Mark Ronson – Song Breakdown – Back to Black – Music Production – BBC Maestro

Listen to the original demo of Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, never heard before now, and see how @markronson developed it from a few chords and a drum workaround, to recording with The Dap-Kings to get that iconic sixties sound.

This clip is taken from @markronson's BBC Maestro online course, Music Production.

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[RobertoCosenza]

Just imagine this : you play with a few plugins that a woman comes along and says “I want the whole album to sound like this” and it becomes one of the best albums of music history.

[song]

I love how Mark admits he had very little idea about what he was doing on some areas (on familiarity with the genre, placing mics, playing drums), so he relied on the things he did know: playing keyboard, slicing samples and understanding his plugins.

It's a great lesson on focussing on our strenghts, and find workarounds... no perfection, just your best effort and confidence to present it to other people who can add to it.

[willemvdk]

It's what happens when two brilliant geniuses meet. Fireworks.

[Chris-thwq]

The explanation of his developing as a producer and musician himself while trying to fulfill what he wanted to give Amy, based on the things she'd played to him and exposed him to is amazing.

[jeppe]

Finally a breakdown where the producer isn't all about perfection and actually cares about the soul of the music

[daveteves]

I wish Mark Ronson would share the demo he and Amy made for the James Bond movie back in 2007/8

[rhodarivera]

I don't know why but I'm emotional listening to Amy's raw vocals here. It's like being allowed to enter a secret chamber of genius. I feel so sad because despite all her struggles, she really was such an unbelievable talent and for me, that was what really defined her. I hope you're truly resting in peace now, Amy. And thanks Mark and BBC for sharing this with us. ❤

[masonsmythmusic]

2:51 mark is so good he can actually work on music using only his mind

[ResidentRob]

I love the line "There's nothing better than being wrong".

[capanetube]

The way Amy Winehouse could sing just one note, one word while breathing endless life and meaning into it, makes me understand that she lived her life in another pace, hard to grasp for anyone, most probably also for herself. Accompanied by an awesome open minded and talented producer and his sensitivity to get the best out of her. THX Mark and THX Amy and to all that helped to let this star shine on us.

[hhysgts]

Thank you Mark for taking us back in time. The two of you made history. People like me are still listening to her music every day.

[toslinked]

the chorus is even more billie holiday on the demo. this is amazing.

[Campe]

I never fully understood the universe that is mixing and mastering tracks until I heard the vocals and instruments on this demo.

[sophietandy]

hes one of the best producers in music history very talented

[ankahbello]

This s guy is a musical genius. I can't believe how many great songs he produced.

[philippetersen]

The most genuine individual. I’ve heard of Mark but I love how real he is.

[tristanchase]

I expected to enjoy this video, but ultimately it was 10 million times more than I thought it would be. More detailed, more insightful, more practical, more honest & more entertaining and just thoroughly more real.
Solid effort everybody who made this happen. 13 mins of my life you can gladly have, and will most likely get again 💯 👌🏼

[Thoracius]

Never before realized just how much this song is derivative of The Shangri-Las, especially Remember Walkin’ in the Sand. (It just reverses the order of the two sub-dominant chords (Gm and Bb) and slightly tweaks the phrasing of the melody.) Both great artists and songs though. Did a great job of making it sound fresh. Glad she brought it back, spurred a whole revival in the 60s soul sounds.

[Onethreeabc]

“Doesn’t it have to rhyme” “what are you talking about it’s a great lyrics” wow amazing

[johnhouse]

His "Watch the Sound" on Apple TV is so good, watched all 6 episodes in a couple days.