John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 Have you ever wondered what makes Maggie Rogers' vocals so iconic and intimate?

In this video, I drop dozens of insights into the intricacies of how her vocals are produced and mixed. From the mix approach, to FX automation and use, to the layering and cadence creation in the chorus.... WE GO INTO IT YO!

so let's dive in, hit that link below!

https://youtu.be/iehryo9Z9uE

3 years ago | [YT] | 0

John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 Want A Deeper Understanding Of EXACTLY How Synthpop Vocals Are Created? Well of course ya do, who wouldn't?? ESPECIALLY something so iconic like @troyesivan 's "My My My", a personal favorite of mine.

There were some really bold and incredible choices made throughout the song, from how they layer up and effect the verses, to the insane, perfect magic chaos of the chorus stacks.

Hit it below and let's jump tf in!

https://youtu.be/ct7viZmv-2Y

3 years ago | [YT] | 0

John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 Doja's vocal production was REALLY surprising, and we go through it all including:

- The VERY odd panning and reverb choices that keep her ad libs tight-but-washed-out

- The 20 ALMOST silent layers that I missed until my 50th listen (trust me, they make a huge difference...)

- The ways that she subverts expectations with Layering Minimalism to keep our ears guessing

- Also it's just a fucking dope tune, I'm obsessed lol

Let's jump in below. See you there!

https://youtu.be/R6VYmXGcXHo

3 years ago | [YT] | 1

John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 Want an over-the-shoulder experience making a Weeknd song together? That's exactly what we do in this video, from no idea to "this SLAPSSSSSS".

I came in with just a handful of sounds, and an understanding of where I generally wanted to go. From there, you get to see all my mistakes, magic moments, and discoveries as I work to uncover an absolute clapper.

Nothing prepared beforehand, just you, me, and a vision for a track. At the end, we done. You up for the journey? It's right below, and I'll see you there!

https://youtu.be/wF3MfcdrEr8

3 years ago | [YT] | 0

John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 "thank u, next" has probably 100 vocals in it and I unpack every dang layer including:

- how they're layered up

- different mixing techniques on different parts

- how the mixing, production, and performance decisions affect the energy of the part

So if you're an Ariana stan like me, this is going to be an incredibly valuable video for you to come along for! See you there, in that video below, and let's dissect :)

https://youtu.be/G_UeLqng7TA

3 years ago | [YT] | 0

John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 "Hybrid" genres like Art Pop are REALLY wild to create, and it involves weirder sounds than you'd think...

Despite this, I wanted to break it down into 10 digestible steps that you could learn from. This will be super valuable especially if you're into artists like Holly Humberstone, Lorde, and some more acoustic Gaga sides.

This song by Jacre dropped recently and I know it'll take you on an epic ride, so jump into the video below!

https://youtu.be/dCOGBio1hjc

3 years ago | [YT] | 0

John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 If you want to know more about the insane world of making dark alt pop, this video is going to be deeply valuable....

What I love and hate about it? There Is UNLIMITED Possibility With Sounds.

In a world of unlimited potential, the fact that any everything can seem to work in this genre is overwhelming. '

We cover a lot in this video, but the biggest things we dive into:

- The different ways I shape drums to have clarity but have them hit hard with unqiue layering processes

- Choosing 808s and how detuning and bending can serve the song

- How you can take a normal pluck and make it edgy as fuhkkk, making a new and unique sound that stays out of the way of a vocal

- The plug-ins and processors I use to take any boring sample and make it unrecognizably iconic

- How to fill the song with interesting ear candy that surprises your listener (And keeps them H Y P E D throughout)

Let's dive in, you can check it below, and see you there!

https://youtu.be/sC2cbR8jtZ4

3 years ago | [YT] | 0

John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 Do you want to see the exact mix chain on an indie pop vocal, and have it explained in depth?

If so, this video is like. It's literally made for you to do that. lol

In this video I unpack a super easy-to-follow approach for female pop vocal production, specifically like (New Era) T Swift, Luz, and Holly Humberstone.

You know that vocal production style that's suer intimate, cozy, but bright, present, and full?

Yea, that one. It walks so many separate lines at the same time, while staying balanced within the track.

It's a super difficult style to nail, and I break it down from the performance to every single step i my mix chain.

If you want to know more about how to get this sound, you can find more in the link below!

featured song is "Mine" by @meganstoneson, out everywhere now!!

https://youtu.be/Q-oqqobmi2c

3 years ago | [YT] | 0

John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 Have you ever built pop drums and looked back to have them feel FLAT, uninspired and lifeless?

You know the feeling, you spent so long getting things in place to feel right. Maybe you downloaded some hot samples from Make Pop Music, or even pulled up a KSHMR sample everyone is tired of.

You like that one section, but listening back the song still feels flat. It was cool for like, 4 bars, but as you realize it's still missing something you start to question your. entire existence. Why are we here o this earth, and will your drums ever feel as full, dynamic, and impactful as the ones you look up to
?

Well, I can't answer the first question but I can certainly help with the pop drum production issues. New video is out, see you there- link below!

https://youtu.be/6r58kDo1w1s

3 years ago | [YT] | 0

John McLucas

ICYMI: 👉👉 What a cool song, ruined by absolute boomer marketing energy. Let's discuss, what did YOU think of the song?

Link below, see you there!

https://youtu.be/7nrhVIIouPE

3 years ago | [YT] | 0