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18 minDemo commentary, sections, octaves, harmonies, ad libs, tracking plug-ins, headphone mixes
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09 minMicrophone preference & technique, preamps, compression settings, recording environment
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12 minStacking vocals, spatial image, music theory, workflow speed, tuning live & post
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17 minCommunication, handling negative energy, punching in, playlists, comping, alignment
For You
Why Don't We
(09 min / 57 min)Kuk Harrell
- Production
We're thrilled to release our first ever series with the prestigious vocal producer, songwriter, arranger, and engineer Kuk Harrell! Hosted at Sphere Studios in Hollywood, this installment dives deep into the art and science of evoking, capturing, and embellishing a vocal performance.
Referencing the multi-track vocal session of 'For You' by Why Don't We, Harrell auditions the demo recording, gives his opinion, then shares how he tracked and produced the material. He takes you through the various parts of the intricate pop vocal, comprising five male leads, octave doubles, harmonies, and ad-libs. He comments on the project from both a musical and technical standpoint – melodies, structure, stacking, tuning, tracking chains, plug-ins, and much more.
Aside from teaching the key elements of his workflow, Kuk imparts his wisdom on the social and psychological aspects of coaxing the best possible take out of an artist in the studio.
Subtitles in English, Spanish
About Kuk Harrell
Thaddis Laphonia 'Kuk' Harrell is a Grammy-winning songwriter, vocal producer, arranger and engineer from Chicago, USA. Throughout his twenties, he worked primarily as a commercial writer and producer. This involved creating music for ad campaigns by the likes of McDonalds, Kraft, and Coca-Cola. He moved to Los Angeles in 1992, where he undertook jobs as a session singer, worship leader, and choir director. He then moved to Atlanta in 2004, where he set up RedZone Entertainment with two of his cousins....