you play to guitar that your kick placement might change when you lay down bass, so after recording your initial drum track you might find yourself confronted with having to map out a pattern and then replace the guitar with a bass track to ensure that a proper groove is established.
After that, for the sake of ensuring that time is solidly established before recording other instruments, it’s best to record hats or ride. You can then record whatever complicated fills are required and then crashes to help establish dynamics if you like.
Once that’s done you have a base to work from.
Bass And Guitars
When it comes to both bass and guitars I simply plug straight into a USB M-Audio MobilePre that I purchased some years ago. I believe there are better ones available now, so check the M-Audio website. Beyond that, I use the different guitar and bass sounds that come in GarageBand and simply tweak them until I get what I want. Unlike most people, I have a lot of different guitars to work with, so I also have the ability to alter sounds using different instruments. But with all of the different sounds available in GarageBand you don’t need a big guitar collection to get what you need.
Keyboard
I use a small USB keyboard to play a variety of different instruments, from drums to synths, strings to piano. Again, I just tweak the various sounds until I get what I’m looking for. One trick with regards to strings is to add a touch of distortion to them and concert hall reverb. If you start there and then mess with compression and EQ you can produce some pretty realistic sounds. There are other ways to go about it as well that don’t involve using distortion, but I can’t give all of my secrets away.
Vocals
Most of the time I have my Neumann at home, which I also use on stage. Obviously, given that it’s an expensive microphone, it’s head and shoulders above what your average enthusiast is going to be using. That said, it’s been packed away with the rest of my gear for months now, so I’ve just been using a Sennheiser E935. The bottom line is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a microphone to get decent results.
As with guitar and bass, I simply plug the mic into the MobilePre and sing. I don’t use headphones, so there’s bleed from the speakers. If you want to eliminate bleed then just use headphones while tracking. And just like anything else, you can record them dry and then work on the sound or your can work on it as you go along. I do both, it all depends of how fast I want to get something down.
Mess Around With It
The best way to get acquainted with all of the different functions in GarageBand is trial and error. Just make sure that you’re constantly saving as you go, and that if you’re going to try something drastic that you save your changes under an alternate file name.
Unlike a lot of recording programs, which require a lot of knowledge to use properly, GarageBand is perfect for people that just want to have fun and make music without being intimidated. You don’t have to be an inspiring musician to use it either – it comes with tons of fun features that allow anyone to create music, even if they don’t have instruments and can’t play or sing a note. Even my mom has messed around with the samples that come with it and created fun little projects.
Anyway, I hope that answered some of the questions that people have asked.
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Have you ever come across someone, who you thought, had a voice similar to yours?
Bloody hell!!! Thank you, that is amazing. You are amazing. And far too modest.
So how long did “Great Whales…” take to demo?
Very informative post. Thanks for this Matt!
Such sad songs. I want to create something happy on this fine day. Happy vibes to you. Have a beautiful day and thank you for your knowledge.
Hey, thanks for this, Matt. I’ve been curious about how you record these demos for a while, and this answers all my questions.
When I record drums, after selecting the kit that I’m going to use and making a few adjustments to the sound, I go about it in five steps.
Curious, when you choose a “kit”, are you simply going in and choosing how many toms/bass drums/cymbals/cowbells your going to use, or do you have like a list of different kit set ups to choose from, and then mess with whatever comes with the chosen set up? (ex. minimal Beatle-esque snare/two toms/floor tom/two cymbals/hi-hat, a Neil Peart 360 special with enough pieces to circumnavigate the globe six times, etc)
There is a list of different kits in the program, all of them are different and produce different sounds with each key. Obviously things like kick and snare are always in the same position on the keyboard, they just produce different sounds. I commonly use the studio brush kit, believe it or not. I find that i can EQ it to sound the most ‘real’. But there are loads of other options, from House kits to Techno kits and so on.
Wow! Thanks for the informative read! I always wondered how you went about creating your work using this program.
Obviously, I had a rough idea, but it is nice to know your methodology to complete the process. I’m very unmusical, so the explanation cleared the mud a bit, so thank you for taking the time.
Wow, on both parts of the demos and the information regarding the process. Often i find myself messing around then finding out I absolutely hate my results. Seeing that there is some sort of “logical” progression with fitting sounds together, puts my mind at ease.
I really hope to be creating soundtracks for my fourth and third year thesis films, and this might just help me out.
Thanks for all the info! :D
Thanks a lot for this Matt.
I especially liked the tip for making the strings sound a bit more realistic.
Again, never ceasing to be there for the fans. I personally haven’t used GarageBand, but the accounts I’ve seen sure seem to make it more straightforward than Ableton Live which I’ve played around with with some NIN tracks.
This guide is definitely an aid to the process side of things at the least.
Holy crap. After reading that, I’ll stick with perfecting my LISTENING skills and leave the making to you. It sounds so complex… but I guess if it’s in your blood to do it, then you just do so.
Very informative post though. Thanks.
In addition, not the place to be picky or anything, but the levels seem low compared to average tracks in my collection.
Also, Matt, have you heard/read about the ‘loudness war’, are we safe to assume this won’t be an issue with your future work?
There will never be anyone who can play drums like you, and your quality and work in GarageBand is untouchable. It is extremely appreciated that you share your demoing process with us and give such great advice!
Wow! It’s amazing what one can do with a simple program and a lot of talent. The post was informative - thanks, the demos were amazing. I can’t wait for the CD to be released.
Reading about your process makes me wish I had even a tiny shred of your musical genius. I love this album. You seem to have really tapped into an early/mid 80s sensibility, a sort of hopeful, happy dancing vibe underneath the sadness. Today made me think of Big Country. I’m super excited to hear that bit you had in the video demo show up in Empty’s Theme Park, that was a great surprise and it fits perfectly. Too bad winter has to come before spring…but at least it gives me time to dust off my turntable.
Matt, thank you so much for taking the time to write such an informative post. The process of making music is fascinatingly complex, and I’m always eager to hear more about it. And if I ever get a Mac and start poking around with GarageBand (which I’d like to!), this will certainly be helpful. :)
Also, thank you for putting these demos up again. You spoil us so much with these free previews. :D I’d never heard these three the first time around, and they’re absolutely breathtaking.
I really appreciate this, Matt! I recently started a music project with a friend where the “instrument” I play is garageband so this is a page to bookmark for sure. Thanks!
I am blown away that the strings on HM are from Garageband. I love symphonies and thought for sure you had a real orchestra for that Cd.
I envy your talent! It’s brilliant!
When I saw the demos, I was hoping ‘On Nights Like Tonight’ would be there (not that I’m complaining - they are all great). That song really resonated with me and I instantly fell in love with it. Will I have to wait for the album to hear it again? :)
WOW. Thank you, Mr. Good. That really helps a lot since I never had anything to do with recording songs but always was wondering how this was going to work for a solo artist. Well that was quite illustrative.
What about your neighbours?? Ain’t that like some sort of permanent sound check they are exposed to?
I have that boy living in the appartment right next to me and he would exercise his drums almost on a daily basis. I mean generally I am ok with that, but sometimes I find it pretty annoying since it can be quite disturbing when I am trying to read or get some work done.
I used Logic Pro quite a bit myself, but the Jam Packs for Garage Band are great as well from what I’ve heard. It’s amazing how far the personal studio has come and how obsolete the major ones have become, isn’t it?
Great demos!
Wow.
You are WAY too nice to us!
Awesome insight into your methodology and the demos are great too!
Really like emptys theme park.
Thanks for sharing.
You make it sound so….let’s see…complicated! That’s because all I know about music was self-taught on an old piano. I’m glad to hear your mom managed with the software - maybe there’s hope for me yet.
So now, not only do you have to be super talented with a discerning voice to make it in the music business, but you also have to be a one-man band? All I can say is that it’s working for you. And I do love the strings.
Thanks Matt for answering my question from your previous demo posting “Great Whales of the Sea”. So you do all this creating of demos at home, that is incredible!
I really like your quote “There are other ways to go about it as well that don’t involve using distortion, but I can’t give all of my secrets away.” Good for you!
Thanking you for the very detailed process in your creating of demos. I am not a musician but I find your process creative process very interesting. I’m forwarding the information to my brother who’s musician/percussionists. My younger brother is in the process of building a small recording studio in his ‘machine shed’.
Also, again incredible demos that I’ve never heard before
You’re a musical genius Matt!
@Tuuli22: I do it all on my computer, so i can put headphones on and no one hears a thing.
I think The Boy Who Could Explode would sound wonderful with supportive female vocals. Have you given any thought to collaborating with someone?
I’ll buy you the World Jam Pack so you can add those didgery doo and pan flute sounds you’ve always wanted to Vancouver.
@Matt: On the risk of sounding like a complete idiot:
I am now figuring a man playing a guitar in front of his computer with headphones on and everything s absolutely silent. Now that feels crazy … ;))
thank you
thank you
thank you
thank you
You are the greatest! they sound amazing
@ Dan. Careful; he’ll end up making music fit only for the spa…
;o)
Awesome. I’ve been looking at buying a M-Audio usb-preamp and this pretty much answers my question on what sound qualities like.
Seriously though, consider more didgeridoo and pan flute…
UN-FREAKIN’-BELIEVABLE. I actually came to the site when some demos were actually up. Lucky me! Made my weekend! Thanks Matt! And also thanks, as my band is currently rehearsing in hopes of making our first recording soon, so this post will help immensely!
I must admit, though I am amazed at the quality of these demos, I’m still a little depressed. I’m a music engineer just coming out of school from that, and beginning a freelance mixing operation. And though it’s great that a lot of artists are starting to recognize the potential of GarageBand and Apple Loops, it also means they do more homewise and less in a studio, which means less business on our end. Just another way Apple screwed over the pros, I guess. Back to analog :\
But putting that rambling aside, I do have some other technical questions:
1. How much of a hand do you have in the mixing and mastering of your tracks? Is there anything specific you like your tracks to maintain or to attain during those two processes?
2. What Neumann do you specifically have, if you don’t mind me asking? (I have a suspicion it’s a TLM103, but it’s hard for me to tell from your tracks alone)
3. What headphones do you use? It kind of surprises me that you use headphones for playback instead of monitors.
That’s all really.
2.
Thanks for taking the time to not only share your thoughts, but some amazing demos.
You stated that Garage Band was a simple program to use compared to Pro Tools, ect. Call me crazy, but I can’t get my head around any of them. I’ve dabbled trying to produce tracks using the midi interface in my Korg Keyboard, Garage Band, Pro Tools, and various demo software available free on the net. I can’t find one that makes sense to use. I don’t have the patience to go through the tutorials for each “simple” step. The end product suffers due to the frustration of the process.
Obviously you and other musicians have conquered the software obstacle, but there has got to be a better way!
PS: Great demos! Looking forward to the final product.
Awesome,
You have a great talent to make timely music. Whatever the opposite is of MuchMusic you took it and ran with it. Good for you.
These songs are definitely no exception. They seem like a nice cross between Hospital Music and Avalanche. Sort of that exasperated gasp but anthematic, if that makes sense. In any case, keep up being one of the few musicians today with a clue. It’s much appreciated.
An anthematic sigh…that’s how to put it. Hah.
damn those songs are awesome, emptys theme park is my favorite
mweaver27: I find an easy program for MIDI is Digital Performer. Although I had instruction on how to use it, it’s very straightforward.
This entry was awesome.
One more question: I know GarageBand has TONS of effects, but are there any pedals/amp channels that you absolutely love to the point that you want that sound in demos but can’t replicate it with GB?
That was a very interesting read.
I have no musical talent, no interest in gaining any and have nothing to do with it other than supporting artists and bands that I enjoy- having said that, I actually really enjoyed your little tutorial. It’s one more piece of the puzzle that gets the CD from your head to my living room.
amazing post matt
artistic genius
Thank you Matt!
I actually plan to use the Apogee Duet, every heard of it? It is supposedly really good.
I was thinking of Shure SM57/58 for instrument and vocal mics, any opinion on them? Anyone?
GarageBand is SO easy to use! I had some basic demo I literally threw together by using the Loops provided in 20 minutes. It wasn’t long, 2 minute “song”. That was just to learn GarageBand.
Now I write my own beats (program with MIDI, fills and all) which I like to base off of The Cure (Boris Williams drum patterns from 1985 - 1992), I program the bass lines, play the guitar parts (or program them to practise the changes while improving timing), etc… I’m just using the line-in for now, until I can get the Duet.
Thanks so much for the info, especially on the strings (does Symphony Orchestra Pak have those bells used on Avalanche?). I’ve tried to tweek the default GB bells and I can’t get those from Avalanche’s Pledge of Allegiance.
Aw hell. I missed a reappearance of Empty’s Theme Park?! But… but… that’s been my favourite of all your demos. If I appeal to your humanitarian nature and tell you I’m really, really sad right now, would you repost it?
ket, I’ve yet to catch that one and I have a feeling it might be my favorite if/when I do. I remember how you described it last time and really feeling like I missed out on something special. I’m dogsitting the ex’s lab today and spent the afternoon at the beach with him (so I can’t feel TOO sorry for myself).
Matt - thanks for the extremely informative post. Although this may as well be written in a foreign language because I understand about zero of it. My son, however, will probably be able to navigate his way through GarageBand a little easier after having read some of this. Again - thanks for sharing so much with us…truly grateful. That’s two sad women…can you feel the pressure? (JJ of course)
Cool post Matt…Thanks! Very cool of you to detail how you demo out a song. I have Cubase too, but I haven’t even scratched the surface on that, GB is so much easier to get into record mode…and you can save your settings if you find something you like and they are right there in the list…
I’m so lazy I use the stock beats and end up coming up with a part that way…backwards. But I can never finish anything without drums so that’s the way it goes for me. The next step is tracking kick and snare, etc. like you do.
Slipping into geek mode, Matt which Neumann do you have? the U47, U87? Or another? Just curious…
Satchboogieca - both the 57 and 58 are the industry standard live mics. The 57 works great in the studio as well…you may want to get a condenser mic for vocals though (I have a rode NT2 that does a great job for $250), which could also be used with the 57 to mic your guitar. It’s not a Neumann…but it’s not 6 grand either.
There’s a mic from Sennheiser called the e609 that is about the same price as the 57, people like those as well.
Hey Matt, I’m glad to see you supporting ‘Garageband’. My good friend and former band mate introduced me to the program and I would love to use it. I haven’t been able to afford a mac yet though due to debt from a failed business attempt… anyways, business isn’t for me… I should stick to music. I have no idea what kind of gear to use as I’ve always just played any guitar I could find and used any mic that was there. It’s nice to know that even you can get away with using a ‘bottom of the line’ mic as you put it; for demo use of course.
Well, I’m Dustin Sparks by the way, and we haven’t met since I worked at Starbucks on Robson & Thurlow. I remember saying that I loved ‘Beautiful Midnight’ but I see what you mean about that album being something that you were trying to break away from. I’m really blown away about ‘Hospital Music’. ‘The Boy Come Home’ is one of my favorites on there. I’ve listened to your songs everyday for years now. You’re my #1 musical inspiration, outside of myself, and I’d love to do a tribute concert to you one day, if not a tour. Mind you, I’m just a nobody. I think my voice could do you justice though. I want to make more people aware of your work and I guess I wanted to ask if that was okay with you? That’s if it’s even possible for me. If not a concert I can always busk on the street haha. Anyways, good day :)
Dustin
ps. sorry about the complete deviation from the subject there.
The demo ” The Vancouver National Anthem”, upon listening, had me thinking of Big Country when listening to the guitar. I loved it!!!
@Work_To_Elevate
Thanks man!
I don’t know if I need an instrument mic (SM57) because I live in an apartment, and I get really annoyed at the techno/hip-hop guy downstairs as his ‘monitors’ are booming my floor! Which I don’t like much. Although he does not do this late at night, so I am thankful for that. However, I don’t want to have an amp (which I no longer have) going as it would bother people. One has to be respectful.
Given that I was studying opera while in Vancouver, I’ll have to build some sort of enclosure that’s sound proof and put that over my head when I sing, either for recording or practicing.
I’m going to guess the condenser mic basically is a mic with a condenser, to keep the spikes in ones vocals under control?
@somebodyelse
Dude, just because people can demo at home does not mean studios are a thing of the past. Not everyone can produce good recordings! Not everyone knows how to mix, volume or EQ! It is very difficult for one person to be the composer/performer/recording engineer/mixer/mastering person/promotional person/distribution person (though P2P helps) etc…
So with your recent graduation, you may work for a studio, or if you are able to afford it, build your own mixing/mastering studio! Get a MacPro, pimp that baby out, get some Avastor drive bays with Hitachi HDD’s in there, get two Apple Cinema displays, sure, it will run you 10-15k, but you can master so easily!
The other realistic option is realize that people cannot do everything, so they demo with GarageBand and it sounds good. They can’t release that on a CD, not without someone mixing and mastering it for them. Someone who knows how to tweak the sounds. That’s where you come in! You’ll get better as you do more and then they’ll want you and you’ll be busy.
On Craigslist.org there was a dude who was offering free studio time, he had just graduated and worked for a studio and wanted experience, so that’s how he was doing it. You could try that! Anything is better than nothing!!!!
My dad just ordered a Mac for the sole purpose of using GarageBand for his recording. He is not the world’s most computer savvy guy. I mean, he’s never even used a Mac before. I see a lot of tutorials on the Apple website but does anyone know if there are there any good print references?
Hmm don’t suppose there’s a windows version… :(
Awesome for sharing this! I usually use Cubase SX. Combined with a good sound card, you can create some pretty good demo’s. Cubase has a ton of features and plugins… Anywho! :D
Matt thank you for sharing this. We have a similar setup actually. Im using a macbook pro, line 6 toneport usb in for vocals and guitar, maudio axiom 61 usb keyboard, Logic audio pro (more synth sounds - some more useable than others), i too have a Sennheisser mic e-series, and a studio projects condenser mic. My guitars aren’t as nice as yours and you have a Neumann …. well i cant do anything about that…LOL
All and all i find the most difficult part of laying a track down is getting a good quality drum sounds that works with the tempo shifts etc… There are countless drum sample cds for alternative rock some are more usable than others i find.
Now given that we have the same gear about the same music background - 25 years playing guitar….why the hell do you sound so good compared to me?
…..oh ya talent LOL
One thing that i have always loved about your music is your ability to fill the musical spectrum…i think adding those organ sounds and synth sounds has helped the depth which i love.
A question about your vocals…is there a favorite preset you love to singing through? I love the delay and verb on some songs For example, Load me Up and The Inescapable Us (a killer tune in my opinion).
Do you monitor flat when you sing or play with the verb and delay when you sing as you would with an instrument and shape your voice around the sounds?
Man i could ask you questions all day…seriously…but Ill let you eat your dinner…
thanks for sharing m8
Roger Waters quote circa 1972 “…Give a man a Les Paul and he doesn’t become Eric Clapton”.
By outlining your equipment and demoing process, you, in effect have humanized yourself to many more folks. Refreshing, that is. Thank you. Give someone a program like Garageband and they become Matt Good? I think not.
Unless…
Maybe this just part of a well-thought ruse…maybe your real name is Michael Zoblinsky and your team of well-paid engineers uses AutoTune plug-ins to morph your coughs into those albums we hear. ‘Fess up! ; )
Thanks for sharing the methods of your demo recording process Matt!