MJ’s “Beat It” - Hidden Machine Gun Sound

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 5 чер 2024
  • ____________________________________
    🆓 EXCLUSIVE FREE CONTENT 🆓 ✅ Visit www.anthonymarinellimusic.com to sign up to our mailing list ✅
    🎛 Learn how to be in command of any synthesizer & develop YOUR sound.
    📫 Sign up to our mailing list to receive our EXCLUSIVE FREE CONTENT and be notified about what we've got planned for the future.
    ____________________________________
    ABOUT THIS VIDEO
    In this Video I’ll show you how I made the “Machine Gun Sound” in MJ’s “Beat It”. It’s kind of a hidden sound, but it serves an important purpose in the orchestration of the song to create tension and energy just before Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar solo. This is one of many examples of the nuances that can be found in the arrangements of the songs on the album.
    We’ll also shine the spotlight on Thriller engineer Bruce Swedien’s ability to know when and how to use a sound like this and when to get it out of the picture to create space for other sounds. This concepts can be applied to any style of music you are creating.
    I made the original sound using an ARP 2600 & Dr. Click but you can re-create this sound on your VST with less effort.
    00:00 Music Example of The Hidden "Machine Gun Sound" on "Beat It"
    00:08 Intro
    00:15 History of the "Machine Gun Sound"
    00:46 Working with Michael Jackson on "Beat It"
    02:14 Syncing the 16th note "Machine Gun Sound" to the drum beat
    03:51 How to set the waveforms (VCO's)
    05:02 How to set the Sample & Hold Generator (S&H)
    05:19 How to set the Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF)
    05:58 How to set the Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)
    07:35 Please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to this Channel for more videos like this
    07:49 How Bruce Swedien created Arrangements & Orchestrations when Mixing Thriller
    09:57 Understanding the concept of the "Machine Gun Sound" to re-create it on VST's
    11:25 Full Music Example
    ____________________________________
    ABOUT ANTHONY
    Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns , Internal Affairs , The Man From Elysian Fields , 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles , been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller .
    His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones , Jack Nitzsche , Lamont Dozier , Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.
    Website - www.anthonymarinellimusic.com
    Instagram - / anthonymarinellimusic
    Tiktok - / anthonymarinellimusic
    Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_...
    IMDb - www.imdb.me/anthonymarinelli

КОМЕНТАРІ • 235

  • @ischmidt
    @ischmidt 5 місяців тому +89

    This is something a lot of classic 70s and 80s records have in common, little details that you don't really notice but they still add to the experience. You can hear a lot of them in Rick Beato's "What Makes This Song Great" videos where he solos each of the tracks.

    • @beatsbykerem
      @beatsbykerem 5 місяців тому +10

      Music nowadays does too. In fact so good you really can’t hear it…

    • @YoMothar
      @YoMothar 3 місяці тому

      😊😊😊aa​@@beatsbykerem

    • @YoMothar
      @YoMothar 3 місяці тому

      ​@@beatsbykerem😊@qq1q

  • @zachreitan3859
    @zachreitan3859 5 місяців тому +26

    I don't know how to properly express how much I want you to explain every single detail of how this music is made. You really have an invaluable treasure of knowledge that the world needs to learn from.

  • @ICanFixThat2
    @ICanFixThat2 5 місяців тому +27

    No idea how to say it, but, you are making this world better by sharing all of this priceless experiences and knowledge.

  • @moogfooger
    @moogfooger 5 місяців тому +58

    Subtleties we can appreciate so many years later! This is what makes a "classic" . Thanks for being an artist Anthony. Tone painting indeed.

  • @Monkeywrench92
    @Monkeywrench92 3 місяці тому +3

    This guy was totally pressing equipment to its full capabilities back then. Most weekend warrior synth owners wouldn’t have scratched the surface with these synths. Incredible work, hats off man!

    • @tonkamman8089
      @tonkamman8089 3 місяці тому +1

      As did nearly EVERY contemporary musician those days....

  • @bingoflangeworthy
    @bingoflangeworthy 5 місяців тому +10

    It's weird how in different decades this particular song - the people who made it - has occupied my thinking. When it came out I was in my Van Halen phase, it was all about the guitar solo. I spent hours listening to Eddie's amazing passionate playing. About twenty years ago I became aware of Steve Lukather's part on the song - an amazing session player who you bring in when you want a particular job done. Very tight playing. Now I'm composing my own music in Ableton and I spend hours thinking about building a palette of sound, and here you are pointing out a sound I must have heard - but not heard - a thousand times, creating a texture that I just don't think my ears were capable of distinguishing within a mix when I was younger

  • @russellszabadosaka5-pindin849
    @russellszabadosaka5-pindin849 5 місяців тому +43

    You're awesome Anthony. This video is a sound design, analog synth architecture and pop song arrangement lesson rolled into one. Thanks for posting this!

    • @ekistic
      @ekistic 5 місяців тому +4

      And musical archeology, it is a historical document as well on a cultural masterpiece. Thank you Anthony for making these videos and thank you for making the original sounds long ago.

  • @riangarianga
    @riangarianga 5 місяців тому +14

    I still find it amazing that we're learning about all these intricate details straight from you, the guys who back then happened to be at the right place, creating this whole magic world for us. I was just a kid, currently transformed into a nerd, who can't thank you enough for bringing all this to us.

  • @fffUUUUUU
    @fffUUUUUU 5 місяців тому +10

    The wisdom and tricks right from the original crew members - that's what makes your channel even more awesome. Thanks!

  • @clydeviegas
    @clydeviegas 5 місяців тому +10

    That's an awesome addition to the song Anthony, increasing the tension and making it more vibrant and also the decisions made by Swedien. Excellent springboard for Eddie's solo. Amazing! Thank you for breaking this down 🙏🏼

  • @kevinpaige5746
    @kevinpaige5746 5 місяців тому +5

    I have a feeling this is about the 16th note sound before the solo comes in. "dink-a-dink-a-dink-a-dink-a-dink-a-dink-a-dink-a-dink-a" Lol!

  • @ChrisPuckett
    @ChrisPuckett 5 місяців тому +1

    Blue Thunder and Beat It; you made the sounds on all of my favorite things as a 10 year old

  • @-KingOfKhaos
    @-KingOfKhaos 4 місяці тому +3

    I’ve been following Anthony now for a while and these behind the scenes looks at MJ’s studio sessions never get old…

  • @Eganweeds
    @Eganweeds 5 місяців тому +8

    This sound is such a great little secret on beat it, album’s full of them too. Thanks for sharing Anthony

  • @cmdOptEscape
    @cmdOptEscape 4 місяці тому +1

    Watching this as someone who has only ever made music using VSTs and software really helps you appreciate the how easy we have it these days. All that equipment that was needed that would be a such a simple sound to create these days, so impressive.

  • @NexxuSix
    @NexxuSix 5 місяців тому +9

    @Anthony I love the music history lessons! It’s so cool to hear the behind the scenes “mechanics” of how this music was made. The stories are beyond fascinating! Thanks for the synth lessons as well! Absolute Gold! =)

  • @NFawc
    @NFawc 5 місяців тому

    "Live mixing" - Let that sink in for a second...

  • @alexwestconsulting
    @alexwestconsulting 5 місяців тому +1

    I always think of this type of sound/sequence to be "propeller" rather than "machine gun". Thx for another excellent video.

  • @eddyray7403
    @eddyray7403 4 місяці тому +2

    For decades I’ve always noticed this sound and wondered if I was crazy only hearing it in the lead to the guitar solo. Thank you so much for this breakdown and your brilliance!

  • @Projacked1
    @Projacked1 4 місяці тому

    What a lovely picture of you guys with Michael & Quincy

  • @WoodworkerDon
    @WoodworkerDon 5 місяців тому +1

    Very interesting. Thanks.
    Now I need to go back and relisten very closely to Beat It and also watch Blue Thunder...........again. (One of my favorite Helicopter movies.)

  • @pascalmerschaudio
    @pascalmerschaudio 5 місяців тому +3

    anthony your creativity, has changed my childhood ....when i was 8 i listen MJ's cassettes all the day long and all this sounds inspired me to became a musician and soundengineer i wanna thank you so much for that.

  • @enricopallazzoofficial
    @enricopallazzoofficial 5 місяців тому +6

    There are so much details in Michael Jackson music. Thanks again Anthony. I'm learning so much stuff from you that i'm implementing on my Korg Arp 2600M

  • @Behnan
    @Behnan 5 місяців тому +2

    Wow this is so 80s...heard that in every 80s Action movie :)

  • @yaveeya2992
    @yaveeya2992 5 місяців тому +2

    It was so excited to see you on the MJ Thriller 40 years..You are a true inspiration...!!

  • @mohrasher
    @mohrasher 5 місяців тому +3

    Also on Beat it there are other sounds that are almost inaudible on the final cut that you can clearly hear on the instrumental. For example there is a picking guitar sound on the second and fourth verses as well as a synth that sounds like an electric guitar on the fourth verse that you barely hear on the final cut. I have noticed this alot on the Thriller album.

  • @sndrcve
    @sndrcve 5 місяців тому

    I love the addition of the S&H randomising. It really brings it to life

  • @jonartan4754
    @jonartan4754 5 місяців тому +4

    Absolute genius. Not a complex sound at all, but the fact the idea came to you in the first place and it fit so perfectly is what is so amazing. Gives those fast-paced 80s action movie/shits about to go down vibes. Then EVH just takes it next level.

  • @jonnection
    @jonnection 5 місяців тому +2

    I've said it before and I'll say it again. The best content on YT right now!

  • @jdiz3374
    @jdiz3374 4 місяці тому

    I am so happy to be able to access your content on my phone while I'm sitting right in front of my keyboards on a night off. Thank you very much.

  • @Pillowcase
    @Pillowcase Місяць тому

    We're so lucky for you to share this. It just makes me appreciate the work that much more.

  • @nobodyexceptme7794
    @nobodyexceptme7794 3 місяці тому

    Oh this is fuckin dope! I love that youtube allows for things like this to exist. Peak into the life of all the engineers and drummers and writers and producers that helped MJ craft. All legends in their own right.

  • @QUBIQremixer
    @QUBIQremixer 5 місяців тому

    When you said "papery" I totally knew what you meant. I call certain saw waves "Pencilly."

  • @dictabeat
    @dictabeat 5 місяців тому +1

    The first time I realised this song isn't what I thought it was, was when I heard it in guitar hero where the guitars where mixed differently. It sparked an entire journey of discovery. Your videos perpetuate this journey.

  • @robertj.batista
    @robertj.batista 4 місяці тому

    I'm glad Michael wrote this song along with Wanna Be Startin Somethin, another of my favorites.

  • @jg1503
    @jg1503 4 місяці тому

    Amazing time we live in were we can now see these amazing studio techniques straight from the source.
    Had to listen to "Beat It" again and it's definitely there like a pad, it adds more tension but very subtle. I know we hear so many subtle things in these great recordings. Sometimes i just think they're just a harmonic effect of the overall mix. I guess its very intentional. Thank you so much for sharing! I learned so much in this short video.

  • @bengerardo2357
    @bengerardo2357 4 місяці тому

    Thank you. I'm an artist/musician who paints sculpts and transforms the ordinary into extraordinary once every blue moon. Although we may never meet. I know you are my friend You speak to communicate the flow of an idea., You just defined the sublime sonic wave. It's lovely knowing you're out in the world. and shared your ability with Micheal . He must have loved you with heartfelt appreciation. What a moment that must have been.

  • @GloveBunniesVideos
    @GloveBunniesVideos 5 місяців тому +3

    Every video is an education. Thanks so much, Anthony!

  • @kevinpaige5746
    @kevinpaige5746 5 місяців тому +8

    Great mixes start with great arrangements! Thanks Anthony!

  • @Gabreau
    @Gabreau 5 місяців тому

    "The good energy" This is also what your videos bring us Anthony, thank you!

  • @Zerkzeez
    @Zerkzeez 3 місяці тому

    I just saw the video short for this and to come here to see the full video. Very interesting. I had no idea how much knowledge was needed to make synth music back then.

  • @jmp01a24
    @jmp01a24 3 місяці тому

    I love these "behind the music (or in this case mixing desk) videos.

  • @ge0music307
    @ge0music307 4 місяці тому +1

    I love picking apart songs and finding these little gems throughout, I think it really makes the difference between an average song and a great one. Thanks for your insight again Anthony.

  • @dzemoski45
    @dzemoski45 4 місяці тому

    This was awesome!

  • @WaynePryce
    @WaynePryce 4 місяці тому

    He said "Blue Fkn Thunder." 👊😎👌

  • @mikegeary8056
    @mikegeary8056 5 місяців тому

    Considering all the different clock and Sinc formats back then I bet the Dr Click was valuable tool.

    • @mikegeary8056
      @mikegeary8056 5 місяців тому

      Clearly it still is. I’m glad the manufacturers got over the idea that Sinc formats shouldn’t be universal. Is what I’m saying.

  • @ALFA8902
    @ALFA8902 4 місяці тому

    Incredible work

  • @frankedunjobi555
    @frankedunjobi555 5 місяців тому

    Thanks for all that insights!

  • @bob-rogers
    @bob-rogers 5 місяців тому +4

    Awesome. So cool to hear the stories behind the sounds.

  • @Hernantejeda
    @Hernantejeda 4 місяці тому

    Awesome lesson,Anthony ! From Córdoba City,Argentine Republic! Cheers!!!

  • @egoobekele
    @egoobekele 4 місяці тому

    great work.. Thank you

  • @KISSGreatestFan
    @KISSGreatestFan 4 місяці тому

    I love the details Anthony! Thank You !

  • @Clupea101
    @Clupea101 5 місяців тому +1

    Great Stuff as always , very interesting

  • @Lectrosoul
    @Lectrosoul 3 місяці тому

    Awesome!!

  • @geofre44
    @geofre44 4 місяці тому

    This is crazy. In the best of ways. Thank you for such valuable insight. The production aspect of so many songs are really a testament to the craftsmanship of the artist and the producers like yourself. Just amazing!

  • @artuva
    @artuva 5 місяців тому +1

    thank you so much for all this interesting videos!🙏

  • @Shred_The_Weapon
    @Shred_The_Weapon 5 місяців тому

    I was three years old in 1983 when I first heard Michael Jackson‘s music, specifically *Thriller.* Back then, I didn’t notice this sound in the mix. Could I had 23 years; I purchased a copy on CD, the Deluxe Edition with bonus material and Quincy’s interviews. Listening to beat it then, I did pick up on the sound. For some reason, I got it in my head that it involved 16th-note slapback delay of the type employed by Georgio Moroder in the production of Donna Summer single “I Feel Love”. Furthermore, I was convinced usage of the word machine gun sound referred to the door knocking thing that Michael himself did just before the solo kicked in.

  • @florianmuller4637
    @florianmuller4637 5 місяців тому +1

    Happy new year, Maestro Marinelli 🎉 very well explanation 🎹

  • @jonrodmusic
    @jonrodmusic 4 місяці тому

    Amazing explanation thank you 🙏🏾 Anthony!

  • @ssilva2662
    @ssilva2662 4 місяці тому +1

    Thank you so much Anthony for sharing some of the magic with us. Helps us appreciate the amount of detail and hard work that went into these timeless classics!!!

  • @YoshixVR
    @YoshixVR 5 місяців тому +1

    Ohh this sound! Awesome thank you so much Anthony! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you!!! 🤟

  • @michaelgehringmusic8440
    @michaelgehringmusic8440 4 місяці тому

    Always enjoy your explanation and insight.

  • @rleriche5044
    @rleriche5044 5 місяців тому

    This was so on point for my current project. Not so much that actual sound but the thinking behind it.

  • @LeeGee
    @LeeGee 5 місяців тому

    Love the synth put in time with the track, and the not the other way around!

  • @TheEvanBennett
    @TheEvanBennett 2 місяці тому

    I love this video, randomly recommended thankfully.
    Great song and a great hidden sound I never conciously picked uo on.

  • @JoAlpzino
    @JoAlpzino 4 місяці тому

    this is really interesting but imagine the opening scene of 2001 space odissey but instead of chimps discovering a mysterious futuristic monolith it's anthony marinelli creating an oscillating sound

  • @VocalChainsStudio
    @VocalChainsStudio 4 місяці тому

    Such amazing work. Thank you for your service❤

  • @user-us4vv4qj6y
    @user-us4vv4qj6y 4 місяці тому

    Beyond cool!

  • @dissident4117
    @dissident4117 5 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge to us. Your videos are top notch. 👍🏻

  • @adammassacre1981
    @adammassacre1981 5 місяців тому

    I always find your content wonderfully fascinating 😊

  • @3nealweber3
    @3nealweber3 4 місяці тому

    Sooo freaking cool !

  • @koolmothafunker6027
    @koolmothafunker6027 5 місяців тому

    Thanks Anthony! Your channel is gold.

  • @thefilthygringo9228
    @thefilthygringo9228 4 місяці тому

    Mind blowing!

  • @jts-jc8jk
    @jts-jc8jk 4 місяці тому

    This is really cool! Love watching you with your 2600.

  • @ridge7524
    @ridge7524 5 місяців тому +1

    The entire track is just so damn brilliant.You guys made magic with beat it. 😊Still love everything about the track🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🎶🎧
    🌌💓

  • @beatsbykerem
    @beatsbykerem 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for passing on your knowledge

  • @dbminor
    @dbminor 5 місяців тому +5

    You are the man, Anthony. I’m so grateful for you sharing your knowledge, it wants me to be a better musician and buy more gear. Which I just did : a Behringer 2600 😂

    • @trashyraccoon2615
      @trashyraccoon2615 5 місяців тому +2

      More gear doesn’t make you a better musician, it’s all about what you do with the gear you have!

  • @3buzzy
    @3buzzy 4 місяці тому

    Great information, Anthony. So glad you're sharing. Keep up the great work!

  • @television321man
    @television321man 4 місяці тому

    absolute font of knowledge. amazing

  • @damo5791
    @damo5791 5 місяців тому +1

    Another fantastic video Anthony. So detailed yet to the point. Thank you. I've been with you from the start of your UA-cam channel after seeing your first few posts on Instagram, StoriesInTheRoom and following you there. It's so good to see your channel subscribers growing and was a real treat & surprise to see you with Doctor Mix recently. I'd love to shake your hand the next time I'm in LA. Greets from London.

  • @leowalless9328
    @leowalless9328 5 місяців тому +2

    Wow! Excellent! The first part of this covering how you created the sound is interesting even though I'm not mad into synthesis, but the extra depth and value you bring to these with the glimpses and photos behind the scenes with explanations of the principles at work in the arrangement and mixing of these tracks is wonderful! Thank you so much

  • @andreaperelli5323
    @andreaperelli5323 3 місяці тому

    thank you antony

  • @marcusjknight
    @marcusjknight 5 місяців тому +2

    Truly amazing work Anthony. Fantastic your film documenting these important details to the 2024 World.

  • @KingMJForeverAndEver
    @KingMJForeverAndEver 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you, thank you, thank you ✨👑✨

  • @thomashabas2746
    @thomashabas2746 5 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing such precious tips… I wanted to say that you’ve made the finest job as possible in all productions you were involved especially with MJ.

  • @nichttuntun3364
    @nichttuntun3364 5 місяців тому

    Thank you for the great lesson. 🎉
    A happy and healthy new year to you.

  • @MusicoElectronico
    @MusicoElectronico 5 місяців тому +1

    Amazing! 🎶 🎵 ❤

  • @eancurtis9333
    @eancurtis9333 5 місяців тому

    Amazing

  • @simonjefferytaylor
    @simonjefferytaylor 4 місяці тому

    Love it. ❤️

  • @anthroparion
    @anthroparion 4 місяці тому

    god damn... so I go back... and boom, there it is.... this made my day. Also, Blue Thunder was cool movie :)

  • @gregoryt1186
    @gregoryt1186 4 місяці тому

    Thanks for these videos- I pick up wisdom from each one. Even outside of the synth bits- the advice to give the song room to breathe through the mix and arrangement is one that I constantly need to remind myself.

  • @clintlagerberg
    @clintlagerberg 5 місяців тому

    Love this man! I have the "Beat It" stems and first thought this sound was an electric guitar. Looks like you used a similar sound in the first verse playing a pattern that sits nice with the rhythm guitars. Soooo cool!!

  • @noyabuis
    @noyabuis 5 місяців тому

    Nice!

  • @poppopw5305
    @poppopw5305 5 місяців тому

    Heck, I always thought it was either EVH or another guitarist strumming those 16th notes. It certainly doesn't sound like a synth on the record. Love it!

  • @kkrotobeatz
    @kkrotobeatz 4 місяці тому

    brother you a genius🔥🔥🔥

  • @matthiaskruger556
    @matthiaskruger556 5 місяців тому +1

    I am a guitar player that only got into synths 2 years ago. love playing with my hardware synth. with your videos you help me building up my sound design skills. very cool, thanks a lot!

  • @CrankyOldNerd
    @CrankyOldNerd 5 місяців тому

    Thank you for posting these, such wonderful history and ingenuity in a 'pop' song. It's no wonder these hit number one had stand the test of time looking back. Just fascinating and wonderful to learn all these years later.

  • @litemakr
    @litemakr 5 місяців тому

    Thanks, Anthony! Your videos are so deeply informative and fascinating. Both from an amazingly expert technical and musical perspective and also for unique and cool insights into music recording history. You are so effortlessly knowledgeable about programming synths and arranging. I look forward to every video and soaking up everything I can learn.

  • @Dave-el6rh
    @Dave-el6rh 4 місяці тому

    Thank you.Really.Thank you.

  • @modalwonder
    @modalwonder 5 місяців тому

    Greetings from Groovin High Studios in Texas. What a gem! Thanks for the sharing of your synth knowledge. Can’t wait to find musical moments to utilize this and other gems you’re sharing.