Im a fan here for the long haul. People want the wall of amps, dedicated recording studio, day 1 reviews etc. then they complain about sponsored vids. Can't have it both ways.
I wouldn't say you've failed at all, Mark! I find your content to be very fun to watch and truly authentic, very similar to the direction a lot of other successful creators have taken as of late (talking outside the guitar niche). Gear demos are definitely super saturated, so I think searching for a different way to present things is something we all must be thinking about--I know I am. I loved the format of this video, by the way. Keep it up, brother.
I’m subscribed because you’re not playing a character and aren’t artificially amped up. You seem like someone I could hang out and jam with. As a fellow fat old guy with a beard, I’m staying subbed.
I feel like videos that aren't as gear focused would be refreshing. You're so right about the formula. It also always feels like a veiled way of soliciting whatever new product someone's desperate to sell you. Getting a real detailed lesson, a cool story, or an album review, etc., would be WAY better imo? The "Look at my expensive Orange/Laney wtf amps, while I stroke my beard, and make craft fuzz pedals for bedroom dwellers to put on credit cards, etc.", is a surprisingly crowded corner of the market. People think that if they obtain gear, they will become better at music. I hate that's what it's become. Idc if you have the same amp in the background! I'm tired of being told I need more shit, and having people showing me their new shit! It's exhausting. You seem to be genuine and honest. You haven't failed. Don't quit! You're actually more relatable here. You're not "going off...". That's your personality dude. I'm still subscribing, so are many others here!
Thanks! Ive always tried to just be me and make it like hanging out. Maybe not the most engaging way but i gotta do it my way so i dont feel super dirty lol
Please don't give up or quit. I really like your channel because I can relate to you and your surroundings (playing in the house) more than I can relate to those other guys with their fancy setups and backdrops.
I’m a recent newcomer to your channel but I love it because your musical taste are similar to mine and you come across on camera as a good dude. Keep plugging away at it!
Old guy with beard here too, Lol. Just found your channel and subscribed. I really enjoy it, and if you enjoy it, please do it as you feel inspired or have time. Its not a competition etc... I think that there is room for your channel.
Man you didn’t fail. People really dig your videos. Myself included. I’ve been watching you on my personal account for a while. There’s a space for everyone. I dig that your videos don’t show me a piece of gear the way so many others do. Too often gear gets pigeonholed or over hyped by some of the bigger channels - who I also enjoy. But I love seeing stuff demoed in different ways and different contexts. Just keep being the Distortion Principle. That’s what we’re here for!
@@TheDistortionPrinciple I’m here to watch people do what they want to do, how they want to do it. That’s always my goal and I love seeing it from other people!
Hey man. I Found your channel a month or so back and personally love the channel, format and no bs approach to your reviewing and demos. I’ve actually selected my next fuzz purchase solely off the BAT of your review of the Priestess Fuzz, so cannot wait! 🤘🏻Lastly Your riffs, sound and playing are fricking ACE man so just keep doing what you’re doing. Big Thanks from London, UK. 🍻
This is my first vid ive seen from you and id say just do it because this is what you got a nut for doing. Looking through your channel and as someone trying to make things happen as well id call it a success.
I know the numbers tell one story, but I love the fact that unfiltered. I love all of your videos since I found your channel. When you start changing stuff around don’t change you. I love channels that the host says what exactly is on his mind, not worrying about what others think. That’s you. I’ll still be waiting for the next video.
Salutations from Sweden ! Don't be too hard on yourself, keep doing what YOU like F the other stuff....keep in mind Ola did amp demos for his forum buddies for a long time before "making it", it takes time i think :) btw I found you cause of your Laney love.
Just wanted to reach out and say that I really enjoy your content and I plan on staying subbed and watching. I have heard from a lot of the creators that I watch that it is exhausting to continually be checking the analytics and figuring out what the almighty algorithm wants today. Personally, I would love to see some "Doom in your bedroom" content where you look at ways of making huge sounds in a small space for all the bedroom players out there. Either way, keep up the good work!
Dude, I enjoy your channel. It may not be a big flashy production in every video, but it's relative to my interests, and you seem like a cool person, who interacts with the viewers. Don't worry about the analytics
I am glad you aren't quitting. I only recently discovered your channel (I think when looking up videos of the BAT Pharaoh and some DID pedals). I am looking forward to the new direction you want to take. For what it's worth, I appreciate your insights into gear more than a lot of other channels because you are a dude who is grinding daily and working towards goals in your off time. I have especially liked recent video tutorials of setting up and recording. I wonder if guitar lesson videos would get more views than gear demos because the GAS has worn off many YT viewers after the pandemic and gear price hikes. Did you ever set up a Discord for community? Either way, I wish you good luck with the next phase. I will be here for it. Cheers duder.
Thanks! Im way old ao i dont even kmwo what to do with discord lol. Im still debating a patreon but want to come up with really cool perks not just a typical shoutout. I do have some lessons and tutorials ideas to work through but i want to give it a more entertaining angle. So thats all part of the change im gonna do here
A doom writing course? Ooh! I like the sound of that. Love your channel man! It is my most anticipated video of the week. You would be an awesome neighbor to jam and have Doom barbecues with.
I wasnt getting your videos in my feed for months and then your channel popped up again recently. Was subscribed the whole time. Personally I like your channel because you dont have that typical "influencer" stench. Im also interested in videos on songwriting and your approach to production. More videos there than just gear demos. Take care man :)
I really like your videos and I like the tones you get from stuff that maybe other people try, as well. In fact I decided to grab a Warlow pedal for your video on that. Keep on doom the free world! Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷
Mark, those of us that have been around for a little bit are in for the long haul. The thing about your channel that attracted me to it was the fact that you're NOT a Chapman, McKnight et al. When you don't have the manufacturers dumping product into your lap every week, it's tough. Buying equipment on your dime gets ridiculously expensive and let's face it, times are f'ing tough right now. People want the new gear reviews but then want to whine about guys getting "free" gear. UA-cam is a funny place brother. I'm in it til you quit all together or you decide to keep going. Do it on your time when you want to . Keep the enthusiasm for the channel instead of making it a job. You're right, it's saturated but people will come to the channel if you're honest and enjoy what you're doing. Keep at it and when you stop trying to make it grow is exactly when it will( a chick said the same thing to one night , but I digress). I don't know if you have a small mom and pop music store nearby, but maybe work out a deal with them to review their gear and give them some advertising in return. Just spit balling here so forgive me if I'm out of line. Anyway, hope you keep at it, but understand if you don't. I will say this last thing, the fact that you have 2.59K subscribers is a feat in itself my man. It's hard as hell to grow a channel these days. You're way ahead of some guys here who are still in the 2 digit subscriber base after being here for years. It's a pretty big deal in my book. You've got 2500 people in this self centered world, that wanna see your stuff.
You're one of the most solid guys we got, real tones, real applications, real opinions. I never understood how people watch channels like Sweetwater: "Here's fuckin Don playing the same 3 pentatonic licks for time and saying 'ya maaan this thing is awesome maaan'. " You're an esteemed member of the doom/stoner/metal demo community dude. I'll stick around for sure, and thanks for all the hours you put in to this.
Subscriber here, don't overthink things. You seem like a genuine guy who cant fake it so make content you feel comfortable with. PS I like gear demos but not always the latest or most expensive stuff, that gets boring because everyone is doing the same stuff at the same time.
For growth, all I think you need is really good loud and clear audio and consistent uploads. Both of those things will attract and retain people who are interested.
I prefer watching guitar players that DON'T have a wall of amps, don't have fancy shelf with cool lighting on their pedals and all the fancy expensive stuff. I can not relate to those people. Keep doing what you're doing. I'll watch every video.
Dude, unless you're really trying to make money from UA-cam, then I wouldn't worry about it. You have great content, and I'll remain subscribed regardless. I don't give a shit about fancy backgrounds, etc. I haven't been "around" lately because I've been busy with other stuff not because you suck.
I make a little pocket change not alot but the only disheartening thing is when you look at your analytics and youre doing half as well as you were. Thanks for all the support man!
@@TheDistortionPrinciple, UA-cam is pretty fucking stupid to be honest. I haven't seen any of your videos recommended lately, so I assumed you hadn't made anything recently. I started my own channel a few months ago about wildlife photography and have been posting videos or shorts daily. I'm not trying to make any money, so I don't care if it gets popular, but there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to which videos get the most views. I think a lot of it is just a matter of luck due to the algorithms. In my experience, the most popular channels tend to be garbage. For what it's worth, I think you have some of the best and most honest content in this genre.
@@throgwarhammer7162 thanks dude! Im gonna go check yours out as well. Yea i get told often that it doesnt show up for people so it makes you wonder how they pick the ones to promote to be honest
Mark I'm a proud lifer and will not abandon your channel or your musical output (unless you release a Cold Lake glam sellout!) this video illustrates perfectly why we are all probably here - you are genuine - not some pretentious sponsored infomercial. Your Art of the Riff series for example is killer and I can see you going into greater tone matching and riff writing process explanation. There's enough fakes and posers out there, you've got respect which isn't counted in subscription numbers or analytics unfortunately.
make this whatever you want it to be. Money is a dynamic beast, doing what everyone else is doing isn't the answer, as you mentioned. You're different than Ola, Fluff and others and personally, that's what draws me into new channels. Uniqueness. Keep your whiteboard flowing with ideas, and try not to worry about the algorithms. Your channel is cool .. because you are cool and you videos are unique. Drop a tapestry on your wall, shoot up a light on an angle if that is a concern, but that's just like a book cover, the actual good stuff is inside. 🤘
You could add some tech video, for example, i like how you program your drums and i have a really hard time using reaper, ezdrummer and stuff like that, maybe it could be usefull for people like me, and surely i can't aske it to fluff :D ! A lot of the points in your list(the absence of a professional studio and stuff like that) for me is a good thing because it put you at the same level of your followers..so keep it up! Anyway, here in Italy, people with huge number of followers are suffering for the lack of views, so maybe there's something wrong on YO in general.
I’m still sitting at about 400 subs after about 5 years. I’m not gonna stop, i do it for fun. I have no advice for success, if i did I wouldn’t be posting the crap i do 😂. Keep rockin man
@@TheDistortionPrinciple i get named alot but my content is apparently not pushed by tge algorithm unless it’s the short with baby geese, 😂 thats my highest viewed video 😂😂🦢
Just got into doom. Also at 50 i finally just got all the gear i could need to do home recordings. I sure could use a channel to help a guy who dosent know what he's doing. Ive been in a gew bands but the actual recording was always done by someone else. I have a decent mixer, a decent amp, a few pedals and a computer. Gear videos are a dime a dozen but teaching HOW to record ? Thats what im really looking for. How do i take all this to a new level ?
I may be an old fat guy with a beard but I dig your channel. I trust that your not schilling for companies and that means everything as far as gear reviews go. Keep going bro
Thanks! I gotta say there are aome brands I've said critical stuff about but they still let me check stuff out after so that says alot about the character of them as well
@@TheDistortionPrinciple I had serious medical problems that stopped me from even playing guitar for 10 years. Before bad ticker killed my band and ability to play music even, I was in bands. I played many gigs for many years, put out a couple albums, sat in with some serious players. I need music, I said screw it rather die with my guitar in my hands than in a hospital bed. My playing has never been better, the issue with me is I know nothing about the gear around these days. You've helped more than you know, I am broke but saving pennies and getting the gear I need. Thank you for your videos.
The thing is.... you haven't been found yet. You didn't fail. Do what you want and enjoy doing and don't worry about the numbers. I have been on UA-cam for a long time now, like years now. I just do what I enjoy doing and share will everyone who wants to watch. I don't worry about numbers, I'm not getting paid by UA-cam, and I not trying to make UA-cam my life. I have a little more subs then you do. I know most of my subs are prob bots. Just be you, do what you do, and hell with the numbers.
Agreed man! I like seeing the mods and refina you dom the maiden stuff was hella cool. Maybe we could do a collab refin someday. Send you one i have laying around or something lol. Yea numbers will drove you nuts
Fuck that i like the achievable setups, now i dont feel like i need a 30k set up, for a pedal i want sound good. And your riffs are awesome and almost achievable to me , spent a fair bit time trying to learn a few make my own out of. I dont like watching super shredders super shredded a full setup i can afford with a skill set ill never achieve and im also a death and roll guy more then a speed/thrash metal guy . In short i find your gear demos more useful and your playing style more realistic to what and how i want to play ill selfishly say continue on with it
@@TheDistortionPrinciple most of those channels are ego trips for the person posting. Oh , look I’ve 25 guitars on the wall, or look at how many amps and pedals I have . I’d rather watch something real like you and your guitar channel sucks , does it doom . Music is Win makes me ill 🤧. You ever notice how the people who are really good at something are humble and self deprecating , not show offs. I met John Sykes when blue murder was opening for Bon Jovi 🤢 . Nice as hell, carmines and Tony as well. Met Billy Duffy , nice as heck . BB King had all us stage hands come back for a meet and greet after the show. These UA-cam influencers are fake jokes of a channel. Maybe you can green screen the fortress of Sauron for your background. 💀🤘☠️☠️
Hey man - you've helped me (and I would think, countless other fat old guys with beards 🤣) by just being YOU. I don't know how ANY of this shit "works" or is "supposed" to work ( or what you are ultimately want or are trying to achieve/get out of this) but you have been one of UA-cam Supreme enablers of G.A.S. (and DOOM 🤘🎸💥)for me 🤣 - and I've bought a handful of pedals (and a guitar) not SOLELY on your content, but heavily influenced by YOU - you weren't faking - you seem like a genuine guy SHARING what he digs (and I appreciate that) I'd like it if you went back to your original formula, because that's what made this channel enjoyable for ME - but just do whatever the fuck YOU want - life is short - have fun 🤘🎸💥
You mean the formula where i sat there and turned knobs for 15 minutes? I stopped doing those because every videos average was around 2.5 minutes watch time so i assumed they were to long
I dunno - (honestly, I don't have the time to wade through your past stuff to be sure 🤣) I mean - one or two guitars - one or two amps - THEN I knew what the pedal sounded like - no offense, but I feel that with the IR and plug-in bullshit, it's EASY to get a smooth polished sound - I want real-world guitar/pedal/amp/cab 💥BOOM! No hype - and while I appreciate your ever evolving backing tracks, etc, it's YOU being honest, NOT any bullshit background gear or fancy production tech doodads - I'm not a millennial - (sorry kids, BUT...🙄) I appreciate the REAL. Passion in playing, and GRIT. - warts and all .. You haven't failed until you give up. Have you learned a lot? (Yes?) Have you inspired people (Yes!) Are you having fun? (I hope so!) I don't know...I appreciate what you do - I don't always have the time or interest to stick with you all the way through if it doesn't slay me AT THAT TIME - I don't watch a LOT of NEW gear vids - I hear about something I think might be interesting, and research it. Do what turns YOU on - don't worry about what others want or say - do YOUR thing - ...and THAT, my friend, is SUCCESS! 🤘🎸💥
Did Kyuss fail? Nah man, and neither did you. Let's just say, what you do is highly specialized, and the majority of people aren't going to "get it". Thank you for being you and I look forward to catching your vids (especially the ones focusing on riffs/songs/tutorials - very handy) in the future. Taker easy man ✌
I’m fairly new to your channel but, I have say new gear is a bit overrated used gear would be a great avenue to go down take the things your into and see about going through used gear to get great tone on a budget! I found a Jem recently with the Hughes and Kettner Vortex a mid 90’s solid state amp that almost get close to early High on Fire tone with minimum effort sounds crushing to my ears with a orange cabinet mixed with a Randall 4X12. So many gems of the past people have forgotten about that could be had for $100-$200 bucks. I personally think pedals shouldn’t cost more than $90 bucks max!
I’m sure in the minority, but the variety of content and not just doing demos of new stuff was refreshing. I liked the channel the way you were doing it but I get what you’re saying.
I don't think you should use the word "fail" and "failure", man. I think you are just adapting to what hasn't worked out as well as expected. Like so many other things, it was much easier 10-15 years ago to start guitar-related content on this platform. A big backdrop of Where's Waldo? might help for scenery.
You haven’t failed and you don’t want to be like Chapman. Lol You’re doing what you like to do. That’s not a fail. I like your channel because it isn’t cookie cutter. I’m sick of the thumbnails with the shocked guitarists that can’t believe how transparent their 808 clone is. I’m fuckin done! lol Long haul, my dude. I’ll be here. Cheers!
There's so many douchebag gear reviewers on UA-cam. That just aggravate my soul anymore. Man you're certainly NOT one of those turds. Your presentations are very helpful and straightforward. You're also a cool person. I look forward to your content Bro. 🤘🏼💀🔥
So here’s my take. After 2 years of watching gear demos, I’ve had enough. And I mean from every single UA-camr. I’ve bought so much gear from people on UA-cam and when I get it home, it’s just a big muff or a typical amp. It’s all bullshit lies. I hate that processed audio run though stupid fake cabs simulators. You have great riffs buddy. I like lessons on just sick riffs. I want to hear real guitars tones from a room mic. So yeah teach riffs. I think you even said once people waste time looking for that dream gear when they should be practicing.
Hey bro, that was a bit hard to watch to be honest, I've only been subscribed for a little over a year I think n I dig the way you play, sometimes having the wall of amps can be a bit pretentious mate, I want to know more about you though, that would be very cool, you have your own vibe n personality, I can relate to you so I aint fucking leaving, they'll need a wrecking ball to get me out of here - Wolf Of Wall Street for you there 😆 honestly bud i'm all in
@@TheDistortionPrinciple Hehee I have been like that more times than I care to remember, it was the 90s mate, not sure it was worth kidney damage though 😂
@@TheDistortionPrinciple also beware the algo/data driven approach that really just will push you to look like everyone else but its 80/20, which just favors bigger channels vs smaller ones. so its a losers game
It seems like YT likes/sub numbers are the new crypto currency? That said, just as there are boutique amp/pedal/guitar builders, so too are there boutique YT chans. This channel always struck me as one, as a niche channel catering to a certain sonic clique. There is a certain amount of integrity to that, don't you think? At this point, I'm sub'd to about 4 or 5 gear review/demo chans, having unsub'd to the majority of the ones I used to watch b/c I simply got sick of watching all these sleazy on-line con men hustling suckers from their pimped out home studios. The YT gear/demo scene has hit a point of max saturation, imo. Sure, there will still be arch- shills like Ola and Fluff roping in impressionable suckers w/ disposable income, but the future of review vids is going to be authenticity, that is people reviewing gear they bought w/ their own money and letting you hear what said gear really sounds like w/o a shittonne of post processing/ sonic turd polishing.
Thanks! Ive probably turned off lots of brands when they see what i say about them or other brands but i want viewers to know exactly what i think of items. My tonal base is definitely not the mainstream appeal and I'm glad you're watching these videos I make
@@TheDistortionPrinciple Well that's the thing, are they doing a review or a paid infomercial? I mean seriously how often do you actually come across a YT gear review where someone actually has the balls to come out and say this pedal/app/amp/guitar sucks? But no, everything's a "game changer" nowadays. You know what really pisses me off though? These self-appointed metal "specialists" who are always headbanging to their own tired, cliched riffs in an attempt to distract the viewer away from the fact that what they're hearing sounds like canned ass recorded in a plastic bathtub at the bottom of a well.
Canned ass recorded in a plastic bath tub is exactly what my channel consists of - mind if I borrow that descriptor? On a serious note, fuck paid schills overhyping the 75th anniversary of the 45th reissue of the Klon-S9 Muff.
Ok, man, real talk time: Most people will never be famous. If you compare yourself against the top 5%, you'll end up depressed and disappointed in yourself because you're chasing a fantasy. The same 'most people' will never own a high end rig and will get by using cheaper gear. I think your channel is perfect, because it's more down to earth and realistic compared to the likes of Fluff, whom you mentioned yourself. Don't get me wrong, Fluff makes great content, but most people can't afford those amps.
Im a fan here for the long haul.
People want the wall of amps, dedicated recording studio, day 1 reviews etc. then they complain about sponsored vids. Can't have it both ways.
Exactly. Theres one sure fire way to get that wall and thats to do what people dont want like you said.
@@discocrisco absolutely spot on!
Dude I like your channel. It felt like a channel for the bedroom guitar playing guys. I'm going to be here buddy \m/ !
Thanks! Glad ya dig it.
I wouldn't say you've failed at all, Mark! I find your content to be very fun to watch and truly authentic, very similar to the direction a lot of other successful creators have taken as of late (talking outside the guitar niche). Gear demos are definitely super saturated, so I think searching for a different way to present things is something we all must be thinking about--I know I am. I loved the format of this video, by the way. Keep it up, brother.
Thanks man! So much inspiration in this comments section to keep me going
I’m subscribed because you’re not playing a character and aren’t artificially amped up. You seem like someone I could hang out and jam with. As a fellow fat old guy with a beard, I’m staying subbed.
Yea man those super amped guy are cringe lol. Welcome to the fat guy club! 😆
Looking forward to the next vid!
Thanks!
Sorry dude, love your channel and your playing, looking forward to move videos in the future ❤
Thanks! I got some new ideas to try out
you didn't fail.
I think i just got to hung up on analytics lately instead of enjoying what i do
I really enjoy this channel. Your gear reviews brought me here and your quality playing and relatable personality kept me coming back.
Thanks! Gonna try some non demo things here and there and see how it goes
I feel like videos that aren't as gear focused would be refreshing. You're so right about the formula.
It also always feels like a veiled way of soliciting whatever new product someone's desperate to sell you.
Getting a real detailed lesson, a cool story, or an album review, etc., would be WAY better imo?
The "Look at my expensive Orange/Laney wtf amps, while I stroke my beard, and make craft fuzz pedals for bedroom dwellers to put on credit cards, etc.", is a surprisingly crowded corner of the market.
People think that if they obtain gear, they will become better at music. I hate that's what it's become.
Idc if you have the same amp in the background! I'm tired of being told I need more shit, and having people showing me their new shit! It's exhausting.
You seem to be genuine and honest.
You haven't failed. Don't quit!
You're actually more relatable here.
You're not "going off...". That's your personality dude.
I'm still subscribing, so are many others here!
Thanks! Ive always tried to just be me and make it like hanging out. Maybe not the most engaging way but i gotta do it my way so i dont feel super dirty lol
Please don't give up or quit. I really like your channel because I can relate to you and your surroundings (playing in the house) more than I can relate to those other guys with their fancy setups and backdrops.
Thanks! All the kind words here helped re-energize me so im gonna stick around but still going.to try some new approaches
I’m a recent newcomer to your channel but I love it because your musical taste are similar to mine and you come across on camera as a good dude. Keep plugging away at it!
Thanks man!
Old guy with beard here too, Lol. Just found your channel and subscribed. I really enjoy it, and if you enjoy it, please do it as you feel inspired or have time. Its not a competition etc... I think that there is room for your channel.
@@JeffYoung-e5v thanks! Glad you like it around here
Man you didn’t fail. People really dig your videos. Myself included. I’ve been watching you on my personal account for a while. There’s a space for everyone. I dig that your videos don’t show me a piece of gear the way so many others do. Too often gear gets pigeonholed or over hyped by some of the bigger channels - who I also enjoy. But I love seeing stuff demoed in different ways and different contexts. Just keep being the Distortion Principle. That’s what we’re here for!
Thanks dude! I'm glad you like it here and i hope the new stuff I'm gonna try lands well and that you enjoy it as well.
@@TheDistortionPrinciple I’m here to watch people do what they want to do, how they want to do it. That’s always my goal and I love seeing it from other people!
Ha I feel like I found your channel only recently. I plan on sticking around
Thanks! Glad you like it here!
Hey man. I Found your channel a month or so back and personally love the channel, format and no bs approach to your reviewing and demos. I’ve actually selected my next fuzz purchase solely off the BAT of your review of the Priestess Fuzz, so cannot wait! 🤘🏻Lastly Your riffs, sound and playing are fricking ACE man so just keep doing what you’re doing. Big Thanks from London, UK. 🍻
Thanks! Im glad i posted this video so many kind words helps to energize
This is my first vid ive seen from you and id say just do it because this is what you got a nut for doing. Looking through your channel and as someone trying to make things happen as well id call it a success.
Thanks!
I know the numbers tell one story, but I love the fact that unfiltered. I love all of your videos since I found your channel. When you start changing stuff around don’t change you. I love channels that the host says what exactly is on his mind, not worrying about what others think. That’s you. I’ll still be waiting for the next video.
Thanks! Im trying to decide between 2 ideas for the next one. One of them might be highly controversial in the world of doom lol
@@TheDistortionPrinciple that sounds awesome!!!
Salutations from Sweden ! Don't be too hard on yourself, keep doing what YOU like F the other stuff....keep in mind Ola did amp demos for his forum buddies for a long time before "making it", it takes time i think :)
btw I found you cause of your Laney love.
Thanks! Laney is great stuff!
Just wanted to reach out and say that I really enjoy your content and I plan on staying subbed and watching. I have heard from a lot of the creators that I watch that it is exhausting to continually be checking the analytics and figuring out what the almighty algorithm wants today. Personally, I would love to see some "Doom in your bedroom" content where you look at ways of making huge sounds in a small space for all the bedroom players out there. Either way, keep up the good work!
One of the future plans is record doom course and a writing doom course. Im glad you like it here!
Dude, I enjoy your channel. It may not be a big flashy production in every video, but it's relative to my interests, and you seem like a cool person, who interacts with the viewers. Don't worry about the analytics
Very good point. Analytics will drive you crazy
I am glad you aren't quitting. I only recently discovered your channel (I think when looking up videos of the BAT Pharaoh and some DID pedals). I am looking forward to the new direction you want to take.
For what it's worth, I appreciate your insights into gear more than a lot of other channels because you are a dude who is grinding daily and working towards goals in your off time. I have especially liked recent video tutorials of setting up and recording.
I wonder if guitar lesson videos would get more views than gear demos because the GAS has worn off many YT viewers after the pandemic and gear price hikes.
Did you ever set up a Discord for community?
Either way, I wish you good luck with the next phase. I will be here for it. Cheers duder.
Thanks! Im way old ao i dont even kmwo what to do with discord lol. Im still debating a patreon but want to come up with really cool perks not just a typical shoutout. I do have some lessons and tutorials ideas to work through but i want to give it a more entertaining angle. So thats all part of the change im gonna do here
A doom writing course? Ooh! I like the sound of that. Love your channel man! It is my most anticipated video of the week. You would be an awesome neighbor to jam and have Doom barbecues with.
You’re an awesome guy and helped me to find one of my favorite pedals.
Hell yea, thanks!
I wasnt getting your videos in my feed for months and then your channel popped up again recently. Was subscribed the whole time.
Personally I like your channel because you dont have that typical "influencer" stench.
Im also interested in videos on songwriting and your approach to production. More videos there than just gear demos.
Take care man :)
I've actually wanted to make a doom writing course and mixing course
I really like your videos and I like the tones you get from stuff that maybe other people try, as well. In fact I decided to grab a Warlow pedal for your video on that. Keep on doom the free world! Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷
Warlow is a beast! Thanks
I been watching since early on , I keep watching to see if you will ever fix that dresser handle that’s loose top drawer left
Its part of tje vibe lol
Mark, those of us that have been around for a little bit are in for the long haul. The thing about your channel that attracted me to it was the fact that you're NOT a Chapman, McKnight et al. When you don't have the manufacturers dumping product into your lap every week, it's tough. Buying equipment on your dime gets ridiculously expensive and let's face it, times are f'ing tough right now. People want the new gear reviews but then want to whine about guys getting "free" gear. UA-cam is a funny place brother. I'm in it til you quit all together or you decide to keep going. Do it on your time when you want to . Keep the enthusiasm for the channel instead of making it a job. You're right, it's saturated but people will come to the channel if you're honest and enjoy what you're doing. Keep at it and when you stop trying to make it grow is exactly when it will( a chick said the same thing to one night , but I digress). I don't know if you have a small mom and pop music store nearby, but maybe work out a deal with them to review their gear and give them some advertising in return. Just spit balling here so forgive me if I'm out of line. Anyway, hope you keep at it, but understand if you don't. I will say this last thing, the fact that you have 2.59K subscribers is a feat in itself my man. It's hard as hell to grow a channel these days. You're way ahead of some guys here who are still in the 2 digit subscriber base after being here for years. It's a pretty big deal in my book. You've got 2500 people in this self centered world, that wanna see your stuff.
Thanks for alot! Tons or great perspectives here and yea my wife tells me the make it grow thing daily. 😆
You're one of the most solid guys we got, real tones, real applications, real opinions.
I never understood how people watch channels like Sweetwater: "Here's fuckin Don playing the same 3 pentatonic licks for time and saying 'ya maaan this thing is awesome maaan'. "
You're an esteemed member of the doom/stoner/metal demo community dude. I'll stick around for sure, and thanks for all the hours you put in to this.
It definitely takes alot of hours! Glad i posted this. So many kind words here
Subscriber here, don't overthink things. You seem like a genuine guy who cant fake it so make content you feel comfortable with.
PS I like gear demos but not always the latest or most expensive stuff, that gets boring because everyone is doing the same stuff at the same time.
Thanks! Glas you like it
For growth, all I think you need is really good loud and clear audio and consistent uploads. Both of those things will attract and retain people who are interested.
Good points
I prefer watching guitar players that DON'T have a wall of amps, don't have fancy shelf with cool lighting on their pedals and all the fancy expensive stuff. I can not relate to those people. Keep doing what you're doing. I'll watch every video.
Yea those dudes have a whole price of a house sitting there lol
I was drawn to your channel by the critical BC Rich videos. Just do your thing and I will follow on the wavelength.
Thanks alot!
Dude, unless you're really trying to make money from UA-cam, then I wouldn't worry about it. You have great content, and I'll remain subscribed regardless. I don't give a shit about fancy backgrounds, etc. I haven't been "around" lately because I've been busy with other stuff not because you suck.
I make a little pocket change not alot but the only disheartening thing is when you look at your analytics and youre doing half as well as you were. Thanks for all the support man!
@@TheDistortionPrinciple, UA-cam is pretty fucking stupid to be honest. I haven't seen any of your videos recommended lately, so I assumed you hadn't made anything recently. I started my own channel a few months ago about wildlife photography and have been posting videos or shorts daily. I'm not trying to make any money, so I don't care if it gets popular, but there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to which videos get the most views. I think a lot of it is just a matter of luck due to the algorithms. In my experience, the most popular channels tend to be garbage. For what it's worth, I think you have some of the best and most honest content in this genre.
@@throgwarhammer7162 thanks dude! Im gonna go check yours out as well. Yea i get told often that it doesnt show up for people so it makes you wonder how they pick the ones to promote to be honest
its ok dude not every can be Andy Martin! thank you for being you and keeping it real! doom on brother!
Thanks! And you're right just gotta stay in my zone and ignore the rest
Mark I'm a proud lifer and will not abandon your channel or your musical output (unless you release a Cold Lake glam sellout!) this video illustrates perfectly why we are all probably here - you are genuine - not some pretentious sponsored infomercial. Your Art of the Riff series for example is killer and I can see you going into greater tone matching and riff writing process explanation. There's enough fakes and posers out there, you've got respect which isn't counted in subscription numbers or analytics unfortunately.
Im cold lake the fuck out of it! Lol
@@TheDistortionPrinciple 🤣🤣
make this whatever you want it to be. Money is a dynamic beast, doing what everyone else is doing isn't the answer, as you mentioned. You're different than Ola, Fluff and others and personally, that's what draws me into new channels. Uniqueness. Keep your whiteboard flowing with ideas, and try not to worry about the algorithms. Your channel is cool .. because you are cool and you videos are unique. Drop a tapestry on your wall, shoot up a light on an angle if that is a concern, but that's just like a book cover, the actual good stuff is inside. 🤘
@@andrews6505 id like better lighting so the video would look nicer and a tapestry woukd look really cool behind me. Maybe the typical pedal shelf? 😆
Yea man I love yr channel the Tony I. Stuff is great yr pedal demos just take a break and be back keep strong f them
Thanks! I need to do another iommi thing soon!
You could add some tech video, for example, i like how you program your drums and i have a really hard time using reaper, ezdrummer and stuff like that, maybe it could be usefull for people like me, and surely i can't aske it to fluff :D ! A lot of the points in your list(the absence of a professional studio and stuff like that) for me is a good thing because it put you at the same level of your followers..so keep it up!
Anyway, here in Italy, people with huge number of followers are suffering for the lack of views, so maybe there's something wrong on YO in general.
I definitely have debated xoing some recording based videos. I plan on doing a recording and mixing doom course
I’m still sitting at about 400 subs after about 5 years. I’m not gonna stop, i do it for fun. I have no advice for success, if i did I wouldn’t be posting the crap i do 😂.
Keep rockin man
Lol right on dude! I figured when Henning name dropped you it was gonna make ya huge
@@TheDistortionPrinciple i get named alot but my content is apparently not pushed by tge algorithm unless it’s the short with baby geese, 😂 thats my highest viewed video 😂😂🦢
@@PooNinja 😆. Yea the secret to getting pushed i still need to learn
@@TheDistortionPrinciple apparently it’s baby geese 🪿 😂
@@PooNinja lol send it!
Just got into doom. Also at 50 i finally just got all the gear i could need to do home recordings. I sure could use a channel to help a guy who dosent know what he's doing. Ive been in a gew bands but the actual recording was always done by someone else. I have a decent mixer, a decent amp, a few pedals and a computer. Gear videos are a dime a dozen but teaching HOW to record ? Thats what im really looking for. How do i take all this to a new level ?
I may be an old fat guy with a beard but I dig your channel. I trust that your not schilling for companies and that means everything as far as gear reviews go. Keep going bro
Thanks! I gotta say there are aome brands I've said critical stuff about but they still let me check stuff out after so that says alot about the character of them as well
@@TheDistortionPrinciple I had serious medical problems that stopped me from even playing guitar for 10 years. Before bad ticker killed my band and ability to play music even, I was in bands. I played many gigs for many years, put out a couple albums, sat in with some serious players. I need music, I said screw it rather die with my guitar in my hands than in a hospital bed. My playing has never been better, the issue with me is I know nothing about the gear around these days. You've helped more than you know, I am broke but saving pennies and getting the gear I need. Thank you for your videos.
The thing is.... you haven't been found yet. You didn't fail. Do what you want and enjoy doing and don't worry about the numbers. I have been on UA-cam for a long time now, like years now. I just do what I enjoy doing and share will everyone who wants to watch. I don't worry about numbers, I'm not getting paid by UA-cam, and I not trying to make UA-cam my life. I have a little more subs then you do. I know most of my subs are prob bots. Just be you, do what you do, and hell with the numbers.
Agreed man! I like seeing the mods and refina you dom the maiden stuff was hella cool. Maybe we could do a collab refin someday. Send you one i have laying around or something lol. Yea numbers will drove you nuts
@@TheDistortionPrinciple That would be cool.
How about a segment called "you show my yours and I'll show you mine" where subscribers can show off their guitars,amps and general rig set up ?
That would be great idea!
First and foremost, brother, do what you enjoy. Do what you enjoy for YOURSELF.
Very wise words!
WHEN I SUBSCRIBED I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO FOCUS ON GUITAR TUTORIALS.WE NEED A SYMTOM OF THE UNIVERSE TUTORIAL.PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP.
Hmmm that's a good song choice!
Who cares what everyone wants your channel is amazing because of the individuality of you also I dig your riffs
Thanks! Thats kind if the thing. I want to change it up to make a little more of my real personality shine through!
@@TheDistortionPrinciple I can’t wait I am always gonna be around to support you
@@joshferguson9703 thanke! Really glad i posted this today. Lots of support here
Fuck that i like the achievable setups, now i dont feel like i need a 30k set up, for a pedal i want sound good. And your riffs are awesome and almost achievable to me , spent a fair bit time trying to learn a few make my own out of. I dont like watching super shredders super shredded a full setup i can afford with a skill set ill never achieve and im also a death and roll guy more then a speed/thrash metal guy . In short i find your gear demos more useful and your playing style more realistic to what and how i want to play ill selfishly say continue on with it
Thanks! Yea all the comments on this video kept me motivated to keep pushing. 30k rigs are absolutely not needed IMO.
I despise channels like Phillip McKnight, bought and paid for shills . When you post , I’ll watch.
Shilling is a problem.for real
@@TheDistortionPrinciple most of those channels are ego trips for the person posting. Oh , look I’ve 25 guitars on the wall, or look at how many amps and pedals I have . I’d rather watch something real like you and your guitar channel sucks , does it doom . Music is Win makes me ill 🤧. You ever notice how the people who are really good at something are humble and self deprecating , not show offs. I met John Sykes when blue murder was opening for Bon Jovi 🤢 . Nice as hell, carmines and Tony as well. Met Billy Duffy , nice as heck . BB King had all us stage hands come back for a meet and greet after the show. These UA-cam influencers are fake jokes of a channel. Maybe you can green screen the fortress of Sauron for your background. 💀🤘☠️☠️
Hey man - you've helped me (and I would think, countless other fat old guys with beards 🤣) by just being YOU.
I don't know how ANY of this shit "works" or is "supposed" to work ( or what you are ultimately want or are trying to achieve/get out of this) but you have been one of UA-cam Supreme enablers of G.A.S.
(and DOOM 🤘🎸💥)for me 🤣 - and I've bought a handful of pedals (and a guitar) not SOLELY on your content, but heavily influenced by YOU - you weren't faking - you seem like a genuine guy SHARING what he digs (and I appreciate that)
I'd like it if you went back to your original formula, because that's what made this channel enjoyable for ME - but just do whatever the fuck YOU want - life is short - have fun 🤘🎸💥
You mean the formula where i sat there and turned knobs for 15 minutes? I stopped doing those because every videos average was around 2.5 minutes watch time so i assumed they were to long
I dunno - (honestly, I don't have the time to wade through your past stuff to be sure 🤣) I mean - one or two guitars - one or two amps - THEN I knew what the pedal sounded like - no offense, but I feel that with the IR and plug-in bullshit, it's EASY to get a smooth polished sound - I want real-world guitar/pedal/amp/cab 💥BOOM!
No hype - and while I appreciate your ever evolving backing tracks, etc, it's YOU being honest, NOT any bullshit background gear or fancy production tech doodads -
I'm not a millennial - (sorry kids, BUT...🙄) I appreciate the REAL. Passion in playing, and GRIT. - warts and all ..
You haven't failed until you give up.
Have you learned a lot? (Yes?) Have you inspired people (Yes!)
Are you having fun? (I hope so!)
I don't know...I appreciate what you do - I don't always have the time or interest to stick with you all the way through if it doesn't slay me AT THAT TIME - I don't watch a LOT of NEW gear vids - I hear about something I think might be interesting, and research it.
Do what turns YOU on - don't worry about what others want or say - do YOUR thing -
...and THAT, my friend, is SUCCESS! 🤘🎸💥
Did Kyuss fail? Nah man, and neither did you. Let's just say, what you do is highly specialized, and the majority of people aren't going to "get it". Thank you for being you and I look forward to catching your vids (especially the ones focusing on riffs/songs/tutorials - very handy) in the future. Taker easy man ✌
Thanks. Glad you dig them
Maybe it's just summer time. people going outside doing shit.. don't quit!!🤘🤘
Great point!
I’m fairly new to your channel but, I have say new gear is a bit overrated used gear would be a great avenue to go down take the things your into and see about going through used gear to get great tone on a budget! I found a Jem recently with the Hughes and Kettner Vortex a mid 90’s solid state amp that almost get close to early High on Fire tone with minimum effort sounds crushing to my ears with a orange cabinet mixed with a Randall 4X12. So many gems of the past people have forgotten about that could be had for $100-$200 bucks. I personally think pedals shouldn’t cost more than $90 bucks max!
Old gear is very cool, hell most of the boutique stuff is cloning them anyway 😆
I’m sure in the minority, but the variety of content and not just doing demos of new stuff was refreshing. I liked the channel the way you were doing it but I get what you’re saying.
Thanks! Gonna still vary it up here
I don't think you should use the word "fail" and "failure", man. I think you are just adapting to what hasn't worked out as well as expected. Like so many other things, it was much easier 10-15 years ago to start guitar-related content on this platform.
A big backdrop of Where's Waldo? might help for scenery.
Thanks yea i have a painting from Picasso to put up there called the guitarist
You haven’t failed and you don’t want to be like Chapman. Lol
You’re doing what you like to do. That’s not a fail. I like your channel because it isn’t cookie cutter. I’m sick of the thumbnails with the shocked guitarists that can’t believe how transparent their 808 clone is. I’m fuckin done! lol
Long haul, my dude. I’ll be here. Cheers!
I am not a fan of oh faces lol
There's so many douchebag gear reviewers on UA-cam. That just aggravate my soul anymore. Man you're certainly NOT one of those turds. Your presentations are very helpful and straightforward. You're also a cool person. I look forward to your content Bro. 🤘🏼💀🔥
Thanks!
You didnt fail. Not making a channel would have been a failure.
Great point!
So here’s my take. After 2 years of watching gear demos, I’ve had enough. And I mean from every single UA-camr. I’ve bought so much gear from people on UA-cam and when I get it home, it’s just a big muff or a typical amp. It’s all bullshit lies. I hate that processed audio run though stupid fake cabs simulators. You have great riffs buddy. I like lessons on just sick riffs. I want to hear real guitars tones from a room mic. So yeah teach riffs. I think you even said once people waste time looking for that dream gear when they should be practicing.
@@grantotterson1925 very good point. I dont watch them nearly as much myself. I think perhaps alot of people are in the same boat
Hey bro, that was a bit hard to watch to be honest, I've only been subscribed for a little over a year I think n I dig the way you play, sometimes having the wall of amps can be a bit pretentious mate, I want to know more about you though, that would be very cool, you have your own vibe n personality, I can relate to you so I aint fucking leaving, they'll need a wrecking ball to get me out of here - Wolf Of Wall Street for you there 😆 honestly bud i'm all in
Lol! Thanks. Im wanna floor crawl like leonardo 😆
@@TheDistortionPrinciple Hehee I have been like that more times than I care to remember, it was the 90s mate, not sure it was worth kidney damage though 😂
@@deathmetalmadness4642 meh buy a few spare kidneys and roll
@@TheDistortionPrinciple 😂 Just rock man, screw all that feelings stuff, Metal is in my veins - the Famous lifestyle guru James Hetfield
also summer slump , hence why ads pay less during summer
@@st9919 ahh didn't know that
@@TheDistortionPrinciple also beware the algo/data driven approach that really just will push you to look like everyone else but its 80/20, which just favors bigger channels vs smaller ones. so its a losers game
@@st9919 yep! I used to watch all the youtube gurus and tried all the tips tje best i could. Never really helped 😆
It seems like YT likes/sub numbers are the new crypto currency?
That said, just as there are boutique amp/pedal/guitar builders, so too are there boutique YT chans. This channel always struck me as one, as a niche channel catering to a certain sonic clique. There is a certain amount of integrity to that, don't you think? At this point, I'm sub'd to about 4 or 5 gear review/demo chans, having unsub'd to the majority of the ones I used to watch b/c I simply got sick of watching all these sleazy on-line con men hustling suckers from their pimped out home studios.
The YT gear/demo scene has hit a point of max saturation, imo. Sure, there will still be arch- shills like Ola and Fluff roping in impressionable suckers w/ disposable income, but the future of review vids is going to be authenticity, that is people reviewing gear they bought w/ their own money and letting you hear what said gear really sounds like w/o a shittonne of post processing/ sonic turd polishing.
Thanks! Ive probably turned off lots of brands when they see what i say about them or other brands but i want viewers to know exactly what i think of items. My tonal base is definitely not the mainstream appeal and I'm glad you're watching these videos I make
@@TheDistortionPrinciple Well that's the thing, are they doing a review or a paid infomercial? I mean seriously how often do you actually come across a YT gear review where someone actually has the balls to come out and say this pedal/app/amp/guitar sucks? But no, everything's a "game changer" nowadays.
You know what really pisses me off though? These self-appointed metal "specialists" who are always headbanging to their own tired, cliched riffs in an attempt to distract the viewer away from the fact that what they're hearing sounds like canned ass recorded in a plastic bathtub at the bottom of a well.
Canned ass recorded in a plastic bath tub is exactly what my channel consists of - mind if I borrow that descriptor?
On a serious note, fuck paid schills overhyping the 75th anniversary of the 45th reissue of the Klon-S9 Muff.
Ok, man, real talk time:
Most people will never be famous. If you compare yourself against the top 5%, you'll end up depressed and disappointed in yourself because you're chasing a fantasy. The same 'most people' will never own a high end rig and will get by using cheaper gear. I think your channel is perfect, because it's more down to earth and realistic compared to the likes of Fluff, whom you mentioned yourself. Don't get me wrong, Fluff makes great content, but most people can't afford those amps.
Very good prints
Well I like the channel because its more real. You dont have to have a fancy pedal wall or big boobs in my book. But I guess thats the competition lol
Ive got the boobs though lol
@@TheDistortionPrinciple not perky enough to wear sweaters and play harps lol
@@cobezcobez9430 lol!
I think the algorithm is hittin after this im not sub yet but you came to my feed now im subbing
Thanks!
Welcome to the train wreck lol !!! Keep the train rolling brutha !!! Love it
Lol thanks!