Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Let's talk about being intentional with your recording decisions.

Yes, we talk about this all the time. But we also firmly believe that we need to be reminded more than we need to be taught.

The episode starts with the story of a band wanting to save money by recording their own vocals (which isn't a bad thing), but then setting up in a super unideal room for the wrong reasons. Just simply moving the mic stand 10 feet out into the hallway saved their record.

"The hallway? For vocals??" We hear you... But that's exactly what this is about. Sometimes what might seem like the wrong thing to do is exactly what the record needs. Sometimes following generally good advice can lead to bad decisions being made on a specific project.

Moral of the story: There are a lot of good things to know. But it doesn't really matter what you think you know, if doesn't serve the song in this specific situation. At the end of the day you have to listen. And have the confidence and skills to be able to trust your ears and intuition.

The knowledge is important. But what we KNOW only helps us make the right decision quicker and gives us a variety of options. We still need to use our ears. And the real skill is knowing when to use a certain technique you've learned and when to do something completely different.

Enjoy!


Mentioned on the episode:

Studioszene Tickets:
studioszene.de
Use code TSRB15 to get 15% off your ticket!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/235
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

This time we're answering an interesting listener question.

Tim asks:

"I have one question I would love to ask your advice on and I reckon you will know exactly what I'm asking:

I can sing fairly well technically, but I would love more grit and aggression in my tone.

In your experience, is trying to achieve this through training and technique even a thing? (Vocal Fry etc.)

Or should I just own what I have and accept that isn't my voice?

Also how much can you realistically achieve this tone through
pre-amps/gain reduction/distortion etc.?"

Tim, here comes your answer!

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/234
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

So, it happened. AI mixing is (almost) here.

Maybe you've heard about it. Mark "Spike" Stent, a very successful, amazing mixing engineer released "Spike AI". And it caused wild reactions and very emotional discussions in the pro audio community.

Here's what their website says about Spike AI:

"In a world where AI wants to steal your voice, our mission is to amplify yours like never before.

Spike AI is an ethical AI-driven platform that revolutionizes music mixing by providing every artist access to high-quality, professional-grade mixing services typically reserved for platinum-recording artists.

We don’t just harness the power of artificial intelligence; we amplify human creativity. Our mission is to ensure that artists maintain their unique voice in an industry where AI is often seen as a threat to individuality.

Driven by a commitment to ethical AI, we prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and creative empowerment, reshaping the future of music production for the better. With Spike AI, artists are free to focus on what matters most—creating their art."

(spike-ai.com on October 4th 2024)

So... is this the end of mixing engineers? Do you still need mixing skills?

Let's discuss.

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/233
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

This might be the shortest episode we've ever done. And one of the most important ones.

Just listen, do this one thing that the episode is about and watch your recordings and mixes improve.

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/232
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

When we give people feedback on their mixes before they join our coaching program, we're often talking about a lack of "size" and "depth".

Now what is that actually and what can you do now with that feedback?

We're all about helping you make exciting and unique sounding records. And you can only do that when you're able to make intentional decisions.

You won't get there with presets and things you copy from someone else. And knowing how to create size and depth is a big part of that. It's what's always lacking when people mix with presets or settings that they didn't choose intentionally.

In this Episode we're talking about:

1. Size:
   1. Frequency content
   2. Dynamics
   3. Contrast
   4. Writing/arrangement
   5. Transients/punch
      
      
2. Depth:
   1. Frequency content
   2. Reverb/delay
   3. Pre-delay on reverbs
   4. Detail
   5. Dynamics
      
      

And we're using real life everyday examples to explain these concepts.

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/231
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

My guest on this episode is the artist and producer Blake Beckmann.

Blake is a self-recording musician from California and he's the lead vocalist in a Nu Metal band called Stepa.

You might have heard of them, because in 2002 they've released a record that was pretty popular in the scene.

Blake joined our coaching program, The Self-Recording Syndicate in late 2023, with the goal of making a new Stepa record that is even better and more exciting than their major label debut from 20 years ago. Quite the challenge!

I think he and the band are definitely on track there and I'm beyond excited about the progress and the songs I've heard, so far.

So it’s about time to introduce him to you and tell his story.

Here's Blake Beckmann for you. Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/230
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Have you been putting off the recording or mixing of a song? Or an album?

Have you ever been in a situation where you just couldn't make yourself work on a record because every time you think about it it just feels overwhelming? You just don't feel motivated enough to finally figure out what's holding you back, practice your audio skills and get the project done?

Can you play music or practice an instrument for hours without a problem, but sitting down to finish that studio project just feels like this huge challenge and you don't even know where to start?

You are not alone. Even when we have all the resources, training, feedback and guidance, sometimes we just can't do a certain thing. We keep avoiding it and constantly do something else instead. And then we get frustrated about ourselves. Because, after all, we wanted it so bad, didn't we?

A coaching student sent us a message about exactly this, asking me for help. And I'm gonna share my answer to him with you now on the podcast.

Time to get real and ask ourselves some important questions.

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/229
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

On this episode I'm talking to the artist and producer Phillip Cronin.

Phillip is a self-recording musician, based in Rogers, Arkansas in the United States who writes and records indie rock and pop-punk music as a solo artist under the artist name "On The Radio".

We first met in late 2021, so almost 3 years ago now, when Phillip joined our coaching program, The Self-Recording Syndicate.

Since then he has levelled up his audio skills, writing and playing skills, as well as his overall knowledge and understanding of the whole record-making process significantly.

Earlier this year, I travelled to Arkansas to co-produce his first real record with Phillip at his home studio and boy, did I have a blast there.

The sessions were so much fun, I think the results speak for themselves, there is so much to learn from this for our community here and people just need to know about On The Radio and this upcoming record.

So it’s about time to introduce Phillip to you and tell his story.

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/228
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com