Dealing with Addiction in the Music Industry
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- Опубліковано 4 чер 2020
- ➡️➡️Click the links below for resources for dealing with alcoholism and drug addiction:
➡️Alcoholics Anonymous: www.aa.org/
➡️Narcotics Anonymous: www.na.org/
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➡️➡️Today's FAQ Friday questions:
➡️As a producer, engineer, or mixer, how do you handle sessions with people that are living in the edge? How do you keep control of the situations and still coax incredible performances of someone who is clearly high or intoxicated? 0:46
➡️Apart from extended low end, better stereo image, flatter sound, less distortion, and more stable sound of different volumes, are there are other significant benefits of getting a pair of high end monitors? 14:53
Today’s featured FAQ Friday question is:
As a producer, engineer, or mixer, how do you handle sessions with people that are living in the edge? How do you keep control of the situations and still coax incredible performances of someone who is clearly high or intoxicated?
Alcoholism and drug addiction are very serious issues. In the music industry specifically, artists and other creators tend to be very vulnerable to these issues because of the fear and insecurity that can come with the job and because of the environments they may work in.
If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction to drugs or alcohol, there are many resources available that can support you through this time and help you deal with the addiction. AA and NA are great support networks, and they are available all over the country, so all you have to do is find the one nearest to you. For those in the music industry that may be in need of rehab, MusiCares helps people that are dealing with these issues.
When it comes to working with someone who may be struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, it can be a tricky situation. I have dealt with people coming into the studio who are drunk or high in the past. When you are dealing with this, it is important that you have clear boundaries. For example, I do not tolerate anyone in the studio who is incapable of doing their job. If someone comes in who is no able to work, then they will be asked to leave the session. It is not helpful to anyone to have someone there who cannot work, and it also makes it very difficult for you to run your business, as no work will get done.
With that being said, it is still important to be compassionate when working with someone who is dealing with addiction. You don’t have to be aggressive if you do have to ask someone to leave, but just be firm and professional, letting them know that they will be welcome back when they are able to work. You can also let them know there are resources available, if you think that is appropriate. While you cannot force someone to get help, you can let them know there is help available if they need it.
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Hi Friends, thanks ever so much in advance for sharing your experiences with us! This community is amazing and the way you help each other is truly marvellous to behold! Please leave your FAQ Friday questions below!
Produce Like A Pro What is the meaning of life the universe and everything ????
@@gilbertspader7974 42
i have 2 questions.
1. i just formed a band with my close friends who are amazing musicians. i'm also the producer and the mixer. so i was mixing our first song. there are a few things which i like in the mix but they don't. i'm always open to criticism but when it's always something that you're really proud of and the next day your bandmates don't really dig it. most of the times they're right but well, haha. i'm blessed to be with people who are open for a healthy and honest conversation, so we don't have toxic fights. what advice would you give to us-about discussing things like songwriting, mix decisions, marketing-whatever advice you can give.
also we want to make all genres of music, don't want to stick with a genre. i'm all for that, but will it decrease our audience? as it's hard to target an audience for marketing the song.
2. why does my snare always sound like garbage? in every song i discover it sooner or later that my snare is terrible. please help me 😭
My question is: when working on and an album or EP, how do you approach keeping a consistent sound when mixing? Furthermore, how can you keep a consistent tone when same instruments across songs were recorded in different moments, studios, or even engineering approach?. Thanks
I am am working toward playing bass live with a band . I need to know what size amp should I get to play with guitar and drums ??? A 50 watt guitar amp easily does this but the bass seems to need more power . What size speaker and wattage would you recommend ?
Cocaine nearly killed me, ruined me financially, destroyed my family, and completely derailed my music career, but 28 sober years later recording is still my joy and most of my family likes me now.
Congratulations on sobriety
Thanks ever so much Scott for sharing your experience, strength and hope with us my friend!!
@@SteveH4es yes, agreed 100%!!
Scott Baxendale congratulations. I was a lucky in the sense that when most people around me were constantly using hard drugs I never really cared for any of them. Then I tried cocaine. Hung around peo0le that always had it as I could seldom afford it. I had one incident when I didn’t do any one day and it completely changed my personality to the point I didn’t recognize myself. I immediately realized that this was the beginning of addiction. Fortunately by then I had met the love of my life.I decided to stop at that point. To this day it’s the only drug I crave. I’m lucky that no one around me does it. So I canny imagine what it must be like to have been really hooked. I don’t know if I would of had the strength if I had dived deeper into that pool. Respect to you to have done it. Stay safe.
Jim Labos It took me a half a million dollars worth before I had enough.
As a medical doctor, I would like to thank you for unveiling the truth beneath the drugs and alcohol in the music industry.
Thanks ever so much Hani for your wonderful comment my friend!
I was a heroin addict, wanting to be like the grunge stars I idolized in the 90s, nearly killed me multiple times. The crazy thing was that I thought I didn't have a problem, and that other people should just except that I was going to live my life like this. I've been clean and sober now for 14 years. The creativity is so much more powerful - it's true that I felt dulled by the drugs, but now I can focus my energy more on songwriting and performing. I'm a Grown Ass Man now and I professional. Thanks for bringing this topic up
As a gigging musician I'm constantly bombarded by those who want to pay and tip with alcohol. Pure air, pure water, and pure musicians make the purist music! Cheers Warren!!
Thanks ever so much my friend!!
You’re a good dude man. Glad I got my substance issues addressed. Life changing.
Congratulations Nathan!!
So amazing Nathan to hear! Thanks ever so much for sharing my friend!
I'm a recovering opioid addict who was in denial for 32 of the 35 years I spent in active addiction. I never used Heroin, as my particular choice was pain meds, and I had myself conned into thinking I didn't have a problem. I would take a dose large enough to kill an opioid naive individual for breakfast and again at regular intervals during the day. I spent the last year or 2 when using just trying to stave off the withdrawals and feel somewhat normal. I hadn't been high for years and I was bleeding internally, was severely anaemic, broke and exhausted from feeding the demon. One day I just knew I had to stop and I took the necessary steps and I'm clean and sober 14 months later. Not one person in the 35 years I used had any ability or influence on me. An addict can only stop when they themselves own it and decide because I promised so many times that I would stop, but I never did, except the one time I decided to do it for me. I was never under the illusion that drugs made me more creative because they don't. That's a myth, a lie, and I believe if you can't play it sober then you won't be able to when you're altered. The amount of people who believe this is worrying. I don't drink nor do I partake of substances that I used but didn't become addicted to in the past and I am more creative because of it and I will never have to suffer from a hangover again. Sorry for the length of this but as a recovering addict I know it's a fight that no one can win. All addicts stop using eventually, either like I have, or in the manner Layne Staley and countless other talented people did. This probably reads like a rant and I might delete it but it might help someone seek help because help is out there and life is worth it.
Thank you for sharing your story - All the best to you :-)
No....very brave ...i am sure we all salute you . This may be a silly question ? Did you have trouble with pain relief for sprains , headaches , cuts , burns , etc ? Being that your tolerance was so high....was it impossible to get relief ? Or would it still work for those ailments ? In any case bravo ...keep strong .
Hi Rubievale, thank you ever so much for your amazing comment! Sharing your experience with everyone here is incredible, it's brave, heartfelt and helps so many people! So many people feel left by the sidelines when they read about or see these seemingly perfect people living perfect lives! I remember that quote, which rings Sio true, don't judge your insides to other peoples insides!
World should have more this kind of honesty. I salute you. All the best to you.
Distilled truth . Harsh and real .
Spoken Like a Pro
Thanks ever so much my friend!
Already had a huge amount of respect for you purely based on your production/mixing knowledge, ability to teach it and also the fact that you’re clearly a proper musician (having seen short snippets of you playing guitar in your tutorials). Now some real heartfelt wisdom on sensitive issues articulated in such a genuine way. Is there anything you can’t do? Thank you so much for all that you do here on your channel 🙏
Hi Jack, you're very kind my friend! I really appreciate your wonderful comment! I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren!
I have probably watched over 40 of your videos. You have never sounded more authoritative then you do on this topic. This is by far your best video in my opinion.
Also, here a word of warning: A producer friend of mine was working with some rappers in Germany. One day driving to the studio they both got busted. My friend had no idea this guy was dealing and it ended up nearly ruining his life. Don't associate with crooks, and keep that line nice and sharp.
Thanks ever so much for your great comment! This is a subject very close to my heart!
The fact that you dedicated a video to mostly this issue speaks volumes. As a musician that has been down the addiction roller coaster I can definitely say I’m far more talented sober
So well said my friend!!
I started recording again to get away from all the Booz n Drugs. Keeps me focused and i play so much better! Even if i have a few beers my fingers don’t work like they are supposed to.
I had my last drink in April 2005 and I'm trying to hold out through November 3rd. I think it's hard to give anything up if you phrase it as a loss. It's better to want something instead: to not be be a threat to your friends and family; to get your mind and memory back; the feeling that the blood in your veins is like a cool mountain stream and not a sewer.
I wanted to become a professional musician since I was only five years of age. Music was (and is) my life. I started to play the guitar when I was twelve and got good at it, because I wrote music as soon as I picked up that guitar. I went to the conservatory of music, studying jazz guitar and I was crazy productive. My creativity would never let me down.
When I turned 36 I slowly got addicted to (mainly) cocaine. It fucked up my whole life. I had everything and I lost it all. During the last two years of my addiction there wasn't a day when I didn't think it would be my last day. It was a dark life, I was affraid and I was in pain. When I finally realized that I had nothing left to lose, but the ones I love, I found the guts to seek for help and I managed to get sober. But it doesn't just end there. I used to say I don't know any addict who wouldn't want to give a leg to get sober. O irony. Four years after I got sober my right leg had to be amputated. I've been in debt for eleven years. And there's so much more.
Drugs don't write music. I couldn't write anything good for 15 years!
My inspiration and creativity and productivity finally began to flow again recently. I bought some cheap stuff to start recording again. I finally do the things that I felt so passionately about all my life until the drugs kicked in. I'm glad I found my joy in life again, partially because of channels like these (thank you, Warren!). But drugs took away 15 years of my life. 15 years that I'll never get back again. Just like I'll never get back my right leg.
Drugs don't write music. It takes away music.
Mario Driessen Thanks for sharing this. We’ve both been in that “band” and the drama from that band is unbearable.
Scott Baxendale ; You too? Thanks! Stay strong, my friend!
@@mariodriessen9740 I really, really appreciate your amazing honesty! It helps so many people! I can tell so many are responding to you and Scott and that its huge!
Produce Like A Pro ; Thank you, Warren!
I would love a video on the 60s sound. I recently found the multitracks of Jefferson Airplane's Somebody To Love, and the crisp shrill sound of the drums is amazing. Some tips about how instruments were EQ'd, how to achieve that classic psychedelic era end of the 60s sound
That's a marvellous idea my friend!! Thanks ever so much for the idea!
I love this! I built Jorma Kaukonen a guitar back in the 1980’s he’s been a friend ever since and has many great stories about Jefferson Airplane from that time. Both Jorma and Jack are great men of music and genuine nice guys!
He played us a cassette of him and Janis Joplin jamming in an apartment that was incredible! Al Schmidt was the producer on their early stuff,I believe? Al is the best!
@@scottbaxendale323 wow! I'd love to interview him! That would be incredible!!
Produce Like A Pro I’ll put in a word. He’s usually agreeable to that sort of stuff. If you did a Studio Tour of his Fur Peace Ranch would be huge!
warren, you are truly a stand-up human. just when i think you can’t impress me anymore with your humility and knowledge, you go and grab the heart. “as ever,” thank you thank you thank you sir. this was fantastic.
Wow! Thanks ever so much my friend! This is truly beautiful! Means so much to me!
A lot of respect for you putting this out; great job mate!
Thanks ever so much my friend! I really appreciate it!
For me, a layman's study of neuroscience was useful in understanding how my brain (and we as creatives) functions differently from most other folks. In the head. A quick read through of "This is Your Brian on Music" followed by "The Brain's Way of Healing" taught me that I am unfortunately predisposed towards addiction because of the way my brain responds to creative output. This has to do with endorphin creation. During the period following creative output, my brain goes into a kind of withdrawal that is similar to drugs wearing off because, well, the drugs my brain produced during creative output ARE wearing off. The urge then is to reach for a chemical substitute which I have learned rather painfully, is a poor substitute for the joy of creation. I get really sideways if I don't do music daily and sometimes the only way to fight off the black dog of depression is to force myself to practice my instrument no matter how much self loathing I'm enduring at the time. It's sometimes important to remind myself that process is valid no matter what and despite the poverty and loneliness that sometimes come with being a creative, I'm a worthwhile person. Hard to do sometimes, but essential. Clean and sober for a long time now but it's never easy being the sensitive type who feels things, sees things and has the need to express. To all those enduring the challenges, I wish you strength and courage. It really is worth it.
PS: this post earned my subscription and my respect. Thank you.
AA is a life saver. As a musician that played in a big band as an former active alcoholic and subsequently losing that gig and it taking years to get back on my feet - I can say the best decision was to go to those meetings with the old dudes and lose the ego and swallow the pride. I wish I had found AA when I was much younger! And my worst day sober is better than my best day high of drunk... and once you are sober in AA a while you’ll find your fellow musos. Great way of life! And be kind to yourselves! Great video!
Thank you, Warren! I love the diversity of the questions!
I love my beer, but I cannot imagine being late for appointments or being irresponsible to other persons, my job, my family etc... Great to hear that you're sharing all the links for people that need help. You are one truly wonderful person!
Have a great weekend!
Just excellent content brother! You are a good man. It shows through everything you do. I may not always comment but I always watch! All the best to you and yours.
So well said! And without breaking anonymity, I can absolutely substantiate all you've said about the artists who were "known" to have problems: that they were the least creative during those times. 17 years sober/clean here, and I thought I had it pretty well licked until it snuck up on me just a few months back - that old familiar urge. Very luckily, I have surrounded myself with like-minded and experienced people who noticed a bit of a change and started asking a lot of questions. Good questions. And they probably saved me from a relapse, if not death. It's serious business... but I can also say that I've had the most fun (and happiest moments), creative moments, etc. since being sober. Thanks for tackling this subject with so much respect and intelligence, Warren! There are probably quite a few people out there right now that needed to hear what you've said, and I'm glad you've said it.
Thanks for your non-judgemental video on the issue of drug and alcohol addiction. What you said about being compassionate and supportive, and also not being an enabler of the person’s addiction was spot on. I’m a long time sober and know a few very successful musicians through AA, and you’re right, there really isn’t an industry where a recovering addict is more welcomed.
Perfectly well said Kevin! Thanks ever so much for sharing! It's a very difficult subject and I'm very glad to see so many people that understand! There's just a few overly romanticising 'drug culture', where those of us who have worked in the industry and experienced have a very different perception! Thanks for sharing my friend!
Thank you for sharing your story Warren, I have no doubt there’s a lot more depth there than a 24 minute video can convey. Having grown up with an alcoholic step father and then working with several famously inebriated artists I couldn’t agree more on the destructive nature of substance abuse. I love your measured approach and of course, everything in moderation. 100% echo the sentiment, if you or someone you love is suffering, help them. Be there for them... don’t enable them, saying no with love is sometimes the best thing you can do for them. Thank you. ♥️
Thank you for addressing this difficult topic, Warren. I've been making music since the late 80s early 90s. Over the years I have seen many friends and companions fading away due to the abuse of alcohol and / or drugs. Not only musicians but also friends from the scene of which I was part of. It was a tough experience. You can try to reach a hand to help, but if the other person doesn't take it you can't do anything about it. Is a heartbreaking experience.
I also had a time in my life when I was on the brink of becoming an alcoholic. I was drinking way too much while being on tour a couple of years playing Irish Pubs all over Germany. Thank goodness I stopped before it got out of control.
Many people I know were not so lucky to have friends like I had who confronted me to the consequences of my lifestyle at the time, stood by my side, didn't give up and were willing to help me.
Heart-warming video! Much respect, it's not just about the music, you also care about the people. That's not something that's seen a lot in today's time and it's sad to say. Kudos!
Thank you so much Warren. I am a recovering addict. It is a tough road and we just need to take it day by day. I have been watch Your videos since before you started FAQ and they have helped me in so many ways. I even released my first video yesterday because of a video of yours I watched to jump in the deep end. Your a big inspiration. Thank you
I think you hit the nail on the head with this video! Very well spoken and professional.I fully support addicts getting the help they need and changing their life. And i'm glad someone addressed the truth about how drug abuse is viewed in the music industry. People assume that the industry encourages hardcore drug use and partying, and that just isn't how things are lol.
I also really liked that you pointed out that there's a difference between healthy recreational social fun, and substance abuse.
I commend you for spreading information and knowledge about addiction and how people can get help. It shows how much you care about the music community and it shows musicians that there are resources for them specifically when it comes to these things. And you're showing them that they're not alone in the fight.
Much respect. Love the content and I hope you're well in these crazy times!
@ Produce Like A Pro. Thanks Warren, for taking the time and being so candid on the first question. I’ve been to too many funerals of talented friends who took things a bit too extreme and never came back!
Great video and educational! I don't do drugs either or abuse alcohol. I have compassion for people who are going through that.
WOW! Great FAQ Friday! Warren hitting the hard questions & caring about people.
I am thankful for more people within the music industry sharing these insights. Being a musician is a hard life regardless of whether you are famous or not and drugs are an easy way to make that easier, if only for a short amount of time. Not to mention that many artists come from backgrounds that are less than ideal so it is a very hard cycle to break. As a person who has struggled with alcohol addiction, I can tell you the work I've done sober was head and shoulders above anything I did drunk. So there is that.
Amazing, wonderful content - you talk about things that many people try to avoid because there is no clear answer
thanks for taking this question and this positive, helpful view and opening the door to make a clear conversation about this topic possible - love this channel !
Thanks ever so much Ady! I really appreciate your amazingly positive comments! It really means a lot!!
@@Producelikeapro And yours too, let's keep up the good vibes :) thank you so much Warren !
@@HitTheRoadMusicStudio thanks ever so much Ady! Let's talk next week my friend!
@@Producelikeapro Of course, aaaawesome ! :)
Warren, I'm from Northern Ireland and teach music in China. I tell my students that I am am a student also and my teacher doesn't even know I exist. Perhaps now you do. I have spent DAYS, maybe even WEEKS(!) watching your advice and I am so, so grateful to you. As I read in a comment before, you are the best living person on the internet. I whole-heartedly concur. Now I hear you are sober and I think shit, this dude is me but on a bigger scale. I am over 15 years dry. In the meantime I did all that stuff you did: marriage; family; job. You're an awesome cat. Keep on rockin' in the free world! Thanks for everything you do. Cormac in Kunming.
Thank you Warren for another awesome video.
Also wanted to take the time to give a huge thumbs up to all in the PLAP community. This is probably the only place I actually spend time reading all the comments because they are always friendly, positive, upbeat and so informative. So I'm not just learning awesome content and info from Warren, but also learning from all you people in this community, so a huge thank you to you all.
One of my favorite producers, Conny Plank, turned down working with David Bowie because of his coke problem. Conny had his studio in his home and didn't want that around his kids, despite his admiration for Bowie. I've always respected Conny for doing that.
I'm a functioning alcoholic and past opiate addict, and unfortunately it really affects my ability to make the music I love. It is almost impossible to make good production choices when drunk, and possibly more destructively my hangovers last for days during which time I'm next to useless creatively. My catalogue would be at least 3X as large had it not been for these issues. Good luck to anyone dealing with similiar.
Beautiful topic to help people Warren. It's been awhile, good to be back enjoying your shares.
I always appreciate hearing Warrens thoughts on the big issues. Mental health is such a big deal in the creative arts and the more discussion we can have around it the better
Thank you for the very thoughtful and honest comments regarding addictions.
I was using Tannoy PBM8's since the late 90's
so when I built my own studio, I thought it was the right time to upgrade and learn a new set of speakers in a new environment.
I've had the Focal Sm6's now 18 months, and loving them.
All the best
Jay
Wow! Warren you really deserve an OBE for the first 15 mins of this video, that was truly exceptional advice - it should be clipped out at .8 speed and played over an ambient soundtrack to everybody in the industry. I get where it all started for the collective musical populous - this romantic idea that you need to “get high” in order to get in the zone to be creative, but it’s really not true - maybe that one time at the start you might find that a particular intoxicant shows you the door to a part of your own creativity you didn’t know existed yet, but the truth is you’d have found that door eventually anyway because it’s part of who you are, and after you’ve found it - you always know where it is, you don’t need to get messed up on the way to the studio in order to perform! Brilliant work sir, I wish you a billion shares!🤟😊
Great topic for discussion Warren and love the input you shared with us . Cheers mate👍
Wow. Thanks for addressing the addiction question in particular.
Honestly, Warren, I love you! Please keep doing what you're doing!
A big topic! It is hard to stay sober when everyone offers you something, no matter where you are going. It is just normal when you get to a gig, after a gig, in the studio. I don't drink and I don't take drugs and it is hard to get accepted sometimes when you always say no. But I've seen it all. I've seen what addictions can do. If someone drinks a beer, fine. If someone smokes some weed sometimes, it is fine, but when I see someone drive drunk, maybe with kids in the car I really freak out. But like you say, you can not help. I tried it a couple of times, but often the turn away and quit the band because they feel forced into a corner. Thank you for picking this topic!
Great message!!! I'm a social drinker and sometimes have a couple beers during evening recording sessions. However, I notice when I don't drink for a week or a month, I get back many hours of productivity. I'm more alert when I'm working and I even sleep less when alcohol is not around.
Iv been through 6 months of rehab, they had nothing to offer for creatives. I have hundreds of songs, and it hurts even more when people come to my studio and say it needs to be out there now. I can’t be anything but a maker and have no idea how to get a support network to allow it to be heard. Putting your heart into a hard drive will make most creatives descend into the hole.
Great video, Warren. It's a serious topic and you approached it in a clear, compassionate and balanced way. That's not an easy thing to do. Well done mate!
thank you for helping raise awareness on this issue and avenues for those in need to get help
Thank you for taking the time to address the addiction problem.
These issues need to be talked about more, Warren. It's not just the music industry, but wider society. Thank you for your sensitive insight.
Thanks ever so much David, that really means a lot!
Gold video. Straight from the heart. Plus good info at the end to. Go west coast. Dream to see you studio one day.
Thank you Warren, we love you here in Seattle! Best, as always!
I had a bad relationship with drugs when i was younger. I never realised it was slowly taking all the things away from me that i was excited about trying to achieve. I then had a horrible experience, which I'm now grateful for. It stopped me and made me re-evaluate what i was doing. It was a horrible 5 years, but I'm totally happy now and back to being excited about doing all sorts of things.
deathruddles deathruddles getting arrested can have that result. Congratulations on winning the war!
As always well handled, a positive attribute of creatives 👍🙏
Love the video. I only drank on Friday and Saturday nights, but I've now gone 9 weeks without a drink. This is a huge issue for the music industry.
Oh yeah people, The Academy is Wonderful. Very very supportive and Warren knows what he is talking about! This is a great time to join. I've never corresponded with such finer human beings!
I really appreciate your approach to the addiction problem in pop culture. I am a survivor of that. I appreciate what you do
One of your most important videos. Thanks.
As a recovered addict, i want to thank you for your good advice on this video; especially directing the addict to AA or NA.
This is one of your most important videos to date. I wonder if this video would have aired, was it not for COVID19, probably not. Anyhow, thank you for this, Warren.
Awesome video! Really love your answer about addiction, I share all of your ideas about this topic totally agree with you! Really awesome questions as always and even more awesome answers! Thank you so much Warren for being so great guy!
Thanks ever so much Alexey!! You Rock!!
Thank you so much for this one Warren 🙏 I myself have lived a wonderful 14 years without any alcohol now, and just released a single about when I hit rock bottom. AA saved my life ❤️🙏❤️🤘🏻😎
Amazing! Thanks ever so much for sharing John!!
i’d also like to comment on those “silent killers,” too. i used to not mix unless i was on adderall and ZONED in. i didn’t need it, but it made me love every mix i worked on. aside from the loads of physical/mental damage that was causing me (yes i know it’s a blurry line, just my story), it made me hyper critical - just gnawing on my lip while hunting for the ringing frequencies i started to hear after listening fatigue set in. my mixes were WORSE because the human element of rest, reset, refresh were missing. i’m the best engineer i can be when i’m sober and rested. same with recording sessions.
Very good and thank you. As you know, many of us musicians are counselors who will be there for those who choose to reach out. Much Love from Eastern Washington!
Thank you for this, wish more people would have spoke out on this while i was in my prime creative years. I've seen the low end of addiction in myself and several people, some who are no longer around. Everything in moderation, except practice.
Thank you Warren, You are TRULY Here for us Musicians and Students. What a Difficult issue. Not sure what might be the answer !! Knowing you , I know what you have been through. Just Bringing this out is a Plus!! Thank you for your Honest Support. Hoping to not lose our future Greats. Please Reach Out, If in need of help. We Care.
As someone who started in the 80s as cartage guy to the "stars", then roadie for local bands, then a FOH club guy, and throughout that time a home recording enthusiast.....I've had more than my share of experiences dealing with artists who "indulged" beyond the point of being productive, and entered a space of destructiveness. Everything you said is spot on......incredibly frustrating to work with people who would rather spend their time f**king off getting loaded....and then it's so sad to try and work with truly gifted artists that for whatever various reasons, end up going off the rails with their substance demons.
Thank you for answering that question, you handled it very well.
Thanks ever so much John, that really means a lot! So many of us have lost great friends to drugs and alcohol, so many beautifully talented people have fallen.
The amount of cuts shows how such an incredibly difficult topic this is. You did a good job though. Well done.
I saw your vid on the Kali's and bought them right away. I can say they're really great for long days of mixing!
Hi Chris that’s amazing to hear my friend!
So I'm a 22 year old music student from the UK in my final year. Coming from a childhood where I experienced traumatic episodes at school, through to being a teenager and being trapped in an abusive relationship, I went on to develop drug addiction and alcoholism from the age of 17. I always believed that to write good music, or produce anything vaguely artistic one has to be under the influence. So I struggled through university barely maintaining any knowledge because that's what cool musicians did right? I looked at musicians like Bowie and the Rolling Stones and took inspiration from them, ignoring the fact that they go on to say how drugs almost destroyed their lives. Well after two weeks of sobriety 10 months ago I picked up my guitar and for the first time ever, completed a song. I learned that through music I could process my grief, anger and guilt, taking something horrible and negative and turn it into something I could be proud of. I'm now learning how to record and produce my songs through this youtube channel in the hopes that I can share the healing and love I've found in music with others. I now love my course, I love my passion and I'm coming to love myself. Thank you Warren for sharing your passion with this community.
TL;DR, drugs are bad, music is the best.
A very understanding empathetic video Warren :-) Oh and your hair rocks!
such a level of profesionalism but also moral and conciousness in wich you talk about this subject
Hi Joaquin Odriozola thanks ever so much my friend!!
awesome talk , I'm sure every modern engineer /producer has dealt with this , great advice , thanks warren ;)
Thanks for your insights and speaking the truth from the heart!
It's a very slippery slope. But I will say this, if you NEED a drink in order to releax, then you ARE addicted and should seek assistance.
Thank you for posting such a great video!
I have a fiend that I worked with a lot. He is an amazing live engineer. I learned from him A LOT. But he has a big problem with alcohol and drugs. He told me one day in a gig, "Man, if you see that I am not able to do my job, please tell me". That not happened with me, but he knows that he needs a change in his live and he did it. He moved to another city and went to rehab. Now he is completely clean. I have seen a lot of musicians that aren't able to play. In live environments is worst than in the studio. But if you have this problem, you can solve it. Ask for help and get out of it. You can do it but you have to walk the first step.
So glad to see you weigh in on this Warren. Hope this message finds you well.
exactly what i needed to hear today from a voice i trust, thx u Warren
Thanks ever so much my friend!!
Fantastic video, Warren. I’d like to share a few thoughts on addiction.
When I was a teenager I first met a musician from the 60s who had been a regular lyricist for a legendary supergroup and had been responsible for some of history’s greatest ever psychedelic lyrics. I was lucky enough to hear the same thing from him that you more or less said. He said all the drugs were at best a coincidence and at worst an impediment.
Fast forward a few years and I found myself in a relationship with a secret addict. I tried everything to help her over a number of years, harming myself in the process. Not only does it not work but I later got into recovery myself to work out why I put up with such abusive treatment for so long and to help recover from it. There are 12 step recovery groups for people in close relationships with addicts, including Al-Anon, Coda and ACA.
The ironic thing is through recovery I’ve met people from other fellowships such as AA and NA, and have a lot more empathy and understanding. The biggest misconception I’d say there is about recovery is that there isn’t a magical point at which someone graduates from it and becomes cured. It’s an ongoing process and there can be progress and setbacks. The main thing is to be open and keep working a programme - and don’t suffer in silence.
Incredibly well said! I can relate to a huge amount of what you're saying my friend! Thanks ever so much for sharing this! It will help so may people going through the same things! As artists we tend to attract a lot of people with the issues you're describing! Thanks for sharing your insight!!
I routinely recommend aca and coda to the people w/chemical addiction issues that are clients of mine ...I love that you know these groups! I find that they can be a very helpful adjunct to therapy (especially body oriented trauma therapy that gets to the root causes of the addiction) :)
Thank you for sharing these tips regarding drug and alcohol abuse. It's encouraging to hear that maybe it isn't as accepted in the music industry as we often think (or if it is, not by everyone). I recently read "Sound Man" by Glyn Johns, and he shared that he didn't do drugs or alcohol. It's encouraging to hear.
And thank you for sharing in such a helpful, sensitive way.
I've also heard very positive things about Adult & Teen Challenge, as far as addiction resources go.
Thanks for sharing, I really appreciate this
You're amazing, Warren. I'm glad to see your hair and makeup people aren't too germphobic to make you look marvelous. Re the monitors, I've been thinking that it's insane to spend that kind of money on monitors when 99.873% of people are either listening through earbuds or their car. Why not have a wall of inexpensive, popular speakers instead of a couple of pair that give you a quality of sound that maybe a handful of people in the world will ever experience? I'm doing an experiment where I'll be doing some long-term projects entirely with moderately priced, closed back headphones. I think that we're going to see a huge shift toward things like binaural mixes and Atmos. Since I'm lightyears behind on just about everything else, perhaps I can get in on this wave nearer the beginning.
Wow! I'm glad you went there. So much time wasted. So many lives lost. I paid for the cremations of three friends/former-bandmates in the last 10 years. All from alcohol. I miss them dearly.
Thanks ever so much Victor! Always a touchy subject! I am so glad that the majority of people understand the message of positivity!
@@Producelikeapro We can tell it comes from the heart. Keep up, brother.
I gladly gave this the thumbs up before watching because of experience. After watching, I have not changed my mind.
Thanks ever so much Paul! That really means a lot!
Never really thought about or considered how addiction can really affect musical output in the industry, but any kind of addiction can sure mean harm in some form. Really wonderful and helpful advice. Cheers man!
Thanks ever so much RC32 for your amazing comment my friend!!
@@Producelikeapro Always grateful to watch from ye!
@@RC32Smiths01 You Rock!
@@Producelikeapro You absolutely rock!
Couldn't help looking at the Ace Frehley book at the mixing console. Great episode. Important subject.
Thanks ever so much, and yes, Lars there is definitely some links there! Ace has definitely been through the ringer!
Thanks Warren! Very interesting insights. this is definitely one of the industry dark corners.
Thanks ever so much Yotam and yes agreed 100%!!
i love your love for other people and desire to help OM MANI PADME HUM
keep your spirit up Warren
I've had a long story with alcohol: it was my satellite substance since my 9 to 28, so almost 20 years of regular, most of the time daily, intoxication. I'm sober for about a year now, and I already gained a tremendous improvement in my performance quality. I started to actually pay attention to what I am doing on stage, I sound much better now, and it's not like that “vibe” we all go for is lost. It's the source of “vibe” that has changed, and I like the “new” way much more. My health improved a lot after I stopped gulping beer, whiskey, and vodka like a crazy, my thinking is much more clear now, and the best part is this: MY SLEEP IS FINALLY NORMAL. Marijuana helped me a lot with this change as I developed abomination to alcohol thanks to it, but I still don't mix my recording sessions, mixing, rehearsals or live shows with smoking or vaping. The only musical activity I let myself use it with is songwriting, which I do at home alone, it's where it can shine in an unusual way.
Substance abuse is about avoiding feelings. The problem with using chemicals or anything else in order to avoid one's feelings is that emotions can't be selectively suppressed. This means that if you want to avoid one of your feelings, you have to avoid ALL of your feelings! Just like Warren said, drug abuse blocks creativity and that's exactly how it happens. In order to be properly creative, you need access to your full emotional spectrum. Just like if you're mixing, you need access to the full frequency spectrum.
Especially in this time cleaning and desinfecting your equipment is extremely important. Could you give some tips on how to do so on the most important parts of a studio like the Pop Filter, Headphones etc.
Yeah, Good you addressed this! I surely have seen some serious substance abuse in music circles. I have a lil’ recording studio in Antwerp, Belgium. I used to help out a lot of people with cheap or free recordings. Suddenly, even though I hardly drink, people start bringing hard liquor bottles as a ‘thank you’ gift for recording sessions. I later found out that one of the musicians I was trying to coach, a charismatic but selfdestructive folksinger, had been spreading the word that you can do me no greater favour than to stock a bar at the hangout part of the studio, which he then came to consume himself. He later suffered a nervous breakdown and is still struggling with addiction. I had to set stricter alcohol-free rules for ‘detente’ at the studio. Cocaine use is a big problem as well. You don’t need any of that stuff.
Great word!!! Thank you!
Im a 12 year recovering Highly function alcoholic , globe trotting roadie, Production manager and stage manager . So I have skin in the game. One issue i find that creates such an enabling atmosphere for addiction is Time, and too much of it. When bands get to a certain level they are touring and their days are no longer loading their van, driving themselves and setting up and packing down , they suddenky have a crew and all they do each day is get on the plane to the next city or wake up in the bus in the next city and have all morning and half the afternoon until soundcheck, (if they even check ) then they have maybe 60 mins time doing something then downtime again until showtime, say for example 9pm. they play for 90mins and then its spare time as everyone packs down and works. These moments away from home, away from a world thats not written in a tour book and so much monotony thats not the glamourise world people percieve -thats the time that as they say " the devil finds work for idel hands" suddenly its trips to the hotel bar, or drinking in their room, drugs crops up and via social media suddenly dealers are coming to the hotel . and after the show the local promoter,/ radio/ record label/sponsor wants to drag you to a party or drinks and all your day is downtime or partying, playing becomes such a minimal amount of the actual day . before you know it its an addiction. and artists are cancelling or postponing shows due to " exhuastion" that is the age old excuse for severe hangovers or an addiction . you cant get exhausted from a 90 min gig but you can get exhausted by putting your body through weeks and months of drug and alcohol dependancy . Its sad to watch artists continue to fall prey to these same problems, and artists that kicked a habit find smart things to replace that downtime, Going to the gym, being a tourist and leaving the hotel room to stay occupied , going to an AA or NA meeting and just cathcin up with real people that arent going to let you get down and start retaking.
Great video today Warren and Eric. I was bummed that I missed so much on the live mix yesterday, but I have other obligations. Going to go back through it to pick up as much as I can.
Do you ever listen to music that you are not mixing through your monitors? Something mixed by someone else to hear it with a spotlight on the mix?
Cheers!
Completely true. Great video.
The worst part of alcahol not mentioned yet is spilling on the gear! Thanks for talking about Music Cares. Sounds like it's really worthy of our donations. Love the academy. Life time member that needs to find more time to learn and be a part of the community!. Cheers. Michael B
I've had numerous psychotherapy clients who are musicians be able to do therapy w/me due to help from Musicares...I currently have 3...they are a great charity who really helps people in our world...
A very honest and helpful video.
Amazing subject.
I know from my own experience that 90% of the people will never admit that they have a problem.
Most of artists start to drink or use drugs in order to find "inspiration". They do not realize that in this way they are entering a vicious circle from which it is not easy to get out. Instead of using substances for the "inspiration" the person can study new chords, listen to new music, experiment with new distortions, sounds, etc. In this way inspiration is found and not with substances. Just my two cents.