Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Self-Recording Band
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Titre
Date
Durée
315: Why Most Bands Never Finish Their Album - Fabian Valentini (Max im Parkhaus)
29 Jul 2026
01:33:06
Why do so many bands never finish their album?
For German indie rock band Max im Parkhaus, it wasn’t a lack of ideas or inspiration.
It wasn’t a lack of talent.
It wasn’t even a lack of opportunities or budget.
After two failed attempts with professional #1 producers, years of frustration, and almost giving up completely, guitarist and songwriter Fabian Valentini decided to take control of the process himself. The result was the band’s first album they were genuinely proud of.
In this episode, Fabian shares what finally made the difference, why trusting yourself as a producer matters, and what he learned from spending years chasing the wrong version of success.
We also talk about perfectionism, finishing creative work, balancing music with a full-time career, and what happened just one week after the album’s release.
Along the way, we discuss:
Why most bands never finish their album
The biggest lessons from producing an album three times
How to build confidence as a self-recording artist
How Fabi built the skills to do it himself - and what he needed help with
What helped them rebuild trust in themselves and the process
The danger of perfectionism
Learning to trust your creative instincts
Self-producing while running a full-time business
Why sounding like yourself matters more than sounding commercial
This is an episode about the hardest part of recording music: Finishing it.
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If this episode helps you, we’d really appreciate it if you left a rating/review or shared it with another self-recording artist. It helps us reach more musicians, invite exciting guests and keep the podcast going.
--
For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to:
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
314: Can Recording Studios Be Sustainable? Why Michael Buschka Is Building His Studio Differently.
22 Jul 2026
01:27:13
Can recording studios be sustainable?
That’s the question we explore in this episode with Michael Buschka, a recording and mixing engineer from Germany who has built his studio around sustainability, conscious decision-making, and genuinely caring for the artists he works with.
Michael shares how he applies sustainable principles to every part of his business. From renewable energy and second-hand gear to ethical merch, banking, and the online services he uses. But the conversation quickly expands beyond sustainability.
We also talk about:
Creating a recording environment where artists feel safe to be vulnerable
Why rushing records almost always leads to disappointment
How to build a mixing workflow that keeps the creative process fun
Why finishing songs is one of the most important skills any producer can develop.
Why artists perform better when they feel comfortable
Why great templates improve creativity
The value of mentorship and feedback
Building a studio business around your values
Whether you’re a self-recording artist or an aspiring producer, this episode is full of practical ideas for making better records—and building a creative career you’ll actually enjoy.
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If this episode helps you, we’d really appreciate it if you left a rating/review or shared it with another self-recording artist. It helps us reach more musicians, invite exciting guests and keep the podcast going.
--
For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to:
Most of the low end advice online sounds clean, structured, and logical.
But it also makes a lot of mixes smaller.
In this episode, Benedikt and Manel break down five common low end mixing myths.
This is not a “never do this" episode.
It’s about understanding what’s really happening in the low end so you stop fixing problems you don’t actually have.
🎯 The 5 Low End Myths We Break Down
1. “If the kick fundamental is at 60Hz, cut the bass at 60Hz.”
2. “The bass needs to live above or below the kick.”
3. “High-pass everything except kick and bass.”
4. “Below 100Hz there can only be kick and bass.”
5. “You must carve out space or they’ll mask each other.”
🔑 What Actually Makes Low End Work
1. It Starts at the Source
Drum choice and tuning
Sample choice
Bass instrument choice
String choice
Performance
Timing
Arrangement
Key of the song
If you pick the right sounds, faders alone often get you 80% there.
2. Think in Terms of Energy
Low end is about:
Relative amounts of energy
Transient interaction
Sustain overlap
Glue vs separation
Context with mids and highs
Sometimes the problem isn’t in the low end at all.
Sometimes it’s guitars masking kick attack.
Sometimes it’s too much midrange hiding bass character.
3. Timing Changes Everything
Slightly offset bass timing can:
Reduce low end buildup
Extend groove feel
Increase clarity
Impact is often about transient alignment, not EQ moves.
4. Control Buildup Dynamically
Instead of static carving, try:
Multiband compression
Dynamic EQ
Transient shaping
Shortening sustain
Control the moments where energy spikes — don’t gut the whole instrument.
5. Stop Fixing Problems You Don’t Have
This might be the most important takeaway.
If it sounds good, don’t “optimize” it.
🚀 Want Direct Help With Your Mix?
Inside The Self-Recording Syndicate, we help self-recording rock, metal and indie artists build mixes that feel powerful and emotionally right — without mixing by numbers.
You get:
A custom step-by-step music production plan
Unlimited personal feedback
Clear next actions
Ongoing guidance
All the resources you need to fill in knowledge gaps and become confident in your recording and mixing abilities
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
215: "Everyone on your team should care as much as you" - Carl Bahner on finding the right collaborators and building your brand as a producer
27 Mar 2024
01:02:46
Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes - Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for you: theselfrecordingband.com/call - Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"): theselfrecordingband.com/community --
Episode show notes:
"Your song is your baby - and everyone on your team should care as much as you." - Carl Bahner.
Carl is an emotion-focused mix engineer with a hands-on approach, who helps artists and producers from all over the world to build their own sonic dream team.
He has an open-minded, collaborative approach with artists and producers, exploring the jungle of sounds to make each song as unique, memorable, and emotionally impactful as possible.
Carl also calls himself a co-producer. Because even though most people come to him for mixing, one of his biggest strengths is helping artists and producers with that final 3% of the production that keeps you banging your head against the wall.
And finally, Carl helps passionate studio pros become irresistible to their ideal clients by teaching them to communicate their unique passions and perspectives.
Why does he do that? Because he loves being part of magical teams who create magical art. And through helping other producers find their perfect artist and make them happy, Carl can have an even greater impact and change even more lives through the music that's being created.
And why is it all about communicating? Because when you clearly communicate what makes you, YOU - aligned with exactly what your ideal clients crave - your inbox fills with serious inquiries.
That’s why Carl uses his two decades of music industry experience to help producers, engineers, and session musicians find and attract the perfect artists to work with.
And he really cares. It comes through in everything he says.
Here comes Carl Bahner, on The Self-Recording Band Podcast. Let's dive in!
PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment on YouTube, a rating and review on your podcast app, or a post inside our free Facebook community.
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For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/215 --
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
214: DIY Recording VS Pro Studio Production - How Wet Future Made Both Work And What It Really Takes To Make A Great (DIY-)Record
24 Mar 2024
00:50:01
Get access to our super detailed DIY-recording course "Mix-Ready: The Band Recording Essentials" and our "Everything Bundle" that also includes our mixing courses (feat. Wet Future): https://theselfrecordingband.com/mixready/
Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes - Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our unique, personalized coaching program for those who are taking this seriuosly and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for you: theselfrecordingband.com/call --
Episode show notes:
Wet Future return to the podcast to share details about recording their record, "Under the Weather", DIY-style versus hiring a producer and renting a big high-end recording studio to produce their upcoming new material.
They made both methods work very well and on this episode they explain why that is and what went into it. They talk about the pros and cons of each process and also discuss their current hybrid approach that they are looking to refine in the future.
This is an incredibly valuable episode because it makes a few things very clear that many DIY-musicians are not fully aware of:
The importance of pre-production:
Why most professional records get fully recorded and planned out during this demo process before the actual recording session starts and everything gets recorded again.
What it takes to make great records, DIY or not:
Great songs, great performances, lots of practice and preparation, perfectly set up guitars with great intonation, great rooms, etc.
Why making a DIY record still often means hiring professional mixing and mastering engineers:
Production and engineering is hard enough to do yourself. Most artists are simply not capable of also doing the mixing themselves and are therefore much better off focussing on being musicians.
Unless you are putting in the many hours required to learn mixing properly and with professional guidance, your mixes will not sound professional. Period.
That's why bands like Wet Future record themselves, but hire pros for mixing who can also guide them through the self-recording process and therefore get them a better end result.
Their records and their progress as DIY-producers speak for themselves.
The biggest challenge with DIY-productions:
Someone still needs to produce! Can you do that?
Can you keep the big picture in mind and stay objective?
Can you coach and guide your bandmates to get the best performances out of them?
Are you capable of capturing great source tones with the final record and full arrangement in mind?
Will you do a proper pre-production process before recording "for real"?
Are you willing to learn all of that properly?
Are you willing to go the extra mile, do whatever it takes and not accept compromises (like a good producer would)?
Let's dive in!
PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment on YouTube, a rating and review on your podcast app, or a post inside our free Facebook community.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
213: Noise Perfected: Making No-Compromise Records That Stand The Test Of Time - With Sam Pura
13 Mar 2024
01:42:38
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 unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for you: theselfrecordingband.com/call - 3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"): theselfrecordingband.com/community --
Episode show notes:
Sam Pura is a record producer and audio engineer from Fremont, California. He owns and operates the Panda Studios and is the founder of Purafied Audio, a plugin company turning Sam's ideas and analog workflows into digital mixing tools that will inspire your creativity.
Sam Pura and his team at The Panda Studios are not just about immaculate results. Working with them is an experience.
At The Panda Studios you'll find a great live room, multiple mixing rooms / control rooms, and an amazing collection of gear, combining the best of both analog and digital. Plus a great collection of instruments and amps.
Sam Pura's discography includes breakthrough albums by Basement, The Story So Far, State Champs, Hundredth, and The Dangerous Summer, just to name a few.
He's known for his work on a lot of modern pop punk, punk rock and heavy records. But has also worked on many projects outside of these genres.
And finally, Sam also makes plugins! Purafied is the name of his company there and on this episode we talk about those tools for a bit, as well.
Because those are some really unique and interesting ideas that Sam has turned into these plugins.
From Sam Pura's website:
When you work with Sam, it becomes immediately apparent that he will relentlessly push your record to be the best he’s ever done, but for those who come prepared, the environment can be as inspirational as that feeling on release day. And, along with your record, you’ll leave The Panda Studios with a new best friend and a love of Topo Chico.
Let's dive in!
PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment on YouTube, a rating and review on your podcast app, or a post inside our free Facebook community.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
212: Songwriting & Sync Licensing Deep Dive - With Lars Deutsch
06 Mar 2024
01:46:09
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 unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for you: theselfrecordingband.com/call - 3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"): theselfrecordingband.com/community --
Episode show notes:
We interviewed Lars Deutsch on the podcast and the result is a masterclass in songwriting and sync licensing. Is your song telling a story?
This was our exclusive opportunity to pick the brain of a super successful songwriter and sync-licensing expert.
Lars Deutsch currently lives in L.A. and has worked with brands and artists like Adidas, Amazon, Brett Gelman (Stranger Things, The Other Guys), Budweiser, FOX, Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan), Katie Melua, Mercedes-Benz, and many more.
The two-time Emmy winner is self-recording his music, but also collaborating with other engineers, depending on the project.
He went from heavy metal guitarist, to singer, to songwriter, to a Masters in classical composition, to international performances of his classical works, to lecturing in composition and audio production to scoring three hundred films / commercials that have collected over one hundred awards.
His songs are in high demand and Lars is a producer at Built To Last Music, a company that features multiple Oscar nominees and Grammy winners.
Recent projects include: Stephen King’s “The Passenger”, “Future Proof” with Keke Palmer, a commercial with James Earle Jones (Darth Vader), plus live mixes and an Intel commercial with the Higher Brothers.
If you're interested in the sync licensing world and want to know how to get started in this industry, this is for you.
You'll learn how high the bar actually is when it comes to the quality of your music and what Lars does to keep his chops and creativity fresh.
And if just want to improve your songwriting skills for your own projects, this is your chance to learn from a true master of the craft.
PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment on YouTube, a rating and review on your podcast app, or a post inside our free Facebook community.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
211: Multitrack Recorder VS Computer + DAW
28 Feb 2024
00:22:21
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.
Surprisingly, some of our subscribers are telling us that they are using standalone multitrack recorders instead of computers.
We actually get these kinds of messages pretty regularly.
So, is it a good alternative? Are there any advantages to using a device like that? Or should you just get an interface and a DAW and start using a computer to produce your music?
Let's discuss!
PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
210: NAMM 2024 Recap Pt II - Great People, Great Gear, Great Takeaways For You
25 Feb 2024
01:10:59
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.
Casual NAMM 2024 recap episode from Benedikt's LA hotel room, giving Malcom an update on who he met and what he discovered at the conference.
Also, if you ever go to an event like this (highly recommended!), this episode includes a few mindset-related principles and takeaways, so you'll have an incredible time and make new friends in the industry.
PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
209: NAMM 2024 Recap Pt I - Great People, Great Gear, Great Takeaways For You
18 Feb 2024
01:00:35
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.
Casual NAMM 2024 recap episode from Benedikt's LA hotel room, giving Malcom an update on who he met and what he discovered at the conference.
Also, if you ever go to an event like this (highly recommended!), this episode includes a few mindset-related principles and takeaways, so you'll have an incredible time and make new friends in the industry.
PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
208: How To Make The Kick Drum Work In Your Mix - Pt. II
12 Feb 2024
00:35:16
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.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
207: How To Make The Kick Drum Work In Your Mix - Pt. I
04 Feb 2024
00:37:53
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.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
206: A.I. Talk: The Tools We're Using, Thoughts On The Future Of A.I. In Music Production, And Why We're Not Afraid Of It
28 Jan 2024
00:39:38
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.
This is a purely speculative episode on the current state and future of A.I. (artificial intelligence) in (rock) music.
We're talking about what it can and can't do (yet), where we think things might be going and whether or not we all need to be afraid of it.
Again, we don't know nearly enough about this subject and the tech under the hood to make any serious predictions here. Hardly anyone does.
But we are already using A.I. tools on a daily basis. In our personal lives, in our businesses and when working on music or other audio & video projects, like this podcast. So we have some experience and have done enough research and testing to at least have an opinion.
And we're hoping for certain tools to be released soon, so that artists, producers and engineers can be even more creative with even less friction.
Let's dive in!
PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.
Is it coming from people who actually make records… or people who make content?
In this episode, Benedikt and Manel react to answers from industry heavyweights Chris Galland and Joe Chiccarelli and compare them to common internet mixing advice.
The results are revealing.
Real pros barely care about many of the things you see everywhere online.
And many content creators ignore things that actual engineers call non-negotiable.
If you’re a self-recording musician trying to improve your mixes, this episode will help you separate hype from essential fundamentals.
What We Cover
Should you high-pass everything?
Do you really need to mix in mono?
Are reference tracks mandatory?
Should you always check your mix in the car?
Is EQing to the key of the song a real thing?
Do pros tune every vocal?
Do you have to hard pan guitars?
Are stereo imaging plugins essential?
Should you always mix at low volumes?
Does gain staging still matter in 2026?
Is parallel compression overhyped?
And most importantly:
How do you know who to trust when learning mixing?
The Big Takeaways
Context matters more than rules.
The basics still win.
You can ignore most of the fancy techniques and approaches until you've mastered the essential things.
If advice sounds absolute, be skeptical.
If someone never makes records, question their authority.
As Benedikt says in the episode:
Some topics are great for content. That doesn’t mean they’re great for making records.
Who This Is For
This episode is for:
Rock, punk, indie, metal and alternative musicians recording themselves
Producers overwhelmed by conflicting YouTube advice
Anyone trying to get real results instead of chasing trends
If you’re serious about improving your mixes, this one will reset your priorities.
Want Real Guidance (Not Hype)?
If you want feedback and guidance from engineers who mix 200+ songs per year for artists and labels worldwide, audio pros who actively work with self-recording artists all the time:
👉 Apply for coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
205: Get Better Takes Faster Through Comping On The Fly
19 Jan 2024
00:46:37
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.
Have you ever been looking forward to having to go through 637 takes, trying to find the good parts after the recording session is done? Me neither.
How to avoid that? Learn to comp on the fly and commit as you go!
On this episode we're discussing comping on the fly vs "comp diving" after tracking, the pros and cons of each, and the skills you need to be able to pull this off without risking anything or ruining the flow of the session.
Here's why this matters:
It saves you time later in the process
It gives you a better idea of the final product
Moving fast and committing helps avoid getting too close to it and losing perspective
It prevents you from recording unnecessary takes and wearing out singers/performers It will lead to a better end result, because you're not as likely to cut corners
And here's how to do it:
Know your basic editing tools and hotkeys (scissors, different ways to move events back and forth, fades, etc.)
Know the comping features of your DAW. You don't have to (and shouldn't) create a new track for each take, etc.
Make notes while listening to the performances
Use breaks to quickly go through notes and adjust the comp
Learn to listen for feel and emotion, rather than technical perfection (there are some exceptions, though)
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
204: Grammy Nominated Producer & Mixing Engineer Jacob Hansen
11 Jan 2024
01:35:15
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.
Jacob Hansen is joining us for this week's episode!
Jacob has worked with some of the biggest names in metal and alternative music. He's produced and or mixed records for bands like Volbeat, Arch Enemy, Amaranthe, The Black Dahlia Murder, Heaven Shall Burn, Evergrey, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Primal Fear and many many more.
We're getting to pick Jacob's brain and talk about
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
203: Here's How We Help Our Students, How The Free Calls Work And Why You Have To Apply If You Want To Work With Us
03 Jan 2024
00:38:59
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.
We get dozens of applications every week now and many of you reaching out have asked us these things. So here are your answers!
Your questions:
What is The Self-Recording Syndicate (our coaching program)? Is it an online course?
How much does it cost?
Why is there no price on the website?
Why do I have to apply?
Why do you offer a free first call and why are you asking for a budget, when the call is free?
Also, even before applying and booking their free clarity call, some people are afraid to even give it a shot because they assume it's gonna cost an arm and a leg to work with us.
So I wanted to record this episode (and write a blog post along with it) to give you all the answers.
Of course, we're doing our best to make things crystal clear on our website, the application form, etc. but I also realize that "coaching" is not something that people are very familiar with in our industry.
It's completely normal in other industries. And entrepreneurs, freelancers or businesses of all sizes use consulting or coaching of some sort to make sure they achieve their goals.
But I totally get that most people outside of that don't really know what it means and how the process works.
I'm all about transparency and I'm also about overdelivering and giving way more value than what you'd expect for the price that you're paying. So let me break it down for you in this episode.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
202: The Three Ways To Make An Outstanding Record
27 Dec 2023
01:06:38
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.
It's the end of the year - time to do some planning and thinking about our goals as musicians and (DIY) producers.
When it comes to making the best record possible, there are really only 3 ways to accomplish that. Let's discuss and break it down for you, so you can make 2024 your best year ever.
First, it's important to know what you want and what kind of resources you have available.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you want to make a really great record for your band / yourself now?
Do you want to make a really great record for your band / yourself some day?
Do you want to become a producer / mixer and make amazing records for many different artists?
What do you have more of - time or money?
Which parts of the process do you really want to do and learn?
Which kind of investment are you willing to make?
Then take one of the following approaches (or all of them):
Done for you - Hire professionals
Do it all yourself - With the help of YouTube, courses, books, trial and error and a lot of practice
Done with you - Get a mentor and speed up the process through personal guidance, feedback and avoiding common mistakes.
Some kind of effort, practice and investment is always required. A lot of it, to be honest.
After all, producing music is a skill you don't just learn overnight. Highly skilled professionals have built their taste, technical abilities, workflows, confidence and ears over decades.
But you don't have to be afraid of it either. There's a right approach for every situation.
And with this episode we aim to guide you toward the best fit for your project, keeping the spotlight on your unique artistic voice.
Your 2024 music resolutions aren't just dreams; they're blueprints for action. So tune in, fuel your musical fires, and step into a year of turning up the volume on your biggest goals.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
201: Dual Mono VS Stereo - Gain Full Control Over Your Stereo Image By Setting Up Your Compressors The Right Way
23 Dec 2023
00:37:36
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.
Ever felt like your mixes are just a snowball's throw away from that nice, wide stereo image you crave?
Sure, the basics like mic technique, panning, intentional EQ moves, among others are always the most important thing. But there is more. And we want to share one thing with you that you might have overlooked, so far.
Strap in, because we're whisking you up the sonic slopes to conquer the nuances of dual mono vs. stereo compression!
This seemingly small detail can be the difference between a stable, solid center in your stereo image and a wonky center that won't provide the solid foundation that your groove needs.
Or between a wide, clear mix and a narrow one.
Being intentional about this will also give you extra clarity, separation and width for your rhythm guitars, toms or any other stereo source that you're dealing with in your mix.
First, we dissect when to pan mono sources and when to bask in true stereo glory, providing a roadmap through the complexities of creating a nice, wide stereo image. It's like choosing the right snowboard for the mountain – you need the proper technique to ride the sound waves to their fullest potential.
Finally, we're cranking up the dials on your DAW savvy, revealing the ins and outs of compressor plugins and their different channel linking modes.
Learn how to finesse your compressor settings to keep your mix wide open or dial in that cohesive, 'pumpy' feel when the track calls for it.
So, tune up your audio kit, and let's hit the play button on this episode!
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#200: Mario Radetzky on producing Blackout Problems - "Riot" and using Ableton Live to blend rock and electronic production elements
13 Dec 2023
01:42:12
Here are three 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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Mario Radetzky is the vocalist and guitar player for Alt-Rock band Blackout Problems and he recently co-produced their forthcoming album "Riot". PRE-ORDER HERE
In our 200th episode Mario tells us the story of how co-producing Blackout Problems' album came about. From getting the green light from the label to assembling the perfect team for the job.
Dropping your ego is important when in the studio and Mario shares with us the importance of collaborating with other engineers even asking other producers for advice when unsure.
Blackout Problems are an evolutionary band and changing the band's sound is a daunting prospect when it ultimately leads to losing a few fans, but also gaining some new ones.
Due to their intricate setup of synths and effects, as well as the traditional band setup, Malcom, Benedikt and Mario discuss the usefulness of possibly incorporating Ableton in to live Blackout Problems' live setup.
Mario also shares his appreciation for The Self Recording Band Podcast and tells us what gear he uses to achieve Blackout Problems' unique sound.
Let's give a warm community welcome to Blackout Problems' very own Mario Radetzky. 👏👏👏
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
As well as answering some listener's questions, Benedikt, Malcom & Kristian discuss a range of topics including how Kohle became a YouTube personality, the importance of learning how to create something and the brutal precision required for recording metal.
Ladies & gentlemen, let's give a warm welcome to Kristian Kohle. 👏👏👏
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#198: Walk Into Any Recording Studio & Make It Work
29 Nov 2023
00:44:39
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
In failing to prepare you are preparing to fail. Or at least in this context, you are likely gonna give yourself a few problems.
Going into a recording studio that you've never used before can be a daunting and maybe even confusing prospect.
It'd be nice if all producers had the same workflow and routing setup that you use in the recording studio, but sadly this aint the case.
Who knows what the producer that used the recording studio before you was thinking? Only them, that's who.
If an unconventional, un-labelled routing setup has been used and you're walking in there for the first time with the talent hoping to record, things could get pretty confusing and pretty exhausting, pretty fast.
Benedikt and Malcom dealt with this situation like a couple of champs recently which was the inspiration behind this episode.
There are a few things you can do beforehand that will ensure that you're not faced with a day of routing before even thinking about pressing the record button.
Remember, in the recording studio, time is money and this episode will save you some $$$ and blushes if you follow the approach these two pros take when entering a new recording studio for the first time.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#197: Building Your Own Studio Hardware with Martin Zobel - Analog Vibes
22 Nov 2023
00:43:04
Here are three next steps for you to take:
1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes - 2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!
It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.
Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever. Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.
As producers, deep down, if we're honest with ourselves and I mean completely honest, we'd all love to be using analogue gear, am I right?
Well, your man Martin Zobel used to work exclusively in the box. Using plugins was the only thing he knew.
But Martin had an itch that needed satisfying. He wanted to use analogue gear, but didn't have the thousands of $$$ necessary to get in to this world.
So one day Martin had an idea… "What if I build my own compressor?"
The only barrier was in his head. Building your own gear is a daunting task, but he persevered. Following schematics and asking the right people for advice, he soon discovered that it's as easy as painting by numbers.
Jump forward to today and Martin is the man behind Analog Vibes. A platform that gives you everything you need to build your own hardware, at an affordable price.
"Analog Vibes is about enabling and empowerment." - Martin Zobel
Martin talks to Benedikt and Malcom about what models are hot right now, how anybody can safely build their own hardware and how sometimes literal crossed wires can lead to a happy accident.
Also, let it be noted that Benedikt (having never built his own hardware before) has challenged himself to build a hardware unit from scratch in 2024. Let's hold him to it.
Wave your soldering irons in the air (safely) and let's welcome Martin Zobel.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#196: Jaycen Joshua – Award Winning Producer (Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Michael Jackson) - Studioszene 2023
15 Nov 2023
00:41:10
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
It’s Jaycen Joshua. Hands down one of the hottest mix engineers in the industry right now.
Benny and Malcom chat with Jaycen Joshua on the Studioszene Sofa.
Jaycen has worked with Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Michael Jackson… the list goes on and on.
Jaycen talks in detail about how the higher status jobs often equal higher stakes and higher pressure.
But he never lets this tame his approach, he takes risks when mixing no matter how much pressure he’s feeling.
He talks about sometimes being brutally honest with clients when he suspects that demoitis may be playing a part in the artist's love for the shitty sounding demo track.
How many revisions do you think Jaycen gets on average for his mixes? Here’s a clue. It’s a lot.
The number one technique that Jaycen uses and absolutely couldn’t work without? Sidechain compression. This and his plugin The God Particle are an essential part of his template.
This is the final episode of our full music production breakdown series.
We’ve covered songwriting, pre-production, gear, sound checks and recording.
Now we finish the record.
In this episode, we walk you through steps 6–10 of the real-world production process
Session cleanup and comping
Editing where necessary (timing and pitch)
Moving from recording to mixing
A structured mixing workflow that actually works
The truth about mastering
When to outsource and when not to
Why AI mastering is not the same as real mastering (and when it can be an option)
If you’ve ever:
Got stuck after recording
Ruined a mix by overworking it
Wondered if/how you should use a mix bus compressor
Felt confused about gain staging
Been disappointed by a bad master
This episode is for you.
We break down a proven, step-by-step framework that helps you:
Keep objectivity
Avoid rabbit holes
Mix faster
Preserve the magic you captured
Finish songs properly
Because the goal after recording is simple:
Don’t mess it up. Don't reinvent it. Enhance it. Move it across the finish line.
The Mixing Framework We Teach
Here’s the structured approach we use inside The Self-Recording Syndicate:
Proper mix prep (organization + routing)
Rough mix (gain staging, levels + panning)
Mix bus setup & overall vibe and color
EQ cleanup + sweetening
Compression with intention
Creative effects (reverbs, delays, saturation)
Automation and movement
Mastering ( finishing, final formats, and quality control
Most people obsess over plugins.
The pros obsess over balance. In all ways. Not a static balance. But one that serves every part of the song, enhances it emotionally and guides the listener through the song.
🎁 Free Mixing Guide
If you want a clear system for balancing, gain staging and preparing your mix properly:
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#195: Ady Parzentny – Travelling Music Producer (Hit The Road Music Studio) - Studioszene 2023
08 Nov 2023
00:37:08
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call: theselfrecordingband.com/call - 3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"): theselfrecordingband.com/community -- Episode show notes: What an episode we’ve got for you this week. Benny & Malcom sit down on the Studioszene Sofa with Ady Parzentny .
Ady Parzentny travels the world, helping locals and displaced people make and record music with his business Hit The Road Music Studio.
About 5 years ago, Ady started out by travelling around in a van with a basic studio setup. Supporting local artists by helping them record their tracks and even making music videos.
Visiting places like Morrocco, Albania and Greece has taught Ady that music is the gateway into a place’s culture.
Ady’s work also extends to helping bring some normality back to the lives of the displaced people he works with at refugee camps.
Welcomed wherever he goes, Ady talks about how the generosity of communities has made this possible.
We hear fascinating insights from Ady about how the most expensive mics are not suitable for recording out in the wild, working on a very tight budget and pigeon problems.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#194: Chris Yetter (Audioscape) Interview - Studioszene 2023
01 Nov 2023
00:39:51
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Chris Yetter, the owner of Audioscape joins Benedikt & Malcom in the second of our series of interviews from Studioszene 2023.
Chris and his team at Audioscape hand make analogue hardware without compromising on anything. Astonishingly with an extremely affordable price-tag.
The guys discuss what to listen for when choosing your hardware and how no two units will ever sound exactly same.
Audioscape know that there are minute differences in sound from model to model and celebrate the fact that this is what helps create your own unique sound.
Chris touches on the riddle that has troubled humankind for millenia… "Plugins or Hardware?" The answer might surprise you.
Two faders you can touch and move with your hands simultaneously might not sound like much, but this level of control that you don't get with a plugin can completely change the way you work.
Chris also shares with us a few details about an Audioscape reverb plugin that they're working on.
"A hardware company releasing a plugin? Are Audioscape outside of their minds?" I hear you ask.
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
This is the first of our live interviews from Studioszene 2023 in Hamburg. This week, Malcom & Benedikt are chatting with legendary producer and educator Warren Huart. (Produce Like A Pro)
Warren has worked with Aerosmith, The Fray, Ramones... to name but a few. He was one of the highlights of Studioszene 2023 where he hosted a masterclass.
Warren shares with us details about how he went from musician to producer to educator and how he eventually ended up laying his hat in the USA.
Building a career as a producer these days isn't a linear path and Warren discusses how doing a bit of everything is the norm now.
He talks about mastering and how it shouldn't be the stage at which things are fixed. He also answers some questions from the audience regarding analogue desks and polishing 💩💩💩
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#192: The Biggest Home Recording Mistakes We've Seen This Month - Part 2 (Vocal Layers, Comping, MIDI & DI)
18 Oct 2023
00:48:54
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Benedikt & Malcom further explore the common mistakes that self-recording artists are making in this continuation of last week’s episode.
They see a lot of re-occurring errors when working with self-recording artists. So they made these episodes so that you don't have to make these same mistakes.
Everybody makes mistakes and if you find that you have made some of these mistakes, go easy on yourself. We all have at some point!
Hopefully though, by listening to this episode, you can prevent any future mishaps.
So here is our list of recent home recording mistakes that we're discussing on the show:
· Songs lacking layered vocals
· Creating tight and harmonious vocal layers
· Arranging your songs in an efficient way. ie: intentionally placing doubles & harmonies in places that serve the song
· Comping on the fly
· Drum comping
· Creating seamless overdubs by punching in/out
· Why it’s not a good idea to send just the MIDI files or DI tracks to your mixing engineer
So, let’s put the learning van into 6th gear and hurtle down the highway of knowledge, with the windows down. (aka let’s listen to this week’s episode) 😊
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#191: The Biggest Home Recording Mistakes We've Seen This Month - (Overheads & Clipping)
11 Oct 2023
00:53:45
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Benedikt & Malcom notice a fair amount of mistakes that home recording artists are making. With a little know-how and experience, these mistakes are entirely preventable.
The guys admit to having made these mistakes themselves in the past, and now, through their experience, you and other home recording artists don't have to.
The first topic covered this week is recording overheads. Arguably the most important layer of recording a full kit.
If your overheads aren't sounding good, your whole drum sound is gonna sound off.
"Overheads should generally sound like a really great drumkit just by themselves" - Malcom Owen-Flood
There are several things home recording artists need to watch out for when recording overheads. Things that can be easily overlooked leading to phase issues and an unbalanced stereo image.
Also covered is clipping. Home recording artists are sometimes unaware that they are clipping but it's not as straightforward as just watching for the meter in your DAW turning red.
This is the first of a two-parter, so buckle up and let's get up to date with what's going wrong in the world of home recording.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#190:What Is The Essence Of Your Song?
04 Oct 2023
00:46:39
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Have you ever asked yourself this question while recording or mixing?
What is your song about? How is it supposed to feel? How did you come up with it?
These are important questions to ask yourself. And if you find the answer to it, it might transform your mixes and productions.
We’ve received a lot of messages lately from people who are saying things like:
"My demos sound cool, but when I'm done mixing, I feel like something got lost along the way"
Or…
"I know exactly what I want my music to sound like, but I can't seem to make it come out of the speakers."
This is a common problem among Self Recording artists and Malcom & Benedikt take a more philosophical approach rather than a technical approach to this topic.
This isn’t something that can be fixed by adjusting a plugin setting. This is a mindset thing.
We’ve heard many songs lately that have incredibly dense arrangements. It's like people are feeling the need to add a lot of stuff to their songs to make them sound exciting and big.
While that can be a good idea sometimes, it’s often not the best approach. You may actually be taking away from your song by continually adding new elements.
So let’s jump in to this weeks episode and find out exactly why your demo is currently sounding better than your final recordings.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#189: Warren Huart (Produce Like A Pro, Aerosmith, Ace Frehley, The Fray, Ramones) - Special Interview Episode
27 Sep 2023
01:06:08
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
A very special episode this week ladies & gentlemen, as Benedikt welcomes the one and only Warren Huart.
Warren is a seasoned multi-platinum producer having worked with artists such as Aerosmith, Ace Frehley, The Fray, Ramones, James Blunt, Colbie Caillat… to name but a few.
He is the founder of the highly popular Youtube Channel “Produce Like A Pro” and a mentor on the educational platform “Pro Mix Academy”.
Check out Warren’s new book “Home Studio Recording”. If you’re looking to sharpen your knowledge as a producer then it’s targeted specifically at you.
Warren shares some little known facts about his time as a DJ and how his love of electronic music drew him to Berlin in the late 80s, before becoming a full time producer.
Naturally, a producer with so much experience has some priceless advice to offer for self recording artists.
"Work fast! If you’re working fast, you get the idea and the inspiration down. That’s more important than anything else."
Warren covers a range of topics, including how he keeps his guitar skills sharp, how a broad taste in music has helped him as a producer and what sort of impact AI generated music will have on the music industry.
So let’s jump in and see how “marvelously well” Warren is doing today.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#188: Songwriter Dewi Thompson on Leveling Up His Audio Skills in The Self Recording Syndicate (Case Study)
20 Sep 2023
00:48:39
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
A special episode this week as Benedikt sits down with Self-Recording Syndicate graduate Dewi Thompson.
Dewi is a songwriter from the UK who also produces and mixes his own material as a solo artist and collaborates with another artist under the names Altered States and Brave New World.
Dewi felt that there were some holes in his audio production knowledge and after aimlessly watching hundreds of hours of conflicting YouTube content (we’ve all been there) on how compression is the most important thing to have ever existed, he decided to reach out to Benedikt for some personal feedback and coaching.
It was clear the Dewi was a talented musician and songwriter but there were some blind spots and a lack of direction.
During Dewi’s 18 months in the Self-Recording Syndicate he has developed systems and a reliable process to get amazing results consistently and with confidence.
This journey goes all the way back to the 90’s when Dewi began recording on an Atari ST with some outboard gear including the coveted Alesis QuadraVerb GT.
These days Dewi prefers a more modern setup and is a proficient Cubase user.
Now that Dewi has the knowledge and skills he needed, he has some very exciting projects in the pipeline. So watch this space.
Let's welcome Dewi and hear about his fascinating journey from where he was to where he is now.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#187: Are You Using Mix Bus Compression?
13 Sep 2023
00:56:59
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Are you mixing into a compressor? I mean mixing with a compressor on your mix bus from the beginning and not just slapping a compressor on at the end and then hoping for the best.
These guys are, and in this episode, Benedikt & Malcom talk about how they’re doing it and why they’re doing it.
Every compressor has its own unique ‘flavor’ and is often used as the glue that brings all of your song’s individual elements together.
Remember, though, your mix bus has EVERYTHING going through it, so you’ve got to be careful. Any changes you make on there will affect the whole song, for better or for worse.
Where do you start with mix bus compression, though?
Do you know which type of compressor to use for mix bus compression? You have options…
You could reach for a VCA compressor if you’re looking for a transparent glue. Maybe you’re feeling extra fruity and want to risk destroying your mix, so why not reach for an 1176?
Then there are the settings. Benedikt and Malcom compare notes on their go-to “safe” settings when using mix bus compression.
“It sounds complicated, but once you get the core concepts, it’s not that complicated at all.” – Benedikt
Mix bus compression can be a complicated subject, but it’s also a fundamental skill that you need to get your head around if you want to make professional-sounding mixes.
“Learning is sucking, until you don’t.” – Malcom Owen-Flood
A real deep dive episode here, so hold on to your threshold knobs and let the learning begin.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#186: Do You Need An External Mic Preamp?
06 Sep 2023
00:35:48
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
This week, we're looking at external mic preamps and helping you decide if you actually need one or if the answer you're looking for lies elsewhere in your recording setup and process.
External mic preamps are no doubt a useful tool and can sometimes be the component that lifts your recording from sounding good to great.
Specific models of external mic preamps can offer a unique coloration to your recordings and help squeeze an extra 10% of quality into your recordings. However, preamp choice will likely never be the single factor that miraculously saves a recording.
Wanna record some gentle acoustic guitar with some soft, intimate vocals but the noise floor is making it a pain in the ass? Then maybe an external mic preamp is the answer.
There's one thing however, that always trumps gear choice, and that is performance. Nail your performance, and a phone recording could beat even the most expensive recording chains.
Microphone choice is always an important factor too, and do you know what you're doing with your audio interface when putting that external mic preamp into it?
Also covered is whether it's worth splurging on an expensive external mic preamp or simply hiring one. Not many of us are recording frequently enough to justify the cost, so hiring might be your best bet if you only do this a couple of times a year.
Malcom & Benedikt discuss how using one high-end preamp in one killer-sounding chain can ultimately be a game changer. It's better to have one exceptional-quality chain than several average-sounding chains, right?
In this episode of The Self-Recording Band Podcast, Benedikt and Manel are breaking down step 5 of the production process: the recording session — the moment where everything can either fall apart… or finally come alive.
You can have the right song, the right gear, the right room, and the perfect setup — and still end up with a lifeless recording if you don’t handle the human side of recording properly.
This episode is all about capturing exciting performances, creating the right vibe in the room, and making decisions that serve emotion over perfection.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why performance matters more than technical perfection (and always will)
How to guide yourself or your band into better takes
Why how you talk to performers can make or break a session
The importance of preparation before hitting record
How to avoid killing the vibe during vocal sessions
When to record full takes vs. sections
Why warm-ups are non-negotiable (and how pros do it)
How to choose the right recording order for instruments
Why vocals should not be an afterthought
Simple systems for comping and editing while recording
How to protect your sessions with smart backup habits
This episode is part of our start-to-finish production process series. If you haven’t listened to steps 1-4 yet, go back and start there — this series is designed to be followed in order.
--
For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/302
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#185: Combining Guitar Tones and Doubling Guitar Tracks
30 Aug 2023
00:55:54
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Sometimes, a single guitar tone just won't cut it. It sounds weak and out of place; no matter how we EQ and process it, something is still missing. What's the answer to this? Well, it's more guitars.
Maybe you love the bottom end of one amp or pedal but also crave the mid-range of another. Well, guess what? You can have both by combining guitar tones.
This topic is broad and there are countless approaches to combining guitar tones and doubling guitar tracks. It's easy to become overwhelmed and throw everything at it, but this can lead to a "more is less" result. Fear not, Benedikt and Malcom discuss their go-to methods in detail so that you can record with intention.
The subtle differences between a double and a copied performance may seem insignificant, but they are crucial in shaping the overall sound.
A double is a second performance of the same thing, not a copy and paste of the original performance. This distinction, while seemingly minute, will drastically affect the final tone.
What you'll learn from this episode:
How subtle changes in the guitar's EQ can give you big results.
Genre-based decision making. Is the 'Wall of Sound' approach appropriate for your recording?
When is doubling guitar tracks necessary?
What hardware to switch out and adjust when recording duplicate parts? Guitars, pickups, amps or pedals?
Why adding layers on top of a guitar take doesn't necessarily have to be another guitar.
In conclusion, creating a unique guitar sound is a blend of understanding your tools, practising different techniques, and experimenting with various combinations.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#184: My 2023 Mixing Template
23 Aug 2023
02:12:19
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Something different this week as Benedikt walks us through his newly updated mixing template. Showing us the tools he uses to nail a mix, we take a peek behind the wizard's curtain.
A mixing template is a very individual thing, tailored to suit the workflow of the engineer, no two are the same.
This deep dive into Benedikt's mixing template will give you all the knowledge you need to create your very own custom mixing template setting you up for maximum creativity when it comes to the mixing stage.
Mixing templates are an ever-evolving thing of course and all of these decisions are made over time and with a lot of trial and error. But If you pay attention and understand the "why" behind Benedikt's decision-making here, you only need to do this once. Benefiting from the thousands of hours that Benedikt has spent at the mixing desk.
Follow along with the accompanying YouTube video to jumpstart your path to creative godliness. (AKA a good, functional mixing template)
In this deep dive episode Benedikt not only gives you insights into the tools he uses, but why he uses them. See an industry professional cover these topics:
Drum bus & group bus routing
The "why?" behind plugin choices
Parallel sends
Easy access to everything for speedy workflow
Mixing in to the master bus
So grab yourself a pen & notebook and get ready to learn as Benedikt walks us step by step through his mixing template.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#183: Why Basic Audio Editing Skills Are Essential For Cleaning Up Your Tracks
16 Aug 2023
00:35:04
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
In this episode, we delve into a fundamental aspect of music production that holds the key to professional-quality tracks: basic audio editing. Whether you're a novice producer or a seasoned veteran, honing your proficiency in these essential techniques is pivotal for creating exceptional music and getting your songs mix-ready.
But we're not just talking theory here. Our discussion extends to the ins and outs of actual cleanup - the nitty-gritty of identifying and eliminating those pesky issues like hums, distracting noises, headphone bleed and pre-rolls that could mar your perfect track. Even seasoned producers can overlook these, so whether you're a newbie or a veteran, you're sure to find some insightful takeaways.
Why Proficiency in Basic Audio Editing Skills is Essential:
Impeccable Mix Integration: Properly edited tracks, free from unwanted noise, clicks, and pops, seamlessly integrate into your mix, preserving its sonic integrity.
Distinction from Mixing: Basic audio editing is distinct from the mixing process. Neglecting this step can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, impacting both individual projects and collaborations with mixing engineers.
Time and Cost Efficiency: Collaborating with a mixing engineer becomes more efficient when tracks are meticulously cleaned. Minimized cleanup requirements can save valuable time and potentially reduce costs.
Enhanced Performance: By removing noise and artifacts, your computer's processing capacity is optimized, leading to smoother production and mixing workflows. We explain how your VST3 plugins can be draining resources even when you think they're not doing anything.
Focused Mixing: Proficient audio editing allows you or your mix engineer to concentrate solely on refining sonic elements during mixing, free from the distractions of unprocessed tracks.
By mastering these foundational audio editing skills, you can elevate your production quality, fortify collaborations with mixing experts, and experience a more streamlined mixing process. Whether you're a burgeoning DIY producer or an enthusiast aiming to enhance your production prowess, this episode equips you with actionable insights to ensure your tracks are primed for exceptional sound before entering the mixing phase.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#182: Drum Limiting: Using Limiters, Clippers and Saturation for a Powerful Drum Sound
09 Aug 2023
00:36:07
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
In this episode, we explore drum limiting and how it can transform your drum sound. Join us as we dive into the world of limiters, clippers, and saturation to achieve an impactful drum mix that stands out.
Malcolm & Benedikt discuss the significance of using clippers and limiters to shape the perfect drum sound. Discover how these techniques can level up your music by adding punch or addressing inconsistent playing. They also delve into hard and soft clipping, explaining the difference and why and when you’d use them.
Understanding the differences between hard and soft clipping and when to use limiters versus clippers can lead to significant improvements in your music production skills.
In terms of practical application, we explore how to use limiters and clippers on drums to best benefit the overall drum sound. For example, limiters can fix inconsistent playing and reduce the snare bleed in overheads. In contrast, clippers can create headroom and increase the punch of the drum hits. It's also essential to understand how the type of limiter or clipper used affects the sound of the drums in different ways.
There is a clipper that is always on my snare channel right when I import. I know I'm going to want it every time. It just lives there. So for me, clippers are the priority on drums. - Malcom Owen Flood
Part of the discussion centres around hard and soft clipping. The differences between them are significant, and understanding these differences is key to effectively using limiters and clippers on drums. Additionally, we explore how saturation-based clipping and limiting can be applied to a mix and how these tools can control dynamics and add harmonic color.
To sum up, mastering drum processing through techniques like clipping and limiting can dramatically enhance your music's sound quality. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a DIY enthusiast, gaining knowledge in these areas can provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to get those drums hitting right!
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#181: Hans-Martin Buff (Prince, Peter Gabriel, Scorpions)
02 Aug 2023
02:13:41
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
This week we have the pleasure of chatting with the esteemed audio engineer and producer, Hans-Martin Buff. Join Benedikt & Wayne as they delve into Hans-Martin's illustrious career, from his time working with music legends like Prince and Chaka Khan to his current pioneering work in 3D audio creation.
Hans-Martin talks us through his journey, recounting his experiences in iconic studios like Pachyderm, Paisley Park and Real World Studios.
In this conversation, Hans-Martin shares his unique perspective on technology's transformative impact on music production. As a seasoned audio engineer and educator, continuously pushing the envelope, he shares some of his engaging anecdotes from his work in world-famous studios to his exploration of the shift from stereo to 3D production.
The future of audio technology comes into focus as Hans-Martin explores the exciting potential of 3D music production for artists. He provides invaluable advice for DIY artists, emphasizing the accessibility of 3D music creation. It’s more accessible than you think.
Hans-Martin tells us how he is presently working with 3D audio more than stereo and how his collaboration with Peter Gabriel came about.
“He (Peter Gabriel) stood me up for Brian Eno, and I said, you know what? I'd stand myself up for Brian Eno.”
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#180: Jill Zimmermann (Alice Cooper, July Talk, Three Days Grace, Alexisonfire)
26 Jul 2023
02:04:14
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
We’re thrilled to introduce you to the brilliant audio engineer, Jill Zimmermann. In this episode, Jill shares her journey in the world of audio engineering and offers invaluable insights into what it takes to be a successful audio engineer.
Jill's accomplishments are awe-inspiring, having engineered on 2 Gold Singles and a Gold Record, as well as working on Juno award-winning albums by AlexIsOnFire and July Talk. Other bands Jill has worked with are Three Days Grace, Alice Cooper, City and Colour, and so many more.
Jill tells us how her unrelenting work ethic and passion for sound and music have led to her not only making a career as an audio engineer but flourishing in the music industry.
Jill has a unique approach to pitch and explains how her skill as a violinist informs her approach to tuning vocals. As well as giving some solid gold advice on the best starting points for creating vocal harmonies.
Jill Zimmermann is going to be a speaker at this year's Studioszene Event - Hamburg 2023(Book tickets here), showing how she produced vocals for the hard rock band "Rise in Vein". Her masterclass will cover the remote-recording process on that record, insights on vocal editing, how to create great vocal arrangements and how to coach and guide singers in a studio session.
This episode also explores her experiences as an audio engineer adapting to the industry during Covid, particularly in remote recording. Jill discusses the importance of a good, consistent set-up, and talks about building a vocal booth in somebody’s home out of necessity.
So, let’s dive into this episode packed with life lessons, personal experiences, and professional advice from one of the industry's most talented and committed audio engineers.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#179: The Art of Snare Compression: Boost Impact and Clarity In Your Mix
19 Jul 2023
01:19:48
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
In this episode, Benedikt Hain & Malcom Owen-Flood are diving deep into the world of snare compression and exploring how you can use this powerful tool to bring out the best in your snare drum recordings.
The snare is the heartbeat of your music, and getting it to cut through the mix with clarity and impact is essential. That's where compression comes in.
Join Benedikt & Malcom as they unlock valuable insights and techniques they use to harness the power of snare compression and elevate your drum sound to new heights.
Here's what’s covered in this episode:
Understanding the role of compression in shaping your snare sound.
Discover why compression is a game-changer for achieving a professional snare drum sound.
How compression controls dynamics and balances the snare's attack and sustain.
Essential compression parameters for the snare.
Exploring the ideal attack and release settings for different snare drum styles.
Setting the right threshold and ratio to maintain the snare's natural dynamics.
Parallel compression and advanced snare compression techniques.
Unveiling the magic of parallel compression and how it adds depth and punch to your snare.
Techniques for blending dry and compressed signals to get that perfect snare mix.
Using sidechain compression to create space for the snare in a dense mix.
Exploring multi-band compression to address specific frequency areas on the snare.
Malcom and Benedikt also discuss their go-to compressor types and plugins for the job:
Reviewing popular compressor models and plugins ideal for snare processing.
Tips for choosing the right compressor for your snare sound.
Providing insights on how to tailor compression techniques to suit various musical genres.
You’ll also find useful tips on how to avoid the pitfalls and overcome common compression mistakes that can hinder your sound when using snare compression.
By the end of this episode, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to apply snare compression effectively in your recordings. Whether you're an experienced producer or a self-recording musician, these techniques will help you take your snare sound to a whole new level.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#178: Nailing Your Snare Sound Using EQ - Deep Dive
12 Jul 2023
01:12:17
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Ever feel like your snare tone is just a little bit off? Like, it's close, but no cigar? That's where we step in.
We all know that the snare drum is a crucial element in any recording, and getting it to sit just right can make or break your mix. So join us as we uncover some valuable insights and techniques to help you achieve that perfect snare sound.
In this episode, Malcom & Benedikt dive deep into the world of using EQ on your snare drum (s) and explore how you can use EQ to make your snare drum fit perfectly and sound amazing in your mix.
Making the snare work in the context of the mix is 90% of the battle.
Benedikt & Malcom go over these crucial points to make sure you get that killer snare sound:
Understanding why EQ is crucial for achieving a balanced mix.
Exploring how EQ can enhance the tone and character of your snare drum.
Key considerations when EQing a snare drum.
Techniques for addressing frequency imbalances and resonance problems.
Using samples to augment your snare sound.
Tips for sculpting the snare drum sound to fit seamlessly into your mix.
Choosing the right EQ plugins for the job.
How the wrong snare sound can impact on other instruments in the mix.
Phase issues.
This isn't a case of just throwing techniques at you. This is helping you understand the why and the how, so you can apply these insights to your own mixes.
So whether you're a seasoned producer or a self-recording musician looking to improve your snare drum recordings, this episode has something valuable to offer. Tune in and discover how you can take your snare drum sounds to the next level through the power of EQ.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#177: Wayne Coulson On Producing Unique Alt Rock & Indie Pop Records (Case Study)
05 Jul 2023
00:45:22
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
I sat down with Wayne Coulson, a producer, engineer and musician from England.
Wayne primarily works with Indie Rock and Indie Pop artists and frequently releases his own music. He also joined the team here at theselfrecordingband.com in 2022, where he is editing and mixing our podcast, as well as creating content for our social media accounts and our coaching program.
Ever since we first met in 2021, Wayne has significantly improved his audio skills and deepened his understanding of the entire process of creating records.
His growth has made him an indispensable asset to our work here.
So it’s about time to introduce him to you and tell his story.
He does everything himself: Writing, arranging, producing, engineering, performing (every instrument & vocal), editing, mixing, mastering.
Wayne is an amazingly talented musician. He plays guitar and releases indie/alt rock, as well as lofi/indie pop songs under his artist name "Glam Hock". So he knows both sides of the studio window very well and speaks the same language as the musicians he's working with.
When he joined the Self-Recording Syndicate it was clear that he was very talented and passionate. But he also had some blind spots and was lacking good systems and processes to get truly amazing results consistently and with confidence.
He also wanted to start his studio business, get into creating content and find more artists to work with. After all, he wanted to make sure that he can keep doing this for a long time. Because he loves it.
Wayne is a rather quiet, relaxed and very kind person, which makes working with him incredibly easy and enjoyable. But the passion he has for music and audio comes through in everything he says and does.
And because Wayne is an action taker with a clear vision and dream, he immediately joined our coaching program after we had a conversation about it.
He wanted a new perspective, real pro tips from someone actively working in this industry, insights into how to run a studio, guidance and feedback, as well as a community of dedicated people to learn from.
He offers a perfect package to bands and artists that are looking for a unique, dirty and vibey aesthetic and don't want to sound like everyone else.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#176: How To Record A Live Show - Pro Tips for Capturing the Heart and Soul of Your Band's Performance
28 Jun 2023
00:39:28
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Recording your live shows is a great idea for many reasons.
It shows you the honest and brutal truth and the recordings can be used as great content in between your actual releases.
But unfortunately, most bands do it in a less-than-ideal way.
So let us help you out and show you a few proven approaches to capturing your live performances, so you can get exactly the results you want.
When I was still doing live sound, artists would come to me all the time and ask:
"Hey, can we just get the main outs from the board? We have this recorder/thumb drive/etc. and we'd love to capture our show tonight!"
Not a good idea. At least in most cases. And on this episode we'll explain exactly why that is.
And we'll show you better ways to record your shows.
There are a few different approaches that could work for you, depending on what you want and why you're recording your live show:
GoPro / phone / cam
Main outs from FOH mixer
Separate mix from FOH mixer
Multitracks from FOH mixer
A pair of mics / field recorder
Splitter box/rack + laptop / recorder to grab XLRs direct on stage (great for personalized and self managed IEM mixes too!)
We'll discuss all of those and more on the show and walk you through how to set it all up. After listening you'll know the pros and cons of each method and can pick the one that works for you.
And finally, we're giving you a few extra pro tips to get the most out of these recordings and make them sound as exciting as your actual live shows:
Adding audience mics
Adding "recording only" mics
Why and how to keep the stage volume quiet
Using multiple camera angles and what to watch out for in terms of video/audio sync
Great recordings don’t start with plugins. They start before you ever hit record.
In Step 4 of the Production Process, Benedikt Hain and Manel Espinosa break down setup and sound check: the often-skipped "day one at the studio".
This step separates frustrating home recordings (with lots of things to fix later) from mixes that fall together effortlessly.
This episode walks you through how professionals capture great tones at the source, why mic placement matters more than mic choice, how room acoustics influence your sound far more than you think, and how small setup decisions can save you hours (or days) of mixing later.
If you’ve ever felt like your recordings are technically fine but never quite sound right — this episode explains why.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why pros don't just “fix it in the mix” — and why you shouldn’t either
How to find the best recording spot in any room (even untreated ones)
Simple acoustic tricks that dramatically improve vocal and instrument recordings
Why instrument setup (strings, heads, tuning) matters more than expensive gear
How mic placement can change your sound more than swapping microphones
Real audio examples showing how small mic movements create massive tonal changes
How proper monitoring improves vocal performances instantly
Why vibe, lighting, and comfort directly affect the quality of your takes
How basic checklists prevent session-killing mistakes
Who this episode is for:
Self-recording musicians and bands
DIY producers working from home studios or jam spaces
Artists frustrated by muddy, harsh, boring, or lifeless recordings
Anyone who wants mixes that come together faster — with less guesswork
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For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/301
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#175: Expand Your Interface And Get More Inputs/Outputs - ADAT & SPDIF Explained
21 Jun 2023
00:43:18
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
Do you need more inputs or outputs but don't want to buy a new interface?
Let us help you expand your current setup and save money! :)
You might have heard about ADAT or SPDIF and maybe you've seen those ins and outs on your interface - here's why they exist and how to use them
Many of us have started with a small interface that only has a few inputs and outputs. But what do we do if want to track live drums or give everyone in the band their own headphone mix?
Time to get a bigger interface? Not necessarily. There might be a better and more affordable alternative.
On this episode we show you how to add more ins and outs to your existing setup
This is what we cover on the show:
What ADAT and SPDIF are and how they work
How to know if your interface can be expanded and what it can actually handle
Which gear to get to expand your current interface
The benefits outside of just adding more channels (different preamps, additional sonic flavours, more advanced features, etc.)
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
174: How To Create Backing Tracks For Your Live Shows (And Why Stems Are Not Tracks)
14 Jun 2023
00:49:00
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com
#173: Do You Really Know What These Audio Terms Mean?
07 Jun 2023
01:12:46
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 first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan 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 and feedback.
I've built a page that offers simple explanations for the most common terms in audio, as well as all the common features and functions found on recording studio equipment. It is completely free, super awesome, and today we're gonna introduce it to you on the podcast.
Making and recording music is about the art. About creativity. When you write or record, you want to be in the zone. You want to be in flow state.
And nothing is more distracting and annoying than having to google seemingly complicated terms, features or functions that you come across while you’re creating.
So here's the resource to find your answers quickly and end the confusion.
The good news is: Most of that stuff is not complicated at all and you don’t have to understand all the technical ins and outs of every piece of gear, in order to make or record a great song.
And once you find out what the important terms mean, you don’t have to be afraid of making a mistake, anymore. You can finally focus on the art and what comes out of the speakers. Because ultimately, that’s all that matters.
To know the right terms and their meaning also helps in situations where you collaborate and communicate with others. Because sometimes people say one thing and actually mean something completely different. We don't want that happening to you.
So, to save you from that frustrating waste of time and energy, I’ve put together categorized lists with short, simple explanations of all those things. Boiled down to what really matters and already filtering out the stuff you don’t necessarily need to know to get started.
On this episode we'll explain some of the most confusing, important and common audio terms. And then you can look up the rest on this page when you need to.