---
title: "KŌAN LP Overview and Think About It (Track / Production Commentary) - Scoobert Doobert"

description: 'For this episode, we dig into my song "Think About It" to show some examples of contrast and using "painting with sound" in a song. I also talk about my upcoming LP, KŌAN, and what has inspired it.'

status: complete

date: 2022-06-27

kind: solo

guestSlugs: []

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/KAN-LP-Overview-and-Think-About-It-Track--Production-Commentary---Scoobert-Doobert-e1kgmrl"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/k%C5%8Dan-lp-overview-and-think-about-it-track-production/id1567355195?i=1000567861970&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/6pWrSaNWju6uVjhYEmT4cV"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Music production"
  - "Philosophy"
  - "Songwriting"
  - "Sound Paintings"
  - "Contrast in Production"
  - "The Concept of Kōan"
  - "Organic vs. Inorganic Sounds"
  - "Music and Emotion"
  - "Sequencing an Album"
  - "Listening Experience"
  - "Scoobert Doobert's Artistic Journey"

hostNote: |
  A kōan is a Zen question designed to be both true and false at the same time, things that are and aren't simultaneously, meant to bring you closer to enlightenment. That's the conceptual spine of this record: happy and sad at the same time, writing songs about two things at once.
  
  I walk through the opening track "Think About It" as a production case study, because contrast is the greatest musical tool there is. Organic vs. inorganic sounds, heavy themes against light textures, synthesizers pulling you into a space that feels immersive rather than decorative. The familiarity bias is real, the more you get to know a piece of music, the more you like it, so the goal of the EPs leading up to the full LP was to build that familiarity before the whole thing lands.
  
  By the end you understand the intent behind *KŌAN*: not a concept album in the prog sense, but a record that holds contradictions without resolving them.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Introduction to Kōan"
    startSec: 1
    note: "The concept behind my upcoming LP, *KŌAN*, and the contrast present in the music."
  - label: "Exploring the Sound of One Hand Clapping"
    startSec: 48
    note: "The philosophical background of *KŌAN* and its relation to Zen practice."
  - label: "Concept of Duality in Music"
    startSec: 138
    note: "Creative playfulness in juxtaposing heavy themes with light-hearted sounds."
  - label: "Using Synthesizers for Depth"
    startSec: 180
    note: "How synthesizers create an immersive listening experience on the record."
  - label: "The Role of Contrast"
    startSec: 317
    note: "Contrast as the greatest musical tool, from sound to emotional representation."
  - label: "The Purpose of Releasing EPs"
    startSec: 1042
    note: "Familiarity bias in music, the more you get to know a song, the more you like it."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "A Koan comes from Japanese Zen practice, which is talking about things that are and aren't at the same time... They're supposed to bring you closer to enlightenment."
    startSec: 88
    reviewed: true
  - text: "The greatest musical tool ever is contrast... I'm trying to pull you in on what this KōAN record is going to be, which is going to be a study in contrast."
    startSec: 309
    reviewed: true
  - text: "The familiarity bias is huge in music... the more you get to know music, the more you get to like music."
    startSec: 1083
    reviewed: true
  - text: "It's all about the flow of what it feels like to be alive right now. It feels like writing songs about two things at once: happy and sad at the same time."
    startSec: 1263
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What is KōAN by Scoobert Doobert?"
    answer: "KōAN is an upcoming LP that explores philosophical concepts and contrasts through music, intended to evoke deeper connections with listeners."
  - question: 'What is the song "Think About It" about?'
    answer: '"Think About It" introduces the themes of the *KŌAN* album, showcasing contrasts in sound and emotions, aimed at prompting reflection.'
  - question: "How does Scoobert Doobert create his music?"
    answer: "Scoobert uses a combination of organic and inorganic sounds, contrasting elements, and thoughtful production techniques to craft his songs."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---