Butch Vig Talks Recording Nirvana's Nevermind
Rick Beato 2・2 minutes read
Chris, Kurt, and Dave prepared for months before recording 11 songs, with emphasis on drum consistency and seamless fills to create varied rhythms. Tape editing was minimal, with only one instance mentioned in song "In Bloom."
Insights
- The band, consisting of Kurt Cobain, Chris Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, meticulously prepared for their recording session, practicing daily for six months and rehearsing intensively before entering Sound City. This dedication and readiness contributed to their successful recording of 11 songs, showcasing their commitment to their craft.
- The recording process involved meticulous attention to detail, with a focus on capturing the essence of each song authentically. Notable techniques such as using a tunnel setup to record drums and minimal tape editing underscored the band's commitment to creating a raw and genuine sound, emphasizing the importance of musical authenticity in their work.
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Recent questions
How did Nirvana prepare for recording at Sound City?
Practiced daily for six months.
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Summary
00:00
Nirvana's Studio Session: Preparation and Recording
- Chris mentioned starting in about 10 days, and they had a rehearsal tape to send.
- A cassette arrived in the mail with Kurt introducing Dave Grohl as their new drummer.
- The band played "Teen Spirit" on the tape, recorded with built-in condenser microphones.
- Butch listened to the songs on the tape, including "Come As You Are," and kept the physical tape.
- They rehearsed for three days in North Hollywood before going to Sound City.
- Kurt, Chris, and Dave were well-prepared, having practiced daily for six months.
- The band rehearsed in a room with Kurt using a Mesa Boogie and Chris with an SVT.
- They recorded 11 songs, including "Polly," "Song in D," and "Old Age."
- The drums were recorded with a tunnel setup to capture the thump without cymbal bleed.
- "Lithium" was the only song recorded to a click track after initial tempo issues.
12:43
Taylor's Versatile Drumming Elevates Song Dynamics
- Taylor's consistent playing was praised, but the ability to switch fills seamlessly was highlighted as important in creating songs with varied rhythms; tape editing was minimally used, with only one instance mentioned in the song "In Bloom" where the outro from take three was preferred over take two.
