Spencer Sotelo on why YOUR VOCALS don’t have to be Terrible!
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- Опубліковано 17 тра 2022
- Spencer Sotelo and I discuss modern metal vocal techniques & his approach to singing! Chris Liepe joins the fray as well!
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I'm Glenn Fricker, engineer here at Spectre Sound Studios. I love making records, and after doing it for sixteen years, I want to pass on what I've learned. On my channel you can find tutorials on how to record guitar, bass, real drums and vocals. There's reviews and demos of tube amps, amp sims, drums, mics, preamps, outboard gear, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, and plugin effects.
We've covered Moon on the Water, played Bias FX, given you the absolute best in Stupid Musician Texts, ranted & raved about bass guitar, and this channel is where The Eagle has Landed.
Everything you've wanted to learn about recording Hard Rock & Heavy Metal can be found right here on this channel!
I also respond to your comments & questions: The best make it into the SMG Viewer's Comments series of videos. Loads of fun, lots of laughs.
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Spencer is so good and overhated. Dude is a legend
Hating on bands like Periphery is an exercise in utterly missing the point. I've never been a "fan" of theirs, but sometimes a band is so clearly innovative and talented that your opinion doesn't even matter. You don't like it? Too bad, what you done?
A fan of any type of metal could have like 10 periphery song they love.
@@johnbehan1526 Exactly - 'experimental', it's right in the description.
@@johnbehan1526 am I missing something? Since when is Periphery hated? These guys headed the Djent/modern Metal movement for the past 10+ years and are basically responsible for the modern metal sound that every newcomer band is going for today... so that just seems completely absurd to me lol
@@MartinBergnerGuitar well, I can easily imagine someone saying that as criticism, like it's their fault. It's not like hating on popular things is highly unusual. IDK what to say, I don't hate. Doesn't mean that I spin Periphery records, or anyone who sounds much like them either, very often either.
Hail Stan was Spencer’s top performance for me. What he did in ‘Satellites’ was just unbelievable.
Follow your ghost too…. The corpse will swing in all its glory, remembering! Chillllllllls
That whole album is crazy good blood Eagle might be one of my favorite songs ever tbh.
Chris' channel made my neighbors very worrying about me with all the stupid noises in his vocal exercises! Very very useful stuff though. Can't complain.
raccoon sounds can do that
@@zoomzoom3950 Oh yes!
I have found if it makes your neighbs nervous then you're doing it right or at least on the right track.
Also, you can make a lot more noise for longer if you do it during noise ordinance hours; even though I have a calibrated sound meter the cops never buy my argument that I'm 0.1db down from city statutes at the property line at 4am or more likely I'm getting the feeling they Just Don't Care Anymore(TM) and also Want Me To Stop Right Now(TM) but you know, gotta love having enough freedom to indefinitely, smartly, piss off your neighbs. ;-)
Your freedom is only real if you use it ha ha ha ha you'd be surprised how far a little bit can go if you really nurse it
People who aren't laughing or happy at least some of the time aren't really trying hard enough...
@@russellzauner Funniest thing was my neighbour downstairs asking if I am dying!!!
Dont worry about others, they'll see in time if you stick with it
Great to see Sotelo on the show! Great job Glenn!
Sotelo's cleans CAN be powerful and pure af, like at the end of their song "Reptile" when hes just belting out the lyrics "SOIL WE OWN". It's an incredibly powerful clean, when I first heard it my initial thought was "SOTELO, you've been holding out on us!" It sounds so epic, strongly recommend people check that out if they haven't.
Reptile is just a masterpiece in general. There's so much more greatness than a single pelting
Spencer is just an absolute beast of a vocalist. I had listened to Peripherys debut and never got into them. Then when Spencer did the album with From First To Last I fell in love with his vocals wich in turn made me really enjoy Periphery. But his cleans on the FFTL album were just amazing!
@@Messiahbolicalx I really can't stand the poppy/Michael Jackson style cleans he does so often. Except on a track like Catch Fire where they actually fit. But over brutal dj0nt metal, these poppy enunciations and inflections in the voice really don't fit imo. Hey, it's something new and creative, I'll give it that. I just can't get into it and believe me I've tried. Veil of Maya started doing this too, and it's become more popular in the genre. Just can't dig it.
BECOMES OURSSSSS
He wasn't holding out on us. He was giving us a front row seat doing that throughout that entire masterpiece
When I give vocal lessons, if my students get stuck, I send them to Chris Liepe's channel, especially the video on Spencer Sotelo and the vocalist for Tallah's channel, HungryLights. Those two basically fix 90% of mental blocks and misconceptions around metal vocals that I can't get around with them, myself.
"Be a character." Best advice in the video. It's amazing how our skill set increases the moment we do that.
This.
One screaming vocalist that never gets old is Canada's own Hevy Devy Townsend. And as far as recording a singer who doesn't sing at a constant volume really piss sound engineers off to no ends.
They must be pretty crappy sound engineers!
@@jeremythornton433 not even true.and that's your opinion. I respect it but I don't agree with it.
Devin is the epitome of extreme metal singers. It's unfair to compare any singer to devin.
@@seanknot Truth, Devy is incomparable
Singers that don’t sing consistently AND have no mic technique are the worst to record… no amount of riding the fader or heavy compression is going to make that sound as good as if they simply adjusted their technique.
I finally checked out Periphery tonight, loving it! I can even understand the vocals, so rare these days! 😁👍
I like how Chris says it's about getting better and better as time goes on and in each recording.
The band Dir En Grey is a fantastic example of not just vocal experimentation, but a fantastic example of a band who writes for the vocals. They write their songs in such a way that the vocals come in the fill everything in perfectly. It always feels like the vocalist in most bands are just bleeding into the song. Kyo can force you to focus on him, and the next line pull his vocals back to really let the music pop.
Yes! Kyo is an absolute legend!
Absolutely this.
I have actually heard Kyo referred to as the "Japanese Mike Patton"
I love Kyo's vocals
The course has made a massive difference in my voice and I’m glad I bought it!
I love that you are branching out and getting more guests on the show.
Saving this for later, but really glad to see this as a follow up to the other video - Chris and Spencer's collaborations have been really helpful in trying to use my voice more effectively. I'm not a singer but use my voice a lot for work and they have a really accessible way of approaching these topics.
Haven’t watched yet but as soon as I saw Spencer’s I got so excited!! THANK YOU Glenn!!
I'm sure your fellow Canadian Devin Townsend would have loved to have appeared on this. Phenomenal multi instrumentalist and vocalist
He really doesn’t like to sing.
There’s an interview with him on Charismatic Voice’s channel where he stated that.
@@casaroli It's not so much that he doesn't like to sing, but he doesn't like using a music theory/vocal coach approach to it. One would say you shouldn't scream a certain way, but that's how he does it and it works for him. So, it's more like he's not a "technical" singer. I grew up around music theory with clarinet, keyboard/piano, guitar, and vocals. It's actually more boring and annoying if you just go off "what" you are told. The only thing that annoys me to this day is when people call falsetto the male head voice when that's highly incorrect. It's a tone of the head voice register, and there are physical differences between the two. As long as you're not damaging your body doing it, then you're fine.
@@valdyrgramr he actually says he doesn’t like being a singer.
He said many times that he really wants is to just play bass and chill.
And you’re also right about everything you said.
It's realy nice of you to listen those comments and to do a video like this, wish there were more youtubers like you. Thanks for the video
I had the priviledge of meeting Spencer after a show at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville for P3! He is the one of the coolest tiny humans and musicians I've ever met. Such an awesome guy with a powerful voice! I'm all about heavier being better, but Lune live brought tears to my eyes man! ✌🤘
That song brings a tear to my eye anytime I hear it. I would probably sob like a little bitch if I heard it live lol
So i’ve actually finished watching both of the courses and i really enjoyed them. If you are a fan of spencer or periphery or the genre, you’ll absolutely want to check them out. If you are a budding vocalist that wants to learn to learn to sing and/ scream, there is some solid advice in the singing/screaming course and i also picked up a lot of good tips from the production course too. The price is a steal.
What not to expect: the course isn’t going to be the be all end all of learning everything that singing, screaming and production has to offer. This stuff takes time and practice. It’s a journey. This is a good place to start if you can afford to dive in.
i've long been a huge fan of spencer's. the vocal bit near the end of their song Ragnarok is just fucking jaw dropping
Thanks 👍
for the ongoing great content
Believe it or not your info on this channel is very useful especially for vocals may I re-say "Don't cup the microphone"!!! Just info on the differences between dynamic and condenser mics and how to use them is awesome ;) Thanks man!!! btw: Faith No More is one of the best bands on the Planet, they're definitely aliens from outer space!!!
When 2 of my fav channels collide! 🤘😎
This rock and metal community has become so great. There is enough personnel with enough material to launch a whole tv channel xD UA-cam has completely replaced tv for me because of guys like you that make great entertainment for musicians. Keep that up!
"If there is a melody" great point, sometimes the new "scream generation" has just a scream, but no actual range variation.
Like the older metal bands that had way more focus on range and melody and less scream.
When I hear “scream” and “vocal range” I instantly think of Phil Anselmo.
@@ryanwilson5936 cemetery feelings 🤪
Well that isn't a bad thing per say
but then you have stuff like the blackened deathcore scene, with vocalists who can often switch seamlessly between death growls and shrieks.
Pitched screaming is hands-down the best sounding vocal technique in metal.
I wish more bands would do it as their primary vocal style.
If anyone knows any such bands please drop their name. As of right now, Gojira is the only band I know that uses the technique somewhat primarily.
I first heard the technique on “burned at both ends” by motionless in white and have been in love ever since. The style just sounds so fucking huge and amazing.
Spencer just casually pulling out his coffee bowl @10:32 got me lmao
I shall try it out
My two favorite UA-cam channels (Glen and Chris) coming together. I purchased Spencer’s 2 course bundle and I can say that it changed everything for me vocal-wise and production wise. Spencer is all out giving his method for vocal recording. I learned a lot! So for everyone reading this: go check it out! It’s worth WAY more than the asking price
Also, Chris has an awesome studio space! Love your style bro!
Thanks Jeffrey!
Producing it properly makes a world of a difference.
finally some advice for bands that do NOT want to sound like an 80's relic...thanks a lot!
It is your talent level and how you are able to pull it off.
Some people do not have it. But they think they do.
Speaking of memorable, the song(s) "what it cost" & "like a villain" have been looping in my head and phone for a while. So much emotion, glass, power, and heart in that song.
Does anyone here know what mic Spencer used on P5 vocals? I think it's the same one on the stand behind him in this video
I love Chris. He's so wholesome
Ooo, this might be a go for me. There's nothing I struggle with more than getting the vox to sit how I want.
These courses will definitely help you with getting your vocals to sit right!
Dammmmm. Thanks for posting.
I have to say Spencer's heavy vocals on Hail Stan stepped it up big time!.
Most of Björks vocals were recorded with handheld SM58, because she likes to emote and move so much while singing... and you can't say the vocal sound is anything but perfect.
natural talent and skill is priceless
This is such an important topic. There's a lot of good music out there but so very few good vocalists. Not only do the vocals seldom live up to the music but most often ruin it.
I'm glad to see this being discussed.
Great Video Frank!
:)
Great video! I've been watching Chris for a while even though I am not a singer. I still like to watch and learn how other musicians learn their craft and or teach it haha. Spencer is the mighty mouse of vocalist! Small but packs a fucking punch!
That's an UNDERSTATEMENT !!
Spencer is so fucking awesome!
Nailed it 100%.
Mike Patton has a massive range of vocal technics in his pocket. Im still learning and try to understand the things that Mike does and it feels, even after years of training, like an endless and mindblowing jouney 😅
Awesome vocalist!
09:03 Periphery’s “Havin a Blast” is basically a more proggy “Thriller”.
Michael Jackson started it all for me, now it’s Spencer Sotelo. I love Periphery!!
The Veil of Maya connection makes sense. I always thought when their vocals stepped up it sounded like Spencer.
I'd really love to see what happens if Glenn takes this course. I love the idea of "funky" vocals in metal.
Nice👍👍
I can almost hear where the problem is. I'm in the early stages of writing a new set and while noodling around with guitars and riffs and rhythm, I'm also writing words and trying to massage them into a meaningful shape and sound, and consciously trying to deliver the vocals in new ways within the early structures. Sounds shit at the moment, and I've got multiple projects kicking off. Some may have potential, others already sound like outtakes. Yeah, I agree, not enough time is put into vocal tracking, but I think there is going to be casualties when developing a style and one's craft. Always great videos Glenn.
@7:28. So glad Chino from
The Deftones got his props. He is by far my favorite vocalist in any genre. He can do anything.
Wooow, actually when I heard your rant on your latest video I thought to myself: "well what about Spencer Sotelo and Devin Townsend? I guess they are not very known" AND you came out with this video! This Is awesome.
That was a good ad
I think a reason a lot of people are hesitant to take vocal lessons is because unlike guitar, which has had a lot of emphasis of rock, traditionally, vocal lessons have a reputation of choir style singing.
I'm trying to improve, though, watching Chris's videos, and I'm definitely interested in any courses to step up my game.
@Arielle ♪ That video instantly turned me from William Hung into Bruce Dickinson.
This is something I will buy
An 1176 Rev E is sonically identical to a Rev D. The only difference is the voltage switch allowing for 220v.
And the Distressor is basically a continuation of an 1176 style compressor. Yes, there’s more to it, but they used the 1176 as a starting point for what they wanted to accomplish.
How do I sign up for the singing /screaming course only ???💣💥josh
I'm 43, I've been just a bassist for 27 years, but I've wanted to get behind the mike for years now. Sure, I've sung some backing vocals but that's pretty much it. Is it of any use for me to even attempt to learn vocal techniques etc. at my age? I know I'll never be Spencer or Devin Townsend for that matter (not only because I'd be way past retirement age before reaching their level of knowledge and technique but also due to the simple fact I'm a baritone with a fairly limited range) but is there a chance I'll manage to learn something usable before I get too old to rock'n'roll (and not necessarily too young to die)?
melissa cross, zen and art of screaming- great dvd and has some extremely good warmups. secondly at 43 and you haven't been singing seriously means that you have a "preserved" singing voice with tons of potential! you have an extended shelf life for your voice if you're careful with it. best of luck man, singing is a trip!
My advice is to sing the notes in the runs and scales you play on bass. It's important to not let yourself get away with not hitting a note properly, keep going over at least a three note run with the problem note in the centre. Don't let not hitting a couple of notes dead on stop the rest of your practice though, just be aware of where you need to focus on when you come back to that scale or run.
This is such a crossover... I totally forgot whos channel I was watching
Glen you have a pretty badass high scream!
Glenn would you please explain the sound of in / out of faze ??? 😳 thanx
EveryTime I Die has the most unique vocals in metal. Well they had the most unique. No one did the singing parts like Buckley.
I've gotta alot of tips and exercises from Chris Leipes Channel. Hes really helped me get comfortable with my voice and love my voice.
Ok yea jinjer is eye candy, but Spencer is too! He's soo cute omg. That whole dang band is actually, but Spencer and Mark are mi corazon
Are you guys covering down tuning to fit your voice. My voice was strained on every recording, until i found out that if i downtune to "motörhead" tuning I could manage to sing way more open and way less strained.
I believe this why Metallica went down a half step for Load/Reload. It’s also why they tune down half step for live shows.
We actually cover how to help you not need to down tune! Embrace CHARACTER and your range will increase naturally... so will power!
@@chrisliepe Thank you for the answer! I will get the first part, but are you considering to put the mixing part as an stand alone part? Since I can't afford the whole package atm.
The mr bungle stuff was truly innovating for its time, especially the first album.. In a way, it still is. Patton set a standard. I mean, there is a brass section.
Mike Patton influence is loud AF during "beauty is but a visual in fantasy"
Your vocals aren’t necessarily terrible if you can’t sing.
*Dave Mustaine has entered the chat*
I disagree that Dave's vocals aren't terrible. Like, Megadeth are legends, but let's be honest, Dave's vocals always were the single weakest point in theirs songs(and especially live, where most of the time he haven't pulled them off)
Oh hi Glenn!
there are alot of vocal courses and UA-cam videos with alot of conflicting information on such things as health, posture ,breathing techniques, I'm working on my vocals again ,now that i quit smoking , and i want to do the things right in terms of proper technique and avoiding injuries and of course becoming the best singer i can be
Totally agree. Metal is cool and I have loved it since the 1980s and even Ronnie James Dio could sing well. I liked Europe's (the band) and other keyboard heavy (pre-symphonic) metal which leads me to my current favorite bands all seemingly from Finland or France. People like Melissa Bonny and Jade from Frozen Crown. It is very cool to see how metal has evolved.
Sponce❤️❤️❤️
What song are they singing @15:45?
The ritual - king mothership
One great metal vocalist who sings with tons of R&B soulful influence is Tom Englund of Swedish rockers Evergrey, check them out their playing and writing is first rate!
Watching this makes me miss my old Soldano Hot Rod 😓
The Hu are very cool. and SO HEAVY
Man, I remember how so many people used to hate on Spencer Sotelo back in the day
As a singer... yay
My warmup routine is very simple. Hottest bath I can stand. Inhale the steam. Talk in cartoon voices for a while encompassing lowest and highest register, and Boom! Job done. Works for me.
Chris Liepe vocally walks on water and I’ll fist fight anyone who says otherwise!
:)
Spencer
A great producer is so often overlooked in obtaining the performance. Check out Sylvia Massy if you don't already know her...
If you want to be any kind of vocalist with any longevity, you have to have a foundation. Before you sing, you must breathe. Learning the breath. Control of the breath. Learning how to use the core to your benefit. This must be done before anything else
Case in point rob halford
GLEEEEEEEEEN!!!! You need to check out CVLT OV THE SVN they have influence from pop to Stone rock to black metal and the vocals aren't screaming but sort of a menacing possessed person from The exorcist throat singing. It's odd at first but the music is awesome.
7:45 !!! Emote and be confident!! Wimbly is a fraggle are you a fraggle?
Fragile Fraggle or Vicious vocalists?
Bjorn strid is easily in his own league though. Technique and tone is just out of this world. Devin roo of course
Joe from Gojira does throat singing
14:09 Glenn´s reaction is so priceless! Better than Sotello ? Oh my gawd :D
You gotta check out Unleash the Archers. They are great musicians and the female lead singer is amazing.
With this i can hopefully sing MISERY
But my Cookie monster is the toast of Fort Wayne! And I can totally remember the lack of lyrics by belching into my cupped mic!
Oh hi Chris! ♥️
Hi! :)
Glenn, I’m going home and putting on some air supply records. 😂
So my vocals aren't terrible because I can't sing? This whole time I thought I was the problem.
Only partially that :) But there are a lot of vocalists who 'can't sing' that sound amazing on recordings! There's so much to unpack as to why, and we do that in these courses!
@@chrisliepe I've had 9 years of vocal lessons to get this bad.
I current rent a vocal booth to practice my vocals but I feel it's not enough. The problem is that I can't really practice very well at home, I live in an apartment with paper thin walls and I can't go around screaming without it causing issues. What are some things I can practice at home that will help me improve my vocals without getting the cops called on me?
Things I already do:
1. Learn my lyrics.
2. Practice, quietly, in front of a mirror.
3. Write and practice stage banter.
But non of that actually works towards improving my voice.
I had a friend that had the same problem he end up buying a portable boot to isolate the sound now he can practice everything he can
theres's a video on Chris's channel about this .. ua-cam.com/video/R6lv0kdBvFw/v-deo.html
i think a big problem is lack of somewhere to practice. singing is loud and can be really awkward and embarrassing before you get good.
I always wondered where singers would practice. I’d be embarrassed to sing at home.
Chris nails it. Great gear doesn't equal great vocalist.
14:49 i could have swore to god that shirt said Djent lol.....