Music Production Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Tom Cosm is an electronic musician, Ableton Certified Trainer, and the technical co-founder of Telepathic Instruments. Widely known for his early Ableton Live tutorials and inventive use of hacked gear, Tom has built a reputation as a true audio mad scientist—transforming data, brainwaves, and even bugs into expressive sound.

In this conversation, Tom shares his journey from early YouTube educator to the co-creator of Orchid, a new instrument, dreamt up by Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, built to spark musical ideas with immediacy and joy. We explore the evolution of his creative philosophy, how tools can invite spontaneity, and what he's learned about music (and life) by building instruments from scratch. 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• From YouTube to Orchid - Tom's journey started with early Ableton tutorials on YouTube and led to co-creating Orchid—a creative "ideas machine" that helps musicians quickly generate complex chord progressions.
• Music in Everything - Whether converting brainwaves, weather data, or the movement of a spider into sound, Tom finds musicality in everyday patterns and natural systems.
• Designing for Play - Tom emphasizes having fun while making music. Orchid was intentionally built without a screen to encourage tactile exploration and playful interactions.
• Community-Driven Development - Community has been a constant factor in Tom's work and continues through community-feedback on Orchid.
• Making Time for Music Again - After years focused on building hardware, Tom is excited to return to making music—starting with 80 unfinished tracks and a fresh wave of curiosity.

Links:

• Telepathic Instruments - https://telepathicinstruments.com
• Telepathic Instruments on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/telepathic.instruments/
• Telepathic Instruments on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@telepathic.instruments
• Tom Cosm Website - https://www.cosm.co.nz
• Tom's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/cosmcosm
• Tom's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tomcosm/
• Tame Impala - https://www.tameimpala.com
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Tom Carpenter is a musician, producer, and plug-in developer. He is currently on tour with his 3-piece indie electronic band, Moon Tower. Tom is a co-founder of Soap Audio, who recently released Soap Voice Cleaner, a plug-in designed to easily clean up spoke word audio. I spoke with Tom about his tour, Moon Tower, and Soap Voice Cleaner. Tom shared his thoughts on creativity and collaboration in both a band setting and as a programmer. We also explored how Tom has found multiple avenues to build a career in the music industry.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their new plug-in Tekno!
Save 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io/tekno 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Soap Voice Cleaner - https://www.musehub.com/plugin/soap-voice-cleaner
• Moon Tower - https://thisismoontower.com
• Muse Hub - https://www.musehub.com
• Audacity - https://www.musehub.com/app/audacity
• Abberant DSP - https://aberrantdsp.com
• Beat Link Trigger - https://github.com/Deep-Symmetry/beat-link-trigger
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

*Edit - in the show I mistakenly mentioned Sony's involvement in Audacity. I was confusing Audacity with Acid, which was at one time owned by Sony. 

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Today I welcome back TJ Dumser, who makes ambient meditative soundscapes under the name Six Missing. TJ is in the process of releasing his new album Without Mind in 3 sections. We spoke shortly after the first section Identify was released.

TJ and I picked up where we left off, discussing his work and the vision he has for this album. Things pretty quickly got philosophical and introspective. We shared techniques for dealing with self-doubt and the inner critic. We also explored where we stand as artists in the face of Artificial Intelligence and constantly expanding technology.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

1. Trilogy Structure for Deeper Listening – TJ's Without Mind album is being released in three parts to encourage intentional listening and build a larger sonic narrative.

2. Music Beyond the Background – Unlike passive ambient music, Without Mind is designed to hold your attention and reshape your experience in the moment.

3. Revisiting Old Work with Fresh Ears – After sitting unreleased for years, the project regained personal relevance when revisited in a new headspace and physical space.

4. Letting Go of Listener Expectations – TJ challenges the idea that ambient music has to be "nice and polite," embracing sudden changes, rhythm, and experimentation.

5. Meditation as Creative Foundation – The concept of Without Mind stems from mindfulness: the ability to step back from thoughts and ego to access true presence.

6. Fighting the Algorithm with Art – Releasing in parts is not only practical for listeners, but also a way to subvert algorithm-driven consumption and reclaim artistic delivery.

7. Creative Identity Isn't Fixed – Making something outside your norm is a valid and necessary part of your evolution as an artist.

8. Protect Your Flow State – Comparing distractions to carrying a hammer around all day, TJ emphasizes the need to carve out nonjudgmental, focused space to create.

9. From Critic to Collaborator – Brian and TJ reflect on treating the inner critic not as a judge, but as a collaborator—someone to notice, not obey.

10. Art as a Portal to Awareness – Both hosts agree: making music is not just about the product—it's about attention, presence, joy, and being human.

Links:

• Six Missing - https://www.sixmissing.com
• Six Missing Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sixmissing
• Without Mind by Six Missing - https://www.sixmissing.com/sounds/without-mind
• TJ's First Appearance on this Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/tj-dumser
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

John Matthias and Jay Auborn are a British duo that takes their experiments with sound to new levels, catapulting their work into unexplored territories of human-robotic collaboration. John is a violinist and composer, Jay is a musician, producer, and sound artist. Their new album Ghost Notes utilizes their unique combination of skills to create mini electronic symphonies.

John and Jay spoke about their forthcoming album, Ghost Notes, and their work on the video game soundtrack for The Kraken Wakes. The pair discussed their inventive recording techniques and their work together. They detailed how they lean on each other's strengths to form a healthy and fruitful collaboration.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

• John and Jay's Bandcamp - https://matthias-auborn.bandcamp.com/
• The Kraken Wakes - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2100380/The_Kraken_Wakes/
• Creating the Music for The Kraken Wakes - https://www.thekrakenwakes.com/blog/kraken-music
• "Dive into This" Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtRg0fZc8wI
• "Vodka & Coke" Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lH1iNeNtV4
• Photo Credits Alice Hendy - https://www.instagram.com/alicehendyphotography/?hl=en
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Kevin Breuner is the SVP of Artist Engagement & Education at CD Baby. He and his team produce educational content to help independent artists move their careers forward in a rapidly changing industry. Kevin plays guitar in Smalltown Poets, who recently released their 10th album NWxSE.

Kevin and I spoke about the changes happening in the music industry. Whether it's AI, social media, or changing trends, Kevin looks for ways to help independent artists navigate their careers.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

• Kevin Breuner Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kbreuner/
• DIY Musician - https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/
• DIY Musician Podcast - https://podcast.cdbaby.com/
• Smalltown Poets - https://smalltownpoets.tv/home
• CDBaby - https://cdbaby.com/
• JVKE and Tik Tok - https://youtu.be/S1m-KgEpoow
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Evan Price is the CEO of Artist collective where he coaches musicians helping them generate revenue to have the financial freedom they need to pursue the lives they've always wanted. Evan is a lifelong musician who hopes to help artists with the business side of the music business.

Evan and I spoke about how artists can build their careers. We discussed some of the new technological developments that artists face and how they can brace themselves to succeed in everchanging music climate.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

• Artist Collective - https://www.artistcollect.com/
• Artist Collective on Instagram - Http://Instagram.com/artistcollect
• Evan's Instagram - Http://Instagram.com/ac_evan
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Ebonie Smith is an award-winning music producer, audio engineer, and singer-songwriter. She is a 10-year in-house engineer at Atlantic Records, and the founder and President of Gender Amplified Inc., a camp experience that supports women and gender non-binary in music production and audio engineering. Smith has received numerous awards and worked with artists like Charlie Puth, Ms. Lauryn Hill, The Roots, Kodak Black, Zoe Kravitz, and many more. 

Ebonie spoke about her work and experience. She shared how she meticulously recreates hit songs in order to understand what makes them work. Ebonie explained how the most successful artists see every aspect, from songwriting to album release, as a chance for artistic expression.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

• Ebonie's Website - http://eboniesmith.com/
• Gender Amplified - https://genderamplified.org/
• Ebonie's Credits - https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ebonie-smith-mn0002719799/credits
• Ebonie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eboniesmithmusic/
• Ebonie's Ableton Loop Feature - https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/start-here-start-here-how-one-sample-spawned-800-tracks-12-hours/
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Alex Walker is a musician, producer, and YouTuber, who creates under the name Human Synthetics. Alex has created numerous videos for Isotonik Studios and is known for his live streams. During the streams, Alex shares all parts of the creative process, including the less glamorous struggles, in order to share an accurate depiction of the process.

Alex and I had a great talk about his work and the creative process in general. Alex spoke about how live streaming has focused his work and helped him build a daily discipline.  

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

• Human Synthetics - https://linktr.ee/humansynthetics
• Human Synthetics Bandcamp - https://humansynthetics.bandcamp.com/
• Human Synthetics YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HumanSynthetics
• Alex's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/humansynthetics?fan_landing=true
• Alex on Instagram - https://instagram.com/human.synthetics
• Listening Sessions - https://listeningsessions.co.uk/
• Ned Rush - https://www.youtube.com/nedrush
• Ned Rush on the Music Production Podcast #173 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ned-rush
• Rick Beato - https://rickbeato.com/
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Tommy Zee runs Tommy Zee and Co., a music production company that makes music for some of the world's largest brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Google, Sony, and more. He created the site Making Music for Brands that teaches producers how to get in the business of producing music for companies.

This is the third time Tommy and I have done a podcast. You don't do three podcasts unless you enjoy it and find lots of value in it. I look forward to our fourth. 

Tommy shared a ton of wisdom from his experience. He spoke about his recent daily email writings, which we the catalyst for this conversation. Tommy has a way of finding what is important in his work and life that is truly inspiring.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

• Making Music For Brands- Tommy teaches how to get into the business of making music for brands.
• Masterclass - Tommy's incredibly deep and thorough course on how to make music for brands.
• Tommy Zee and Co.- Tommy's music production company for brands.
• YouTube - Tommy's YouTube is loaded with tutorials, interviews with industry professionals, and wisdom he's picked up along the way.
• Tommy on the 188th Episode - A great second conversation with Tommy
• Tommy on the 122nd Episode - Tommy's first appearance on this podcast remains one of my listeners' favorites.
• Live Webinar for Music Production Club - Tommy broke down one of his commercial projects for members of my Music Production Club.
• Rick Beato - https://rickbeato.com/
• Badass Users - https://www.amazon.com/Badass-Making-Awesome-Kathy-Sierra/dp/1491919019
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that we are not qualified or good enough to do something and that someone will expose us as a fraud.

In this episode, I speak about Imposter Syndrome, what we can do about it, and an embarrassing mistake I made that is proof that I am complete fraud in everything I do!

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk