My guest today is Jordan Valeriote an independent producer, mixer, and audio educator from Ontario, Canada, specializing in hardcore music. Recently Jordan joined us to talk about how to go from charging $100 to $1000/song as a full-stack producer. If you want to learn more about that go check out that bonus episode.
Jordan has worked with many heavy bands like Silverstein, Antimacy, the Dead and Divine, Prophets for the Counterparts, Nick Johnston, Forevermore, Great Lakes, Mandroid Echostar, and Skynet to name a few. And today we are going to focus on mixing and what lessons Jordan has learned about mixing heavy music himself and through his teaching over at Hardcore Music Studio.
I'll see what we can learn about some of the most common struggles you might be having with getting rock music to sound powerful, tight, and in your face when you record and mix.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: http://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
https://www.SoundPorter.com Get your free mastering demo.
https://JZmic.com Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 20% off The Pop Filter
http://iZotope.com/Rockstars use code ROCK10 for 10% off
https://www.Adam-Audio.com/Education
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
Hear guests discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7FGuGT0QcSRRLBJ4RxhjiS?si=dxIqL4gBTsGXjLRemKL32A
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: http://RSRockstars.com/295
My guest today is Brian Lucey, widely considered one of the very best mastering engineers. He began in the late 80s in NYC East Village as a professional musician (guitar, voice, piano) then became a student of Robert Fripp and Guitar Craft through the early/mid 90s. Mastering began in the late 90s and his experience in all other phases has lead to a distinctly musical approach to mastering. Brian works out of Los Angeles at Magic Garden Mastering.
Select Credits include: Chet Faker, Depeche Mode, Lucinda Williams, Elvis Costello, Shania Twain, Marilyn Manson, Green Day, The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, Cage The Elephant, Dr John, Ghost and thousands more…
Thanks to Brian Murphree at Soundporter.com for making the introduction.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: http://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
https://www.SoundPorter.com Get your free mastering demo.
https://JZmic.com Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 20% off The Pop Filter
http://iZotope.com/Rockstars use code ROCK10 for 10% off
https://www.Adam-Audio.com/Education
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
Hear guests discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0xJk5J2s2yeYTGy29Gc1iF?si=lp3I2YAqR_uIMbi7GX9nuw
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: http://RSRockstars.com/294
I am totally psyched to welcome today’s guest.
He is a Grammy award-winning mixer, and owner of the beautiful (and newly relocated) Sputnik Sound.
He has a long discography of accomplished records including artists like Keb Mo, Jars Of Clay, Jack White and 3rd Man Records, Buddy Guy, Kings Of Leon, Danger Mouse, Sturgill Simpson and some well known local artists: Moon Taxi, Bobby Bare Jr, and Jeff The Brotherhood (who lives right down the street from me in fact). Our guest originally hails from the town of Joplin MO which most people mistake as being named after the Ragtime Pianist Scott Joplin, but was in fact named after its founder the Reverend Joplin.
And other than being mentioned in Bobby Troup’s legendary song “Route 66”, the town of Joplin MO, which gained notoriety for mining Zinc, may owe its biggest musical credit to our guest on today’s show.
I met him back in 2002 when he became the head engineer for the incredible Blackbird Studios, right here in the city of Berry Hill a part of Nashville often referred to as the new music row with over 20 recording studios in a 3 mile radius.
I am honoured to be here at Sputnik Sound for this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: http://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
https://www.SoundPorter.com Get your free mastering demo.
https://JZmic.com Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 20% off The Pop Filter
http://iZotope.com/Rockstars use code ROCK10 for 10% off
https://www.Adam-Audio.com/Education
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
Hear guests discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2eFssqoA3h4k2SzXLAsSws?si=XOLcGxADQk6x3aZMaByr3Q
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: http://RSRockstars.com/293
My guest today is Scott Michael Smith a Grammy nominated Mixer, Producer, and musician based in Los Angeles working largely in music for the screen. Scott got his start at the legendary Village Recording studio in Los Angeles where he became a staff engineer, working with artists like John Mayer, Keith Emerson, Colbie Caillat, Carole King, Fink and many others. He spent countless hours in the studio learning from guys like Ed Cherney, John Alagia, and T-Bone Burnett while honing his own skills as an Engineer/Producer.
For over a decade Scott has been one of Hollywood's most in-demand film music mixers. Recording and Mixing scores for projects like The Revenant, The Handmaid's Tale, It Chapter 2, Minions, The Invisible Man, and many more. Recently Scott completed work on Mank, the new David Fincher period piece featuring the music of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, the entire score was done in isolation during the pandemic.
Scott is known for his ability to bridge the gap between modern film scoring and record production, helping to create a sound that serves what's happening on screen while creating an immersive and rewarding listening experience at the same time. Scott has also recently composed music for Marvel 616, a behind the scenes look at the history of Marvel, streaming now on Disney+.
Thanks so much to Andris Evelis at JZ Microphones for making our introduction. I’m excited to talk about recording and mixing music from the studio to the orchestral hall on the show today.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: http://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
https://www.SoundPorter.com Get your free mastering demo.
https://JZmic.com Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 20% off The Pop Filter
http://iZotope.com/Rockstars use code ROCK10 for 10% off
https://www.Adam-Audio.com/Education
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
Hear guests discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7C04QO38sn0ovIq7mpKINC?si=HPpcnsKnReCxIAwUEf49UA
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: http://RSRockstars.com/292
My guest today is Larry Droppa the owner and president of API since 1999, when he acquired the company at auction. He and two friends launched ATI, the live console company, in 1988, positioning that company’s Paragon console as the premier live sound mixing tool for many years. After adding Uptown Automation in 1995 and then API in ’99, Larry’s quest for audio manufacturing notability had been satisfied.
He spent the first half of his professional career as a live mixing engineer, progressing from a local bar band, to a small regional sound company, to one of the larger live sound companies in the US. Larry has toured with folk groups, orchestras, pop and rock bands and spent an ear-splitting 6 weeks on the road with the band listed in the 1984 Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘Loudest Band In A Performance’. But the highlight of his live mixing days is unquestionably the 12 years he spent mixing in-ear monitors for Stevie Wonder. Stevie was an early adopter of in-ears and Larry developed both high-quality in-ear monitors as well as a unique wireless transmission system during that time.
With the purchase of API, Larry had to pivot to become familiar with the studio environment and its inherent differences. Hard work and a team of dedicated audio professionals re-built the API brand into the acknowledged powerhouse it is today. The entire range of API products remains firmly dedicated to co-founder Saul Walker’s original ideas and designs.
A statement on Larry’s passion for the music business can best be summed up in the words of a Stevie Wonder song, Sir Duke – ‘Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand, With an equal opportunity for all to sing, dance and clap their hands…’
It is an honor to have the fearless visionary leader keeping the legendary API sound alive and well joining us today...
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: http://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
https://www.SoundPorter.com Get your free mastering demo.
https://JZmic.com Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 20% off The Pop Filter
http://iZotope.com/Rockstars use code ROCK10 for 10% off
https://www.Adam-Audio.com/Education
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
Hear guests discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4kXSuCq661WbrEHNc8h4Xw?si=KUu8OYaLRLCoAfJXHjKDbQ
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: http://RSRockstars.com/291
My guest today is Bjorgvin Benediktsson an Icelandic-American author, audio educator, and entrepreneur. He is also a friend of mine and the founder of www.audio-issues.com where he has taught thousands of music producers how to make a bigger impact with their music since 2009.
His latest book, You Get What You Give is a business parable a la The Go-Giver that follows Casey, an aspiring music producer stuck in a dead-end job. He dreams of becoming successful in the music industry but has no idea how to find clients. After a disastrous start (sound familiar?), he meets a mentor who teaches him the success principles he needs to make an impact and find success with his music.
Björgvin is the author of seven other books in the music industry: Step By Step Mixing, Get More Gigs, and Better Mixes in Less Time. He has written over 1,000 articles on music production and his advice has been featured in publications such as MusicTech magazine, The Huffington Post, CD Baby's DIY Musician's Blog, Audiotuts, and the SAE Institute.
Today we are going to talk about his new book, and dig into some of the topics surrounding the business side of running a recording studio whether it's a pro or home studio or recording and releasing your own music. We will tackle the often elusive question of marketing and promotion so that you can connect with your customers and make a great living doing what you love.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
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OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Adam Greenspan A Grammy-nominated engineer, mixer, and producer who had a pretty good start to his career engineering Faith No More’s “Album of the Year” at age 20. He later spent time at two world-class studios, Westlake Audio and The Village Recorder, working with artists such as Marilyn Manson, Rage Against the Machine, and Bono before going freelance in 2000.
As a consultant for setting up home studios, he met Nick Launay and began collaborating on albums by Arcade Fire, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Refused, while at the same time taking on more and more producing and mixing gigs of his own for the likes of The Veils, INVSN, and French Style Furs (featuring members of Cold War Kids.)
More recently Adam has seen great success receiving a Mercury prize nomination for IDLES “Joy As An Act Of Resistance.” also nominated for Best Album at the UK Music Producers Guild Awards and won the Ivor Novello award for writing. In 2019 Adam was Grammy-nominated for Thomas Dybdahl “All These Things” and he just had his first #1 in the UK with IDLES “Ultra Mono” and a top 10 with Cliff Richards.
I have really enjoyed listening to Adam’s discography which we have put together in a special playlist for you in the show notes. Thanks so much to Adris Evelis at JZ Microphones for making our introduction.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Rafa Sardina a recording and mixing engineer with 5 Grammy wins, 12 Latin Grammy awards, and a total of 60 Grammy nominations during his career including winning the South African SAMA award in 2018. A Basque native of Spain Rafa started out with four years in med school before deciding to pursue his passion for music which led him to Full Sail University.
After graduating as valedictorian he found himself at Oceanway in Los Angeles working with a wide variety of artists including the Black Crows, Celine Dion, Greenday, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Frank Sinatra to name a few. Today he works from his own After Hours Studios where he regularly mixes artists from around the world.
Though Rafa is best known for working on pop, rock and R&B projects, he has recorded and mixed just about any genre of music you can imagine: orchestral recordings, big band, R&B, dance, gospel, soul, rap, choral, film/TV soundtracks and huge movie scores like “Any given Sunday”, “102 Dalmatians”, “Michael Jordan- To the Max”, Johnny Depp’s “The Rum Diary” and many more.
He is also a founding member and vice-chairman of the Latin Recording Academy's CPI the equivalent to the Producers and Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy. And Rafa enjoys teaching what he knows through platforms like Mix With The Masters, Pensado’s Place and of course Recording Studio Rockstars.
Thanks to Andris Evelis at JZ microphones for making the introduction.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is S. Husky Hoskulds a Grammy winning engineer, and mixer who moved to LA in 1991 to study audio engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles.
He began his career working with Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake as a staff engineer at The Sound Factory in the early 1990s but would quickly move on to independent projects with Michael Penn, The Wallflowers, Sheryl Crow, Tom Waits and steady collaboration with Mike Patton on his various projects.
In 2002 he won a Grammy for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical alongside Jay Newland for the multiple awarded debut album Come Away with Me by Norah Jones co-produced by Craig Street. Husky’s many credits also include Joe Henry, Solomon Burke, Elvis Costello, Allen Toussaint, Mavis Staples, Ann Peebles, Bettye Lavette, My Brightest Diamond, Billy Preston, Aloan, Chocolate Genius, Fantomas, Sheryl Crow and many more...
Thanks to Andris at JZ microphones for making our introduction.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guests today are Roger Alan Nichols and Tyler Bryant. Roger has been a guest on the show before to talk about producing great rock records with his band Dreaming In English and artists like Paramore, Seal, Larking Poe, and Steven Tyler and you can hear his story on episode RSR45.
But today we are here to talk about the records he makes with the other Tyler of Nashville based rock band Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown. Tyler is a gifted singer and guitarist who has released four successful studio albums with his band. He has toured with such groups as Jeff Beck, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Guns N' Roses and Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as playing several rock focused music festivals. The group's current lineup consists of Tyler Bryant (lead guitar & vocals), Graham Whitford (rhythm guitar), Ryan Fitzgerald (bass), and Caleb Crosby (drums).
Recently Roger recorded Tyler and the band for their new record Pressure and powerful driving rock album that sounds like Audioslave, The Foo Fighters, and Tom Petty all wrapped up in one with killer guitar tones, Swampy slide playing, and soulful songs.
Somehow they managed to pull off this record at a time when most of the world was hiding away or venting on social media. So it’s great to hear some creative fire come out of the speakers.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Brent McCollough a Nashville-based producer, keyboardist, and artist.
He started playing the piano by ear at the age of five later accepting a full scholarship at the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in Music Production and Performance followed by a full-time graduate teaching fellowship for his master’s degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas.
He records and mixes his own music as well as artists all over the country, and plays keyboards and sings for many bands like The Black Jacket Symphony, and Trace Atkins.
More recently he became well known for his coronavirus parody video, “Stayin’ Inside,” which went viral and was shared by the Bee Gees, John Travolta, and countless news networks all over the world.
Brent’s studio work and content creation spans many various genres, and he is also regularly hired to mix and master live performances. He currently runs Brent McCollough Studios and prides himself in making his clients’ musical dreams become reality.
Brent also joined Kurt Hugo Schneider, Tony Succarr, and me for an OWC workshop “How To Be Creative With Video Content From Your Home Studio”. That link will be included in the show notes.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Tony Black a Grammy-winning music producer, mixer/engineer & songwriter/musician. He has contributed to recordings totalling more than 50 million units sold or downloaded. He won a GRAMMY AWARD for his contribution to the album “THE DIARY OF ALICIA KEYS” for BEST R&B ALBUM. He also mixed and recorded “RIDE OR DIE” on the Grammy-winning album JAY-Z “HARD KNOCK LIFE VOL.2”.
Tony spent many years in NYC at legendary studios such as The Power Station, The Hit Factory, Quad, and Electric Lady. He became part of the 90’s hip-hop scene that would go on to make music history. Working with artists such as Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Q tip, Lil Kim, P. Diddy(Puffy), Cam’ron, Wu Tang Clan, Michael Jackson and too many others to list, he clocked in more than 4000 sessions in the 90’s alone.
These sessions led to a 6-year working relationship with Alicia Keys. He recorded and mixed all of The Diary of Alicia Keys. He continues mixing, recording, and producing new music today for label artists, indie artists, and for his own project Slow Down The Quick based in NYC and working anywhere in the world with his mobile project studio.
Thanks to Josh Harris for making our introduction! (Carl Nappa).
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Tony Succar a two-time Latin Grammy award-winning and #1 Billboard charting artist, producer, and composer/arranger Born in Lima, Peru and raised in Miami, Florida. Tony’s produces music in the world of salsa, jazz, pop, and afro-latino-inspired music. He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters degree in Jazz Performance from Florida International University.
In 2018, Tony was nominated for the prestigious Latin Grammy Awards for Best Tropical Song, “Me Enamoro Mas De Ti.” He received four nominations in 2019 for Album of the Year, Best Tropical Song, Best Salsa Album, and Producer of the Year for his most recent album, Mas de Mi. Tony took home two Latin Grammys for Producer of the Year and Best Salsa Album, making history as the youngest winner to have ever won both categories.
Mas de Mi was released by Tony through his independent label, Unity Entertainment. His inspiration for the album was to write and produce non-traditional songs that will appeal to younger generations. He has also worked with an impressive array of talented artists, including Tito Nieves, India, Jon Secada, Marc Anthony, Sheila E., Arturo Sandoval, Judith Hill, and Obie Bermudez, among others.
Tony’s debut album, UNITY: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson, had tremendous success, reaching Billboard’s #1 Tropical Album Music Chart, iTunes' #1 World Latin Chart, and Amazon's #1 Latin Pop Music chart, among others. It also evolved into a nationally-televised primetime PBS special that kicked off the PBS Fall Arts Festival.
He has performed at the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival (Aruba), the Ravinia Festival (Chicago), Auditorio Telmex (Mexico), Vivo Beach (Puerto Rico), Tempo Latino (France), and the 2019 Latin Grammy Awards (MGM Grand Las Vegas), among others.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Kurt Ballou is a Grammy-winning producer, engineer, mixer and studio owner in Salem MA with extensive production credits on some of aggressive music's most successful albums. In addition to his studio work, Kurt is the guitarist in ground breaking hardcore/metal crossover act CONVERGE.
Kurt's studio, God City Recording, was constructed in 2003 and contains the finest analog and digital recording equipment available. God City has hosted bands such as Grammy winner High on Fire, American Nightmare, NAILS, Darkest Hour, Code Orange, Four Year Strong, Converge, Russian Circles, Torche, Cave In and many more.
Kurt also designs guitar pedals and guitars under the name God City Instruments where you can get the heaviest guitar distortions and fuzzes pre-built and ready to use or build your own with ready-made PCB boards and kits.
Thanks to Brian Murphree for the introduction.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Billy Decker a Nashville producer, engineer, and mixer with multiple #1 hits for clients like Chris Young, Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Jaime Lynne Spears, and Sam Hunt and even George Jones.
Billy is known for his high-speed method of mixing using templates and systems for getting to the creative side of mixing immediately without getting bogged down in the tech side of mixing. He was a guest on the podcast previously on episode RSR210 and recently he has written a new book called Template Mixing and Mastering.
So today we will dig deeper into Billy’s template mixing and get an introduction to what you will find in his new book. I highly recommend that you pick up the book since he does a wonderful job of breaking down every detail beautifully with images and charts to help you set up your own template for mixing in your studio.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Justin Francis is a multiple Grammy Award nominee as an engineer, #1 Billboard chart mixer, and budding producer based right here in East Nashville. His work can be heard on records ranging from Ronnie Milsap to Alice Cooper including Top 40 hits for Little Big Town and Kelsea Ballerini; soundtracks with Kacey Musgraves and P!nk, and releases from diverse artists as Rodney Crowell, Tyler Childers, Margo Price, Buddy Guy, Deep Purple, Anti-Flag, Rozwell Kid and Diarrhea Planet reaching millions of streams every month.
Justin has been a guest on the podcast previously one episode RSR220 when we got to talk about his background in the recording. So this episode we will continue to dig into mixing and production and ways that we can ramp up the quality of our work in our own pro or home studios.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Chris Adams, aka Ahee, an EDM producer and artist with extensive experience touring clubs and festivals known for his prolific musical output, helpful YouTube tutorials, high-quality sample packs, & crowd engaging live sets.
I discovered Ahee’s Youtube channel when I was searching for tutorials on using the Serum wavetable synth from Xfer Records and really enjoyed the ways that Chris broke down EDM production and techniques for everything from creating DIY synth drum samples to production using his custom sample and sound packs for Ableton Live, to mixing through RTA frequency analyzers so that we can compare our own home studio mixes to a huge club and festival mixes by top EDM producers like Skrillex. Plus Chris affectionately refers to his audience by introducing each video with “Yo What’s Up Aliens” which obviously a great way to talk them don’t you think so Rockstars?
Some of his collaboration and remix credits include The Funk Hunters, Manic Focus, Defunk, Stylust, Psymbionic, Stickybuds, David Starfire, Soohan, and more. I’ll include links to his Youtube channel in the show notes where you can also find a collection of his EDM music productions.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
ADAM Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Daniel Schlett a Producer, Engineer, Mixer and owner of Strange Weather Studio seen on the cover of Mix Magazine in 2019 as one of the best rooms in Brooklyn NY. Daniel’s production finds itself at the creative intersection where acoustic and rock recording meets loop and edit based production. His discography ranges from NYC hip hop to live in-studio performances, to rock production from Mali with a clear sense of how each sounds best.
Daniel has worked with many great artists including Iggy Pop, Booker T., Songhoy Blues, Peelander-Z, Ghostface Killah, War on Drugs, Luke Temple and Here We Go Magic, Combo Chimbita, The Lost Brothers. And I’ve been enjoying a fantastic sounding playlist of videos for you in the show notes.
I’m psyched to talk with Daniel today about his philosophy of production with a wide range of musical styles and see what we can learn about working with a variety of artists. Thanks to Dave Hintze at API for making our introduction.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Soundporter Mastering: Get your free mastering demo at https://www.soundporter.com
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
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RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Brian Murphree mastering engineer at Soundporter Mastering in Spring Hill TN. After recording his first band in 1994 at a studio in Decatur, AL, and taking the mix-engineer helm in 1999 for his punk band, Random Conflict, followed by a 5-year stint with Surf Rock band, Daikaiju, Brian has been focused on recording, mixing, and mastering for underground artists who might lack the budget to track in major professional studios.
Brian spent 20 years recording, mixing, and mastering music in the North Alabama, Middle TN area, helping artists find their best sounds without blowing their budget. For the past 4 years, he has focused solely on mastering and has been able to grow his client list even in the challenging climate of COVID-19.
Grammy-winning “Boo” Mitchell of Memphis’ Royal Studios, Mark Slaughter, Melly Baldwin, and BZ Lewis are just a few clients Brian has worked with and his goal is to always help his clients realize their best production and mix no matter who they are, and to do it without breaking the bank.
Brian takes pride as a mastering engineer in being easy to work with and helpful at the early stages before you even think your mix is ready for mastering. And Since Brian and Soundporter are a welcome sponsor on the podcast also I thought it would be cool to have Brian as a guest on the show so that we can get to know him better and discover “how to get your mix ready for mastering”.
Thanks to our sponsors!
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
PreSonus Studio One: https://www.presonus.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
API Audio: http://www.apiaudio.com
Soundporter Mastering: https://www.soundporter.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Kevin McMahon of Marcata Recording first started by The Walkmen in 2000 as a purely analog facility located in Harlem inside what had been a Nascar production facility.
Kevin joined in 2003 and took over daily operations, bringing his collection of vintage microphones, preamps, and a long history of studying great live performance from the decade of work as a live sound engineer/designer at the now-defunct but not forgotten venue Brownies in New York City’s East Village.
Doing live sound is where Kevin developed his love of living interactions between musicians, and the ability to recognize the spirit of an artists’ vision and to act with a sense of urgency toward nurturing an environment to allow that vision to be realized at any cost.
Some of Kevin’s credits include: Real Estate, Pile, Parlor Walls, Mr Gnome, The Walkmen, The French Kicks, Diarrhea Planet, and Herzog to name just a few.
Thanks so much to Caleb for making our introduction.
Thanks to our sponsors!
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
PreSonus Studio One: https://www.presonus.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
API Audio: http://www.apiaudio.com
Soundporter Mastering: https://www.soundporter.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Morgan Page a GRAMMY-nominated producer and DJ with hundreds of millions of plays, and charted multiple Billboard, Beatport, and US Dance Radio #1s.
Morgan has built a massive live following performing at major festivals across the world, including Coachella, EDC, Electric Zoo, Burning Man, and Ultra Music Festival, as well as countless shows in the world’s top venues and clubs. He typically tours nearly year-round and holds a Las Vegas residency at Daylight, having previously held a three-year residency at Wynn Las Vegas.
Morgan also curates and hosts a weekly radio mix show, ‘In The Air,’ which airs on Sirius XM and broadcasting weekly uninterrupted for nearly ten years, and has surpassed episode number 500!
Outside of music, his two main passions are the environment and technology, and particularly where the two intersect. The Tesla-driving producer installed solar panels to power his recording studio; he is always on the cutting edge and an early adopter and advocate of new tech.
In 2013, he brought to life the groundbreaking ‘Morgan Page Presents 3D Tour,’ a forward-thinking, immersive visual experience utilizing 3D technology. In 2014, partnering with Oculus, DTS, and Alienware, he also produced the first-ever virtual reality lyric video for his single ‘In The Air.’ Followed by an Oculus partnership to produce a Gear VR mobile experience for his single “Open Heart.” Most recently, he’s produced music for Tesla and SpaceX.
Morgan’s Quick Tips project is his way to pass on his vast wealth of knowledge and experience to an eager audience of musicians and producers, as well as the broader creator community, helping them crack the creativity code and improve their workflow. MPQT is comprised of a series of 750+ short-form tips and 50+ blog post deep-dives available online and in physical card sets. Recently Morgan partnered up with technology leader OWC to distribute the cards and connect with creators as a brand ambassador.
Thanks to our sponsors!
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
PreSonus Studio One: https://www.presonus.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
API Audio: http://www.apiaudio.com
Soundporter Mastering: https://www.soundporter.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is John Storyk, registered architect and acoustician, is a founding partner of WSDG (Walters-Storyk Design Group). He has provided design and construction supervision services for the professional audio and video recording community since the 1969 design of Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios in New York City.
John Storyk received his architectural studies from Princeton and Columbia Universities. As an independent designer, engineer and principal designer of WSDG he has been responsible for over 3.5k world-class audio/video production facilities, including studios, radio stations, video suites, entertainment clubs and theatres.
His work includes private studios for Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, Ace Frehley, Russ Freeman, Taylor Dayne’s producer Rick Wake; Johnny Yuma Recording in L.A.; Greenway; C & C Music’s Robert Clavicles; Oven Studios (Alicia Keys); Roc the Mic (J-Z) and others.
Professional audio video installations include Soundshop, Nashville; Crawford Post, Atlanta; Talking House (San Francisco); screening rooms for NYC’s Planet Hollywood and Technicolor; conference facilities for Mercury (Polygram), EMI, CEMEX, Sumitoma; large scale educational and performance facilities for Full Sail/Platinum Post (Orlando), Ex’Pression Center for New Media (San Francisco), and Jazz at Lincoln Center / XM Radio (New York city).
He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Acoustical Society of America, Audio Engineering Society (AES) and a frequent contributor to AES convention papers and professional industry periodicals. John is also a frequent lecturer at schools throughout the nation. He has established courses in acoustics at both Full Sail and Ex’pression Center for the Media Arts and is an adjunct professor of Acoustics and Studio Design at Berklee College of Music, Boston.
As an architect turned music producer myself I feel very honoured to have John with us today on the show to see what we can learn about studio design and the ways it can help us make better records.
Thanks to our sponsors!
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
PreSonus Studio One: https://www.presonus.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
API Audio: http://www.apiaudio.com
Soundporter Mastering: https://www.soundporter.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Patrick Rene aka Killah Trakz a Miami native rapper and hip hop music producer who has worked with artists like Iconz, Rick Ross, 2 Live Crew, and Uncle Luke to name a few.
An analog junkie at heart adapting in the world of digital, Trakz has been at the forefront of the digital revolution of music distribution by having one of the most downloaded albums in the MySpace / Napster era titled “ Hoodz Prodigy “.
Getting his start in '07 at a time when the "Internet" was at its peak of popularity for all advocates of music, sites like AcidPlanet, UGHH, MP3.com, and hundreds more were gaining more notoriety by the day. Within the first week, Trakz saw his debut album surpass 50,000 downloads with ease. Overnight Success was an "understatement" for what would follow.
After landing several placements with his production on numerous indie films, Trakz got calls from everyone wanting his sound. By 2008, his sound was hitting the radio waves but getting heard by millions by "ghost producing" for the likes of many of today's favourites.
I met Trakz through our Facebook group at Recording Studio Rockstars. He kept posting so many great hip hop songs that I knew I had to learn more. So I am excited to have him join us today on the podcast to hear more about his story and see what we can learn about writing, producing, and mixing hip hop in the digital age.
Thanks to our sponsors!
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
PreSonus Studio One: https://www.presonus.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
API Audio: http://www.apiaudio.com
Soundporter Mastering: https://www.soundporter.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
My guest today is Stephen Shirk an engineer, producer, and owner of Shirk Studio in Chicago. Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, he began playing in bands through junior high college at Miami University where he earned a degree in Business and Marketing.
In 1998 he moved to New York City to chase his dream of working in a recording studio where he worked at The Hit Factory, Pink Noise and Three Tree Productions as well as assisting on sessions at many legendary NYC facilities like Avatar (Power Station), Clinton, Right Track, and Sound on Sound. Recording in New York also exposed Stephen to a unique artistic community beyond that of music. His collaboration with Nadine Robinson would ultimately land one of his sound designs in the Museum of Modern Art’s Tempo exhibit in 2002.
In 2004, Stephen relocated to Chicago to continue producing and recording bands, creating sound for art installations, as well as providing audio services for the advertising community. This was the beginning of SHIRK studios. Through a chance meeting at SXSW in 2006, Stephen partnered with the music blog, HearYa.com, and began recording and filming the HearYa live sessions.
The video series featured powerful live in-studio recordings of artists like Alabama Shakes, Delta Spirit, Other Lives, Patterson Hood, White Denim, Strand of Oaks, Rayland Baxter and many more. In 2013 he acquired the building that now houses SHIRK studios in Chicago’s West Town neighbourhood. Firmly planted in Chicago, Stephen records, produces and hosts sessions with some of Chicago’s most celebrated artists as well as those just getting their start.
I had the pleasure of spending a day at Shirk studio in 2019 when I hosted a mixing clinic there with Anthony Gravino. We spent the day listening to the beautiful Sphere console and I knew I found a new favourite studio in Chicago. Plus Stephen is the coolest.
Thanks to our sponsors!
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
PreSonus Studio One: https://www.presonus.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
API Audio: http://www.apiaudio.com
Soundporter Mastering: https://www.soundporter.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here
Marc Daniel Nelson is a Latin Grammy-nominated producer/mixer. He has been producing, mixing and managing creatives for over 19 years.
Since our last interview, Marc has been diving headfirst into the film and tv world for music. In 2018, Marc engineer and mixed the score for the film “Amanda” that went on to be nominated for the French Academy Award for “Best Score”. That following spring he mixed the score and music for the Ukraine film “Ya, Ty, Vin”, which was the last film Zelinsky Vladimir starred in before becoming president.
“Ya, Ty, Vin” went on to having the largest film opening in Ukraine history. In 2019 and 2020, Marc engineered and mixed the scores for a few Netflix originals movies. Outside of film score work, he has kept busy mixing numerous large action trailers and continuing work in the album world, with mixes for Francesca Battistelli, Eric Burdon / Ben Harper and more.
Thanks to our sponsors!
JZ Microphones: Use coupon ROCKSTARS to get 50% off The BB29 mic at JZmic.com
PreSonus Studio One: https://www.presonus.com
Spectra1964: https://www.spectra1964.com
OWC: Other World Computing: https://www.OWC.com
iZotope: iZotope.com/Rockstars code ROCK10 10% off
API Audio: http://www.apiaudio.com
Soundporter Mastering: https://www.soundporter.com
RSR Academy: http://RSRockstars.com/Academy
Want to learn more about mixing? Get Free mix training with Lij at: http://MixMasterBundle.com
If you love the podcast, then please Leave a review on iTunes here