Webinar with Justice

TL;DR

Justice shares music production insights and experiences.

Transcript

thanks everybody for joining us for this new webinar uh we're very excited about today's webinar uh and U please U connect and ask your questions in the chat we're here today with the band Justice Xavier and Gaspar hi everybody hello so hello everybody we're gonna start uh so let me read the questions uh it's... Read More

Key Insights

• Justice mixed their first album, 'Cross', entirely in the box using Cubase, emphasizing the evolution of their skills from 2003 to 2007.
• They prefer using digital saturation for its high distortion tolerance, finding it practical for maintaining audio clarity.
• Justice's production process involves heavy use of compressors and distortion, often stacking them to achieve their signature sound.
• The duo does not master their tracks themselves, preferring to leave this specialized task to professional mastering engineers.
• Justice relies on both digital and analog tools, choosing based on what sounds best for each track rather than adhering to a strict workflow.
• Their live performances utilize solid DJM 800 mixers as MIDI controllers, emphasizing durability and simplicity.
• They emphasize the importance of creating music that is peculiar and specific, valuing style and personality over technical perfection.
• Justice's creative process includes a blend of digital and real instruments, with a focus on collaboration and iterative development.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Justice mix and master their 'Cross' album?

Justice mixed their 'Cross' album entirely in the box using Cubase, specifically versions like Cubase S63 or Cubase 4. They emphasized that their expertise evolved from 2003 to 2007, which significantly influenced the sound of the album. Mastering was done by a professional, as they believe in the importance of specialized mastering skills.

Q: What is Justice's approach to using digital saturation?

Justice prefers digital saturation because of its high distortion tolerance, which allows for maintaining audio clarity even at high distortion levels. They find that increased distortion often results in a cleaner sound, which aligns with their production style and sonic preferences.

Q: How does Justice utilize compressors and distortion in their production?

Justice is known for stacking compressors and distortion in their production process, often filling the master channel with a chain of these effects. This approach helps them achieve their signature sound, characterized by a powerful and dynamic audio experience that pushes each element forward in the mix.

Q: Does Justice master their tracks themselves?

Justice does not master their tracks themselves. They recognize mastering as a very specific and specialized job that requires expertise. They prefer to work with professional mastering engineers to ensure that their music maintains consistency and quality across an album.

Q: What is Justice's philosophy on using digital versus analog tools?

Justice does not adhere to a strict digital versus analog workflow. They prioritize what sounds best for each track, whether it involves digital or analog tools. This flexible approach allows them to explore different sonic possibilities and choose the right tools for the desired outcome.

Q: How does Justice set up their live performances?

For live performances, Justice uses DJM 800 mixers as MIDI controllers due to their durability and simplicity. They emphasize the importance of having equipment that can withstand the rigors of live shows, and they value the limited controls on the DJM 800, which help them focus on performance.

Q: What advice does Justice offer to young artists?

Justice advises young artists to focus on creating music that is peculiar and specific, emphasizing the importance of having a distinct style and personality. They believe that this approach is more sustainable in the long term compared to chasing trends or aiming for immediate commercial success.

Q: What is Justice's creative process when developing new music?

Justice's creative process involves a blend of digital and real instruments. They often start with digital ideas, such as a chord sequence or sound, and develop them collaboratively. This iterative process allows them to explore different musical directions and refine their ideas into finished tracks.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Justice discusses their music production techniques, including the use of Cubase and digital saturation to achieve their distinctive sound. They emphasize the importance of style and personality in music, often preferring digital tools for their practical advantages.

• The duo shares insights into their live setup, highlighting the use of durable DJM 800 mixers as MIDI controllers. They also discuss their approach to mastering, leaving it to professionals to ensure consistency across an album.

• Justice values collaboration in their creative process, often starting with digital ideas and incorporating real instruments. They stress the importance of making music that stands out, focusing on style over technical perfection.