DESCRIPTION:
A recorded version of Paul on Periscope as he discusses the making of the songs off MUTEMATH's new album, "Vitals." He also answers your questions from the live chat in the description below.

In this episode, Paul talks the creation of 'Joy Rides.'

Taken from MUTEMATH's Periscope channel: https://www.periscope.tv/MUTEMATH

Q+A:

Which DAW are you using? Have you stuck with the same one or as his it changed each album?
/// Logic 9. We've pretty much always used Logic as the go to. On previous records, the Roland VS2480 was usually in the mix.

Can we donate [to Songs For Kids] in your name if we can’t make the New Orleans show?
/// Absolutely and thank you so much!

Will you ever release Self + Azteca in a deluxe edition of the album?
/// Yes

How much of a part does the Juno play? [I think this was in regards to all writing/recording]
/// For this record and for me personally it was the foundation. I spent a lot of time exploring that keyboard to see how far I could exhaust it.

Were there any aspects of the recordings you were not sure how you could pull off live?
/// Definitely most of it, but that's been the feeling of every record we've ever done except Odd Soul. But we've learned to embrace that the recorded version of songs are just the starting place and should always be expanded and explored further live. And for me, it's an extremely fun part about being in this band.

How would you recommend self producing a song?
/// Study other music that inspires you and then you have to just relentlessly work to figure out how to bridge the gap between that music and yours.

Can you talk some about Wojtek Records?
/// Well we almost named this album Wojtek as it was the name of our Logic session that we kept throwing fun musical ideas into that didn't have a song home yet, but ultimately found it a more suitable name for a label. We've always wanted our own and now felt like the right time.

How long do you sit on a song idea before moving on to something else?
/// Depends how long it takes me to admit to myself that I've hit a wall. I usually spend at least a day on any given idea that interest me, but try not go more than a week straight on it without giving it a break.

How many drums are programmed vs. Darren playing live?
/// Every song that has drums are always played, but we usually always get it to interact with some programmed elements or try to mimic what we like most about programmed styled drums. Composed is the first and only song we've ever released that is 100% programmed. And it wasn't because we didn't try our normal approaches. That was a song that just felt right in the end to stay programmed. But it was all sounds that Darren had sampled himself and made a custom kit for.

Why have you guys never collaborated or featured other artists in your work?
/// We did once with Rebirth Brass Band, but I sure hope we do more.

During the writing process, did you consider lowering the octave on Monument?
/// We messed with a few key options, as those melodies were very vast. But we ultimately stuck with the key the original demo was in because it was the viby-est.

Remix album? Deluxe album with unreleased songs?
/// Yes and yes.

Which track on Vitals came together the easiest? Which was the most difficult to finish?
/// Composed was the simplest and most immediate. I'd say Used To was ultimately the most difficult because we all really liked the first demo but couldn't get comfortable with the best way to produce it out. Took more trial and error than any other song on this album.

How many mixes of each song do you torment yourself with?
/// As many as it takes and I have the energy for.

Have you ever had to swap out a sample you couldn’t clear?
/// All the time. We usually try to stick to using samples that don't need clearance though.

What’s your favorite track on this record to play live?
/// Used To has been a lot of fun.

Is there an album that inspired this one, that you couldn’t have made this record without?
/// Zenyatta Mondatta

Whats your routine to maintain such high energy during the shows?
/// Rest and a good monitor mix. The energy of a good mix always feeds your physical energy.