Steven Francis/The Record Spins - Sound In The Signals Interview
For those who aren't familiar with your youtube channel The Record Spins can you tell me a little about the history of the channel? Why you started it and what inspired you to start it?
I started The Record Spins because I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to talk intellectually about music with other people that are as dedicated to the culture as I am. YouTube is an amazing platform that gives me the ability to speak with people all over the world about the music I love to listen to. And I'm sure it's clear to most people by now my main inspiration to begin this channel was Anthony Fantano. After watching The Needle Drop videos for about a year, the idea struck me to try my hand at his profession.
What's your basic process of putting together an episode of your show and roughly how long does it take you to start and finish an episode?
Reviewing is a very long process, and that's part of the reason why I went into "retirement." It all starts with listening to the project, which can take up to 4-5 hours alone, depending on how long the album runs and how many times I feel I need to listen to it. I also write down notes while listening. Then the actual filming of the review only takes 15 minutes, following an hour or 2 of editing. So altogether one video takes around 6 hours to produce, which I usually spread out through a couple of days.
Earlier this year you kind of surprised viewers with the news that you would be taking a hiatus from the channel to focus on your music. Recently you came back with a slightly different set. Can you tell me what are some of the changes your bringing to the show now that you are back at it?
The biggest and most noticeable change is the background and set of the show. With a mic, computer, and desk all in the same picture, I wanted to bring more of a radio show type feel to my videos. Another thing I'd like to start to do differently is speak off the top of my head more, and go into deeper detail with my thoughts. I believe that method will limit the amount of times I have to cut the video after each sentence, thus saving more time.
What's the one change your bringing to the channel you are most excited about?
The change I'm most excited about is the increased production value of my videos, the improved look and feel.
What motivated you to go back and do The Record Spins on a more regular basis now?
My hunger for competition and work ethic revitalized my motivation to continue making videos for The Record Spins. I missed working on reviews, it became part of my daily routine and I didn't like giving it up when I didn't have to. And just watching an Anthony Fantano review renewed my drive to want to compete with him, to eventually climb to his level of popularity and success.
I've listened to your songs and watched your music video. I know you put the show on hiatus in large part due to you wanting to make your own music. Now that the show is back will you still be making music? What did you think about the response from people to your music?
Yes, I will still be making music as often as I can. I like rapping and writing rhymes just as much as I like listening to them, so it's something I will continue to pursue. As for the response to my music, I'm pretty content with it. There will always be the negative people in the comment section, but for the most part I think people see the potential and encourage my growth as a lyricist.
Your channel is often compared to The Needle Drop. I think from some of your videos you respect Anthony who runs that channel, but you also make it clear you want to compete with him. What are some of your thoughts about The Needle Drop and what is one thing you think you do better with your channel?
I think Anthony is brilliant and deserves all the recognition he gets. He really started this whole thing, and is now looked up to by many people, including myself, for being so smart with music and witty with how he presents his opinions. I believe the one thing I do have up on him is a very "pleasing to the eye" background and set up, that is entertaining in and of itself. I also provide my thoughts on projects that in many cases go over looked by Anthony.
Being a youtube reviewer opens you up to some positive comments as well as negative comments. How does it feel to get great comments on a video and on the other hand how do you handle criticism?
When people take the time to tell me they like a video or a certain thing about my channel, it means a lot me, and is a big part of the reason why The Record Spins keeps spinning. I never dwell on negative feedback and hateful words. They usually hold very little truth and are written without much prior knowledge and thought.
What are the top 2 albums you are really excited to review this year and why?
I'm really looking forward to reviewing the new Kanye album "So Help Me God," and Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter 5." Kanye is such a forward thinker when it comes to his music, and I can't wait to see how far he pushes the envelope of rap on his latest project. As for Lil Wayne, while some believe he is on the decline in his career, I think Tha Carter 5 will reassert Wayne at the top of the rap industry.
I guess that about wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else you would like to add?
I appreciate you for having me. I also invite you to check out a new channel I started with my buddy Mike, it's a podcast called "Live On Sunday." We will be posting new episodes every Sunday. Listen to it here: http://youtu.be/H9N9-DwjWl8
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