"People say I play real loud. I don't, actually. I'm recorded loud and a lot of that is because we have good engineers. Mick knows what a good drum sound is as well, so that's part of the illusion really. I can't play loud"
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Charlie Watts, the famous drummer for The Rolling Stones, in this quote, offers a substantial insight into the frequently misinterpreted element of his musicianship and the mechanics of music production. Watts is resolving a common perception that he plays the drums with excellent volume. Yet, he candidly reveals that this impression is mostly a construct of tape-recording innovation and engineering competence rather than a reflection of his real playing design.
First, Watts is acknowledging that the volume attributed to his drumming is not simply the outcome of his physical expertise or aggressive playing. Instead, he credits the sound engineers accountable for taping The Rolling Stones' music with invoking this acoustic impact. These engineers use recording strategies, mixing, and mastering to magnify and enhance the drum sounds, producing an impression of volume and strength that can misinform listeners into attributing it solely to Watts' musicianship.
Watts further explains Mick Jagger's role, suggesting that Jagger has an understanding of what makes up an impactful drum sound. This indicates cooperation in between band members and production personnel in crafting a distinct auditory experience. Watts indicates that the synergy between the artists and the technical team is essential in producing the recordings that fans hear-- among illusion, where innovation compensates for what might be perceived as gaps in raw acoustic power.
The statement "I can't play loud" likewise means Watts's self-awareness and humility. Unlike drummers who might depend on large volume to make an effect, Watts leans on accuracy, subtlety, and the technical expertise of his partners. This citation eventually demystifies the art of taped music, showcasing how sound engineers play an integral role in forming the music's final form and how critical their work is to the tradition and sound people pertain to value and praise.
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