Episodes

Curated notes, not raw transcripts. 219 pages (94 guest · 125 solo), all complete, no stubs. Listen links go to the full episode on Spotify.

• Pockets Of Presence with Joe Carra (Hiatus Kaiyote, Middle Kids, Pond) Joe Carra With more than 30 years of experience, Grammy nominated, mastering engineer, Joe Carra, is the chief engineer at Crystal Mastering. He joins the pod to talk about the history, the present, and the future of the audio world. He dives into his Dolby Atmos setup and tips for managing such a stacked roster of musicians. As a mastering engineer, he has a unique perch, working on thousands of songs per year. So it’s great to hear his take on the whole thing and where this crazy industry is headed.
• What Makes a Song a Hit Song Solo Robbie Williams is one of the biggest artists of all time in the United Kingdom. Why don't people know him in the United States? What makes something popular? Let's dig into the aesthetic "aha" and the ways researchers have been looking into it in the lab.
• Mapping Randy Rhoads to the Shamisen Solo What is your main (or favorite) instrument? Consider it, then take a step back. For example, I love guitar. But what is guitar but a stringed instrument like a lyre or a lute or a shamisen? When you think of it that way, there's a world out there to learn, then apply to your instrument. Never stop learning, even if you can shred like Randy!
• Breathing In This Timeline with little luna little luna I’ve been a fan of little luna’s music for years, and after this pod, I’m a fan of her process, informed by her background as a yoga instructor and in guided meditation. It’s easy to get swept up in all of the tasks behind releasing a song: the album art, recording, mix, master, marketing, etc. But little luna reminds us to take a breath, center the practice, and enjoy the ride.
• Pacing for Sustained Making Solo Making music in the age of streaming, AI, and the content treadmill is harder and easier than ever. But that's not the point at all, is it? Making a record, something you truly give your all to, is timeless and precious, but it's easy to lose yourself in it or break your momentum within it. Music is like the tide: it comes in with force, retreats to develop, then returns again. The key is catching the wave and riding it as far as it goes.
• Anything That’s Unique with Chic Chameleon Chic Chameleon Artist Chic Chameleon joined the show to talk about what makes a genre a genre, how to blend tones and influences, and how to grow a career from Edmonton, Canada. He’s supported Calgary bands Sea of Lettuce and Zoo! on their headlining tour, just played the Sled Island Festival in Calgary in June, and has garnered over 1,000,000 streams for his two great singles “Won’t you Love Me Again?” and “Shade Your Way.” His record’s almost out, dropping in August of this year.
• Silence, The Points Between The Notes Solo When the music stops... what happens? From dreams to songs-stuck-in-your-head to John Cage's 4'33", silence is just as much a part of music as the actual music. Let's talk about breath, phrasing, anticipation, and even a little neuroscience.
• Input To Put In with Dana Roth Dana Roth SF-based animator, bass player, composer and producer, Dana Roth brings groove to everything she creates. We talked about the rhythm of visuals, of illustrations, and of course, bass guitar. Her debut album, Airship, absolutely rips, as does everything else she spends her time on — including this episode!
• The Substrates Inside Speech Solo Where’s the boundary between song and speech? When does something cross the threshold and go from a conversation into a groove? When does the beat drop? One of my favorite musicians, Mononeon, has a whole video series blurring this line. (Mononeon… talk about an inheritor to the FUNK!)
• A Building On Wheels with Sam Durkes (Ezra Furman, Grace Cummins, Art More) Want to take your show on the road? Sam Durkes has toured with Ezra Furman, Grace Cummings, and Art More, van to train to bus, and knows the reality of it from every seat. This episode covers what it actually takes to build a touring life.
• A Brief History of FUNK Solo From James Brown hitting the one on 'Cold Sweat' through Clyde Stubblefield's breakbeats, Parliament-Funkadelic, sampling culture, and funk's political roots in disco-era America.
• The Microphone As A Microscope Solo Why do live shows rock? Why do snares and toms sound one way on the record and other at the show? How can bands prepare to hit the road when every venue is different? Let's dig into the rock history we covered + some studio secrets to answer why!
• Put To Wax with Harry Katz (Harry Katz and the Pistachios, Big Top Pistachioland) Harry Katz Harry Katz and the Pistachios have one foot in the future, one in the vinyl warmth of the past. Harry isn’t just an artist, he’s an evangelist, spreading the good word of music long forgotten. He’s dusting off records, usually the little ones (called 78s or 45s), and spinning DJ sets or narratives on Instagram. His comment sections are little libraries, with fans sharing anecdotes and connections, turning his insights into community.
• Perfect Pitch - Nature or Nurture? Solo Perfect Pitch is when you know what a note is without checking your tuner or your instrument. It's helpful but is also a burden? And why did one study find that 30% of Japanese music students had perfect pitch versus 7% of Polish music students? This wasn't light work either. They had to get 95%+ right to count as "perfect." And can you train up and become perfect? If so, why would you?
• Some Kind Of Voltage with Rob Maile (AEA Microphones) Rob Maile Rob’s a producer-engineer & classically-trained musician. He produced his first record just last year. His DIY spirit and engineering chops combine for a unique mix of science and magic. An alchemy of the recording studio. He’s modded and restored classic gear. Builds microphones at his day job (at the legendary AEA Microphones in Los Angeles). And is passionate about pairing the right tech with the right moment.
• From Fugazi to Olivia Rodrigo - The History of Rock Music (Part 13) Solo Last week, Nirvana knocked Michael Jackson off the charts. This week: what happens when the underground becomes the superstar. How DC hardcore finds its way to Olivia Rodrigo's songwriting credits. How the Beatles' studio tricks end up in a Perth beach shack. Rock didn’t die. It just got so splintered, so loved, so adopted that it became like the air we breathe. And the beautiful part is new communities formed. New folks got to use the vocabulary of rock to tell their stories. From Riot Grrrl to boygenius, that’s something to celebrate.
• The Speakers Are A Lens with Ben Rice (The National, Norah Jones, Joan Osborne) Ben Rice Ben Rice is at the heart of the Brooklyn music scene, making records at his studio, Degraw Sound in Gowanus, since 2012. He’s since worked with legends like Valerie June, The National, Joan Osborne, The Candles, and Northern Soul greats The Flirtations, earning him an Americana Producer of the Year nom along the way. What I love about Ben is that nothing about him is in a rush. This is a very chill podcast episode. I literally felt my blood pressure fall as we recorded this. That’s part of the magic here!
• Nirvana and the Pixies - The History of Rock Music (Part 12) Solo The MTV arms race is over. Enter two bands making records for under a grand. Playing underground, literally, and then knocking Michael Jackson from the #1 spot on the charts.
• Through A Song with Ron Jackson (Musora, Drumeo) Ron Jackson What happens when a rockstar has to cover a song… that they’ve never heard before… on the spot? I ask the man behind the “Musora Covers On The Spot” YouTube series, Ron Jackson. From teaching to producing, Ron loves pushing bands to explore new sides of themselves and capture the raw energy that goes into a musical sprint.
• The Cosmic Microwave Background Noise Solo Noise is default. Radiation surrounds us like a memory of the Big Bang. And leaks into every microphone... In this episode, we break down what noise actually is. The painful (and beautiful) interference from power lines and radio waves, and the limits it places on every signal we try to capture. We talk through white, pink, brown, and blue noise, and why some feel harsh while others put us to sleep.
• Memories In The Gear with Travis Ference (St. Vincent, Aloe Blacc, Skylar Grey) Travis Ference We were supposed to record this episode a year ago. But the LA wildfires threatened Travis’ home. From platinum records to mixing in headphones across dozens of hotels, Travis and his family wen through a nightmare, but found a way to make it all work. While he lost gear… gear that was imbued with memories and countless hit records… he found new ways to work. What what essential. And kept it all going.
• Lyric Writing Techniques To Reach Peak Levity Solo You're in the studio. One verse just isn't quite landing. What do you do? Grab a pen and paper, and dip into these strategies. Evocative writing and internal vs. external perspectives can unlock a world of difference and a new level of speed. Doesn't matter the genre or the story. Just dial up or down.
• Instant Musicality with Nicole McCabe (Dolphin Hyperspace, Louis Cole, Patrice Rushen) Nicole McCabe Instrumental music can sing. Nicole is proof! She’s one of my favorite musicians, bridging jazz and electronic music, with her own distinct sound. I always know when it’s her. We talked about how she got there. The practice routines. The gigs. The leaps of faith. And her new LP just dropped. As always, it’s on repeat.
• The Hit Configuration of Holland-Dozier-Holland Solo I was able to take a few songwriting course (including one one-on-one!) with Lamont Dozier in college. There's a reason why HDH is up there for greatest musical partnerships of all time. Hard work, clear roles, and a team that stuck together. They knew how to write for their artists, and knew how to rip through the speakers and command attention. Stop in the name of love!
• Motion Over Time Solo Why are so many “music words” based around travel? Around space? Highs and lows, in and “out.” We talk about being in a key, moving away from home, climbing into a chorus, falling into resolution. Why are we navigating music? For me, musical gravity is one of the best ways to find your way through it!
• Where There’s Air with Wilson Harwood (Soundproof Your Studio) Wilson Harwood Sound is a wild animal. It wants to get loose. To rumble your neighbor. To call the cops. Wilson’s here to fix that. He’s a professional soundproofing designer and musician based in Nashville, Tennessee and founder of Soundproof Your Studio, where he helps musicians, producers, and content creators design and build professional-grade studios from the ground up.
• The Beyond Vocab Incantations Solo Is it a vocab word? Or a magic one? What does a musician do when you tell them, we need an ostinato. Or this part is the big crescendo? Or I want a call-and-response kinda vibe. They shift. They reach into a different bag. You get a different song. So much of production and artistry is knowing where to lead, how to communicate vision, and yes, which spell to cast. Let’s go through a few of my favorites.
• Layers Behind The Curtain with Geneva Harrison (Nu Deco Ensemble, Y La Bamba, Rachel Goodrich) Geneva Harrison Whether she’s touring with Y La Bamba or scoring live stories for WNYC’s Snap Judgment, Geneva Harrison is the kind of artist who breathes life into her work. She’s a world-class percussionist and producer, and a total student of how music connects. I loved her takes on the "elasticity" of rhythm. It’s steady and unsteady. Like a heartbeat. Human and tied to the environment. The culture.
• The Permutation Plus The Personality Solo Best way to get good at guitar? Learn some sax solos. Jazz has been doing this forever, but pop can copy their homework. Learn the lines from someone that thinks differently than you. Practice the way they approach music. And open your mind, man.
• The Additive Nature with Craig Bauer (Janet Jackson, Lupe Fiasco, Destiny's Child) Craig Bauer What smooth jazz legends and hip-hop stars have in common? Yep, that’s Craig Bauer, Grammy-award winning mix engineer. He has the kinda breadth and impact most of us can only dream of. In this episode, he took us inside the sessions with legends in his Chicago studio, including his favorite phone call from the members of Styx.
• A Big Hug To The Year That Was 2025 Solo Each year, I reflect back on the guest episodes. Hear about the guests you might have missed, some key insights, and how it all wraps around to one, unifying thing: the love of music!
• A Gentle Shelf with Andrew Scheps (Adele, U2, Hozier) Andrew Scheps Andrew Scheps has been a hero of mine since I started mixing. He’s worked on everyone from Beyoncé to Metallica to Michael Jackson to The Red Hot Chili Peppers to Jay-Z to The Smashing Pumpkins to Green Day to Alanis Morissette to The Rolling Stones to several other legends. He’s nothing short of a genius. At music. At mixing. At technology. At philosophy. So I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. If you want to hear an honest take about where music is at, how to break in, and what’s up with AI, Scheps is the guy to listen to.
• Everybody Can Be Dancing Because Counterpoint Solo This isn’t the classic definition. This is James Jameson. It’s the groove. It’s the grounding. It’s the dance partner that holds it down. The glue. The bass! But all counters… need a point: The vocal! How do we frame the melody? Then how do we extend it? Let’s talk.
• Those Foley Steps with Ashlee Chanelle (Epidemic Sound) Ashlee Chanelle A music career never, ever, ever goes in a straight line. It’s winding path, through studios, gigs, relationships, and day jobs. Ashlee Chanelle has lived it and succeeded. She’s a Senior Enterprise Account Executive at Epidemic Sound and a longtime mix engineer and producer We talked about how licensing actually works in the real world, how to communicate like a pro in high-stakes environments, and how to keep balance with all the work.
• When Subtraction Is Addition Solo Energy lacking? Vibes off? Chorus not "big" enough? Start by subtracting. Even for a bar. The little things you don't say are their own kind of tension. Breathe for a moment.
• To The Feeling Of Flow State with Rani Adi (PinkPantheress, Dove Cameron, postergirl) Rani Adi Fresh off of an NPR Tiny Desk concert, Rani shares her undeniable love of music in this episode. Her belief in herself, her band, and the power of hard work was truly infectious. No matter what you’re doing, in music or outside of music, Rani’s vibe is guaranteed to leave you more inspired, energized, and ready to take on the odds. Rani Adi is a Brooklyn-based artist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer, and content creator whose work merges live musicianship with modern production. She’s the co-founder and bassist of the band postergirl, which she started just over a year ago, and has performed with artists including PinkPantheress on Tiny Desk and Dove Cameron on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Rani is currently producing both her debut solo album and postergirl’s debut record, continuing to bridge the worlds of performance, production, and storytelling, crafting music that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
• How does music software work? Solo Music products are some of the most innovative and frustrating tools in any industry. Let's peel back the veil a bit into the history of music software, piracy, and how old-school tech is holding itself back. There's a reason why Ableton is the DAW (music production software) of choice for younger people! (It's the iLok!)
• Do Keys Feel Different? Solo My friend texted me, "Do you believe that specific chords of the same type (eg C Major vs G Major) evoke different emotions or feelings? That are consistent and distinct?" And I think it pointed at something really profound: Is music relational (change the key, keep the vibe) or absolute (each key has its own vibe).
• Taken To Unexpected Places with Cal Kevany (Wallice, Albert Hammond Jr, JW Francis) Cal Kevany What really goes into putting on a show? And… how’s tour number 100 different than #1 (hint: fast food). Really, being on the road is an endurance sport, and Cal Kevany has the stories to tell! From his prolific TikTok channel to a show near you, enjoy this convo with this great guitarist!
• Just. Keep. Going. Solo Music, creativity, life. All an endurance sport. Just like running, I think the key is tricking yourself sometimes. And enjoying the uphill as much as the down.
• Bending The Fabric Of Scales with Levi McClain (31-Note Microtonalist) Levi McClain This one goes to eleven… NO this one goes to 31! Levi’s all-in on expanding our musical palette. We talked about what colors and emotions are available in microtonality, how to get into the wild world, and the frontiers of music theory. Sometimes it feels like everything in music has been “figured out.” Levi’s here to tell us that couldn’t be further from the truth!
• Keeping The Inner Musician Alive Solo Tap your foot? Whistle? Hum a tune? I think you count too. Musician isn't a some high-and-mighty state. It's just being human.
• To Learn The Sound with Dr. Guy Shkolnik (PhD in Bach, Music Theory Influencer) Dr. Guy Shkolnik What makes a Beatles chord progression work? Why does that Stevie Wonder song sound the way it does? Music theorist and composer Dr. Guy Shkolnik joins the pod to breaks down all that good stuff and more: harmony, counterpoint, composition across all genres (even how Japanese music is different!!). With a PhD in music theory and a social media following built from deep-dive breakdowns (and years of university teaching under his belt including international Berklee College of Music associated harmony, counterpoint, and ear training classes), Guy knows how to make it “click.” Let’s dive deep in, follow the white rabbit, and find out why music works. (And why we love it!)
• Providing Questions Instead Of Providing Answers Solo Want a better mix 2? Keep your mix engineer creative and proactive. Give them questions rather than answers. In this pod, I cover how creative communication can empower your collaborators rather than box them in. Turn people into experts instead of tools, and watch how your network can perform! (And love working with you!)
• The Found Palette with Tristan Clopet (Crown Heights, The Infiltrator, This American Life) Tristan Clopet Some musicians do better with chaos. Others under deadlines and with teams. Tristan Clopet is a rare pro who’s done both, and because of it knows the value of working towards a greater goal with a big team (and bigger pressure). Tristan’s prolific work on film and TV scores gives him a deep insight into the nature of that side of the industry (and how different it is from his touring days supporting X Ambassadors, Billy Bragg, Tove Lo, Glen Hansard, and The Weeknd). It’s a collaborative, deadline-oriented, large effort, with hundreds of creatives contributing to the final work. He shares how inspiring that journey is, and how knowing the boundaries can unlock even more creativity. I loved his story about scoring to Martin Freeman’s solo acting in a car. (Martin Freeman happens to be one of my favorite actors.)
• Functional Biomechanics In Musical Performance Solo Music is more athletic than you may think! I just watched on of my favorite drummers, Nate Smith, and he was like Bruce Lee up there, flowing like water. Proper technique can save musicians from injury, make them play faster, and let them stay on the road for longer. It’s one of the best ways to break through the intermediate wall, but it’s not talked about enough… so I talked about it!
• Ideas For Unlocking Upsides To AI Through Augmentation And Automation Solo …and what if it could help us invent new instruments? In this pod, I talk about how musicians can use “vibe coding” tools like Cursor (but how learning a little coding can go a long way)! I think there’s something here. I think it’s about to get a lot easier. And I invite you to try (and fail) with me. We might be able to make something truly new once again.
• Boxes Of Inspiration with ABI THE PRODUCER (Safari Pedals) ABI THE PRODUCER As A&R at Safari Pedals, Abi brings a unique guitar pedal-driven approach to production. From making coffee disappear (she’s a professional magician!) to helping artists transform gut feelings into honest, soulful records, she shares her philosophy on trust, vibe, and the magic that happens when you strip away pretense. Whether working remotely or popping up in cities around the world for in-person sessions, Abi is out there building genuine connections and crafting records with the artist at the center of the frame. Plus, we dive into her work hosting The Safari Pedals Show and how guitar pedals became her secret weapon in the studio.
• Music Theory is Just a Useful Tool Solo Would a builder build a house without a hammer? A tattooer do a tattoo without a needle? Would a politician act without a businessman? Of course not! Every job has the tools that the pro needs to succeed. Music theory is one of ours. Neglect at your own peril. Use the right tools to build cool stuff! Ignore them when you don't need them! (But 80% of the time, you'll need them! Especially if you want to do this every day.)
• A Universe Of Groove with Harry Terrell (Still Woozy, Maggie Rogers, The Breathing Effect) Harry Terrell Playing drums at Red Rocks or the O2 or the Greek are dreams made reality for Harry Terrell. As producer and multi-instrumentalist, he brings perspective to the drum kit, electronics to the acoustic, and vibe to the studio. In this pod, Harry shares some of his favorite techniques for getting killer drum sounds, navigating music theory, and what it means to be a modern musician. The drums are alive and well! Chef Harry T is a drummer/producer/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/chef/tall guy based in the Los Angeles area. He likes to do lots of stuff, including play for Still Woozy, make silly funk jams, write serious love songs about personal development and feelings, push the boundaries of sandwich possibilities, learn new Spanish vocabulary, and stretch out his sore little legs. He also REALLY likes to make music with his best bud Eli Goss, who will join us in the interview at some point, in their best-friendship-band of over 10 years called The Breathing Effect, which basically makes complex-yet-familiar bangers with influences ranging from ambient noise music to 70s Japanese city pop and yacht rock to 2000s indie rock and softcore songwriters.
• MTV Killed the Radio Star - The History of Rock Music (Part 11) Solo Welcome everyone to the astronaut era. Let the music video arms race begin!
• Where American Music Began with John Michael Rouchell (G-Eazy, Avery*Sunshine, Galactic) John Michael Rouchell New Orleans is a special place. Just ask Grammy Award-winning John Michael Rouchell. He’s from there and made incredible music with the legends. We talk the history, the prestige, the joy, and the energy of New Orleans. It’s that passion and dedication that led Disney to work with John on Tiana's Bayou Adventure, the ride that updated Splash Mountain at Disneyland. When you’re on a ride, with the music spilling over just like the water itself, now THAT’S a compositional challenge!
• The Future of Music is Closer Than You Think Solo What can we do to prepare? What skills do we need to survive? I think there are three simple (yet crazy hard) skills that will endure, regardless of robot takeover or software company supremacy.
• The Whole Bulb with Kyle Pulley (Alex G, Dr. Dog, Mo Lowda & the Humble) Kyle Pulley What’s it take to gear up, build a studio, and grow a career step-by-step? Kyle Pulley, a music producer, audio engineer, and bassist in Philadelphia, is here to share his journey, which includes working with greats like Alex G and Dr. Dog. His story includes his studio being sold out from under him! Kyle co-owns and operates ⁠Headroom Studios⁠, and co-formed and plays in the band Thin Lips.
• Visualizing Sound Solo Use the traditional concert layout to open your mind to new ways of creating and experiencing music. Paint with sound, experience the depth, and notice the techniques artists use to create in three dimensions. The visual art world has a longer history of this than recorded music, so borrowing some of their concepts helps a lot!
• Flutes Through Bassoons with Josh Plotner (Meghan Trainor, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Babylon) Josh Plotner Josh plays instruments from all around the world, and that’s how he’s on a crazy number of recordings, including live on Broadway and for anime series’ like Naruto or Avatar. We talk about building a wide set of skills, and how that curiosity and love of learning fits really well with the modern world.
• The Most Successful Rock Album of All Time: Back in Black - The History of Rock Music (Part 10) Solo Back in Black sold twice as many records as Abbey Road. It’s the most successful rock record (and 2nd most successful record period). So let’s dig into why. What’s the magic of this band, this album, and how can it make us love music a little bit more?
• Going To Air with Mike Ladman (Droga5, McCann) Mike Ladman If you watch ad-supported streaming or TV, you’ve heard Mike’s work. From the Super Bowl to multi-year global campaigns, he’s the guy behind the musical storytelling for the world’s best brands. Find out what actually makes a top music supervisor tick. How he discovers. What he loves. And also learn what goes into this wild job!
• Genre Isn't Real — or Is It? Solo What makes a sub-genre? Should an artist stick to what they're known for? Is it a burden to invent a genre? I just got back from a Cro-Mags show, had a great time, and have a lotta takeaways about dance, movement, and how limiting (yet valuable) labeling music can be.
• The Song Takes Shape with Mo Lowda & the Humble Mo Lowda & the Humble The majority of bands don’t make it, and if they do, they don’t last. What’s the secret? How do you grow together, push each other, and keep innovating as a musical team? Mo Lowda & the Humble’s about to drop their fifth album, and in my opinion, it’s their best music yet. The whole band joins for this special episode on what it’s like to be a road-warrior, touring band in 2025, making records in studios on the journey along the way.
• Panning, Psychedelic Effects, and Headphone Vectors Solo Deciding where to "place" an instrument is one of the biggest decisions of a mixing engineer. Simply putting a guitar in the left, right, or center can completely change the vibe of a song. But there are more ways to trick the brain than on! Let's explore delay-based, phase-based, and timbre-based panning options, and how their nuances can change the way the music hits!
• Harley Flanagan Is Wired for Chaos (Cro-Mags, Stimulators) Harley Flanagan Harley probably played CBGB more than anyone else alive. His impact on New York City music and the hardcore scene can’t be overstated. And neither can how difficult his life was. He was a kid living a brutal adult life, but music got him through it. Just like it gets so many through it. I truly think after hearing about his journey, in his words, you’ll love music more. Because it’s everything, or, “almost everything.”
• Epic Fail (How Failure Can Lead to Success) Solo I just had to trash a song I was working on. It hurts, but failure is a good way to know you’re taking risk. Failure is a teacher, so let’s unpack how to listen to it.
• Filtering The Final Brick with Sam Moses (Kesha, Dolly Parton, Morgan Wade) Sam Moses Unlock the secrets of Spotify and how the platform changes audio. Based in Nashville, Sam is in the top 0.1% of mastering engineers, with 4B+ streams, a Gold Record, Dove Award, and was nominated for a Grammy. And there’s a reason why: He knows his stuff! After literally writing the book on finishing records, Sam goes deeper into what it’s really like to make music in 2025. That’s why his job title is “Peace of Mind Bringer.”
• Unconventional Mind States and Slow, Slow Progress Solo Like a fox trapped in a corner, what kind of creative are you when the unexpected strikes? How do you train for it like my guest David Gnozzi (MixbusTv) in the gym or Bubby Lewis (Snoop Dogg, Jhené Aiko) with fasting and 1000 pushups? Let's talk about progress, change, and mindset. I don't know where AI will take the world, but I do know those three skills are as eternal as stardust.
• Keeping It Tight with Noam Wallenberg (Vulfpeck, Anderson .Paak, Mac Miller) Noam Wallenberg Noam Wallenberg mixes it up. He’s all about creative limitations, be it tracking with the “wrong mics” or mixing a live record like a studio recording. We dig into the music he’s made with acts like Vulfpeck and The Fearless Flyers, what exactly tape does to music, and how taking the unconventional route can get you to beautifully unexpected places.
• David Bowie and Queen's Impact on Collaboration - The History of Rock Music (Part 9) Solo There's no song quite like David Bowie and Queen's hit collab Under Pressure. In this episode, I dive into that session, their careers, and how larger-than-life rock music came to be.
• Perpetually Propelled to Create with Russ Flynn (X Ambassadors, Sean Lennon, Rubblebucket) Russ Flynn What’s it really like on a World Tour? Russ Flynn knows as well as anybody, as he crisscrosses the globe as a member of X Ambassadors. Go behind the curtain, dig into the highs and lows of constant travel, and hear what it takes to be a career musician, both on and off the road. Russ is a fantastic multi-instrumentalist, composer, and well-rounded dude, all keys to his success!
• What Makes a Song Worth Making Solo When a musician takes on a new song, they’re taking on a journey. A million mouse clicks. (Often) thousands of dollars. And most importantly, up to hundreds of hours of work. So why do we so often write songs to be a “hit?” And then why are we surprised when we burn out chasing hit songs? Let’s talk about passion. What animates the artist. And why hits can be unexpected. They’re lightning in a bottle. Go ride that lightning.
• The Peak Of The Euphonic with David Gnozzi (MixbusTv) David Gnozzi Platinum mix engineer and host of MixbusTv, David Gnozzi shares how the modern mixer can make it. From the right gear to the right mindset, David broke down everything that makes him tick, including his epic workout routine! You don’t get a platinum record or muscles like that without working hard! Seriously, David was a great time, and I’m sure you’ll love hearing from him, just like his hundreds of thousands of YouTube subscribers do!
• A Step-Up Guide for Spotify Metrics: Shifting Mentality Solo A few musician friends were asking me how I grew my project. In this pod, I go through the mindset and perspective that worked well for me, as well as a bit of psychology I learned from Oliver Sacks' "This Is Your Brain on Music."
• Leaving an Impression Next to Legends with Fernando Perdomo (Jackson Browne, Beck, Fiona Apple) Fernando Perdomo From Abbey Road to Laurel Canyon, Fernando’s played with musical legends, the list of which could take up this entire pod description. We dug into what it’s like to be a session musician, tips for surviving on the road, and ways to break into new musical scenes.
• The Rhythm of Craft / the Chaos of Creativity Solo Stop confusing creativity with your craft! You practice to clear the path for the muses, and when the muse arrives, you get out the way and run with them. I’ve thought a lot about this tension while doing the guest pods with far more successful (and far more organized) mixing engineers than I. But we all have our own ways of doing it. Maybe by hearing my way, you’ll be inspired to try some new paths.
• A Mixed Basket of Talents with Hendrick Valera (Braxton Cook, Equiknoxx, Karma Rivera) Hendrick Valera Hendrick’s a producer and mixer born in Venezuela, who made his way to Argentina, then to the U.S., and now Colombia. We talked about making records in a global way, the local effects of music scenes, discovering independent artists, and growing musical communities. I’m really excited about the music that Hendrick is cooking up, but I’m even more impressed by his mentality and work ethic behind it all. (And even less impressed by my Spanish at the end. I promise I’ll keep practicing, ya’ll.)
• Where Do Ideas Come From? Solo I’ve talked to platinum mix engineers, and I’m starting to realize they’re a lot more organized than I am. Do I clean up or risk losing my chaotic artistic self? Porque no los dos? In this pod, let’s talk about creative strategies, from reading poetry and philosophy to watching pick up basketball. There’s something to the chaos, and something to the order.
• From the Sound Standpoint with Kelley Baker (Good Will Hunting, My Own Private Idaho, Finding Forrester) Kelley Baker Kelley’s known as the Angry Filmmaker. He’s pissed because he’s passionate. He knows the value of stories. The value of putting the important things first. And that’s why he’s such a fantastic filmmaker and sound designer. As he signed the book he so graciously sent me, “Remember: the only people who really care about sound are the audience.” We dug into ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) in film and how that can kill emotion. About how technical skills are only there to pave way for the emotional. And about caring about the right things and speaking up for yourself. Sound designing is the art of world building. So step into Kelley’s world for a moment, and come out the other end loving music more. (The book he sent was The Angry Filmmaker Survival Guide Part 2: Sound Conversations With (un)Sound People. It’s fantastic.)
• Get in the Flow (A TikTok State of Mind) Solo How does social media affect our creativity? What’s missing from AI-generated music? And why am I always so thirsty after making music?
• Taking the Leap with the Rising Serena Sun Serena Sun Join us as we chat with the talented Serena Sun about her exciting journey from Vancouver to London! 🇨🇦➡️🇬🇧 We dive into her upcoming EP, the challenges of moving across the world, and how it's shaping her music. 🌆🎶 Get ready for some serious wanderlust and musical inspiration! 💭 💫👉 Discover: • Sneak peek into her upcoming EP 🎵• How the move is influencing her sound 🎸☁︎• Tips for aspiring musicians making big moves 🌠🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about music, travel, and chasing your dreams! 🌟🎤🧳
• From Glam to Hair Metal to MTV - The History of Rock Music (Part 8) Solo Why did rock hair get so big? What was the secret behind Eddie Van Halen's guitar technique? And why does Scoobert Doobert like performing on the Sunset Strip? Let's take a journey from Davie Bowie to Guns N Roses to find out.
• Fresh Sonic Lenses in Less Knobs with Sam Fischmann (Musik Hack) Sam Fischmann Sam Fischmann, software developer at Musik Hack LLC, discusses bridging the gap between complex audio tech and user-friendly music tools. From DSP to web development, discover how his experience as both developer and musician shapes his approach to creating intuitive music software. Episode Topics!၊|၊|၊ Simplifying professional-grade music tools၊|၊|၊ Audio development and DSP insights၊|၊|၊ Journey from musician to tech innovator၊|၊|၊ Building Musik Hack's streamlined solutions
• Imposter Syndrome and Your Musical Purpose Solo What's success to you? How does your own psyche hold you back? Let's dive deep into musical meaning, and tackle the hardest question of them all: Does the world really need more music?
• Of Signals and Systems with Nolan Lem (Sound Researcher and Auditory Artist) Nolan Lem Nolan Lem’s work has been featured internationally at venues such as the Museum of Modern Art Buenos Aires, Pioneer Works , L’HOSTE Art Contemporain , and the Danish National Museum of Music. He has participated in a number of residencies, including IRCAM, MassMoCA, Cité Internationale des Arts, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Nolan joins us to explore his fascinating work with interactive sound systems and sonic machinery. Drawing from his unique background in saxophone performance, electrical engineering, and computer music, Nolan shares how he creates immersive audio-visual environments that bring together technology, sound, and systems thinking. From his time at Stanford's CCRMA to his current research at Chalmers University, discover how Nolan's innovative approach is pushing the boundaries of contemporary sound art.
• Chains of Influence: David Baron (Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey, Lenny Kravitz) & Ginger Winn David Baron Join us for an intimate conversation with renowned producer/musician David Baron and artist Ginger Winn as they unravel the creative process behind their mesmerizing album "Stop Motion." Discover how these two musical potion makers found their collaborative rhythm and transformed their individual artistic visions into a seamless sonic journey. From studio magic to songwriting secrets, Baron and Winn share the stories and inspirations that shaped their June 2024 release. David brings his extensive experience working with artists like The Lumineers, Shawn Mendes, and Matt Maeson to this unique collaboration, while Ginger contributes her distinctive voice and songwriting perspective.
• Chains of Influence: David Baron (Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey, Lenny Kravitz) & Ginger Winn Ginger Winn Join us for an intimate conversation with renowned producer/musician David Baron and artist Ginger Winn as they unravel the creative process behind their mesmerizing album "Stop Motion." Discover how these two musical potion makers found their collaborative rhythm and transformed their individual artistic visions into a seamless sonic journey. From studio magic to songwriting secrets, Baron and Winn share the stories and inspirations that shaped their June 2024 release. David brings his extensive experience working with artists like The Lumineers, Shawn Mendes, and Matt Maeson to this unique collaboration, while Ginger contributes her distinctive voice and songwriting perspective.
• Sound Foundations: Building Better Engineers with Stephan Hawkes Stephan Hawkes Stephan Hawkes offers a compelling discussion on the importance of experience in the music industry, focusing on how his extensive background as a producer and engineer has shaped his approach to creating impactful music. He shares insights into the production process, emphasizing collaboration and the nuances of sound engineering.
• Why You Should Listen to Albums Solo Like the cherry blossom or the falling leaves... or like a TV episode vs a season... albums are an incredible palate for tension and release, in all its various forms. In this episode, I discuss the different ways music can build tension, and share why LPs are like the modern symphony. It's worth it!
• Tough Love from Twisted Sister's Jay Jay French Jay Jay French Jay Jay French joins for a hard hitting and brutally honest look at what the music industry is really like, and what it takes to make it. Learn how playing over 9,000 live shows helped lead to going multi-platinum, and how the bumpy the road to rock success really is.
• CBGB, Punk Rock, and a Legacy of Rebellion - The History of Rock Music (Part 7) Solo Rock is always in a cycle of rebirth, commoditization and then rebellion. Punk was the ultimate expression of that. In this episode, we chart the movement’s journey, beginning with the Velvet Underground’s avant-garde provocations and The Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith, and The Dictators at CBGB. Then let’s discuss the seismic eruptions of the Sex Pistols and The Clash, and then the reinvention of sound by bands like Talking Heads, and Joy Division.
• Platinum Selling Songs (and How to Make Money as a Songwriter) with Justin Gammella (FINNEAS, Bella Poarch, Bahamas) Justin Gammella Why is it so hard to make a living as a songwriter? I ask Justin, who's an advocate on behalf of songwriters, and a hit writer himself. We dig into what it means to be a writer in 2024, the challenges, the opportunities, and the joy of it. Let's Love Music More. Justin Gammella is a platinum-selling songwriter, producer, vocal producer, podcast host, and songwriter advocate based in Los Angeles hailing from Long Island, New York. With a diverse clientele that includes a roster of renowned artists such as FINNEAS, Bella Poarch, Benson Boone, Steve Aoki, Lauren Jauragui, Bahamas, Lennon Stella, Ashe, Kaskade, Vicetone, Rosie Darling, Shallou, mazie, Katelyn Tarver, Jake Scott, Blake Rose, Carlie Hanson, and more, Justin’s multifaceted talents have left an indelible mark on the music industry. As a member of SONA (Songwriters of North America) and an active participant in multiple committees, he champions the rights and recognition of fellow songwriters. With a career that spans across various genres and projects, Justin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every endeavor, ensuring a signature touch of excellence in all his collaborations.
• Teach Me Guitar in 60 Seconds with Lindy Day Lindy Day Lindy is an incredible guitarist, musician, songwriter, and educator, who shares her love of music in microdoses to her expansive social media orbit! I think her career is a really refreshing perspective on what it's like to be a modern musician. Always creating. Always evolving. Her love of the instrument is infectious, and we had a great chat about what it means to be an artist and why it matters to stay passionate and welcoming.
• Just Back from Playing Solo (plus Tracks) in Japan Solo Playing live shows as a solo artist (with tracks) can be both really challenging and a joyful act. I just got back from Japan and wanted to share some of the strategies and mentalities that helped me to break through the mental walls, and get to a live set that's super fun for the audience, and me!
• Hard Rock / Heavy Metal / Punk - The History of Rock Music (Part 6) Solo Not everyone was into prog rock... rock was about to splinter, and without a guiding force like The Beatles, the genre would take unexpected twists and turns and shouts in the 70s.
• Finding Channels in the Fretboard with Jeb Sherrill (the chair guy) Jeb Sherrill Jeb Sherrill (the chair guy) joins the pod to discuss the mysticism, geometry, and awesomeness that is the guitar fretboard. We keep it high level, so even people that don’t play this beautiful instrument can get inside the guitarist’s head!
• Oblique Strategies (Breaking Through Creative Walls) Solo Back in 1975, musician/artist Brian Eno and multimedia artist Peter Schmidt published a card-based method for promoting creativity. Let’s unpack why it works and how you can use the method behind the game to increase your own creativity. Let’s take a wrecking ball to the writers’ block!
• The Mysteries of Mastering Revealed with Mike Gillilan of Giltone Mastering Mike Gillilan What is compression? How can you make "clipping" sound good? What's the deal with all the fancy (and expensive) mastering hardware? I've always been mystified by mastering engineers, but Mike shares the secrets in a way non-musicians can follow.
• The Beatles Break Up / Prog Rock Is Born - The History of Rock Music (Part 5) Solo Like the Day the Music Died, the end of The Beatles is a mic drop. A page turned. It’s the end of the second wave of rock, one bookended by early rock/blues and the psychedelic era. Also, let's talk about the rise of FM radio and how progressive radio helped pave the way for progressive rock!
• Music-Podcast Overlaps and The Fun of Surprise with Bryson Barnes (Head of Audio Production at NBC News) Bryson Barnes Bryson has the best job in podcasting: As Head of Audio Production at NBC News, he works across the NBC networks to develop new content and execute workflows in an industry-leading portfolio of audio storytelling. His work includes 15 Apple #1 podcasts to date, and he has played a key role in helping produce Peabody and DuPont recipients, Pulitzer finalists and Emmy and Ambie nominees. ⁠Listen to the NBC Pulitzer Prize finalist podcast that Bryson worked on and talks about in this episode⁠ ⁠✍️
• What Makes a Rock Star? - The History of Rock Music (Part 4) Solo Is it the technology? The crowds? The excess? The hair? All of the above! Let’s talk about the creative destruction of Jimi Hendrix and The Who, the first supergroup, Cream, and the quintessential rockstars, Led Zeppelin.
• Force Multiplying the Music in Loveland with Justin Kohler Justin Kohler Recording studios can make or break music scenes, and Northern Colorado has one of the best local music scenes in the world. People like Justin are why! By following his passion and opening Fox and Robyn Recording, Justin has taken home recording to the next level, growing artist’s sounds and building a community around affordable and accessible local recording.
• Meet the Beatles - The History of Rock Music (Part 3) Solo The rock music of Great Britain makes a splash from across the pond, technology and culture advances, and people start to get a bit... psychedelic, on this third episode of the History of Rock.
• Designing A Dolby Atmos Room, Running An LA Studio, and Trading Up Gear with Mike Post (Local Natives, Orion Sun, Alice Cooper) Mike Post Mike Post (of MooseCat Recording) joins the pod to talk the nuts and bolts of operating a studio, creating vibey environments, developing a killer workflow, and his journey to Los Angeles to take his career to the next level. Get your foot in the MooseCat Recording Studio door 👟🚪
• The Day the Music Died - The History of Rock Music (Part 2) Solo After a meteoric rise, rock is in crisis! How does the son of a Lebanese immigrant save the day? From Buddy Holly and Les Paul to Dick Dale and The Beach Boys, rock is about to be changed forever.
• Studios in Compulsory School, Winning Swedish Grammys, and Filling the Vessel with Gustav Brunn Gustav Brunn Gustav Brunn joins the pod to discuss his experience learning to record early in school, going on to tour heavily before transitioning to the (slightly) more stable world of mixing and mastering. He shares strategies for staying productive with less time, balancing being a father with being an entrepreneur, and how Sweden benefits young musicians. Take care of your project with Gustav's tools and skills at AllinAudio.se, drop him a dm on IG and browse the snazzy credits compiler mentioned at the tail of the episode 🍂
• What's the difference between diffusion and absorption? Solo Ever wonder what all that stuff is on the walls of recording studios? Let's dig into sound panels, the ways they work and why they're needed to record high-quality audio.
• A Pioneer of the Punk Scene with Andy Shernoff of The Dictators Andy Shernoff What's it like to invent a genre? To live in NYC in the 70s and 80s? To be one of the first bands to play the iconic CBGB? Andy (aka Adny) takes us through his career, from living with his influential band, to writing and producing with members of The Ramones, and his 2024 tour with The Damned. Turn up with Andy at AndyShernoff.com and TheDictators.com
• Why's it called Rock 'n' Roll? - The History of Rock Music (Part 1) Solo From the Mississippi Delta to the Chicago skyline, pinning down the first rock record is tough. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Let's dig into this genre in the first part of this mini series look at the history of rock. How it came to be, what it became, the scandals, the heroes, and the ups-and-downs of being a "rock star."
• Cooking Up What It Is with Qu1tter (Future, Wale, London on Da Track) Qu1tter Qu1tter broke into the LA studio world in 2022. He shares how he did it, the crazy stories that came along with it, and we chat about our favorite production and engineering tools and tricks. Qu1tter is a recording/mixing engineer working all over the music industry. Starting with a high school indie band in Cleveland, OH, he learned how to track records in his friends’ basements, doing all kinds of alt-rock, folk, jazz, & grunge. After graduating high school in 2022, he relocated to LA and immediately began working with beat makers and rappers. Since then, he has become a presence in many genres such as hip hop, RnB, afrobeats, pop, rock, etc.
• The Circle of Fifths Depicts the Blueprint Solo The Circle is the most important tool for music composition and understanding music theory. Let's talk about the history of the circle and how it's used, with some guitar as an accompaniment. Traditions and tendencies. There’s lots of things that you can do. Play with the idea of pitch. It gives you flexibility. Lead your ear into new frontiers in the nearish future. Get after spicy surprises.
• Vintage King, Tons of Gear and Getting Ears On with Matt Meyer Matt Meyer Matt joins the pod to talk about pro audio gear, the mindset of the drummer, and how his career has evolved as an LA-based musician, voiceover artist and member of the Vintage King team. I love chatting with people on the retail side, because music and gear stores make the industry work! Let’s dig into the tools we love, guitar pedal recommendations, and ways to navigate the gear ecosystem (on all budgets!) 🔧
• BBL Drizzy and Burrito Bot (AI Song Generation Tips) Solo I Made 1000 AI Songs So You Don't Have to... AI is the latest (and most divisive) of music tools. What does music history have to teach us about it? What role is parody playing? And what are the technologists getting wrong?
• Counting It In with Aaron Comess of the Spin Doctors Aaron Comess Aaron Comess is living the dream. His band, the Spin Doctors, has sold millions of records, and he's explored his musicality with hundreds more artists and collaborators around the world. And he's been on the cover of Rolling Stone and Modern Drummer! We had a great conversation about building a career, joining a music scene, and continual growth as a musician. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
• Pitchy in a Perfect World (the Art of Vocal Comping) Solo Recording vocals is probs the hardest part of pop music production. Vocal comping (assembling the best parts of multiple takes) is the secret sauce. In this pod, I dive into the techniques behind the dark art of vocal compilation. To explore these themes further
• Getting at "That Thing" with saxophonist Jesse McGinty (Camila Cabello, Meghan Trainor, Scoobert Doobert) Jesse McGinty Jesse has played with everyone from Pharrell to J Lo, arranged horns for television shows like FOX's "The Masked Singer," and built a career and partnership that's spanned decades. How did he do it? What does it mean to be a pro? And how can a young musician diversify their way to greatness? This episode was recorded around the holidays, so we thought it be fun to bend time some by dropping it in the middle of the year. So we're either way ahead of schedule or late to the party. You decide.
• Dialing In The Mix Using ADSR Relational Decision-Making Solo We’ve talked about reframing instruments as frequencies and harmonics, but what about looking at everything like a synth? Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release are a powerful lens to look at all music. And I break out my trusty Juno for some demonstrations!
• Where the Drummers Are with Dr. Leah Bowden (Dr. Drums) Dr. Leah Bowden Drums and percussion are more than just the heartbeat of the music. Dr. Drums joins the pod to share her experience developing and performing music for percussion ensembles, letting the rhythm take center stage. ⁠ We discuss the cultural background of modern rhythm, the different musical styles that have evolved, and ways that music fans can support this essential part of the musical arts!⁠
• From Neumes to Notes: The Evolution of Music Notation Solo How do you write music down? How do I convey my musical ideas to you without being in the same room or without recorded music? These questions have puzzled musicians for thousands of years! But now, the question is: Is our current method of music notation the best it can be? Should innovation stop here? Join us as we break down the history of music notation and explore its future in this episode of LMM.
• Spatial Audio, Mixing Objects, and Floating Overhead with Martin Rieger Martin Rieger Separate the hype from the hifi with my brilliant homie, Martin. He's an early adopter, expert, and groundbreaker in 360 audio. And it goes beyond Dolby! Check out his favorite tools and encoders in this deep dive into why Spatial Audio is audio's next frontier. Explore more about 3D Audio Production, Recording, Consulting and Martin at VRTonung
• Lightbulb Vocals (Figuring Out Formant Shifting) Solo In my last convo with Harley, we chatted about mouth shape and using a tool called formant to manipulate audio. Here I share examples of how to use formant on a vocal and other instruments, some of the history of vocal manipulation, and why this technique helps to define the music of the last ten years (and into the future).
• A Symphony in The Taste Gap with Harley Eblen (Billboard #1 String Arranger) Harley Eblen Strings tell a story. They're so good at making us cry. Why? How does a string quartet fit into a pop arrangement? What is it about simplicity? Harley joins the pod to discuss his journey as a cellist, string arranger, producer, and more. From his hometown Hawaiian roots to his current recording studio, his journey and take on music and music making is sure to help you love music more!
• What are the modes? (Modal Harmony and YOU!) Solo Many musicians find the modes scary. They have big names. Let's demystify them and share how they can (and do!) spice up pop music. Here are the names for reference: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian
• Blending and Balancing the Session Layers with Eliott Glinn Eliott Glinn Mixing engineers bring music to life. They turn recording sessions into "records." Eliott and I talk about the art and science of mixing, how mixers build their network, and the mindset behind the alchemy.
• AI "Hallucination" and Creating Ordered Meaning Spaces Solo Artificial intelligence on an acid trip? Let's talk about how generative AI really works, what a "neural network" is, the human tendency to anthropomorphize, and cut through the hype to where the tools really are, and how they work. Of course, all through the lens of the best thing ever: Music!
• Nourishing a Music Career While Savoring the Journey with Jon Sandler (Great Good Fine Ok) Jon Sandler Great Good Fine Ok has been featured on songs with The Chainsmokers, earned millions of plays, and toured the world headlining and supporting acts like X Ambassadors and Tove Lo. Jon digs into how they built their career and how it continues to grow after over a decade. I love talking to “working musicians,” especially about the realities of touring and turning their music into a career. I hope this look into the reality of the modern successful band can help you love music more!
• Eat The Beatles (Influences and Growing Creatively) Solo Everyone stands on the shoulders of giants. Getting to know those giants and how they got so big helps us to become the artists we dream of being. In this episode, I focus on The Beatles as an example of how to digest influences, break down what makes individual works of art/bands/communities great, and how to take those influences to create something worthy of the time we spend creating.
• Not So Classical: Genre Pockets, Cello and The Unconscious with Greg Byers Greg Byers The orchestra is the traditional path, but how are musicians that play orchestral instruments really making their living? Greg walks through the interweaving tapestry that add up to a career, and how unlikey passions like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can improve your playing. Listen to Greg's work and hire him at: CelloGreg.com This podcast episode was brought to you by Vinyl Moon. Check them out and get your first vinyl for free!
• Shuffling the Creative Deck Solo Switching up the "lead" instrument in a song can have incredible effects. In this solo pod, I discuss different songs with different recording orders and how that can dramatically change the parts musicians lay down.
• JW Francis on Unconventional Touring, Spotify Playlists and How He’s More than His Pants JW Francis JW Francis joins the pod to discuss his new single, Orbit, the power of love (and writing hundreds of Valentines’ Day songs), and what the modern indie musician’s journey looks like. Check out JW’s music on his Spotify page and connect with him at IG
• The Last 5% Is the Hardest Solo Every creative endeavor gets hardest as the finish line draws close. Why is that? Let's unpack the concept of "gremlins," the myths we tell ourselves about breaks, and how the musician's journey relates to every other creative, as well as athletes and entrepreneurs. Be sure to subscribe to the pod.
• "Weird Al" Yankovic, Diamond Records, and Snare Drums with Bermuda Schwartz Bermuda Schwartz Jon "Bemuda" Schwartz has been the drummer and right-hand man of Weird Al for the better part of four decades. He's toured the world, been on the Simpsons, played on certified diamond records, and made his mark across genre and culture. He joins the pod to share his love of music and regale us with tales of the absurd journey. In 2020 Jon became a published author with BLACK & WHITE & WEIRD ALL OVER, a coffee-table book featuring more than 200 of his unreleased black-and-white photographs of Weird Al from the early '80s. LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACCORDION! followed in 2022, with more than 300 color photos of Al and the band.
• Doing More with Less (Art and Grit) Solo "How bad do you want it?" A lot holds back artists. The pursuit of perfection (the perfect studio, environment, inspiration, etc.) stops so much art from being made. In this solo episode, I talk about pushing through that wall, using limitations creatively, and the power of using what you've got rather than what you want.
• Building a Studio, Analog vs. Digital, and Mixing Rock Guitars with Ryan Haft (Snarky Puppy, OM, Torche) Ryan Haft Ryan Haft and I dig into the joys of the studio, how to build a career as an engineer, and the similarities between live and studio sound. Ryan, a skilled mixer, engineer, and producer, calls Miami, FL home, where he operates Sun Burned Sound Studio as the owner. Since 2008, he has been dedicated to crafting records and ensuring they pack a powerful sonic punch. Notably, in 2023, Ryan earned the a Latin Grammy for his mixing work. His expertise extends to live sound, having worked with prominent acts such as OM, Torche, Snarky Puppy, and many others. He is also a guitarist in the bands Capsule and WRONG. Ryan's multifaceted talents and commitment to sonic excellence have solidified his presence in the music industry. Check out his website to hear his mixes and productions at RyanHaft.com
• Touring in Peter Gabriel's Band & Landing Apple Commercials with Joshoo Joshoo I'm joined by Joshoo, a great friend and collaborator, that just got off the road playing in Peter Gabriel's band. We talk about performing in Madison Square Garden, Joshoo's musical project, and the differences between trumpet and flugelhorn. Want to hear Joshoo's music, check him out here: https://www.flowcode.com/page/its_joshoo
• When to Mix in Mono (Dogma in Music) Solo There are some sacred cows in music. Which ones are worth learning from? Should they be cast aside?
• Producing Maya Hawke, West African Music, and Growing Creatively with Benjamin Lazar Davis Benjamin Lazar Davis Benjamin Lazar Davis joins the pod to discuss production, songwriting, multi-instrumentalism, cross-cultural collaboration, and the artist's journey. Be sure to stream his new single with Monica Martin "No Need To Reply" when it's released on Friday, Jan 12, 2024!
• How Mixing Is Like Baking Solo Happy New Year! Let's dig into mixing experimental pop music, the uncanny valley, why mono mixing is overrated, and musical goals for 2024.
• The Music of Voice Overs with Alessandra Levy Speech has rhythm, repetition, pace. Voice overs have style, tone, pitch. There’s a reason why so many singers are voice actors, and Alessandra is a perfect example! As an incredible multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer, producers, she brings music to the mic whether it’s on Jazz vocals or a Starbucks commercial.
• Musical Scenes and New Beginnings (Happy New Year!) Solo In this last solo pod before the new year, let’s talk about how music coalesces around “scenes.” There’s a beautiful element of competition and adoration across each major musical movement. What’s the scene now? How’s it growing? And what’s my scene? We’re each other’s influences in unexpected ways. Between competition and influence and adoration. Time and time again. An influence in time and space. Thanks for listening to the pod!
• AI and Mastering, or Human vs. LANDR with Riley Knapp (Stemport) In this second part, Riley talks about his mastering shoot outs with LANDR (an AI mastering tool), as well as the AI-based software company that he co-founded and runs. Riley provides a unique take. He’s lost money and work to LANDR, but he also has adapted to it, growing bolder in his decisions and making decisions that are out of the box. He’s an avid user of cutting-edge tools, and has an EPIC program of his own.
• Release and You Shall Receive with Riley Knapp (RKCB) Prolific producer-engineer, musician, songwriter, mixer, and mastering engineer, Riley Knapp knows the value of putting stuff out there. One of his songs had under 1,000 plays. Now it’s in an Apple commercial. Riley and I have worked together for over a decade. He masters all of my music and lots of music from other projects I’ve had, so he knows my work as well or better than anyone, and he’s put a huge stamp on it.
• Back from Japan, Black Friday Plug-in/VST Deals, Building the Home Studio Solo The tools for making music are getting CRAZY. Let's dig into the future of audio, how the tools influence building a recording studio, and what I learned from my recent music trip to Japan. Want to hear my stuff? Check out
• Selling Samples on the Splice Charts with Dylan Kidd Ever been curious about the ways in music that money gets made? A big part of it is the sample/loop economy. Dylan has torn up the Splice charts with his one shots and loops, leading his music to major label releases and international brand campaigns. I discuss this vanguard of music with Dylan, as well his his musical journey, network, and his eponymous musical project.
• Acoustic Treatment for Home Studios (Absorption, Diffusion, Bass Traps, Oh My) Solo I moved! And now that I’m blessed to have a studio space, I am cursed with the dreaded *flutter echo.* I’ve met with an acoustician, read up a bunch, and have treated a few spaces before, so I wanted to share a few tips and tricks to treating recording spaces.
• Musical Experimentation and Genre Exploration with Dion Kerr Fresh off a tour opening for Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Dion shares his takes on musical exploration, genre development, and collaboration. Dion Kerr is a forward-thinking, multi-dimensional artist (multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger, songwriter, photographer, and videographer) born and raised in South Florida. Kerr’s work reflects a broad range of influences and mediums. He has toured and recorded worldwide as a leader and a sideman to various groups spanning multiple genres. Dion Kerr displays his unwavering talent as a producer, multi-instrumentalist, and conceptual artist. Utilizing acoustic and electric elements, he blends a wide range of influences and styles into a cohesive sound that expands the limitations of genre-bound music. There are hints of Dion’s eclectic taste in his records' melodic groove-based instrumentals. Experimentation is essential in Dion’s process and is always represented in vivid fluidity.
• Knowing vs. Understanding Solo There's theory, and there's practice. What's best?
• Odd Time Signatures, Social Media and Musical Surprise with Josh Zimmer Josh Zimmer (Project Atlantic) has taken off on social media with his tongue-in-cheek music theory videos. In this pod, we discuss how he came to love these quirks of pop music, where social media fits in music marketing, and how special the element of surprise can be. (I'm traveling at the moment, and uploading the video has proved impossible on hotel and cafe wi-fi. I'll add the video to my YouTube page, when I'm back home in San Diego. My YouTube is https://youtube.com/scoobertdoobertburrito
• The Value of Music Education Solo Is it a "waste of money" to pursue music? What value does digging deep really have? And why do I love non-technical education so much?
• Mixing, Production, and an AI Gut-Check with Harper James (Marshmello, James Bay, Frawley) Harper James How do you break into the mixing and production world? What kind of education actually matters? And will AI take our jobs? Harper joins the pod to discuss the future of the industry and his take on music creation workflows.
• Orchestration and Ostinato (Conversations in Audio) Solo Different instruments have different strengths and weaknesses. How can we lean into each? Or how do we break expectation? Following the last pod about film scoring, let's dig deeper into orchestration, multi-instrumentalism, and making the music theory work for us as composers.
• Making Music for Movies with Shawn Sutta and Adam Robl Adam Robl I’m joined with the duo of composers as we take an inside look into what it takes to be a indie film composer. They walk me through their home studio build, gear, and journey of serendipity. Shawn Sutta is a composer whose devotion to film is fueled by his desire to bring people together - both to create a work of art and to tell stories that move people. A passionate collaborator, Shawn enjoys creating with orchestras, choirs, bands and instrumentalists while working closely with filmmaking teams to make stories that connect with audiences.
• Making Music for Movies with Shawn Sutta and Adam Robl Shawn Sutta I’m joined with the duo of composers as we take an inside look into what it takes to be a indie film composer. They walk me through their home studio build, gear, and journey of serendipity. Shawn Sutta is a composer whose devotion to film is fueled by his desire to bring people together - both to create a work of art and to tell stories that move people. A passionate collaborator, Shawn enjoys creating with orchestras, choirs, bands and instrumentalists while working closely with filmmaking teams to make stories that connect with audiences.
• Thinking Polyphonically (Fugue State) Solo Western music evolved from Gregorian chant (monophonic) to polyphony. But how does that impact modern pop music? What does it mean to think in multiple melodies? Why is Bach still relevant in music schools? Idk, listen to this podcast and kinda find out I guess.
• Bass, Japan, and Videogame Music with Bubby Lewis (Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Stevie Wonder) Bubby Lewis Fresh off of the Snoop Dogg tour, Bubby joins the pod to talk about improvisation, musical growth, the church community, and his move to Tokyo. Bubby is one of the wisest, kindest, most joyful musicians I know. Bubby Lewis began playing the bass at the age 14. A son of a pastor, his first performance in front of an audience was at his father’s church in Flint, Michigan. During those early years, Bubby realized his love and passion for music would lead him forward. Bubby made his way to Los Angeles to attend video game design, only to find that he was not enrolled in the school. And so music it was; alone in the competitive world of A-List players Bubby’s positive attitude and drive to learn and succeed soon led him to real connections and acceptance from one world class artist to the next. Bubby went on to work with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Lupe Fiasco, Jhene Aiko, AI, EXILE the Second, Stevie Wonder and many others. You can connect with him on IG @bubbylewis
• How Notes Take Shape: Inversions and Harmony Solo Why do chords sound the way they do? How does someone arrange for an orchestra? What are musical colors and shape, and how do composers use open and closed chords? In this pod, I share a few insights about notes and their relationships, and how a way of thinking can influence arranging, recording, and part-writing.
• Max Martin, Elmo, and Broadway with Dominic Fallacaro (& Juliet) Dominic Fallacaro Grammy-award-winning producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Dom, joins me on the pod to discuss everything from Broadway and children's music. Hear how he arranged Teenage Dream for pizzicato strings, and why Max Martin is one of the greatest of all time. Dominic Fallacaro is a Producer, Composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Brooklyn, New York. His productions and performances have been featured on numerous albums, and across film and television. He is the Musical Director, and provided additional orchestrations for “& Juliet” - a new musical featuring the music of Max Martin, now on Broadway. He won a Grammy in 2015 for Producing the Best Children’s Album, received a nomination in 2018, and his works have been featured on Sesame Street and the Sprout Network. His composition for the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, also received an Emmy Nomination. In 2016, he composed original music for the film Shortwave, which has since gone on to win multiple film festival awards. Additional film credits include In the Heights, and Tick Tick Boom. Dominic has appeared at almost any and every venue on the New York City scene, and has toured across the United States and abroad. Visit his website at https://dominicfallacaro.com
• Generative AI Ain't Got Nothing on This Solo After chatting with Alex, I thought a lot about the mind-body split, and how much of music and creativity is internalized in the body, instead of localized in the head. So much of what we do isn't rules-based or even logical, and a walk in nature can have as much (or greater) effect on creativity as practice. Can AI possibly keep up with I?
• Writing Great Songs with Alex Delicata (Beyoncé, Rihanna, Machine Gun Kelly, Kygo & OneRepublic) Alex Delicata Ever wonder how someone writes for Beyoncé? Or how cycling, running, and songwriting all make sense together? Alex joins the pod to talk about his work, his process, and the path that led him to being a songwriter. Alex Delicata is a multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated American music producer, songwriter, and guitarist. Notable releases include Kygo & OneRepublic’s “Lose Somebody”, Meek Mill’s “All Eyes On You” feat. Chris Brown & Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé’s “Daddy Lessons”, MOD SUN’s “Stay Away” feat. Machine Gun Kelly & Goody Grace, Rita Ora’s “How We Do (Party)”, Lil Wayne’s “Dreams” and Rihanna’s “California King Bed”.
• The Types of Reverb (with Examples!) Solo Spring reverb! Chamber! Nonlinear! Plate! Let's talk through the different styles of reverb, how they effect audio, and some of the uses for these varied expressions of "room sound." Want to hear my reverbs? Check out
• AI and the Philosophy of Music (and Everything, really) Solo Can AI create as well as human musicians? Is that even the right question to be asking? How can software developers and technologists rethink generative AI? Let's dig in.
• Making a Song with GrimesAI (AI Vocals) Solo Let's make a song using only AI tools: ChatGPT for lyrics, Splice AI for instrumentation, GrimesAI for vocals. Why? Because the best way to understand the hype (and weaknesses) of these tools... is to use it. This is just one part in a multi-part exploration of generative AI and its impact on music creation, the value of music, and the fate of the universe (I mean kinda).
• The Soul of an Artist (with Human Barbie and veronicavon — Chris Hackman and Xuan Nguyen) Chris Hackman Chris and Xuan join the pod to discuss artistic serendipity, co-writing, unexpected choices, and how recording choices inform genre. Veronicavon, the brainchild of songwriters Chris Hackman (Human Barbie) and Xuan Nguyen (Xuan), emerged in 2020 with a (secret) mission to explore uncharted horizons in lo-fi pop. Their universe of grainy synths, cassette-drenched drums, and warbling guitars, complemented by Nguyen’s enchanting vocals, creates a wistful, playful, and instantly addictive dreamscape. Flood Magazine dubbed them "casually devastating," and their hypnotic bedroom aesthetic quickly garnered a passionate audience, with over 500k streams on Spotify in their first year. They've been featured on editorial playlists like ‘Fresh Finds’, ‘Borderless’, and ‘Fuzzy’. Keep a close eye on this duo, as they follow in the footsteps of alt-pop icons Men I Trust, Alvvays, and Japanese Breakfast.
• The Soul of an Artist (with Human Barbie and veronicavon — Chris Hackman and Xuan Nguyen) Xuan Nguyen Chris and Xuan join the pod to discuss artistic serendipity, co-writing, unexpected choices, and how recording choices inform genre. Veronicavon, the brainchild of songwriters Chris Hackman (Human Barbie) and Xuan Nguyen (Xuan), emerged in 2020 with a (secret) mission to explore uncharted horizons in lo-fi pop. Their universe of grainy synths, cassette-drenched drums, and warbling guitars, complemented by Nguyen’s enchanting vocals, creates a wistful, playful, and instantly addictive dreamscape. Flood Magazine dubbed them "casually devastating," and their hypnotic bedroom aesthetic quickly garnered a passionate audience, with over 500k streams on Spotify in their first year. They've been featured on editorial playlists like ‘Fresh Finds’, ‘Borderless’, and ‘Fuzzy’. Keep a close eye on this duo, as they follow in the footsteps of alt-pop icons Men I Trust, Alvvays, and Japanese Breakfast.
• Why Music Has Worth Solo In my last pod, we talked about why music itself is worth (or not worth) pursuing. I wanted to share more about why music matters to me, and how making and expericing music is a good thing for the soul and for the world. I also dig into my next LP cycle, and whether or not the music I’m making right now is the music I’m supposed to be making.
• The Modern Composer (Video Games and Immersive Art with Patrick Hart) Patrick Hart Patrick Hart is an artist living in Los Angeles. His music has received press in The Guardian, Billboard, The Sunday Times, Spin, and USA Today. His commissioned compositions have been performed on stage in nine countries. His art and installation work co-opts familiar tools of corporate communication to critically explore themes of capitalist ambition, AI, surveillance, and the ‘consumer family.’ Patrick has composed original score for over ten feature films, including ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries The U, Broke, and The U Part 2, and HBO’s 537 Votes. He has scored commercials for McDonalds, Microsoft, Best Buy, Google and Nike, among others. As a graphic/motion designer, past clients include the University of Toronto, UCLA, University of California Santa Cruz, and the City of Miami Beach. Patrick has a Master’s in music composition from McGill University and a Bachelor’s from the University of Miami. We talk the role of the modern composer, the unique tools and challenges, the promise of AI, and the value of music itself.
• Psychoacoustics (The Perception of Music) Solo Ever notice some music sounds louder than others? It's not all volume, a lot of it is perception and evolution!
• Sister Songs (Writing Two Songs Back-to-Back) Solo In this solo pod, I talk about the power of writing two songs in quick succession, how our sense of self grows over time, and the meaning behind my next record cycle, Möbius. The first single from the mega-album just dropped! If you'd like to check out my music, please
• DIY, Sweden, and Sync with Håkan Persson (Swedish Red Elephant, I Don't Speak French, Indie Shake) Håkan Persson Håkan joins the pod to discuss building a music career, the Swedish scene, and the importance of community. He's a great friend, collaborator, and inspirational guy. I think you'll love to hear his heart-warming philosophy on music! Håkan Persson is a songwriter, producer, artist and label owner from Sweden. Born and raised in the south of Sweden as the youngest child of two school teachers. From an early age Håkan became enamored with all types of music and soon began recording his friends music as well as his own. While studying at university he met Louise that became his ongoing parter in music for almost all future projects. Coming from the punk / Indie scene Håkan has always maintained the d.i.y mentality. Building collectives and communities of musicians and likeminded individuals. Taking the octopus approach, Håkan has racked up 65 million streams with electronic project Swedish Red Elephant, placed songs with indie outfit I Don’t Speak French for commercials and TV shows. As well as running a successful studio and indie label “Indieshake”.
• Becoming a Multi-Instrumentalist Solo Let’s talk about learning different instruments, how to look at goals, and why learning a new instrument shouldn’t get you down.
• Growing as an Artist Solo I just released an LP, and I’m on to my next one. In this solo pod, I reflect on my conversation with Phil and the nature of growth. As Phil said, the closer to the source of the audio, the better. So how do we grow the ultimate source of audio, ourselves? (Dramatic lol)
• Making BIG Records with Phillip Broussard Jr. (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, Eminem, Muse, Slipknot, Rick Rubin, etc...) Phillip Broussard Jr. As a bedroom producer, I have a lot of questions, and Phil has the experience to dig deep! We cover pre-session prep, getting the most out of the performance, phase correction, tape, mixing, and more in this special episode of the pod.
• Sports as a Metaphor for Life Solo Athletes and musicians have a great deal of mutual respect and attraction. In this pod, I talk about what artists can learn from athletes, how we can apply concepts like “chop wood/carry water” to our practice routines, and why Mamba Mentality is a must for the modern-day artist.
• The Power of Collaboration (with Skinny Dippers) Skinny Dippers My friend and collaborator, Skinny Dippers (aka Ryan), joined the pod to talk the Brooklyn music scene, collaboration, songwriting techniques, and strategies to grow as an artist. Check out Skinny Dippers on Spotify and at www.instagram.com/skinnydippersband
• Coachella 2023 Recap and Reflections on What's Next in Music Solo Just got back from Coachella, and boy do I have some thoughts. The future of music is strong. Visuals and fashion is evolving. And there’s room for quirkier musicians on stage.
• AI and Mixing: Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Engineers? Solo AI was the buzz of NAMM 2023. I heard some bold claims, and wanted to weigh in on the future of mixing workflows, Waves' recent changes, and how Splice is approaching AI.
• Multi-Instrumentalism & Touring with Clairo (with Steve Brickman) Steve Brickman Special Guest (and incredible musician) Steve Brickman joins the pod to discuss playing different instruments, expanding musical horizons, hitting the road with Clairo, and the magic of the OMNICHORD. Check out Steve's work at SteveBrickman.com
• Son Lux, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and How Sound Design and Production Connect Solo What makes Son Lux's music so revolutionary? Among many things, the connection between sound design and record production. I dig in and share how they've influenced pop music, the creators that came before them, and where we might be headed next. Son Lux was the first band ever to be nominated for best original score at the Oscars with Everything Everywhere All at Once. So cool.
• Sometimes It's Best to Slow Down Solo You know how much I love pace. While speed is super important, there are times to downshift and take it slow. Finding the balance between speed and accuracy is key for athletes and creatives alike. As someone that airs on the side of fast, I want to share some of the tips I've been finding as a mixing engineer, and hopefully expand the way you listen to music from a technical perspective.
• Analog vs. Digital — Which Is Better and Why? Solo Let's talk about analog color (analogue colour if you're fancy) and how digital emulations have grown over the years. I'll dig into my own process and thinking behind the two camps and how I use them in my mixing.
• A Mixing Workshop with Scoobert Doobert Solo Let's mix it up and talk about mixing / best practices / how to pick a mixing engineer / tips and tricks and mono reverbs.
• DIY Music Production with Garvie My friend and collaborator, Garvie, joins the pod to talk DIY production, creating a sound, songwriting technique, artist-fan connections, masked musicians, and dealing with mixing engineers in San Diego :) Find more my stuff at
• What is Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio? Solo Let’s talk about how to mix in Dolby Atmos—the benefits, the challenges and the stuff I’m most excited for. Thanks to EngineEars for the certification course. Been fun getting to know this new way of mixing.
• Making the workflows work for you Solo There's a ton of tools. Knowing when to use them is sometimes as hard as knowing which to use. Spoiler: The low tech stuff is often the move.
• My Mixing Workflow (How to structure creativity) Solo It's a give and take between creativity/chaos and order. Here's how I approach workflow, to up my pace but still keep it chaotic. Questions? Wanna hear my work? Visit
• Growing as a Musician: Progress Isn't Linear Solo False expectations are one of the biggest reasons that people give up. In this pod, I talk music (and other) progress, and my view on difficult and rewarding journey of growth.
• 5 Lessons from Igor Stravinsky Solo Five lessons from Igor Stravinsky's early career — riots at The Rite of Spring, mentorship under Rimsky-Korsakov, and why being ahead of the curve felt like failure from the inside.
• Part-writing: Turning notes and chords into music! Solo Today, I discuss how notes and chords can transcend from being building blocks into music, through the use of part writing. From early polyphony to counterpoint and James Jamerson bass, make the music dance! Or as my favorite drummer Bernard Purdie says, "make the drums sing!"
• What are EPs, LPs and singles? And how do they affect creativity? Solo In this pod, I dig into how creative limitations can open up new artistic worlds and set a foundation to build upon.
• Music History (and Why It Matters!) Solo Written music has been around for 1,000 years. How does that influence modern music? How is music a mirror to history, art, and science?
• Viral Mashups, Drumming, and Life on the Road with Danny Wolf Danny Wolf Today, I'm joined by Danny Wolf, multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer and music producer. We talk about musical paths, viral videos, touring realities, and how becoming a music producer can change you as a musician. Some of Danny's many collaborators include Rhye, John K, Great Good Fine Ok, and Gavin Turek to name a few. As a music producer, Danny’s music can also be heard on some of the biggest shows in television including Queer Eye, Love is Blind, and Married at First Sight.
• What is timbre and why does it dominate popular music? Solo I always talk about "vibe" as my most important goal. Here's how "timbre" can generate vibe.
• KŌAN LP Overview and Think About It (Track / Production Commentary) - Scoobert Doobert Solo 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.
• How was music made 100 years ago vs. how is it made now? Solo In this episode I talk through all of the different jobs that go into making music—and how most of those jobs have been combined.
• Why "vibe" is my #1 musical goal Solo Every tool is used for a purpose. From recording engineering to note choice, it's all in pursuit of that magnetic quality called vibe! °｡🎧‧˚
• 10ish Ways to FIGHT Writer's Block Solo A Reddit listener asked how to stay in the creative zone; Luke runs through his bag of tricks — garbage-in-garbage-out inputs, abandoning ideas on purpose, master-bus experiments, and why tempo changes belong early, not late.
• The Fear of Recording Yourself (and How to Overcome It) Solo The studio is the hardest place for most musicians early on (myself included!) Here's how I overcame it through a philosophical shift in perspective.
• What is sample rate and bit depth? And why does it matter? Solo In this pod, I talk through how recorded music, film and images are actually quite similar. Sample rate and bit depth are two important parts of an audio recording's fidelity (think lofi vs. hifi)—and are two awesome tools to play with as musicians.
• Guitar, Joy, and Spreading the Love of Music with Patrick Dean Patrick Dean Special guest, educator, guitarist, songwriter, producer, and social media wizard, Patrick Dean joins the pod. We discussed everything from guitar techniques (in ways non-guitarists can understand), maintaining the joy around music, and how to use social media as a tool to help the world. I really like this dude.
• Taste, Intuition and the Dunning-Kruger Effect in Music Solo This episode is as much a message, a reminder, for me as it is a pod for you. Taste and intuition in music (and life) are epic quests, filled with the dangers of arrogance and complacency. The key to growth is always being around (virtually or physically) those that are better than you are. And the path isn't to study every note. It's to learn intuitively. To soak it in. And to fail spectacularly. All that and more on Music 101, lol.
• The Beautiful Electric Guitar Solo After subjecting (treating?) you to a 22 minute guitar solo, it only felt natural to wax poetic on the electic guitar. I share a bit of my journey from a young guitarist to a multi-instrumentalist, and how that has shaped my musical vocabulary and energy.
• Life as a Touring Bassist with Eric England Eric England is a top call musician who has worked and recorded with Rihanna, Leslie Odom Jr., Jon Secada, Nu-Jive, Nicole Henry, among many others. Eric attended the Frost School of Music at The University of Miami and is based in Los Angeles. He joins the pod as a special guest, discussing music communities, moving to LA, touring with artists, communication in art, growth as a musician and navigating out of the pandemic and back to the stage.
• How to Create More Art Solo It's a constant struggle. Searching for the perfect time to create. The perfect place. No distractions. Access to tools. Ideal mindset. I think that line of thinking is incredibly dangerous. Cut away the barriers between you and making stuff. And see how much you can really do.
• Tips for Lyrics Writing, Writers' Block and Not Giving Up Solo After that super fun convo with Slow Leaves, I wanted to talk a bit about how I tackle songwriting, with a specific focus on lyrics and problem solving. I hope these techniques and perspectives help those that write to write more and those that just enjoy music to have a bit more insight into the process.
• Songwriting, TikTok and Determinism with Slow Leaves (Grant Davidson) Grant Davidson Slow Leaves joins the pod as a very special guest to discuss his take on songwriting, fingerstyle guitar, philosophy, TikTok videos, and the how the weather in Winnipeg, Canada influences art. Questions? Wanna hear our music? Head on over to
• Boardwalk (Track / Production Commentary) - Scoobert Doobert Solo Let's dig into the stems and explore the production/songwriting/vibe decisions behind my latest single!
• Mixing and Production with Luke Moellman (Great Good Fine Ok) Luke Moellman Luke Moellman from the duo Great Good Fine Ok (and more!) joins the pod to discuss mixing, live shows, production, songwriting, and digital art.
• How I Write Bass Parts Solo A fan-friend Jackson asked me about composing bass parts. So, I did a pod about it! In this episode, I go through how I conceptualize the role of the bass, how it interacts with the melody, and hopefully give some insight into this most awesome of instruments.
• Why You Don't NEED Expensive Gear Solo "It's never been about the gear." In this pod, I talk about how I've balanced limited resources with musical goals. It's all about growing YOU, getting the tools you need (rather than want) and finding your advantages even when they're hard to see.
• Why Contrast Is Your (Second) Greatest Songwriting Tool Solo Let's talk about how contrast (and tension and release) can break up repetition and lead the listener.
• Making Music Videos on Unity Engine with Max Horwich (Live from the Void, Pt. 2) Max Horwich joins me again to discuss our latest live music video release "Creature Comfort Live from the Void." Filmed and performed live via green screen, Max built a digital world in Unity and flew around a virtual camera.
• a song to quit your job to (Track / Production Commentary) - Scoobert Doobert Solo Let's dig into the stems and explore the production/songwriting/vibe decisions behind my latest single!
• 5 Things I Wish I Knew About Mixing Solo I made so many mistakes back when I used to send files to my mixing engineer. I was scared of making too many decisions. It cost me.
• What is mixing? Solo In this pod, I discuss the differences between production and mixing—giving more insight into the process of making pro-sounding records.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and the Metaverse With Max Horwich (Live from the Void, Pt. 1) I'm joined by Max to discuss our work on Live from the Void, after releasing our first video 2020 Is Over and the trailer. With more 3D-rendered music worlds on the horizon, we thought the time was right to dig deeper into the VOID.
• What is reverb and delay? Solo We've covered pitch (frequency) and loudness (dynamics). In this episode, we look at the third major component of music: TIME. I discuss my philosophical view of reverbs, delays and time-based effects—including spacial / binaural audio.
• What is compression? Solo This week we talk about compression and the value of "gluing" together instruments to create a big ball of music.
• How to become a prolific music maker Solo It's simple (and hard). Practice to become a musician, not an instrumentalist.
• Why should I practice? Solo It's time to rethink our relationship to practice.
• Why are chords a thing? Solo Love music more! This episode shows some examples of 12-tone music (aka chromatic music), and introduces the concept of harmony (major and minor chords).
• Why are there 12 notes? Solo Love music more! Let's talk about the origins of pop music, and why the fifth is considered so "perfect."
• Intro to Love Music More Solo Love music more! Join me (Scoobert Doobert) for an easy-to-follow music, audio, and songwriting adventure for musicians and music-lovers alike. Basically an ELI5 for music.