Inside the Mind of a Rock Legend: An Exclusive Interview with Joe “Evil Joe” Barresi
Have you ever wondered how some of the most iconic rock albums of the last few decades were made? We sat down with legendary producer and engineer Joe Barresi to find out. In this exclusive interview, hosted by fellow industry veteran Tony Shepperd, Barresi pulls back the curtain on his creative process, sharing the stories and techniques behind his work with bands like Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, and Soundgarden.
No Rules, Just Ears
From the moment Joe Barresi walks onto the stage, it’s clear his approach is anything but conventional. He recounts the early days when he was hired at a studio, not for his degree, but for his willingness to work for free and fix broken gear. This “whatever it takes” attitude became a cornerstone of his philosophy: “It’s not about the money… it’s about getting a foot inside and proving yourself.”
Barresi and Shepperd dive deep into this idea, emphasizing that a true professional is always on, whether they’re getting paid their full rate or not. They explain that the most valuable thing you can offer is trust. As Barresi puts it, you need to be the person that a producer can rely on to do a job 100%.
Behind the Sounds
Barresi is a master of creating immense, larger-than-life soundscapes, and in the interview, he deconstructs some of his most influential sounds.
The Power of the PA: For Tool’s thunderous drum sound, Barresi explains how he would pump the kick and snare through a powerful PA system inside the recording room. This technique makes the drums “sound like a concert,” allowing the room’s natural ambiance to become part of the recording, creating a depth and power that’s impossible to replicate digitally.
Creative Mic Placement: Forget the textbook. Barresi shares how he would experiment with bizarre, rule-breaking techniques, from using a “pipe bomb” guitar pickup as a mic to having a singer literally sing into a snare drum. These methods, he says, create unique textures that inspire the artists and give their music a singular voice. “There is no rule,” he states. “The only rule is how you hear stuff.”
Dynamic Distortion: When discussing the guitar and bass tones on Chevelle’s album, Barresi talks about the challenge of using distortion on every instrument. He reveals how he used dynamic changes, and even kicked in a third guitar amp on choruses, to create a sense of movement and separation, proving that a loud record can still have incredible dynamics.
The Future of the Industry and Essential Advice
Tony Shepperd steers the conversation toward the future, asking Barresi for his advice to the next generation of creators. Barresi’s response is both honest and inspiring.
Absorb Everything: He urges students to be curious and listen to all genres of music, from classical to hip-hop. He shares an anecdote about a time he was inspired by a bass guitar article he read, which led to a new technique he used in the studio that very same day.
The Power of Collaboration: With traditional studio culture fading, Barresi stresses the importance of networking and building a community. “No one’s knocking on your door,” he says. “You have to bring the door to them.” He encourages aspiring producers to get out to local shows, ask questions, and collaborate with their peers.
Embrace Imperfection: He reminds us that the best sound is not always the most technically perfect. Barresi even shares a story about a brilliant producer who used cheap, $20 guitar pedals and a RadioShack mic to create a truly unique sound, proving that creativity is more valuable than expensive gear.
Joe Barresi’s career is a testament to the power of a bold vision, an open mind, and a relentless commitment to the craft. His approach to music production shows that ingenuity can come from anywhere, but an artist must be willing to step outside of the boundaries that have been set. In doing so, producers can shape the future of the music industry. This interview is not only a masterclass in artistry; it’s a lesson in creativity and resilience for those passionate about music production.
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