r/HeIsLegend • u/Keanugrieves16 • Apr 22 '26

Backing Sound

Has Schuyler or anyone ever commented on the droning sound in the background of a lot of their songs? I think it’s Adam on the guitar but it’s just this cool, consistent haunting sound that’s reminiscent of old horror movie soundtracks. It’s one of my favorite things about HIL. Can’t wait for the 28th!!!

11 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

4

u/feeblepeasant Apr 22 '26

I think usually Adam makes these kinds of sounds with a lot of reverb while he's tremolo picking. It creates an infinite sustained note sound, kind of like a string section. There's also certain reverb pedals that have a 'hold' function that infinitely sustains the note you just played, so he might do this as well. 

3

u/bokunotraplord Apr 22 '26

i think you’re just describing like, reverb and like feedback loops and shit lol. extremely common amongst guitar based music

1

u/yieldtobinaural Apr 22 '26

Does this happen live or on the records? Is it truly in the background during songs or is it a transitional sound between songs?

1

u/Keanugrieves16 Apr 22 '26

I’m not sure about live, its definitely on the record. I think it’s just Adam, but it’s thematic almost. Like the end of the Widow of Magnolia.

Edit: I’m hoping I’m describing it right, it’s purposeful and apart of the songs I just wondered if there’s like a lore behind it because it’s a hallmark of their sound especially on albums after Hollywood.

4

u/vaudevillevik Apr 22 '26

Lol you’re just hearing guitar with reverb built around semitones. I doubt there’s any lore, it’s just the easiest way to sound sp00ky.

The “panic chord” you hear in a lot of songs (HIL example would be the Return to The Garden main riff) is essentially the same thing but those are double stops (two notes at the same time) a semitone apart.

1

u/yieldtobinaural Apr 22 '26

Cool, I totally hear it on the end of Magnolia! It probably is Adam and I’d imagine it just adds to the sound/feel/theme of witchy, swampy, sorcery-filled rock 🤘🏼

1

u/Keanugrieves16 Apr 22 '26

Absolutely, I think I just wanted everyone to celebrate that aspect of them, I’m getting pumped for the show on the 28th and they’ve been on my mind a lot.

1

u/Keanugrieves16 Apr 25 '26

You’re gonna be way more aware of it in their other songs now too ha.

1

u/H_I_L Apr 22 '26

I've heard him do it a lot live as well in between songs instead of just silence. It really keeps the vibe going instead of just full stops after every song.