Saturday, January 16, 2010

Art of the engineer: From Michael Jackson to Mutant Radio, Matt Forger Speaks Out


Image : http://www.flickr.com


Interview with Scott G (The G-Man)
G-Man: When people think Matt forgers, one usually thinks of your work with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Glen Ballard, and Bruce Swedien, but if my hand a CD with examples of their production , engineering or mixing, it almost always new and emerging artists, people like Mutant Radio, laughing with Lulu, The Dharma Bomb, or Fjære. What is your thinking behind the choice of avoidinggreat name?
Counterfeiters: When my connection was with the great name of a wonderful experience, is also in the past.
G-Man: But you work with artists at all levels, including the biggies. "
Counterfeiters: Oh, sure, for instance, while I remain a professional relationship with Michael Jackson and has contributed to the recent release of "Michael Jackson - The Ultimate Collection", a window, and I worked on many previously unpublished photographs thatThis included, as well as the monitoring of various aspects of the project. This of course is very nice to be part of why I re times when I have very closely with Michael when he created the great albums that established him as "king of pop". For me this is a learning experience that had no equal. As part of the story that projects like "Thriller" and to work with Quincy Jones taught me what it takes to get the best shot possible. Not only in acommercial sense, but as artistic statements, and what it takes to bring a song to the listener, the strength of a joint working group, and what does "go into the studio and leave your ego at the door." These and many other lessons to be learned, what I bring to the table when working with new and emerging artists.
G-Man: How to combine the best aspects of past and present. What are some of the contradictions?
Counterfeiters: The old model of record label has alloweddeveloping talent, coaching it along the road, working with composers, arrangers, producers and technicians, and learn to do the job of recording. This system does not exist in the model of a world forever. Today, with few exceptions, major labels try to sign the most promising bands and artists, an agreement, and if you do not sell the numbers in need of business, you throw in place. Before an act can develop a following and learn the ropes, you can find anywhere. This is whatIt's about now the bottom line. Corporate business has no heart and no sense of art. I want to look to the future, and absent. The future of the music business is to discover talent that flies under the radar. That's who I want to work. That is the hope of the music industry: the unique and innovative artists to create something new and out, not covered with a tired old formula, or manufacturing synthetic crap with no emotion or heart. I want a part ofthe future!
G-Man: If nothing else, read this interview, I want to thank you for the comments! In addition to seven albums of Michael Jackson has worked with Van Halen, Lena Horne, James Ingram, Giorgio Moroder, and many others. Care comment on the difference between sessions with superstars and sessions with the stars-in-the-making?
Counterfeiters: In a word: experience. The professionals have an important characteristic that distinguishes them: they have developed ainstinctive feel for the music. E 'la cosa, the musicians are excellent. And 'something intuitive. You learn to trust your instincts by trial and error. There is no substitute for him. Some people have more than others. It is a sensibility, the ability to see into the music and read the different levels of what is happening. Then, to have the ability to recognize and manipulate the elements in such a way as to make communication more efficient for the intention of the songs. For the artists most recent isa question often useful to identify and empathize with these subtle qualities. And in order to focus on essential and what is just background noise, the confusion.
Talk G-Man: Let's about the diversity of his musical interests for a moment. They recorded a modern retro band called The Teddy Boys, then some dance remixes of a couple of my songs, and did the live recording for singer-songwriter Caroline Aiken. You seem to have a variety of styles and enjoyGenres. Are you in favor of certain types of music, or are there forms of music that you like?


Counterfeiters: I grew up with pop radio formats 60s where the full range of what is out there to listen. Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra, Roger Miller, The Beach Boys and the Beatles were all on the same station. If you do everything from Jan and Dean listened to James Brown in the course of a few minutes, gave an overview of what the public was generally felt.If the radio in the '70s became album-oriented, started in the field of what is to be heard in a particular station, it is too narrow. During my growth, I was always to explore what is new and different, is what kind of new instrumentation and exit. As trends continue, the influence of ethnic and world beat came to an interesting movement. There are too many types of music by name and to say that I have influenced, but the quality has always been a factor. I worked at the meetingsClassical to Country, New Wave to New Age, Pop punk, music from around the world, and is still an exciting challenge and to work on something new. If it is a form of music that I do not worry, it's the manure, as mediocre, to say something, if it is just pretentious nonsense is sold.
G-Man also thank you for giving such statements. That's great. On admission to live, I know you have a preference for a particular recording. Can you tell us something aboutReally?
Counterfeiters: If the situation allows, there is a technique that I like to use for its elegant simplicity. You use a microphone only high-quality stereo in a strategic position to capture the performance, the organization and the environment all at the same time. There is a signature sound that creates the technology that is different from all others. And 'the collection of this moment, and if it happens to catch a great performance. If done properly, carries the listenerthis place and the feeling of being there. This technique seems to work best in acoustic and ensemble situations where the volume is not very overwhelming. It has the power, subtlety and nuance in the perspective of the conquest dynamics of the moment. This, of course, is what goes directly to the stereo recording. Did not originate the technique, but have learned to appreciate his strength and purity. If an artist is at home, with a record audience for the event and have a document thatThe energy and honesty of expression of music. It can be simple and effective. There are also ways to incorporate them into a broader plan for registration and additional microphones to highlight various sections or instruments. I've done it and had good results.
G-Man: How did you start your business? There were any formal training, or do you immediately start recording around the house and hang out in the studio?
Counterfeiters: Well, my entry into the business wasIn fact, when I began mixing live shows. I had other things in front of what could be done: lessons in classical guitar, and played with electronic orders and listening to a ton of records and music. But it was the mixing that I am the first money I ever earned in music, and the feeling I have about something I knew I had a natural ability. E 'was asked to keep an eye on the mixer for friends who are a band, too. They were impressed that they played much better and the audience enjoyedSound. This was my first concert was. , Learning of all my problems with sound determined. I read, I experimented, I built my own equipment, I asked questions of people I found, had more experience than me. There was a man in my city, a wizard with electronics, and he had built a recording studio in an old chicken coup. It 'was a funky place to work, but the sound came, it was unbelievable. I got to hang out and watch and try to learn what arises. I love working withmy friends and try techniques, mic placement, and experimented with what we think. It 'was a statement by trial and error. E 'was gratifying to see that musicians have wanted to comment on our makeshift studio in the basement of drummer and bassist to come to bed "and that they were spending money with people with experience in professional studios and record do not have anything that sounded like our recordings. It was all instinct. What should sound like all these greatListening to the records I grew up, too - that was the point of reference. I followed my heart tells me that the music needed.
G-Man: What are the reasons for its interactions with the support and NARIP (National Association of Record industry professionals) are?
Counterfeiters: NARIP is a great organization. And 'one of those places you can go and network with others who look to the future. There are professionals from all facets of the industry, the creative side to businessSpecialists. If you are a person with a specific skill or expect your talents to others on offer, there will always be, with a selection of people and network. In the entertainment industry, success is that she knows more than you know, is based. If you have both, you have the potential to do great things. As an organization, NARIP panel organizes many events, seminars, workshops, and only link together. The quality of participation of the people is always first class.
G-ManAre you also a participant in organizations like L * A * M * P and Venus Music.
Counterfeiters: Yes, these are large organizations, because they play an important role in supporting the community of independent artists in the area of Los Angeles. I try to express my support for organizations that have as objective the promotion of independent music community. And 'my belief that music is coming tomorrow from these songwriters and bands. The major labels no longer developing the talent that has left a voidwhere you can go, to understand how things work inside. Learn The artist of today, as he goes, and help avoid costly mistakes and time and money, there are very good programs that are offered by these organizations to promote artists and help to understand the complex nature of the business. There's also the advantage of being able to build a team of specialist support to address areas that do not want to commit to help themselves. Remember, a joint effortmay be the most effective way to reach a goal, in particular the size of the enterprise is overwhelming.
G-Man is: What do your equipment current study?
Counterfeiters: simple, direct, always keep an eye on quality. Is not the newest wizard-bang device that raises a study. And 'the workhorse, tried and true technology that proves to be the greatest value. At the moment I'm using Pro Tools, because it is the standard for production in the audio industry. Other systemsgood job, but a kind of compatibility is always desirable. I compliment my computer system with a selection of outboard equipment
that works for my application. I specialize in mixing and I have some good reverbs and effects from Lexicon, Yamaha and Roland. And a mastering chain, which last a good quality product, Neve compressors, technologies and database converter TC-mastering software that creates an M-5000-processor. For speakers, I use Tanoys and Custom Altec Monitors. They work for me. VeryOften people will say that not having an understanding of sound in the studio. But if you mix in the real world, the love that all the sounds. It is there that matters. If it sounds a lot in the studio, but nowhere else, you're on the wrong track.
G-Man from the set of studio-up I see you have embraced the digital world. Is there something you miss for the day analog?
Counterfeiters: There are a lot of things you get used to when recording on analog tape.How long does it take to get back, the sound of fat, the accidents that happen, which proved to be of inspiration, with a length of scribbling leaf. It's great if you can afford to put a similar level at a given time of inclusion. Some types of music will benefit more than others, but it still adds a charming personality acoustic, if you can. You must get to the point where the analog is a luxury. For the cost of a roll of two inch tape, you can buy a hard drive big enough to contain severalCD with the recordings. Whatever your choice, use the recording medium to its maximum potential.
G-Man: What do you think of tape are production problems?
Counterfeiters: It 'a sad state stopped the production of analog tape has. For those who are taught the characteristics of the sound they make love to record deplorable. It forces the artists, technicians and producers to make decisions not based on creative style, but the impact on business for the activity ofCreativity. I heard that there will be tape available in the future. It is obviously an element of specialization and the cost is certainly higher, which used to pay any time. But for those who appreciate and allow the financial resources, which will be an option premium in the world of recording.
G-Man: I know you're one of nearly 100 top producers affiliated with StudioExpresso.com. How does the organization?
Counterfeiters: This is a goodQuestion because Studio Expresso is different things to different people, depending on your needs. You can say, as a clearing house for the engineers and producers, as a portal to the outside world and industry. If you want an engineer or producer for an upcoming project, background and contact information for many of the research is to develop leaders in the industry. If you are coordinating a study project, then Studio Expresso can be a first-class, orStaff may need. If you can offer to travel to Los Angeles to use the creative heritage of the area, then the arrangements and support for your project and are making the stay also available. Studio Expresso has also been exploring ways to support the independent music movement, with the possibility of new and emerging talent to the network and establish contacts within the industry. Claris, who heads the organization, also manages producers, engineers and other talented individuals to produceSide of the business and offers its know-how and experience in the world of work to build their careers
G-Man: When an artist is interested in cooperation with you, what should I do? Send starting material? Contact via StudioExpresso.com? Please contact directly?
Counterfeiters: Although I do not mind, in conversation with a potential client, it should establish a dialogue with SE first. If there is a question of how a manufacturer, so this kind of questions the idea can be clarifiedprematurely. Many times, I ask that someone did in the necessity of a "producer", only to discover during a conversation they write looking for someone who wants to co-songs as a musician, program beats and synths as well as an engineer, mix and produce . Some artists believe that a manufacturer has ordered the material, and certainly a business for them. In this business, everyone operates differently. Work on the completion of the project, a registration easier, regardless of theirComplexity. It 'always nice to go to the specific skills you are looking for and that you know talk to a person who has the right set of skills.
G-Man have you thought more than 5.1?
Counterfeiters: Yes, it's a good thing. During Michael Jackson's "Captain EO" was one of the first Digital 5.1 theatrical release, and the work on this project is innovative, it's my area of interest is when the song and its emotional content. While 5.1 Home TheaterAlways a huge popularity, the music today is "consumed" in the traditional stereo format and an MP3 to a large extent is the format of choice when it comes to computers, iPods, Blasters and small systems. Almost the opposite of 'esoteric environment that would be a real dictation system for 5.1 audio. And while a listening experience in 5.1 can be very gratifying, most independent artists just do not go there because the music always effectively is the priority.
G-ManCare comment on the latest format wars?
Counterfeiters: My only comment is that it also works in the commercial market. I remember VHS / Beta, Quad-tone, laser discs, cassette vs. 8 tracks. Seen from a historical perspective, the perspective of today, everyone is 20/20 and the issue is not a problem.
G-Man: What is the strangest, what you have done in the studio? As for the Sonics, I mean.
Counterfeiters: Before the advent of digital technology, you had to be creativeacoustics and electronics. In the song "Billie Jean", as Michael, the line "sings Do not think twice" at the end of the third stanza, he is a cardboard tube list to sing. Often there is no evidence in the record bathroom (tiles), because there is a quality quick thinking early. Central percussion for the song "Beat It" Michael was beating the drum fiberboard cases with 1x3 inch pieces of wood in the room mirror Westlake Studio A. This was normal. NowIf you want to talk funny, in a song (not MJ) we played a tape loop around the support area of the microphone is on a machine with two tracks. It 'was a series of burps and was inspired by the kick and snare drum to give the effect of drums that are still alive and breathing.
G-Man: What is "The Counterfeiters Matt Show"?
Counterfeiters: The Counterfeiters Matt Show "is the name credited to the elements of sound design, which I had created. It 'was started by Michael, if we work together and often find themselves in aPlace that did not allow eye contact. We had only our voice as a reference. The department was to feel as if there was a radio program. It is the name I chose to use for my type of work that combines spoken, sound effects and music.
G-Man would be: how the magic and charm of music?
Counterfeiters: Music is a form of emotional communication. The combination of rhythmic patterns, melodic progressions and lyric content, communicate and express feelingsBut we share common experiences. A pop song three minutes is a correction of a drug emotional. We are united in our humanity and the most successful songs speak for it. And 'our common human weaknesses and desires, which appear to us in touch. Whether to tell a story that allows you to express a feeling or idea, is the honesty with which to communicate our deepest self, the other stocks at this time.
G-Man are: There are common features observed in successful artists?
Counterfeiters:It 'a quality that I observed in all the successful artists that I worked. What is the ability or the talent to understand music at an intuitive level. Not just technically or in theory, but he felt on the abdomen, which is required to work a piece of music. This is evident in the creative process. When asked for an idea, melody, line counter, part harmony, arrangement or instrument are texture progression, I discovered that there are some very successful people have never been to aLoss. And not at a loss, always have ideas that are appropriate for your particular situation and are of high quality. Are you the money, instinctively, without reservation and with full confidence. They are, in fact, "one with the music." This quality can I say, is what separates the most successful artists with those who strive for greatness. While this is what comes with experience, is also the quality that allows success to continue. To haveThe finger the pulse of what the audience feels is something that is able to inform the audience with his sense of what causes a true expression of honest emotion is yet another talent.
CONTACT:
http://www.mattforger.com


http://www.studioexpresso.com


http://www.gmanmusic.com


http://www.narip.com


http://www.delvianrecords.com

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