How to Write, Play, & Record (1960s) Garage Rock Drums
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- / mariodisanto
mariodisanto.bandcamp.com/music
~Chapters~
0:00 - Introduction
2:53 - The Drum Set
9:16 - The Drummer
11:38 - The Recording Setup
27:55 - Recording Session Example
32:52 - Example Session Final Take
34:55 - More Examples
37:33 - Conclusion
Today we talk about writing, playing, and recording Garage Rock Drums. We discuss many things included but not limited to, microphones, comression, EQ, playing style and more.
Super Secret Email List: forms.gle/jgPtxsPKWfNzVof36
Garage Rock Guitar: czcams.com/video/siLgnnODUkg/video.htmlsi=1I3CM7sPylksZNvB
Garage Rock Vocals: czcams.com/video/IrjwtsuyJJE/video.htmlsi=aAt5CpMVT6mUPuwi
Garage Rock Bass: czcams.com/video/5QGzaQkzm-U/video.html
My Garage Rock Playlist: czcams.com/play/PL4DVR4t48JwEcKfORlrf_e5BZP_kGIJ9J.html
This a breath of fresh air after watching endless videos of digital recording engineers TRYING to make their recordings sound analog
Thanks for watching :)
Your comment is so spot on, the lunacy of using computers and spending hours trying to emulate what we used to use!
@@craigsanderson4330 Been making garage rock and surf for 40+ years and I have no problem with ppl using computers. It's the 21st century and you should use the means available to you. The gear that I use today is still the gear I used 40 years ago, but I use a computer to record it all with great results, because I know what was used back then, I don't know anything about things like quantizing and stick to only correct microphone positions, EQ and compression. The authentic reverb, tape echo, tremolo I use cost me, when I bought it, about 1/20th of what they now cost. Not everyone can afford that, nor can everyone afford to house monstrously large equipment or pay 50 quid per hour in a (specialized) studio. Keep that in mind when you're looking down on others from your own privileged position.
@@johnverhoef You missed my point, I don't look down on anyone for using what is available, I simply stated that it is lunacy to be forced to recreate analogue tones in a digital domain when analogue was the standard for so long. Capitalism at its best, convenience at the detriment to quality. I'm not privileged in any way, I wish I owned tape machines, tube mics, consoles and outboard but I don't, I learned on that gear but I refuse to use a computer, my choice, my opinion. Sorry internet police.
FWIW I found this video while trying to make a backing track for a 1961 song I'm learning and I found it very useful in getting a better sound out of EZ Drummer. I'd love to have a vintage kit and a tape machine but there's useful info here for anyone.
I'm really floored by your flexibility as a drummer--no drummer I've ever played with (there have been lots) would ever move or remove toms or be open-minded enough to embrace the limitations you impose on yourself in this video. You are the epitome of a musician who "plays for the song." Ringo would be proud! I hope to work with you someday.
Ahh someone gets it! Far too many flashy drummers out there that never play to the song. Whenever people give ol' Ringo shit, I get so angry.
Having watched this free of charge, I feel like a criminal. This information can be applied so many genres of music. Very intuitive, straight to the point and enjoyable. Great music too! Cheers
Thank you so much! Trying my best to spread the word of good garage! Cheers
Man … where have you been hiding? You could’ve saved a lot of people a lot of time a long time ago. So great. You mail everything you say. Have you recorded any bands or produced a record for anyone else? Would love to hear.
I have recorded other people's material, although I have been musically involved with all of those projects. I have yet to be "hired" to formally record an artist, but I hope in due time that will come naturally. You can find all of the tracks I recorded for myself and other projects in the "Mario's House Recording Studio" playlist on my channel.
Mario
@@Mario_DiSantoI’ll hire you. How do I connect? Got some jams on my channel for reference of style.
i recorded my drums with this technique and liked it. check it out latest upload on my channel.
Bro I'm just trying to start a band w this cat !!!
Word. Could’ve used these videos a couple years ago hahaha
Garage Rock/Surf Rock is not about how much equipment you have. It's all about attitude and authenticity.
Great video btw.
Absolutely Guilliano. Format and gear always comes second to the artists and their performance.
Mario
@@Mario_DiSanto Exactly Mario, you remind me that Grunge and Shoegaze drinks from the same source of Garage Rock too. Hope you can make another video talking about those styles too.
This is really cool. I'm a metal drummer but love me some 60s rock, especially the weird psychedelic stuff. Getting a good drum sound is hard. You did it with one mic. That sounded awesome!
Thanks! It takes a lot of patience this way.
This is the sound I am looking for and nowadays music missing
You’re exactly the kind of producer/engineer I would want to record my album. If only I wasn’t on the other side of the country.
I should set up a rolling recording studio in an 18 wheeler.
@@Mario_DiSanto As you know Zep 3 & 4, Exile On Main St and Machine Head were recorded with the Stones truck, classic mixes all. Your channel is fascinating, thanks for the content.
I grew up listening to Garage/Surf bands and when I close my eyes it takes me back to those days, your sound is both accurate and authentic. You captured the essence of what many of these bands were striving for, a live crisp sound like when these bands played in a school gymnasium, local music hall, or skate rinks. Love your analytical dissection of the garage rock sound! A lot of these garage band guys are still jamming. I know one that had a hit in the 60's and gigs at least twice a week. These garageband/surf guys would be stoked on what you are doing!
I would love to talk the ear off of some of these old rockers. I have so many questions and I am certain they have even more stories to share. Thanks for your input I appreciate it.
@@Mario_DiSanto this is the first video I've seen of yours and it's the most exciting recording channel I've seen to date!!! Very good stuff here man keep it coming
@@jmdean_ thanks Joshua. More to come for sureeeeeeee
Maaaan! I love this, very 60's vibe and sound; and if i could name this band i would call it The Nøds.
I dig the name
@@Mario_DiSanto haha, thanks! 😉
I love this so much, really embracing the DIY and “use what you’ve got “ philosophy, with K.I.S.S. Making room for happy accidents, brilliant!
Thanks for watching Joshua! DIY is how we all have to start out so might as well embrace it until we have more accessibility to better tools and experience.
Mario
As a guitarist who try’s to play drums for recording projects, I found this very inspiring! Thanks 🙏
Really nice authentic 60s sound... beat • psych • surf • rock ... ❤
dude your channel is incredible, these videos are so good.
Thank you my man
Great video as always, Mario! Always look forward to your stuff!
Thanks for giving folks an inside look at doing it all yourself.
Friend: "What did you do today?"
You: "I spent twelve hours recording drums for one song."
Friend: "uh........ what?"
Another great video Mario. Stealing all of this knowledge!
None of my friends or family understand that you need a lot of time and patience to record successfully! I like to dedicate a whole day sometimes just for tracking. There is so much trial and "erra" involved.
Mario
Or "We were in the Studio today pose pose". Me "What did you learn ?" Silence.
Right when I start to learn drums. Thank you
I made this for you.
as someone who plays anything else but drums; the setup, eq and recording process seems like a lot of daunting, hard work
Doesn't need to be. Simple is often better.
That drummer's drip is rather groovy! Purple Haze bro.
Instantly subbed. I'm in for all of this
You're killing it, dude!
You truly have grace and style and understand your stylistic choices!
Oh man, I’ve been waiting for this! I love your drum sound, and your tutorials!
Thanks a million
Man these videos are great!
Man I love this channel. The humor is top notch. I laughed my ass off at that seagull picture over the squeaky pedal
As always so GOOD.
So good man!!! Absolutely love your tips. Super keen on any more videos!
Awesome! Thank you!
great video mario, yesssssss great stuff
Awesome! Thank for doing this video, exactly what I've been waiting for from you!
Glad I could meet your expectations 👍
God that is killer tone. I love how hard you worked to get it and it is inspiring to see someone go from where you started and ended. Very tasty.
Thanks so much for watching! So glad you enjoyed the process.
Your content is stellar man keep it up 👍🏾
You're awesome Mario. This is hugely inspiring. I feel I've got a grip over most recording scenarios but drums is where I really want to improve (always). Can't wait to see more of your content in the future.
Thanks for watching and commenting Dorian. The important part is to always look for improvement. You just gotta make sure you don't improve too much because than it's not garage lol.
Mario
This is gold, love the video and authenticity. Just subbed!
Thanks so much Sean;
Another excellent video. Thanks for the info, Mario!
My pleasure Dusty!
SICK SOUNDS MAN!!! 🔥Cheers from Canada
When I was in college I worked at a Uhaul that had storage units and people would throw away mattresses all day every day. So my buds and I acquired 4 of them and built a frame with 2x4s - we used 3 of the mattresses two create 3 sides of a square, and put the fourth one on top. Put the drumset inside and recorded it with those two MXL's 990 and 991. And I kick mic I believe. It sounded pretty great actually.
That is PERFECT. I would love to see a picture of that haha. I have tried similar ideas with blankets and they do absolutely NOTHING.
Mario
@@Mario_DiSanto I wish I had a picture! The craziest part about that is the drummer made that top mattress like a bunk bed and slept up there
Beautiful gear, video, and sounds brother! Thank you!
Thanks for watching :)
Piper at the Gates of Dawn absolutely has the best hard pans. They seem EXTRA hard, somehow.
This video really hit the spot. Yeah the snare on the final mix sounds so good coming through the pre amp
Glad you like it! Thanks for commenting.
I love these videos. Reminds of the early days in my music recording journey. Wish I could get a garagey type band into the home studio and impliment some of this stuff
Thanks for watching Jesus! I am still very much in my "salad days" of recording. So much to learn from here and I hope I can improve steadily.
Mario
Love your tracks dude, so groovy
Thanks man glad you dig em
Amazing Video my man! This was super informative. I just wish I lived nearer I'd be hitting you up to play drums in a band. Keep up the great content as always. Looking forward to the album.
Maybe one day Jarred! Maybe one day....
Incredible work on this man!
Thanks so much Samuel.
first time seeing your channel, instantly impressed. thanks
Thanks Stephen!
Mario amigo mio! jajaja
This is what I was looking for when I found your channel a few weeks ago.
Thank you
Hola Milton! Excited you got what you were looking for.
I was searching this video for years now! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas & stuff! Youre a true kinda sir! Trash on!
Garage Surf 4 ever
You're welcome! Trash away!
great overview! more please!
Damn that's inspiring. I love the whole retro garage band sound and now I'm tempted to create a few tunes in that vein.
Of course I'll have to do it mostly digitally drumwise on a DAW, but I'll make an attempt.
Great tutorial man, and dig your music.
Thank you! A DAW will work just fine, tape is by no means a necessity. Send some links when you got some tunes cranked out.
Mario
Great video, love the ideas! It reminds me a lot of when I started out and all I had was a Tascam for track tape machine and one single sm57. There is more budget now but I feel like I could go back to the way I used to record and make it more of a creative process, more of and art rather than just seeing up all these mics and going straight into the daw. You make it seem fun again! I definitely want in on that mailing lists!
I started out with the same recording setup you had except I had an 8 track instead, specifically the TEAC 80-8. Although it's only been about 3 years I can't help get a nostalgic about the first song I wrote and recorded. I never would have thought I would have gotten so pulled into this hobby in such a short amount of time. It is definitely important to keep the "fun" involved in the process.
Cheers,
Mario
This is some real cool interesting stuff that I stumbled on today and I seriously like it. Thanx for the info.
Thanks for watching! Glad I could give some inspiration.
God damn that intro track is catchy as HELL! Great work with this vid.
Thanks Robin! That track is gonna be on my album for sureeeeeeee.
This is great stuff. Anyone in the know knows that great sounding tracks start with great performances and to get things to sound as good as you can before you ever hit record. Also I'm totally digging the surf vibe you've got going on. It's so raw and is so much fun to play.
Amen Scott. Thanks for your comment. Surf rock is always a pleasure to play.
I haven't played in a rock band in a while and have mostly concentrated on playing solo acoustic instruments and composing electronic music. Your videos are very inspiring and have given me the itch to play music with other people again!
Yes! Scratch the itch!
I fucking love this! your studio looks amazing btw!
Thank you Shawn.
The final take vibes like The Walkmen, nice work friendo!
Thanks a lot!
thanks for very useful information 👊
thanks for the advices, youre an awesome teacher!! cheers from brasillll
My pleasure thanks for watching friend.
this is so awesome you are a godsend ☮️❤️🍄
your demos are sooo good man, i heard “ tell me what you really want “ and thought it was a 1960 song so i immediately try to search it on youtube, until i realized it was an unreleased piece by you😂. anyway keep it going, greetings from argentina
Thank you so much! Cheers
Damn, boy. Your videos are gaining some traction since you first started. ((keep making content. its good))
It is very rewarding to see. Means the world people appreciate this stuff.
That was wonderful! SM57 on the bass drum and an omni on the snare - the exact opposite of what everyone would recommend. You are crazy - crazy like a fox! :-) You are a seriously creative and clearly competent at recording and know when to break all the rules to get a sound. And boy do you ever get the sound. I love your approach and attitude. Showing us your recording process was just fantastic. Plus you crack me up. You're onto something great - keep going Mario!
Derek thanks so much! I try to guide my decisions purely by ear. I value your feedback.
Mario
I like what you said about writing your drum part to the room sound. This is strong technique which is better accepted in more sound design based instrumentation, like synthesizers, where the tonal characteristic of the instrument may take a left turn and require drastic composition adjustment. Extending this to the room sound or how the mic happens to be picking it up that day is real talk. That being said, I go against your (historically accurate) preference for mono drums, but at least I'm not soft panning!
absolutely cracking intro!!
Glad you like it!
As a drummer and a fan a of analog music this is awesome! New subscriber! I am big fan of Daptone Records and they have taught me a lot of recording to tape and mic placement. Also - they have a real sick imprint label called WICK Records which is all Garage Rock - very cool stuff man!
Gabriel Roth's "Shitty is Pretty" is a gigantic influence here. I haven't checked out that label before. Gonna do that now.
Mario
Great content! Thanks for the inspiration!
My pleasure.
cool video mate!
As always, great video, and awesome music. Thanks!!!
Claude I am always happy to hear your support.
@@Mario_DiSanto I will rent a music rehearsal room that comes with a drum kit this spring to write and record new songs. I will keep your experience to heart when I do. Many thanks!
@@TheProducers That's exciting! You're gonna have a blast there.
Really enjoying your channel! Perfect timing as I'm wiring up my old analogue console here in the French Pyrenees. Looking forward to more videos to come!
Nice nice nice! What kind of console is it?
@@Mario_DiSanto it's an old Allen and heath gl3300, more of a live desk but it does sound great if redlined!
@@ariegepipesmoker897 ooo that's a beast of a unit.
Love these videos
Dude, I love this episode. I've work on keeping my drum recording set-up as simple as possible and tweak with mic placement and occasional after effects. I also like Glynn Johns' take on recording drums. I am a basic, no-frills drummer so I don't need no "mic on every dang drum" set-up to magnify my sucky drum skills. A heartfelt thanks for this.
I have tried a variation of the Glynn John's and found it adequate but didn't give me exactly what I was looking for. Granted I tried that very early in my recording "career". Perhaps I will revisit it. Appreciate the comment, rock on.
Mario
killer video as always
I once got a great drum set sound with a single Realistic PZM on the ground in front of the drum set. It picked up everything in the kit in a very balanced way. I was shocked. Great video!
I actually have a Realistic PZM and I have used it exactly ZERO times. I really out to try it on drums (and piano). Do you think it would work on carpet?
Mario
@@Mario_DiSanto I have recently used my new AT Pro44 PZM (my realistic went belly up some time ago) in front of a small bass amp on carpet. It was ok. The drum sound with the realistic was on concrete.
Cool song. Nice playing!
Awesome, Thanks Mario
I enjoyed the journey. Thanks for making the video. I alway like your drumming… no matter how you mic and process them.
Additionally… be happy your sound is so different than the other things out there at this time. Cheers and happy tracking Mario.
I am slowly growing to like my "sound" more as I see other people enjoying it. It's hard not to strive for a more Hi-Fi sound. I think it often gets over-looked that the garage sound is not always done by design but by unavoidable limitations.
As I progress as an recording engineer I am often split between sticking with the garage sound or moving on to a more Hi-Fi sound. Both approaches have their place depending on the song or artist though.
Mario
@@Mario_DiSanto I can see that, of course… but hey… I still would enjoy your Drumming, using either hi or low fidelity. It’s just solid in my opinion. Guess I just know how important a good solid Drummer is. Props wherever recording takes you.
Sounds incredible
Thanks Mike
Wow man you're making a case for the steel snare -- I've been cursing that bloody ear splitting thing for years, vowing to replace it as soon as a suitable wood shell upgrade presents itself! Now you got me second-guessing myself!!
Hehe :) a wood shell would have never survived a car tire!
That track at the beginning sounds awesome!
Thanks so much!
Once again Mario, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. You really are a big inspiration to me as of late. You made all this super easy to understand and accessible to someone who knows nothing about drums. I can only play guitar and bass, but I have yet to pick up drums. It's always seemed so expensive and intimidating to dive into compared to playing guitar or bass. A big part of that being how many people emphasis treated rooms, micing each piece of the kit, fills, different beats, changing heads all the time, basically just making everything absolutely perfect and pristine. When what I've been searching for is exactly this video on getting some filthy raw drum tones and not overcomplicating things. I live by the Keep It Simple Stupid philosophy when it comes to music. All my guitars are single pickup guitars, straight into an amp, maybe a fuzz pedal at most if I'm in the mood. So a single mic on a 4 piece kit in a plain old room with simple beats is exactly what I want. Thank you again and I look forward to all your videos as well as your album :) apologies for all my comments basically being short novels lol
I appreciate the short novels don't worry! It means a lot to hear that people are being influenced to try new things and go out recording. There are so many people that hold themselves back recording drums because they have no experience! You really just need to basics to get the energy of a song pumping. The White Stripes is the perfect representation of this.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts don't apologize for rambling on like I do!
Mario
@@Mario_DiSanto thank you again for the reply, I'll check out the white stripes I've never really listened to them in depth before :) I hope to one day soon do your 1 hour song challenge as well
another awesome video !!! Thanks Sir
My pleasure!
I really Like the way you hold your mic!!!😊😊
I am allergic to lav mics unfortunately ;)
Man i really love your work, you're so fuck*n great!! Meetings from Ecuador!
Awesome, thank you!
Nice video, thanks! You're a good drummer and sound engineer my friend!
Thank you so much!
thx so much for all your videos ! very helpfull
Anytime! More to come in the future.
cant wait to get some period specific cymbal hardware… im a stickler for look just as much as sound (sometimes)… LOVE the tiny, “sticklike” quality of 60s hardware🤣
Amen.
Very logical analysis
Dude the room sound thing is so accurate.
👏 awesome, I don’t play the drums , but I enjoyed your video. I fell asleep for a minute. But the parts I saw were 🔥 good stuff
I appreciate that!
The intro track sounds a lot like D-7 by the Wipers. Actually, I thought about telling you about them a couple of days ago. They were one of the most unique bands in the 1980s and 1990s. Their frontman, lead singer and guitarist Greg Sage wanted the Wipers to be an independent recording project. The music should have spoken for itself and was created to paint images in the minds of the listeners. What's interesting is that Greg Sage taught himself how analog tube equipment works and he recorded a lot with equipment built by him. It was designed by his ears, not his eyes.
He is one of my heroes and his DIY approach shares some similarities with what you do in my opinion.
I am going to have a take a deep dive into Greg Sage then. You have piqued my interest for sure.
Spot on comment Void -- Started the Seattle Sound, to quote his biggest fan Kurt, 15 years too early.
Great video! I'm primarily a drummer and just wanted to chip in to say that you don't _need_ vintage cymbals to get that "vintage sound". 😉 It's all about size, weight (thinner or thicker), and formulation (metal/alloy type, CuSn8 Bronze being a prime example of one of the tried & true vintage cymbal formulations). You just need to research which series is geared towards that older, more traditional sound and sample them (hopefully in person). Some companies make modern reproductions of their older series.. Paiste comes to mind with their Big Beat and Formula 602. I also have some Zildjian K's that are newish but sound vintage. However, if you can get a great deal on some old Zildjians or whatever brand you prefer, then that's probably the way to go if you're on a budget.
I'd love to have another vintage set of drums.. I had a 4-piece maple Ludwig kit that was stamped Nov 1967 and sold them to get some Tama's in the early 2000's like a dummy. Still wish I had that kit! I really want to replicate some sounds from the likes of Keith Moon, Mitch Mitchell, and of course Bonzo.
I haven't played on a diverse amount of cymbals so I only have experience with a few different brands/types. I have always heard great things about the Big Beats. I really wanna try them out. There isn't a place to really check cymbals out anymore, especially with the downfall of Guitar Center.
The good thing about vintage drums though is that the prices are still (somewhat) affordable! You can get a great set of Ludwigs from the 60s for under $1,000. Try getting the same deal for a fender guitar from the 60s! You're spending thousands...easily.
Mario
Amazing sound, so authentic! Hope your album blows up, but if it doesn't don't worry, you can always get a part in the Goodfellas remake (sorry, had to say that)
another good vid! takes quite a bit of ambition to 1- write the music, 2-play all the parts, 3-engineer all the instruments, then, 4- shoot and edit the entire process on video to bring to us.
i'd like to see a video, if you haven't already, explaining your studio situation... room treatments? second floor? do you own the space or rent? are the neighbors okay with you making sounds or do you ever have to deal with planes trains or trucks grinding past?
keep it up!
That's actually a really good idea for a video where I answer all those questions. I'll keep that in mind for something soon.
Mario
11:59 shot beer out of my nose!! AMEN FRIEND PREACH -- The drummer in surf band I led a while back checked every single box of what to NOT do as you have described here. Lol
I've been there. Us drummers need to "learn our role". The same goes for every other player in the band actually. You can't have a functioning band if the guitarist is always soloing, or the bass player is always slapping strings, etc. You gotta find the finesse.
great video!
Really cool!
you hear that? that’s *THE DRIP!*
I love it!
Sounds great!!!
Thanks for an great & inspiring video! K.I.S.S for life. Less IS more! great tracks at the end aswell.
Less is certainly more! If only I had the same restraint with other aspects of my mixes...