Mercenary - Jack Conte VideoSong

[lemecdupc]

awesome ! 0:53 !!

[bumromance]

I love your music so much =) 

[LiamAWade]

Love the overdubbed vocals. They definitely sound very airy and Joshua Radin-eque. Anyone else think so? Love the track.

[TheySaidNothing]

Jack: I love your music, but if I may make a point, it seems like you are choking those claves a little bit. The sound could be a bit more full if you hold them a bit differently. Not sure if that's how you wanted it, that's just what I noticed

[carsondm]

Why isn't he more well known?

[loveshinehero]

chords plox :D

[parawizard]

This reminds of Elliot Smith!

[nielsmyrner]

Pay load... duck and cover...

so true and liberating.

Freedom is in our hands.

Great song. Thank you!

[sauloleonel]

you Jack Conte are already a legend in our soul.

[bleemindthrice]

Elliot Smith would be proud. Great stuff J!

[SIMKINYX]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[urfaceisnotavailable]

woww..i love his singing voice..its so soothing..he sounds so different from all the interviews n stuff..i wonder why he doesnt sing for pomplamoose aswell..

[Staydol]

I'm just waiting for this song to get co-opted by Occupy Wall Street.

[amwf241715]

Truly one of your best.

[concretebuddha]

This song has been stuck in my head for a week. Thanks! :D

[Dabog083]

Man , his music room is like my idea of heaven..i'd love to spend even an hour in there just making noise

[HEXSPET]

brilliant.

[Underjoggle]

For a lot of these songs, I want to beg you to post how-to videos for the guitar parts, but then I remember I can just buy the sheet music, but THEN I remember that I have no money, and then I'm sad. D:

[FineTrobledPrince]

rockin' those clave

[iaintalks]

I MUST BUY THIS!!!! cause not being able to take it with me on my ipod is killing me :P

[Tgreenfi08]

Does anyone have a good technique for doing the reverb heads at 1:30?

[kadeczka]

you are like 4 Beatles together :-)

[yobhsiFehT]

Somebody get that boy a new MBox Pro. I mean, obviously he's doing fine as is, I just feel like it'd make his life that much easier:)

[bjorkisawesome]

SHMMERRRRGHHH!!! WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE SO SHORT!

[BATTCIHY]

@bjorkisawesome that's what she said..

[sroar]

love this one.

[zowni25]

awesome music! Downloading your music on itunes as we speak ;p

[mosesport]

I honestly think it's pretty cool seeing his beard at different lengths in different shots. It's like a small window into the amount of time he actually puts into his work. Very cool.

[baronofrage]

That's not how you hold claves! Cup the one you're striking on top of the fingers in a closed fist. This will result in a less dead, better sound.

Regardless, your music is awesome, and I'm going to go buy some of it now.

[travnicek]

@baronofrage have you considered that maybe it's on purpose?

im not a musician but i've seen jack do some fairly wonky stuff with instruments before.

[MilkshakeManSeePee]

Sounds great!

[smithereens11]

Jack, I was listening to this while hiking in the outback of Ethiopia. You are talented, brother.

[DemonLlama25]

what is the black guitar it looks nice

[Domydoor]

@DemonLlama25 he's got all his equipment listed on his tumblr, there's probably a link to it somewhere in the description.

[ILKEPIEANTACOS]

& why aren't you married? ♥

[remo07bassclot]

man u should be famous!!!

[deepbluePee]

this reminds me of quiet rock and roll

[Braedley]

When I first heard this song, the main thing that went through my head was "This could really use some syncopated claves." Low and behold, they came in the next verse.

[empyreanbeing]

I love how he shows his process - the making and performing are all one.

[57beachbum]

I like your music but I don't think you know the definition of a mercenary.

[LanaRaeMusic]

@57beachbum Mercenary : one that serves merely for wages; especially : a soldier hired into foreign service

I think he knows exactly what he's talking about...

[57beachbum]

@LanaRaeMusic Mercenaries have machine guns and revolutionary have switch blades it's all about the money. Like the song any ways.

[Acill]

Awesome stuff as, s it is every time! thanks for making your music!!

[manchld]

I like the Elliott Smith feel to this one.

[greenmande]

Hey, Jack. I really love this and would like to buy the digital version, but can you setup an alternative to iTunes?

[FordElement]

I've sat down twice and tried to figure out (in the most basic manner) the guitar part. I know you're doing two different parts, but I can't come up with anything even close to what you're playing.

You're a man of mystery, Jack Conte.

[FordElement]

@FordElement well, I sold myself short. Sat down with the guitar tonight, found some strings that just fit. I had to analyze the first 20 seconds of the song like the Zapruder film before I realized the guitar part was just being doubled up for effect. I think.

[aghoranathi]

im jelous :P

[boxsoft]

Love your stuff, Jack! BTW, this sounds a bit like Badly Drawn Boy.

[rafaelpc89]

What is the name of the two-sticks-instrument he uses to do the percussion?

[boxsoft]

@rafaelpc89 The sticks are called "Claves".

[katieCHAOSlynne]

i love you , its just that simple !

[PwnageSniper]

It might seem a tad pedantic, but all these videos are laden with the description that a VideoSong is a new medium...uh...these are all amazing, don't get me wrong, but 3 years isn't that new. :P

[edmundjc]

@PwnageSniper Music: Thousands of years old.

VideoSongs: 3 years old.

Relatively new.

[IFUCKINGLOVEYOUTOO]

How did you mix this?

[ghaibboy]

and the inspiration named JC

[Kaoji]

I love how you shot this video bearded and unbearded. The beard dynamic adds to the cinematography 10 fold.

PS. I'm a huge fan, and I love this song. Enjoyment is a consistency I find when listening to or watching any of your projects.

[Jungleritter]

Hey Jack, great music, as always, really enjoying your channel! Would you mind to tell me which software you use for putting your videos together? I would really appreciate that!

Keep up the great work!

Cheers from Canada

[zeewabbit]

Wow, Jack, you just continue to blow me away. I always enjoy decorating my time with your music.

[PurpleHatFilms]

Jack, will you be at VidCon?

[ThePatrickWorld]

as soon as i hear payload i think of tf2.....

[barbaric37]

I love how we hear your voice on this channel!!! you're such a good singer

[iamacoffeemonster]

you have nice teeth. (^皿^) just sayin

[musicalman1995]

deff your best song so far... i was considering unsubscribing coz i didn't like your new style (VS4) but this is just brilliant!

[monkeys55]

Beatles influence much?

[Ahinaraful]

with which software do you edit your videos ??

[perfectupper90]

Jack, you should definitely try to cover "Reset" by Mutemath. You love that band, and I think it will be a good challenge for you. If you were able to pull off "On Planets", I think you can do "Reset". Just a thought. :D

[Needokam]

That's PASSION and loving music man!

[EthanRounds]

Great job! I like how you have a very original voice and don't really try to base it off of somebody else's voice. At least that's how it sounds to me. I also enjoy watching you playing just about every instrument at least once in each song. I'm really thinking of trying to do something like this. Thanks for inspiring!

[JamesEStephenson]

Sounds a little like the Beatles! I see Nat did your Video with her signature frams technique!

[iImagineSo]

One of your best! Love the reverse echo.

[MontefioriCocktail]

super cool Jack!

[charlottemunster]

Love love LOVE this one!!! This is one of the songs I always have to go back and listen to one more time on my iPod... 

[xxxbulldog44xxx]

You guys should cover "The Girl From Ipanema", just make sure you put in the guitar solo... that would be scrumptrulescent.

[bamamikestl]

jack i love this one!! i mean i like all your work, haha but this one is great.

[Nost]

what is the brand of the first guitar in this video?

[ZISHwebshow]

Jack you music is genius! I love it all and have bought it all listen to it daily. I really would like to know the guitar part for this song and I can't figure it out. Will you please make tabs for this song? Thanks! Im your #1 fan!

[fivepindin]

Anyone else getting an Elliot Smith vibe from this tune?

[0dnan]

Jack, your music is great. It's like abstract thought put into music. Well played!

[phxrn123]

i love your vids/music. you are really cute too !!

[doctorepi]

Jack, if I'm not wrong you use Final Cut Studio. I'm newbie with this but you use some kind of template to split the screen?

[downfader2]

Got an almost *happy* Beck Sea Change about it.

[komendanteadlerez]

Good one, as usual.

[43burnt]

I love all of your effects on the electric. Very unique! GO EHX

[masonsrandomchannel]

I love this new stuff, Jack. Love it. It sounds like a lot of Beatles in there. But It's missing that unpredictability of your older stuff. That aside, I still raped the replay button. I still love that the depth and intricacy of your lyrics that enticed my from the start.

[DodgerAndBates]

Jack, I've really been digging this new stuff. Not that your old stuff was bad, because it wasn't, but this is just a whole new level. Good job.

[tesslerwells]

Ah man this is so good!

[betterthanmuffins]

This melody vaguely sounds like an Elliott Smith song, and I like it. A lot.

[TazVlogs]

am i right in thinking that guitar is hooked up and mic'd up to that squire what looks like 10 watt amp? If so, wow. 0_0 Cool sound..

[Tayki28]

Do you do live performances?

[joshhpainter]

Awesome song Jack. i always really look forward to your videos.

[turetapp]

Beautiful , nice to hear a song with (at least) a soft beginning ;)

awesomes, gtreets from swe

[Liteboyiam]

great sound. great songwriting. but this style of vague lyrics is so common these days and sorta drives me nuts though.

[POSTFUGL]

when i grow up i wanna be like you!

[northernrob99]

Yet another excellent track Jack. lovin you're style :)

[pvn52]

Always good to see your work, Mr. Conte. Well done.

[BritFilmLover3]

I really LOVE this!

[crouts0]

I have those monitors!

[tommyblunt]

Booyah

[beefyoso]

nice song jack, very smooth and melodic. thanks!

[someone92d]

I love the faces in this movie! Especially the rhythm stick.

[Toofer69]

Love the vids and the music. I'm curious, with so much time spent filming playing, and editing alone, is it more refreshing or more frustating to play with other musicians after all that?

[JoshHastick]

Jack, I was wondering what mic did you use to record the vox in this song????

[XypherOrion]

You never fail to nail it, man.

[ohmysparticus]

Sweet acoustic man!!!

[ugtvdotorg]

next purchase. Tympani. Think about it.

[cranie4]

That bass drum Nataly bought you gets more use than a mic in that place!

[VictoriasWebs]

Fantastic! Bravo! Tank you for Mercenary!

[idonotdraw]

Change the word "mercenary" with "acquarius" and then LOL

[rtty21]

did anyone else notice how his beard is different lengths in different clips of the music video?

[joshuapickenpaugh]

Wow. 

[xJollyBx]

Gotta say, this is probably my favorite track on the album. There's just something about it that's just so incredible. You nailed it Jack. Kudos! :)

[pinkfloyd426]

Amazing talent Jack!!e Leaves me speechless and in awe. Love it...Shine On my friend!

[regularguy5mb]

By God, this is brilliant!

[belleglass]

I can't even explain how much I love this song, so I'll just say that THIS SONG IS SO GOOD and hope that you understand. <3

[andrewcp]

I like the part where you sing. Also, the part where you play an instrument.

[AidanBearmusic]

the piano thing at 1:52 is one of the coolest things i've ever heard

[gmatney]

This song alone makes VS4 worth it. Cheers, keep up the great work.

[JedidiahProductions]

I love how you use certain instruments in unorthodox ways.

[tannygal2]

You just play all the kinds of music i like, dont you?

[Evenoix]

Jack do you ever get frustrated when things don't turn out right? What do you do to keep yourself motivated when you are having an "off" day?

[BruceHartford3]

MAN this is good. This song and "Away" are standouts for me on this album.  I would love a "Storytellers" breakdown of where these songs came from, lyrically and thematically.

[Dvulture]

I liked but is kind on the short side, isn't it? First time I heard I thought it was some kind of "music trailer" instead of a full song... it feels that is lacking something that signals that the song is complete or that ended. Still is very nice and pretty but I liked Long Long Time Ago more from the recent songs.

[nittens]

I'm liking these videosongs!

[blairarcand]

Dear Jack. I really like your stuff and i wanna start doing the same but i need alittle help just with what program to use for recording and video programs because i have no prior video or music recording experience but i figure i'm a smart guy i can figure it out!! right? lol anyway i've played music for ever and just get back to me send me a message and we can chat or something PEACE =)

[faireset]

and another thumb up from faireset ;)

[buster48glen]

i had to hit the replay ,button about 6 times ,so good,!!!

[gnr1985rock]

Incredible. This had such an Elliott Smith vibe about it which u don't hear much these days.

[FlopsyDiggins]

I love this guy (no homo) :D

[axisfreak]

wow !! pretty good vibe ! inspiring ;-)

[MadMan12417]

every time i see a new video, i have to go watch an old one for the 32nd time

[soapergem]

Jack, when you're recording these video songs, how many takes, on average, does it take you before you come up with a good track? 1, 2, 5, 10, more? Was this different when you first started doing video songs? For example, do you turn the camera on and start to play through a track, make a mistake, and then have to start over until you get it right? Or are individual tracks really different takes edited together? I hope my question makes sense...

[jackcontemusic]

@soapergem - The number of takes varies. full drum kit usually is a lot of takes before i get a good one. a simpler song like this requires fewer takes. acoustic guitars, maybe 2 or 3 takes. vox usually takes more tries, maybe up to 5 per take (but the lead vox line is quadrupled). I don't do much "comping" meaning using different parts of different takes, because it's too hard to keep track of for video. for super hard stuff, i'll do as many takes as i need till i like it (30+ maybe)

[noellachoi]

@jackcontemusic I know autotuning is pretty common nowadays. Do you use much or at all?

[MissRayneHawk]

@jackcontemusic And that's dedication. Which makes for great entertainment. Well done, Jack! Standing ovation, here! :D

[TeleGuitar1]

I hear Brian Wilson in this. I love it.

[BlenegLapo]

beautiful har,onies Jaxk. Love the song

[drdemi]

it's BEATLES! =)

[sdeanmusic]

Nice clave patterns.

[heztynk]

this song remember me to ZOE a mexican band

[IoDecay]

new favorite! beautiful harmonies and melody!

[jackhawkpiper97]

Sometimes simplicity is best, this song showcases that. I have listened to it 4 times in the past ten minutes. Well done

[Azeralas]

nice jam man lovin it!

[anthonyzino]

0:55 right video

[mattbeetee]

I hear a dollop of Beatles in this in the best way possible. A great track, Jack.

[mcmire]

Woah, I totally did not think that that downward roll on the piano was a piano. That's crazy.

[twomz]

DAT CLAVE. ONE... TWO THREE... CLA - VE!

[bbillyweiss]

this is truly fantastic (:

[madjak30]

Jack...you're awesome!!

Later.

[RomansD828]

you sir are one epic roll with your music and I am glad I am along for the ride. Genius.

[L0lzMuffinz]

I BRUSH MY TEETH TO THIS

[ConditionallyUsed]

The song is good not going to state otherwise yet will state my own wishful thing. Will you be making more faster/harder sort of songs? This album seems to be more musical (good yes) yet I also like gulf (i think is what the song was called)

[zinnful]

this is great, jack! you never cease to impress!

[samsotto]

Your voice, your talents... So sexy :)

[DestructionSong]

God, your voice is so hot. <3 

[ALEClovesGENIALMUSIC]

Good good good

[AuroraSunset]

mmmmm that is relaxing ^ -^

[YoussefFishere]

I love that your style is very close to Radiohead's without all the nasal stuff and heaviness.

[Fordi]

iTunes... whatever. I don't buy from them. DRM. What about Amazon MP3?

[YoussefFishere]

I want your studio.

[r0dnify]

I like this, however, I think a timpani would have fit better than the bass drum you used. Even so, great song! :D

[xXRedrogOXx]

when i saw the oh hell video i thought jack was blind

[idonotdraw]

Part of your song reminds me to the song "Acquarius".

[cristianolesco]

You feel the music EXACTLY how it could be. Some day I'll be just like you

[CircusHerse]

very elliot smith esc among others but its all your own still jack. What video software do you use or have you used before hd.

[PrivateBuckwheat]

That old classical guitar is so beautiful looking.

[KanSirKing]

Awesome!

[morenoanomalia]

i love this man!

[Mattguitarman1234]

wow favoriting this~!!!!! amazing!!!!

[AidenMcKee]

At least 229 people are interested, Jack, THATS GOOD ENOUGH! =D

[avalita139607]

has anyone ever told you that you resemble ben affleck?

[Ralastas]

Anybody else notice that his beard changes size throughout the video?

:D I love incontinuity