Show Us Your Junk! Ep. 23 - Steve Albini (Shellac, Electrical Audio) | EarthQuaker Devices
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- Опубліковано 21 бер 2019
- Steve Albini has recorded hundreds upon hundreds of bands spanning three decades. He has probably engineered one of your favorite records. His organic, non-meddling approach requires dependable and versatile recording equipment.
“I like to have all of our equipment be stuff I would not be afraid to use in any circumstance.”
In 1995, Albini bought a building about a mile from his home studio in Chicago, Illinois. Separation of work and home, plus a more professional recording environment was required. A couple years later that building became known as Electrical Audio, a studio complex with special attention paid to using the room they have in the most effective way possible. Steve’s view of his own role while documenting musicians goes hand in hand with how he designed the studio. Use what works, capture it, and don’t complicate anything.
“My personal aesthetic as a recording engineer is that my principal job is to record the sound of the band, and not to try to create a sound and apply it to the band.”
The “sound” of each band is documented by Albini using as much of the natural tonality of the room as possible. Constructing most of the tracking areas with acoustic connection to the air space below each floor, with an affinity for simplicity, has allowed him to make recordings that are true to the feel of a performance. For this very reason, the studios and engineers themselves are probably the most important pieces of "gear” onsite.
As a workhorse facility, Electrical Audio has clients coming in frequently with very little, if any, downtime. “We cannot afford have a session stopping catastrophe, we can’t afford to have something happen that means we are the fault that caused the session to breakdown. That’s an obligation we have adapted to by simplifying things.” Naturally, work-load scheduling tolerances this tight make owning dependable and adaptable studio gear imperative. “I personally like having stuff that I know I will never have to make excuses for,” says Albini.
Don’t worry, he will show you some of it.
With all of this great studio equipment, there had to be some oddball pieces floating around that he could dig up. Well, he can do better than that. It appears that he owns a “worst pedals ever” collection that is nothing short of hilarious. Just don’t forget to take home a broken pachinko machine.
Enjoy Episode 23 of Show Us Your Junk!, from your friends at EarthQuaker Devices.
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Video: Chris Tran, Jeff France, Brad Thorla
Music: Shellac, Deadsea, Lisa Bella Donna, Area Man, Ghost Cut
Special Thanks to Geoffrey Greenberg for additional footage
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lol Why does he show us his worst pedals?
20:43 "if they are doing something that I don't get, my first impulse should not be to change things" - a very mature concept I wish more engineers understood.
I wish more people understood it in all walks of life
Absolutely! Most engineers are just all about the theory THEY think works well and none other. Which is stupid because engineering is all about hearing and nobody's ear hears the same really.
It just occurred to me that Steve Albini is wearing a beanie in this video. Steve Al-Beanie. That just occurred to me.
Yeah he could do a side project making albini wear
Oh wow. What a fun occurance. I wonder what it means.
Illuminati confirmed
@@shadcovert1160 Beanies are good.
Great job man
I met Steve at a Big Black/Head Of David gig at the Archway Club, across the road from the Hacienda in Manchester, back in 1986 (I think) when I was in the crowd bootlegging both bands.
Steve was standing in the crowd waiting for Head Of David to come on and I got him to introduce them at the beginning of my tape!
I asked him if it was OK for me to tape Big Black and he didn’t give a shit! In fact, when Big Black took the stage he gave me and my mate a shout out because we’d travelled from Glasgow down to Manchester just to catch his band!
A real, no-bullshit dude!
priceless, a great memory for you.
Two clubs no longer with us, but there is still a rock club under the arches
Please ask Steve if you can upload the bootleg somewhere to share. He is easy to reach via Electrical Audio.
@@SRNF I'd burn the tape if I was op, just because it seems funny
5:38 "That's a really nice compressor..." Steve says, and points to some unidentifiable lil' box - and I'm like: "yeah, but WTF is it called?" ... and then I realize it's actually called "Really Nice Compressor" 😄
On the positive side they're still affordable, because no-one knows that they're called!
They are! Looking to get one for myself soon
I got to shake Steve's hand in Portland, oregon, and tell him he was the reason I played guitar. He was super humble and went to get me a shirt. Too bad they were all out. But it really didn't matter because that Shellac show blew us all away.
Thanks to the earthquaker for keeping this spirit of music alive.
Thats awesome! Cheers :)
Was that like 97?
I met him in The Hague in 2019 and he was indeed super kind and easygoing!
I love that Albini just refers to Rapeman as "the band I was in at the time"
Were they really popular, too? I went to school with Steve - but since I didn't know about Big Black at the time - I first saw him in Rapeman. He gave me a Rapeman t-shirt (really, Hillary!) and in order to wear it to work I just put black duct tape over the "e". Thanks for the t-shirt, man.
I remember he got so much grief for that name, especially in the UK
@@Oldmotherhell Notably from Peel, although he kept playing the band on his show, IIRC.
I have a Rapeman tattoo (The vaccumes). It's hard to explain to most people to which I usually say "It's an album cover". I still love it though, as Rapeman is probably my favorite Albini Project and one of my top post-hardcore albums of all time.
Rapeman were only known to few. They were not popular.
Steve: If a piece of equipment doesn't prove absolutely versatile, we'll just get rid of it.
Also Steve: These are definitely the worse pedals ever, check these out your gonna love them.
This was a great video, I really enjoyed it.
Hilarious because the first thing I thought when he said that was "BS!" I appreciate the concept, I really do, and I dont believe he doesn't purge stuff, but there's no way a bunch of unused junk isnt lying around that, or any, studio. It's just the nature of the business.
That was the best setup of all time! I enjoyed it! He had me rolling!
@@thenear1send i think he meant if you have bunch of mics or like for example pedals that sound the same then why have bunch of them and not just 1that is the best
Gotta have a little fun in your life.
ok ok but the sound go round is awesome total spacemen 3 trem sound
Lets be honest, this is the one we all wanted to see from the beginning
yeah I think I may have seen some requests...
Me: "ooh! This will be exciting!"
*Clicks video*
*First line in*
"Nothing excites me."
LOLOL
Hah, yeah great opening quote
Albini is a really smart and honest guy.
Love listening to him
👌
This really needs to be the top comment
I really like the attitude of Steve Albini and he seems humble. He seems proud of his accomplishments without being full of himself. I´ve experienced alot of musicians and sound engineers being full of themselves and egotistical. This guy would give a noise project, a singer/song writer with one instrument or a grand arena rock band the same respect. A respectable master of his craft.
gotta love him.
Nothing worse when an engineer doesn't give a shit about you or your music!
A lot of folks from the Chicago scene way back when might disagree with that. I got no dog in this race, but in You Weren't There, he seems to bag on a lot of folks.
Kyle Ganger nothing better than an engineer that doesn’t see himself as the producer of the music he is recording.
When he was younger, like many geniuses, ( genii?) he was arrogant as all fuck. Age does help with humility...
"It's worth whatever some blues lawyer is willing to pay for it."
Blues lawyer. That's genius.
It’s not genius it’s a widely used generic insult often made by people in the music industry who are actually wealthier than lawyers…to be fair to Steve he’s made some great records, unlike some UA-camrs who haven’t, yet use the term while uploading generic blues content..
I’ve never heard the better description of the guy who owns all the nice mics as “blues lawyer”
Matthew Dabson yeah that is perfect
Would make a good band name - Blues Lawyer!
It’s a very common term. It’s generally geared more towards collectors of high end and/or vintage guitars. Generally the kind of individual who can’t play worth shit or does a few generic blues riffs. This equates to owning multiple high end and/or vintage instruments that rarely if ever get played. They feel entitled due to their income despite lack of musicianship and need. I’ve included a link to an example below.
ua-cam.com/video/BI2Pd8HwkAc/v-deo.html
I believe the term dates back to 2011
Yes! Love that term. Haha It’s been thrown around here (SF) since the mid 2000’s. Rich business stiffs buying up all the vintage guitars to decorate their man-cave.
The sound insulation at Electrical Audio is frustratingly effective. I used to live in the neighborhood and I'd always perk my ears when I walked by just to see if I could hear anything interesting. Not a peep. It was impressive and frustrating.
Well to be fair you should never really hear anything coming out of a competently designed studio.
@@MKRocker2012 incorrectttttttt
@@pupupupupuberty It all just depends on the building, design and how much money you have available
MKRocker94 wrong
@@TheLamech777 And how loud they're playing
Young Steve Albini sounds just as disinterested as the current one. Thats just awesome, he's never changed! And I think its the laid back attitude that allows him to take mixes systematically.
He's such a pure dude. So intelligent, so knowledgeable, a nerd in the best way possible, such an artist without any pretension. Love it, pure Midwest humility. Steve Albini is a national treasure.
you know what, steve did age really well. just like his work
NAPLAVA that surprises me too, I last saw him on that foo fighters doc of city’s.
That’s just luck.
@ Bonham House No that’s genes.
King Trance lucky genes
Italians seem to age well
I didn't know this much encyclopedic knowledge could fit inside one person's brain. What a goddamn legend Steve is.
I love that he not only wears coveralls to work, but he has a pocket full of screwdrivers and pens and his company's logo silk screened on the coveralls.
This guy is a wealth of information. I love hearing informed people talk about their craft.
i just love the fact, that steve used the term "blues lawyer"
Hey EQD, thanks for using my footage and crediting me from that basement studio tour soooo long ago.
Thank YOU
Hey man, Imagine my surprise when I saw you appear herein. Very cool.
I was taken aback, seeing you and that footage. Cool. Best.
"Medusa's Nest" and "Blues Lawyer". Gold!!
I can hear the sound of all the things he mentions doubling in price on Reverb ☺️
haha yep
So true
I used buy up every interfax harmonic percolator for cheap anywhere I could find them
The last few years astronomical . I still have 2 working so fingers crossed lol
@@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung You lucky bastard.
It's already happening, I think. That compressor is now being listed at nearly $200.
Reverb practically always want retail value for gear that's a few years old. I never buy on there
the thought that went into the architecture of this studio is stunning
waiting on that Michael Gira episode knowing he'll never let it happen
I didn't know I wanted this until you mentioned it
That would be so good
The problem is Michael doesn't own a studio. When it's time to make an album he just rents a studio out and nearly goes bankrupt. Literally, he's talked about it.
I could watch a Steve Albini episode once a week.
this Show Us Your Junk series is simply the best thing on UA-cam, I enjoy watching these episodes so much. Thank you EarthQuaker!
aww, that's great to hear Federico, thank you for watching!
this could have been so much longer, and i would have happily watched it all
he needs his own netflix series… I could watch them all!
Oh god this was worth it just for the “worst pedals” alone! Legend!!
The FUsion jaZZ fuzz pedal had me crying
@@brianarguello7576 the ModernFusion was an Ibanez soundtank
This utilitarian approach to music and the equipment is to be admired ... Could listen to him talk all day.
I had the privilege to record at Electrical Audio back in November, it was the best experience I've ever had recording music. That place is magical.
Wow NICE.
Cool as eggs
Think this is about the tenth time I’ve watched this in the last year.
Thanks for watching all of these and for all the nice comments! We appreciate you. Glad you are enjoying everything!
How could anyone have anything but the most love and respect for Steve Albini!... No matter what kind of music you make!!! His consideration for the bands music and to not try to make every album the Steve Albini album is admirable to say the least. I wish every engineer had similar ethics.
I don't know why, but I can listen to this guy all day, what a charming a peaceful man he is.
Elvis Gordillo right
You can watch hours of Steve on youtube - there is also a 6 hrs all-analog recording session with him... setting up the tape machine alone takes an hour or so ;-)
Big Black made me feel peaceful.
I like how he doesnt really interfere with the bands sound. Just recording them the best way possible.
You have to do one with Sunn O))), especially since they recorded their last album in Steve's studio
What a man! Thank you so much EQD for making this
Thanks so much for watching!
Is it me or does he just seem full blown genuine without the bullshit ego? Thank you so very much Steve for the work you have given! Cheers!!!!!
I love how simple and raw this video feels. Mr. Albini doesn't seem to have much direction; instead, it kind of feels like I'm just hanging out with him and talking shop. Very cool.
Joseph Christ! This is one of the best videos I've seen on youtube. Just a masterclass in ethics and open mindedness and not allowing your work or ego to define you. You can tell he is both incredibly academically knowledgeable and completely unpretentious and focused on the work at hand! Truly inspiring
Man I grew up with your music:
Shellac
Rapeman
Big Black
Pixies
Nirvana
Nine Inch Nails
PJ Harvey
McLusky
Weedeater
Om
Mono
Labradford
Man or Astro-man?
The Jesus Lizard
You are responsible for 80% of the music I've listened to three to four years ago. I still receive delight from your production work. The way you process your drums, especially and metallic-sounding guitars.
You forgot Bush :)
He didn't record NIN
Bush, Jawbreaker, Slint
www.electricalaudio.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1458
Seems Steve did work with NIN
Fucking kyuss man
I don’t regret much in life. But I regret selling that Sovtek Amp Head.
It was some gossips early 00’s in Brazil where people were saying that the Shellac refused to play in Brazil when the 1000 hits came out. Those people said that they were concerned about quality of the gear, something like that. Later on in 2008 they came to Brazil and all those rumours were completely untrue. They played a whole tour in the country and played in small cities for free with very modest gears. Super humble and down to earth dudes. Glad to see them live in São Paulo, great show! ❤
"I have three pachinko machines. They're all broken." Steve/10
One of the best engineers/producers out there.
one of the best "unproducers" ...if you want your band to sound "unproduced" call Steve
the ONLY guy that can take a band into an expensive studio and make a record that sounds like it is recorded in a garage
Only guy who can make a soundproofed room work while wearing a lav mic.
Good memories! Been there for recording in 2009!
Steve is legend! I love his worksuit he always wears. One day i‘ll come back to do another record with him! Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭
such a simple, no bullshit approach to recording music, my kinda person!
I could listen to him talk about his studio for hours. Seems like Steve Albini, a couple beers, and some technical stuff would lead to a very interesting and enjoyable conversation.
Steve is my favorite engineer/"producer". No one else gets the clean rawness that he does. And unlike a lot of other people that produce their own music he also knows how an album should be mastered. It's just a shame when someone gets him to engineer their album and then they go and get it mastered too loud. But Shellac's albums are incredibly awesome to listen to with the volume turned up. And "Pod" by The Breeders is, in my opinion, one of the best sounding albums ever made.
Albini explicitly tells people he's not a producer. I agree though; he's a great engineer and always the professional.
Albini is a nerd in the beat possible sense and meaning of the word. His devotuon to the study and production of sound is world class
And he could probably walk up to your mom, ask her what her favorite band is, and then look her dead in the eye and honestly tell her oh yeah I know them. I recorded them
So I guess it turns out Steve Albini is in the top 10 most legit people to ever live
My friend Scott from zao got to work with Steve albini for their album the fear is what keeps us here. I wish I had more time to pick his brain about how they did things.
One of my biggest UA-cam wishes just came true. Thank you, EQD.
sure thing, thanks for tuning in!
Time has served to delineate the brainy, innovative S.A. from the snarky, smarmy, angry punk S.A. This man is one of the true architects of modern sound--an artist, an innovator, a true visionary. Hearing him talk his craft is like listening to a gifted philosopher talk epistemology or an artist talk colors and palettes and shapes and light.
I love his music and I love his recording style, but his essay on the music business is possibly his greatest contribution. I show it to all new musicians I can.
20:40 - 21:18
Mr Albini, the world needs more engineers like you
Steve is a GENIUS and a pretty cool guy. Recorded at his old studio at his house while he was building new studio.
Free Steve Albini Masterclass!!! Thanks for this GEM, EQD. I'm gonna go buy one of your pedals now :)
Steve's seeming pretty chill these days!
Really intelligent guy who has mastered his art. Devo inspired jump suit. His obstinence with the Nirvana recordings ended up blacklisting him for a while back in the mid 90s.
I am proud that I have seen shellac several times and met Steve in person. He is a recording genius and a historical figure in the small music world I personally enjoy.
Steve Albini is a example of how someone can be serious and cool at the same time.
Good guy Steve Albini. Seriously a class act in a world of artificial music.
I’ve been waiting for this since I found out about the series! Thank god for Steve Albini
loved being in that studio! it was truly awesome being able to play with everything
Please get Trent Reznor on this! He has everything x2. I’d love to see everything he has. Awesome stuff!
Steve’s reference to recording the ambience of the room a band is playing in as a “glue” for the instruments reminds me of Jimmy Page’s approach to recording Led Zeppelin.
terrypussypower he did that Page and Plant record years ago too. Dude gets it.
Steve Albini is just too real for this community haha.
God damn these videos keep getting better. KEEP THIS SERIES ALIVE
Just getting started
legend
I’m 30 seconds in, and this is already the greatest 29:22 minutes of video content on UA-cam
27:13 "A lot of the pedals are fairly intuitive. Like um..." *Looks at the Afterneath and walks away*
I have so much respect and admiration for this gentleman.for what he's done and Continues to do.
Of course Steve is a legendary audio engineer and musician; but aside from that, his ethics and what they represent in such a centralized industry, where relationships of power are often unfair and everyone fights over their own piece of the cake, inspire me beyond music. Thank you for this interview.
thanks for watching Mateo!
@earthquakerdevices you should get brian chippendale for this format i bet he has loads of interesting and noisy junk :)
omg yes please
dude I wanted to see more of this guitar collection, man
This is simply the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you Steve Albini and Jamie Stillman for the gifts you have given us all.
Thanks for checking it out! Glad you enjoyed it.
This guy makes perfect sense.
When I think I know it all, I listen to Steve Albini; then, I am first disabused of the notion, and then I learn a little more.
SO GOOD! Was taken aback from his RNC testament. A friend of mine recorded their some years ago and painted a picture of Mr. Albini being VERY anti-compression. I love my RNC and all my FMR bits.
Recorded an album in 2004, third one recorded at EA for the band, and I can say it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It was great.
We recorded there in 98....Was also my best experience ever...
Steve Albini is my spirit animal.
Im pretty sure Albini is god. I know this because he answered my emails personally.
Wat
Wat
Yes he does that
he did that for me too! what a cool guy :)
And Justice for Steve!, finally the elite of the underground recording have a space to tell the story, this is what Sonic Highways never did, Please HBO, listen and learn
Shhhhh!!
That's it. I'm buying coveralls.
You have to be a legend to pull this off or everyone will laugh at you
Lol
When he plays with Shellac he puts them on after the gig to pack his gear away.
GBV
Best one yet.... thank you!
love your work!!
From High on Fire to Neurosis to the Pixies to Nirvana, this guy is an amazing producer. Honor Found in Decay is a great sounding recently produced record
HE HAS BEEN A LEGEND FOR SO LONG . THANKS FOR THIS.
Man, love this! What a great series.
I starting playing in bands in the 1970s and now I own this studio. A little light on details there.
$10m net worth and he still has to work in a garage to keep the lights on. Stay strong Steve.
Amazing. Love his philosophy.
Razorblade Suitcase is one of the best albums of the 90's.
Saw him and Shellac open for Neurosis in San Fran. This is a rather awesome space.
Steve's a tremendous bloke!
This is really great, thank you.
thank YOU for watching!
this series is pure gold