This week on the Finish More Music podcast, I’m joined by Kedrick Jeffries—CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas and a lifelong musician and community leader.

Kedrick has spent over two decades pouring into the lives of young people, helping them reach their potential through the power of music and mentorship. 

In this episode, we explore the profound impact that a single individual can have on a young person’s life—and how the act of showing up for others will radically transform our own.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ How mentorship transforms both mentor and mentee
✅ How music opens doors and uplifts entire communities
✅ Why mentorship builds empathy, resilience, and purpose
✅ Why contribution through creativity is a calling—and how to follow yours

Kedrick also shares how music has shaped his journey, from his personal practice to directing large ensembles in service of community uplift.

Through his work in education, leadership and music, Kedrick exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and give back through art.

In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Mark Turk, founder of the Austin-based nonprofit Beat 4 Beat. 

Mark’s organization brings music education to underserved youths by hiring local musicians to teach in after-school programs—using creativity, performance, and songwriting as tools to transform young lives.

In this show, we explore:


✅ How teaching is a superpower for creatives 

✅ How music builds trust, confidence and community 

✅ How music and generosity are a life-line to underserved youth


✅ How YOU can get started impacting the world with your music

✅ How teaching fuels personal and professional growth for artists

We also dive into the surprising challenges of running a nonprofit—that quite frankly blew my mind! I thought everyone would be wholly supportive of organisations and people that empower young people… as you’ll hear, that isn’t so!

Mark’s story is one of incredible resilience, challenges, kindness and impact that left me inspired and driven to contribute more with my creativity. 

Let me know how this episode impacts you!

To celebrate the release of my brand new ebook 50 Tips for Killer Techno Tracks, I’m sharing with you some of the very BEST advice my guests on this show have given for aspiring producers.

Featuring tips from techno legends Dubfire and Alan Oldham, and rising stars Mha Iri, Habischman, and Roberto, this episode is packed full of knowledge bombs to help accelerate your progress as a producer.

If you’re a techno producer aiming to release their tracks on their favourite underground labels, then this episode is for you!

And make sure to download the new ebook which covers everything you need to know from drums, groove, basslines, lead sounds, FX, workflow and mindset, plus it features exclusive tips from those featured in today’s podcast.

Plus it features exclusive tips from producers like Dubfire, Habischman, Mha Iri and many more!

Download your free copy now at: techno.finishmoremusic.com

For most producers, the quest to create original music is near impossible…

Even trying to have your own sound is a whole other battle which many fight, and lose, every single day.

But what if I told you there was a special method, in fact a whole new way of thinking, that could set off an avalanche of unique ideas?

Well in this week’s podcast I’m going to be doing exactly that, by sharing an insane technique that’s guaranteed to get you producing imaginative and original ideas for your music...

Ideas that can’t possibly be the same as anybody else’s, unless they copy you that is.

I’m not going to give too much away here before you listen, but let me ask you this:

Do you want to be an innovator, or a plagiariser?

If it’s the latter, you better not listen to this.

But if it’s the former, get ready to learn how you can tap into yourself and create music that’s truly yours.

Listen to the Finish More Music podcast now!

As electronic music producers, the very art that we pursue brings with it a never ending abundance of options...

Just think of all the steps it takes to write a piece of music... from conceiving the idea to composing it, producing it, engineering the track, and then finally shipping it out into the world.

Then add all the plugins, hardware, samples, presets, and learning the hundreds of different ways to achieve a specific result

It’s fair to say that it’s a lot. And it leads to a phenomenon called overchoice.

You know that feeling of having so many options presented to you that you end up picking none at all, or regret what you chose later on…

And there’s some serious ramifications to bringing it into your creative process.

So serious in fact that there’s every chance it will stop you from ever reaching your goals and aspirations in music.

So in this week’s episode I’m uncovering exactly what this phenomenon is, why we actively sabotage ourselves with it, and how to eradicate it so that you can finish more and better music, and love the process of doing it.

There’s a lot to unpack in this one so get locked in and join me for another episode of the Finish More Music podcast!

As artists our mission is to try to take the music we love, and the culture we find ourselves in, further than it was before.

But it’s very rare that an artist comes along and influences an entire genre, and even rarer to do that over multiple creative disciplines...

Well this week I’m joined by someone who has done exactly that, Alan Oldham AKA DJ T-1000!

As one of the first DJs to premiere tracks by the likes of Jeff Mills, Juan Atkins, Robert Hood, Richie Hawtin and many more as the host of Detroit’s Fast Forward radio programme, Alan Oldham is considered to be “Detroit Techno’s Renaissance Man”.

A key figure in the techno history books, Alan joined the seminal Underground Resistance before releasing his own music on labels such as Tresor, BPitch, and his own imprints Generator and Pure Sonik.

Not only is he a prolific producer an veteran techno DJ, Alan is also a lifelong graphic illustrator famed for his artwork for some electronic music’s most iconic labels - his drawings and large-scale paintings have also been on display in art galleries in Chicago, Berlin, Paris, Los Angeles and Amsterdam.

Now decades on from his initial entrance into the sonic and visual worlds of electronic music, Alan remains at the top of his game and is now enjoying a new wave of popularity in Berlin where he now lives.

In this episode we dive into the comparisons between writing music and creating artwork, how to defeat creative anxiety and beat procrastination, plus his view on what it takes to stay relevant in electronic music even after 30 years in the game.

As someone who is as highly experienced in the field of creativity as Alan is, there is SO much for you to dissect in this episode - so get ready, and get locked in!

If there’s one giant misconception about music production, it’s that you’ll reach a point in your journey where it suddenly gets easy...

Some point where there’s no more anxiety, no more lack of inspiration, no more creative blocks.

But in reality, you couldn’t get any further from the truth.

That’s why this week on the podcast I’m pumped to be joined by one of electronic music’s finest talents, Rodriguez Jr., to lift the lid on what it takes to spend 20+ years at the top of his game in the music industry, and overcome the creative challenges all producers face.

As one half of French electro act The Youngsters (best known for their work on Laurent Garnier’s F-Communications) Olivier Mateu’s award-winning productions catapulted him into the international arena, taking him to some of the biggest clubs and festivals around the world.

Now operating under the Rodriguez Jr. moniker, Olivier is a prolific solo artist who’s released 3 critically acclaimed albums on Mobilee Records, and is safely one of electronic music’s most unique and in-demand live performers.

He joins me this week to uncover how he gets into the right mental state to create his best work, how he turns his ideas into finished pieces of music, where his inspiration comes from, and his tips for overcoming the creative blocks holding you back.

With an infectious passion for what he does and a WEALTH of knowledge to share, there’s so much for you to take away from in this episode.

Get the notepad out and get locked in, this one is special.

Listen to this week’s episode of the Finish More Music podcast now!

We’ve all heard the phrase “two heads are better than one”.

This rings especially true when it comes to your music, as collaborating with another producer can create extraordinary results…

From stepping out of your comfort zone to enhancing your workflow to learning new skills and building bonds with like-minded people, collaboration is a source of almost endless reward.

But as anyone who has worked with other people before, it’s not always plain sailing…

Miscommunication, frustration and creative differences can cause conflict between collaborators, turning those two heads....into bumping heads.

And when a collaboration does turn sour it leads to wasted time, ill feelings, and at worst, a very real dent in your confidence.

So in this week's episode, I’m diving into how to make your collaborations a SUCCESS, offering my essential tips that will help you to reap all the rewards of collaboration, without any of the downsides.

If you want to collaborate with confidence and see huge leaps forward in your production journey as a result, then this one’s for you.

Find out how in this week’s episode of the Finish More Music Podcast!

We all want to see progress in our lives, yet I see so many people running around without ever actually moving forward.

Like having your foot down on the accelerator but the wheels are just spinning in the mud...

Being busy but not getting anything done.

I know for a FACT that if that’s happening in one area of your life, chances are that the knock-on effect is holding you back in other areas too...

Including your progress as a music producer.

So in this week’s podcast episode I’m sharing 5 of my best tips to level up your productivity in the studio, at work, or just about anywhere!

If you want to get more done in less time, and be much more fulfilled at the end of each day because of it, then stop what you’re doing...

Dive into this week’s episode now!

As a producer it’s not uncommon to enjoy writing various genres of music, and to want to get it all out in the world.

But exploring several creative avenues while establishing your name as an artist can be a confusing business…

“Can I release multiple genres of music under one name?”

“Should I release my side project under a new alias?”

“What happens if my sound changes?”

With so much uncertainty on the ‘right’ way to do things, trying to break onto the scene while satisfying your many creative urges can quickly plunge you into overwhelm...

...and the overwhelm can crush your chances of making it altogether.

The solution? A focused approach to your music that puts your creativity and energy first.

So in this week’s podcast episode I’m sharing my practical, career-focused view on how to establish your name as an artist, so that you can get back to the one thing that will further your career...finishing music.

If you’ve been wrestling with how you’re putting your name out there, or if you’re flirting with a change in direction, then this one’s for you.

Tune into the Finish More Music Podcast now!

Most of us have got an idea of where we want to go in life, and what we’d like to achieve with our music....

You might call it your Plan A.

Your True North that guides you towards your goals, or the path that you hope will lead you towards your version of success.

But what about Plan B? 

“Keith, isn’t it sensible to have a back up plan just in case things go wrong?” .

Well in this episode I’m debunking your Plan B, discussing exactly why having a backup plan is the safest way to not achieving your goals.

And I’ll be showing you how by doubling down on your Plan A, you’ve got so much to gain.

It all comes down to hedging your bets, to sitting on the fence, to not being fully committed to what you really want...

If your goals in music are truly important to you, then you must show unwavering belief in it.

Because if you do, you’ll reap the rewards for it.

Find out how in this week’s episode of the Finish More Music Podcast!

If you’re like most producers, navigating the music industry can seem like a pretty daunting prospect.

With little information out there on the ‘right’ way to approach labels, or how to actually get your music in the hands of the right people, making an impact in an industry often working behind closed doors is a real cause of confusion and overwhelm for many.

So this week I had the pleasure of interviewing Enamour, a rising star of the progessive house scene, who describes his journey from local warmup DJ to in-demand producer releasing on labels like Anjunadeep, Future Classic, Lane 8’s This Never Happened, Rufus Du Sol’s Rose Avenue, Desert Hearts Black, mau5trap and more, all in a matter of a few years.

Not only does he share the strategies he used for building contacts in the music industry, and securing releases on the biggest labels in his genre, Enamour also dives into his creative rituals, how he generates ideas and expands them into full tracks, and gives us a sneak peak into some of his favourite tools to use in the studio.

So if you're looking to write your best music and break through onto bigger and better labels, you are going to LOVE this episode.

Listen to this week’s episode of the Finish More Music podcast now!

WE… ARE … BACK!

Hello, It’s been a while! 18 months to be precise.

After 4 years of never missing a beat and recording an episode of the podcast every single week…We suddenly disappeared.

Why?

It’s a big question and it deserves a big answer.

In this podcast, I will share with you the reason why I and the podcast disappeared.

Fair warning: it may be unsettling for you. It is a dark story.

But I believe it is important to share it because there are powerful lessons that I hope will aid and empower you on your creative journey.

If you are prepared to come along for the ride, listen to the brand new episode of the Finish More Music podcast.

As an artist, there’s no better feeling than being inspired to write music that lights you up.

But as you may know all too well, inspiration rarely lasts forever.

And when it does suddenly disappear from us, we’re left in a place that NOBODY wants to be in…

The creative rut.

As painful as it is easy to fall into, getting stuck in a rut with no idea of how to get out is a challenge that all producers face at various points throughout their journey...

Unless you’ve got a strategy to defeat it.

So in this week’s podcast episode I'm sharing 5 of my favorite strategies that you can quickly  implement to kickstart your creativity again whenever you’ve lost your muse, so you can get back to writing the music you love.

Apply them, and never fear the rut again. Ignore them, and get stuck in for the long haul.

Find how in this week’s episode of the Finish More Music podcast now!

No matter what stage you’re at in your music production journey, there’s a classic trap that you can easily fall into...and that’s forcing it.

I’m sure you’d love to master every step of the production process yourself, or have a super recognizable and unique ‘sound’, or always get quick results in the studio...

But in reality, pushing for these sorts of things only leads to getting pushed BACK.

And the harder you push, the bigger the frustration that comes with it.

And the bigger the frustration, the slower your progress.

And the slower your progress...well, you get the idea.

So in this week’s podcast episode I’m taking you through four of the key ‘foreceable’ areas of the production process to watch out for, so that you can focus on what really matters…

Writing great music.

Find out what they are by listening to this week’s episode of the Finish More Music podcast now!

Have you ever set out for the day only to end up bored, tired, lazy, or stuck scrolling through social media longer than you care to admit?

Well there’s a secret source behind productive, focused and successful days that absolutely anyone can tap into, but so many choose to skip out on...

The morning!

If there’s one thing that has had the most profound impact on my life, my joy and my productivity, it’s 100% what I do in the morning before I start the day.

So in this week’s podcast episode, I wanted to share some of the things that I do as soon as I wake up that get me ready and prepared for the day ahead.

And you know what? For the first time EVER I’m going to say this…

You don’t even have to follow them all!

These are just a few things that have had a genuine positive impact on my life that I think might just work for you too, if you give them a try.

And the beautiful thing is they’re SO easy to start doing and they take almost no time at all to complete, but will power you forward towards your version of success.

So dive into this week’s episode with me to see how you can kick-start your mornings for a happier, more fulfilling, and more meaningful day.

What if I told you there was a secret to making massive gains in the studio, with almost minimum effort?

You’d probably tell me I’m talking out of my 🍑...

But there absolutely is, and today I’m sharing it with you!

In this week’s podcast episode I’m diving deep into the Compound Effect, a concept that is so powerful it will help you see literal exponential growth in your creativity and music...

And with just a few simple steps everyday, you’ll see huge leaps in the quality of the tracks you write, your knowledge, your output, and most importantly, your enjoyment.

Curious to see how it works?

Listen to the Finish More Music Podcast now!

For producers, writing music and being creative can be an amazing path to self-discovery...

It helps to shine a light on who you are, what your vision looks like, what your tastes are, and what your sound is.

But it also shines a light on your fears, the things that hold you back...

“What will people say about my music?” 

“Is it good enough?”

“Am I talented enough?”

“What will the label say, will I get rejected?”

Everytime you show up to the studio you step into the unknown, encountering various levels of fear and doubt in one way or another.

And for many people, this resistance is seen as the enemy, something that can stop you writing music all together.

But in this week’s podcast episode, I’m showing you how by actually embracing this resistance, you can discover something in you that’s SO powerful... you’ll maximise your results in the studio AND countless other areas of your life.

You’ve got to see it to believe it…

Listen to episode 101 of the Finish More Music podcast now!

It’s the 100th episode of the Finish More Music Podcast (🎉🎉🎉) and to be truthful, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what kind of episode would be fitting for such a milestone...

I’ve been thinking back to all the amazing episodes there’s been in the past, including those with some of the biggest names in electronic music, those that tell stories of amazing breakthroughs, and those that are simply just me and a microphone.

And it made me think back to the whole reason why I started this podcast...

To be able to share everything I’ve learned from my experience coaching thousands of music producers overcome their creative blocks, and release music on the labels they love, so more people can do it too.

And that’s why this week I’m keeping things simple, rounding up some of the most valuable advice I can possibly give.

Because there's a wealth of information online that can be incredible resources for developing and growing as a music producer, but for so many people that very same information is just a black hole of wasted time...

Bottomless Youtube rabbit-holes, countless gear manuals and production books...

Whilst these resources *can* be brilliant for your learning, they are often simply the ILLUSION of being productive, and rarely inspire you to actually do the thing you need to improve.

So in this week’s podcast, I’m sharing 5 of my best strategies to turbocharge your learning, so that the valuable time you put into improving your music actually translates into genuine growth.

Curious to learn what they are? 

Listen to the 100th episode of the Finish More Music Podcast now!

The Finish More Music Podcast is back for a super special episode this week as we sit down with Toronto house maestro Demuir!

Looking at Demuir’s recent release history on labels such as Hot Creations, Desolat, Elrow and Heist (to name a few), it’s hard to imagine that he once took a near decade-long break from writing music entirely...

But in this interview, we sit down to discuss the reasons why he left the game, and more importantly, how he bounced back to become a truly one of a kind force in modern dance music.

Not only is he now incredibly prolific, Demuir oozes a deep musical wisdom that’s an absolute gold mine for any aspiring producer, and carries a unique creative philosophy that so many people can be inspired by.

We discuss everything from maintaining your consistency and integrity as a creative, to getting your music heard and thriving as an artist no matter the circumstances...

...and SO much more.

This is hands down one of my FAVOURITE interviews ever, and there’s so much gold in here you’ll probably want to listen a few times over…

Make sure you’ve got a paper and pen handy, and get stuck in with us!

When you look at top producers in their studios, it’s easy to get envious of their seemingly unlimited time, energy and resources to commit to their craft.

And while there’s lots of reasons why some people succeed and some fall short, one thing is for sure…

We’ve all got the same 24 hours in a day - it’s what you do with them that counts.

Now you might be thinking that this only applies to people who already have the perfect setup, or don’t work full-time jobs, or don’t have distractions like family and relationships…

Well, it doesn’t.

Because I know hundreds of creatives that have to deal with life getting in the way like most people do, yet still manage to be incredibly prolific and reap the rewards for it.

So in this week’s podcast I’m revealing my 5 essential tips to optimise your time in the studio, so that when it is your time to create, you can go flat out towards your version of success.

You wouldn’t believe how much you can get done in just a short amount of time....

Tune in to this week’s episode to find out how.

Whether you’re at the start of your music production journey or you’ve had years of experience already, the endless amount of things to learn, tools to use and creative directions to take can be incredibly exciting...

New gear, new plugins, new sample packs, new trends, old trends, new tutorials, new platforms, new possibilities, the list goes on!

But while all these things can serve as great inspiration for your music, a lot of the time they only lead to one thing, overwhelm.

And when you experience overwhelm, it’s near on impossible to enter creative flow...

Because getting overwhelmed quickly causes stress, anxiety, frustration and procrastination - all the things that stop you from writing great music.

So in this week’s podcast I’m laying out 5 of my essential strategies for you to defeat overwhelm, so that you’re always on track to writing your best music.

And don’t be fooled, this can (and does) happen to music producers of all levels, so make sure to listen carefully so you don’t get caught out!

It’s the first show of 2021 and I’m kicking it off with a subject that I’m incredibly passionate about, but first I’m asking you to do one thing...

Slow down.

When it comes to your music and your creativity, it’s easy to want to progress quickly and race through to the next milestone. Who doesn't, right?

But by trying to get there in a hurry, you often end up getting there much slower than planned, or never at all.

Because the greatest impediment to creativity is your impatience.

Jumping to write new tracks without properly finishing the one you’re working on, half-learning new skills, not fully forming habits, it’s easy to become impatient and kid yourself that you’re progressing quickly...

And while the discomfort of your current progress can tempt you into hurrying things up, by doing so, you’re more than likely to make mistakes, trip over yourself, or even have to start all over again.

I'll be the first to admit that this is something I’ve had to overcome myself in the past, so in this week’s episode I’ll be sharing from my experience how to recognise impatience, and how to overcome it, so that you can stay firmly on track to smashing through this year’s goals.

Start the year how you mean to go on...tune in to this week's Finish More Music Podcast now!

Discover how to escape being stuck with the same cycling thought patterns that keep you living in the past so that you can set yourself up for success in music and every other area of your life.

The reason why people use time as an excuse.  ‘I don’t have enough time’, ‘I’ve wasted to much time and I’m running out of time’  - and how to dispel the lies that we tell ourselves in order to create an abundance of time to achieve the goals that matter most to us. 

Brad’s recipe for overcoming creative blocks. This isn’t just theory, it’s an actual tactic to get you high energy, in the zone and creating music, even when you feel like it least.

It’s the last show of 2020, which means it’s the perfect time to look back and reflect as we approach the year to come.

And with the end of the year often comes New Year’s resolutions, where we decide what to leave behind, and what we’re going to be changing in our lives for the better.

But today we're going to be talking about the seemingly small things that you’re doing all the time (not just in January) that turn out to be hugely significant for you in the long run, for better or worse...

...The kind of things that top creatives pay attention to every single day, whilst unsuccessful people let them slide, often failing to realize the long-term impact it’s having on their dreams and goals.

Essentially, consistency is king. Whether it’s doing the things that are serving you, or doing the things that are harming you, being consistent in your behaviour as an artist will determine whether you realise your vision or not.

This is a super powerful topic, and one that I’ve seen pass so many people by, so dive in with me for the final Finish More Music Podcast of the year to make sure that’s not you!

If you’ve ever tried your hand at learning something new, I’m sure you’ve heard of the “comfort zone” before, and how you should be getting out of it.

But what does that actually mean?

The comfort zone is a psychological space where your activities and behaviours fit a pattern that minimises stress and risk.

Put simply, staying in your comfort zone means playing it safe.

But as I’ll be discussing in today’s episode, for music producers, playing it safe is the biggest risk you can take.

Practicing the same old ways of doing things, avoiding potential opportunities - it might seem like the easy option now, but it can have detrimental effects to your journey as a music producer.

And whilst we’d all like to think that we’re capable of pushing ourselves, I’ve noticed SO many people taking the easy option and staying comfortable...without even realising.

So today we’ll be exploring why some people learn to live with discomfort and get the results they want, and others always take the easy option, even though in the long run, it leads to their ultimate discomfort…

The discomfort of permanently missed opportunities and regret.

It’s a big subject, and one that everybody could do with checking themselves on, so get stuck in.

As artists, our quest to discover, harness, and share our creativity is ongoing.

Our ability to learn new ideas and learn new ways of thinking is central to our development, and defines the quality of our output at every stage in our journey.

That’s why this week I’m doing something a little different, inviting a special guest to the show who is an expert in ideas - how to have more of them, how to have better ones, and how they can change our lives...

Daniel Brookes is the host of the Unlocking Creativity podcast, a show which invites creative trailblazers from the worlds of music, art, entertainment, tech, design and more to understand their creative processes, and learn how they come up with their best ideas.

With guests ranging from the likes of Derren Brown to the legend Paul Oakenfold, it’s safe to say Daniel knows a thing or two about what makes top creatives tick, and I’ve got him on the show to share his key learnings from them.

From honing in when inspiration strikes, to overcoming creative blocks and finding your unique voice as an artist, this episode is packed full of compelling ideas and brilliant advice that I know you’ll take so much from.

So get the notepad out, tune in, and get ready to unlock your creativity.

This week we’re talking about one small thing that can make a HUGE difference to whether you succeed in music or whether you fall short - showing gratitude.

While it may sound simple, it’s one of *the most powerful* things that you can do to positively impact your journey as a creative, and the results can be profound.

So in this week’s episode I’m showing you the techniques I’ve been practicing for years, which I know will make you more optimistic, more likely to set goals (and more likely to follow through with them), and be more resilient to setbacks - helping you to accelerate further and faster as a music producer.

Like it or not, social media has an enormous presence in our lives - we are more connected than we ever have been, yet we are more polarized than ever.

And for music producers it’s become an increasingly important tool to get your music heard, and it’s very rare to find success with no online presence at all.

But with that being said, what you put online has repercussions...

We all know at least one story of a high-profile DJ or celebrity that’s had their career ended because of something they’ve said online - rightly or wrongly.

So this week’s episode is all about exploring how you as a producer (and a human being) are choosing to use social media, and how this might be impacting your career now, and in the future.

This one goes deep, asking the tough questions that we could all do with asking ourselves, and ruffling a few feathers along the way I’m sure...

Get involved with the conversation, check out this week’s episode now!

As music producers we can sometimes feel like everything is going against us - creative challenges, writer’s block, no inspiration - all the things that slowly bring us down and make us want to give up.

But there’s one thing that prolific creatives always rely on to keep them going when the going gets tough... a reason why.

A strong, personal purpose that reminds us why we’re doing this in the first place.Without it, we’d simply grind to a halt and cave in when things aren’t going our way. And we can never truly get started until we find it.So this week’s episode is all about discovering your why, what it looks like and how to find it.

Because once you recognise this and stay true to your creative purpose, the possibilities for your music are endless.

If you’re down on your luck in the studio, or you’re on fire already, this one’s here to keep you going!

We’re back for a very special episode of the Finish More Music Podcast, where this week I’m delighted to be joined once again by Matthew Benjamin, (AKA Bushwacka!), and his partner Belinda Matwali.

I’ve got them on the show because I heard about their brand new concept which harnesses the joint power of therapy and meditation to help creatives overcome the challenges holding them back, and live more empowered and energetic lives.

I’ve talked to the power of therapy and meditation here on the show MANY times before, so I was super intrigued to find out what it was all about…

And if you’re wondering what any of this has got to do with finishing more music - well, it has EVERYTHING to do with it. Because the core principles that Matthew and Belinda teach and are now sharing with the world are principles that can be applied to anyone, but especially beneficial to creative types.

Today we’re going to be talking about one of the BIGGEST lies that we can tell ourselves - that filling every single hour of our day with productive work is the only way to get the most done.

We often hear tales of successful people who have got to where they are today through relentlessly working, being endlessly busy, and surviving off a minimal amount of sleep. 

But the truth is, it’s a fallacy...

In reality, failing to rest for most of us is a fast-track to burning out, getting down, reducing our productivity, and negatively impacting our well-being.

It’s scientifically proven to boost our memory, our decision-making skills, and our productivity. So why do we forget to do it? And what exactly IS rest?

Well in today’s episode I dig deep into the idea of rest, debunk the myths, and show you how by actually allowing yourself to slow down, you can become more efficient, more creative, and make better music for it.

So if you feel like you’re going at a million miles an hour to get to where you want to be, have some time out, take a breather, and tune in.

Today we’re talking about the curse of overthinking, of getting stuck in your head, dragging yourself down, and seeing no progress with your music.

If that sounds menacing, well, it is.

Because the lack of progress and constant exhaustion caused by the never ending mental gymnastics not only affects your music, but your day-to-day life and the people in it.

As artists we’re constantly trying to solve problems, to find ways to overcome creative barriers and work through them.

But when we’re faced with it, it’s often easier to spend more time thinking about the solution than actually working towards it.

So in this week’s episode I’m deep-diving into the causes of overthinking, and sharing how I recently got caught in the very same trap, but found the clarity to move forward by taking action. 

And I’m going to tell you exactly how I did it so you can too.

If you’ve ever found yourself overthinking, overwhelmed, and too stuck in your head to move past it, then this one's for you.

It’s the final instalment of our special case study series here on the Finish More Music Podcast, and I can think of no one better than today’s guest, Tom Schippers, to round off what’s been an incredible month on the show!

Like most aspiring music producers, Tom had been passionate about music his entire life, but when it came to producing he just couldn’t get the results he wanted, and was on the brink of giving up.

He’d tried everything you can imagine, bought all the gear, watched all the tutorials, but even with all of these things, he still wasn’t making any progress.

But he knew his passion for music was too large to fail. And it took just one thing, one flick of the switch to turn it all around.

Fast-forward to now and Tom is PROLIFIC. He’s finished over 30 tracks in the last year alone, is getting his music released, and has a clear vision to landing on the biggest labels in techno. 

Tom’s remarkable transformation just goes to show what you can achieve simply by showing up, being disciplined with yourself, and tapping into a proven creativity process.

And the reason why I’ve brought him on the show is because I know his journey is so relatable, and the challenges he faced are an all-too-familiar story for struggling music producers.

But if Tom can turn it around and start regularly finishing tracks he’s proud of, so can you. 

Listen to the podcast now to find out how.

Listen to Tom’s music:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/to-mmy-1

Beatport: https://www.beatport.com/artist/tom-schippers/901632

Follow and get in touch at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomschippers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomschippers77/

Key takeaways:

• Never give up, keep pushing forward.
• Each track you finish is a step closer to your achieving your goal.
• Write music every day, and when you do, do nothing else.
• Invest in yourself and believe in yourself, and you will see results.

Quotes:

“If you just keep pushing forward, build your habits, and be dedicated, you're going to get there. It's going to happen.”

“When you finish a track...treat it like the music is helping you forward. It's not meant to be that number 1 Beatport hit, but it's a moment in time that's helping you learn and progress within your journey.”

Loved this episode? Now try these:

• FMM085 – Inside the minds of FMM Producers
• FMM071 – Finding Your Own Sound
• FMM084 – Justin Hancock: Create Smarter, Not Harder

Today we are going to be talking about tearing holes in the fabric of reality and collapsing time.

Nope, it’s not sci-fi. 

This is something you have access to. And easy access to.

Changing your reality and collapsing your own personal timeline.

So that you get to achieve what you want in your life and your music in a fraction of the time you think possible…

…by taking shortcuts that you’re sure can’t possibly exist!

As Mark Twain famously said: 

“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so”.

So if you’re doubting what I say, then this podcast is especially for you.

Let’s tear open what you know for sure that just ain’t so.

This week on the Finish More Music Podcast we’re doing something a little different: 

I’ve asked the members of Finish More Music to share the ONE thing that’s been transformational for them as a music producer.

And what’s come out of it is astonishing…

A whole bunch of open, honest, and heartfelt stories told straight from the heart of the FMM community, sharing incredible breakthroughs and invaluable lessons that all aspiring music producers can benefit from.

If you’re in need of a dose of inspiration for your music, or advice on how to overcome your challenges in the studio, you NEED to hear this!

Check out all the producers featured in today’s podcast: 

Adam Loving - https://soundcloud.com/adamloving

Barry Johnstone - https://soundcloud.com/darkkandy

Cesar Morera - https://soundcloud.com/dynamostar 

Dante Scaffidi - https://soundcloud.com/djteddyrockspin

David Briggs - https://soundcloud.com/be-kind-1989 

Dylan Jonker - https://soundcloud.com/om-japa

Henry Garnett - https://soundcloud.com/henry_charles_garnett

Ian Randall - https://soundcloud.com/ian_randall?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1

John Ruddy - https://soundcloud.com/bigred 

Kevin Davies - https://soundcloud.com/futureremnants

Mark Allin - https://soundcloud.com/mark-allin 

Mark Tamsett - https://soundcloud.com/mark-tammo

Nando Ferrándiz - https://soundcloud.com/nando-ferrandiz

Ray Gill - https://soundcloud.com/arkatekt_productions

William Trilogy - https://soundcloud.com/tbm2001

We’re back for another special case study edition of the Finish More Music Podcast, where this week I’m joined by a rising star of the FMM community - Justin Hancock.

I brought Justin on the show because he exemplifies just how much you can achieve in such a short space of time, even in the face of a hectic schedule outside of the studio.

In short, the secret lies in having the discipline to focus on your creative process, and shelving the distractions and working methods that serve to do anything BUT what’s most important - finishing music.

Not only does Justin have an illuminating and honest insight into the challenges music producers face, he also carries a wonderfully infectious and positive energy that I know will make you want to get straight into the studio right after you finish listening.

So if you want to learn how you can get fast results in the studio, adjust your life to suit what lights you up the most, and have an amazing time doing it, check out the podcast now.

First things first. The fact that you’re reading this means that you’re serious about your music. 

Whether you’re a DJ that wants to start playing your own tracks, or you’re a producer that wants to see your idols dropping your music, taking your music seriously is something that so many of us share.

And it’s all in your reach - we all have the creativity inside of us to produce great music.

But the difference between those who do and those who don't is finishing what was started.



If you’re not starting with the intention of finishing, you simply won’t improve.

Sitting around constantly tweaking, making loops, or getting too deep into your arrangement that you eventually lose interest, means that you’re not getting your tracks out there and you’re losing out on all the feedback and validation that comes from it.

And that feedback and validation is what gives us purpose and helps us learn and grow as producers.

Check out this week's episode of the Finish More Music Podcast where I discuss your inner creativity, being intentional, and changing your perspective to bring MASSIVE gains in the studio!

It’s another special edition of the Finish More Music Podcast this week, where I’m shining a light on another outstanding member of the FMM community. 

Riigs, AKA Mark Allin, left behind a jet-setting corporate career to pursue his dream of becoming a music producer...

But as is the same with many new producers, Mark was crippled by the embarrassment that came with not having anything to show for his time in the studio, despite working at it for months.

Fast-forward 12 months and Mark is brimming with confidence, has a stack of releases under his belt, and is more than comfortable being surrounded by experienced music producers - in fact he THRIVES in it.

Overcoming self-doubt and leaving behind his insecurities, Mark went all in to commit to his craft…

Now he lives and breathes everything he does, and firmly identifies as the accomplished producer that he is - and has the tracks behind him to back it up.

Mark is always the nicest guy to talk to and I HAD to get him on the show to share with you his musical journey, because it’s one that I know so many struggling producers will relate to.

If you think you can’t finish enough tracks, or that you’re not skilled enough, or even not young enough to be a music producer, think again. Mark’s story will disprove ALL of that. 

Check out the podcast now to find out how he did it.

We all want to accomplish new and exciting things with our music. And we all want to be proud of what we create and share what lights us up the most.

Yet so many people keep doing the same thing over and over and over, and wonder why they aren’t getting the results they want.

Sometimes we live life expecting things to just drop out of the sky for us without changing anything. Living life in the hamster wheel doing the same thing day in, day out hoping for that one thing to click that makes us great at writing music.

Scrolling through YouTube every day hoping to find that magic tutorial, or buying that shiny new piece of gear that’ll turn it all around, it’s something that every producer is guilty of at some point, even me.

But it’s not the answer.

The same level of thinking that got you here, won’t get you there. The only way to see real change in your music and in your life is to do something different, to be different.

If what you're doing right now isn't working, it's time to do something else.

In this week’s episode I share with you the simple steps that you can take to be intentional and grab a hold of your life, and your music, with both hands...and start seeing the results you want to see.

And I know it works because I’ve taught it to thousands of music producers over the years. And it works every single time.

If you're stuck where you don’t want to be with your music, then it's time to make a change. Check out this week’s podcast to find out how.

We’re back for another special case study edition of the Finish More Music podcast, this week with Kris Brown, AKA Four Candles!

Kris is without question one of the most dedicated and committed members of the FMM community, but his journey has been far from plain sailing.

Starting off with just a keyboard and a wish to create the music he loved, Kris slowly but surely began to find his feet as a producer, releasing music under a number of different aliases and getting noticed by the right people.

This was until the growing demands of work, his personal life and a battle with mental health problems took over, and risked sabotaging all he’d been working towards.

But Kris came out the other side stronger, and more prolific, than ever before!

Now finds himself in a position where he’s got 20 tracks released in the last year alone, is head honcho of his own killer record label, and is flooded with collaborations and remixes. 

In this episode Kris dives deep into how he turned it around, as well as discussing the value of community, evaluating your worth as a producer, and how NOT to compare yourself to others.

This really is a super insightful interesting interview that I know everyone can take a ton away from.

If you’ve ever found yourself in the great balancing act that is life, work and making music - this one's for you!

Time - it’s something that’s all around us, is always with us, and something that can easily run away from us. Or at least that’s what lots of people think.

“I haven’t got the time to do this”, “I’m too old to start now”. These are the sort of self-fulfilling beliefs that continue to hold so many people back. 

Every top music producer has an arsenal of finished music to their name, and in doing so they've leveled up their skill in every area of music production. And that's why they're great producers. 

By thinking that you don’t have enough time to start, you tend to start taking shortcuts. And when you start taking shortcuts, you lose time where you could be making real improvements.

And in reality, if you’re flitting around looking for the master fix, or spending too long trying to make the perfect start, you’re not really getting started. The time passes, and eventually it will take too long to accomplish what you set out to do.

And the less you see yourself improve, the more the anxiety and the discomfort of being stuck builds. It’s a cycle that’s designed to see you fail.

In this week’s episode, I share with you how by making a simple shift to your perspective on the time you have, you can start seeing the results you want - and much quicker than you think.

Do you want to look back on your life and wish you actually spent your days working towards your vision, rather than just thinking about it?

Don’t sit around and wait for your goals to magically appear - make them happen yourself.

Check out this week’s podcast to discover how to get started the right way, right now.

I’m using the Finish More Music Podcast once again to highlight some of the extraordinary members that have come out of the FMM community, and kicking us off is none other than Chris Forsyth, AKA, Tenerfuse!

Chris went from DJing on lineups with his idols to being stuck in a losing battle with addiction, and himself. 

But after seeking help, turning it around and discovering a new lease of life, he’s now made the plunge to quit his day job and pursue making music full-time.

And now he’s swamped with remix requests, solo releases and collabs!

In this episode we dive head first into the light and the dark sides of Chris’ journey, discussing some of the lessons he’s learned that have transformed him into the person, and producer, he is today.

I’m super glad to welcome Chris on the show because his story really is a powerful one, and one that I know can help aspiring producers make the change they want to see in their lives.

So strap in, and join the conversation with us...

Check out Chris’ music on:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tenerfuse

Beatport: https://www.beatport.com/artist/tenerfuse/726319

Follow and get in touch at:

Instagram: @tenerfuse

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tenerfuse/

Website: https://tenerfuse.com

Whenever we try to create something original, to bring something new to the table, we put ourselves out there with all of our blood, sweat and tears laid bare. 

It’s challenging, it can be uncomfortable, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things that we as human beings can ever experience.

And part of the creative process is about absorbing and learning from those who came before us, and those around us, as artists throughout history have always done.

But when does being influenced by one another cross the line into straight up stealing?

In this episode, I share something that I’ve experienced very recently that’s got me thinking about the difference between being inspired and being a thief, and how dangerous blurring these lines can be for everybody involved.

Copying might be quicker, copying might be easier, but copying is faking it. 

And it only starves you and the world of the magic that comes from being truly creative.

Do you want to experience the amazing accomplishment and validation that comes with creating something truly authentic, or do you want to pretend?

Check out this week’s podcast to find out how to use other artists’ work the right way, and start making YOUR mark on the world.

In any creative field, one thing that everybody deals with at some point or another is seeing other people succeed while you stay where you are.

Maybe you started making music at the same time as somebody else, or maybe they started after you, and they’re suddenly achieving the things that you’ve not been able to.

Seeing others accelerate further than you can easily lead to feelings of envy, jealousy, and resentment - but these are the exact kind of feelings that continue to hold you back, and can make the divide between you and them even greater.

Essentially, how you deal with other people’s success is a choice.

You can choose to be spiteful, you can choose to make comparisons (the bad kind), or you can choose to use other people’s achievements as an opportunity for growth and to accelerate your development towards YOUR version of success.

In this episode, I discuss how you can move from a place of resentment to a place of inspiration, and show you how by being curious and celebrating others’ achievements, you can quickly find your way up the ladder with them.

But no matter how successful you become, there’s always going to be someone who seems to be doing better.

And if you don’t escape this trap you'll end up carrying it with you forever, unless you learn to change your perspective.

And the time to do that is right now.

Listen to the podcast to see how!

In today's episode we have a controversial conversation that I would love to have your input on.

Rob from Team FMM is convinced that hardware has been knocked off it’s perch…

 …and that the future lies in the box and therefore we should all focus on software going forwards.

I threw my best shots at him during this session in support of hardware and he ducked, weaved, countered and even hit me with a few hooks.

So dive in, have a listen and let us know which side of the argument you fall on.

Oh - and before we get stuck in, you might have noticed new intro music…

This track is Lazarus by super-talented FMM member Kukoo aka Louis Hayward. 

…And it’s our new soundtrack for the next 100 episodes!

https://finishmoremusic.com/fmm201/

When it comes to getting down to writing music, I see a lot of people making the same mistakes. 

And one of the biggest of them all is waiting around for motivation to come to you.

“I’ll get started tomorrow”, “I’m not feeling it today”.

We’re all guilty of saying these sorts of things.

But motivation isn't something that magically appears and aligns perfectly with our calendar, it's something we need to generate, to build, to create on demand. 

And the ability to do this is vital to success.

Some people put off writing music out of fear of failure, others tend to avoid it by aimlessly watching tutorials, or messing around with loads of new gear.

One thing is for sure: if you wait for motivation, you're going to be waiting a very long time.

In this episode, I dive into the thinking behind motivation and explain how by being disciplined you can start to create it for yourself, and keep the momentum flowing so that it gets easier and more rewarding every time.

It’s not a case of waiting, it's not a case of hoping for the best, it's a case of being in control to do what you want to do, not what you feel like. 

So I’ve laid out some amazingly easy, tried-and-tested ways that you can short-circuit your mind to light the touchpaper on your motivation, and keep it lit until it goes ablaze.

Check out the podcast to discover how!

Key takeaways:

• Objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Productive people tend to stay productive.
• You are the architect of your own motivation.
• Action is always within your reach.

Quotes:

“If you take action, if you're disciplined, and you get in the studio, and you continue to make that disciplined choice, then you're naturally going to build motivation. You are the architect of your own motivation.” 

“Discipline is what gets you started, motivation is what keeps you going.” 

When we try new things, we imagine new ideas. And when we imagine new ideas, we try to make them a reality. And whenever we do that, failure is inevitable.

If we’re going to succeed at anything that’s important to us, failure will be an inherent ingredient to that success.

Yet so many people are terrified of making mistakes, of failing to get it right, of trying something new, of trying to write a piece of music.

But if you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.

The key to doing something different is to learn. And the key to learning is to make mistakes and to reflect on them.

You can either choose to keep feeling the same pain, the same failures again and again, or you can choose to reflect and to grow and to fail forwards towards success.

In this episode, I set out three of the most effective ways that you can incorporate reflection into your daily routine so that YOU can be prepared to turn any failure from a problem, into an opportunity.

In anything that you do, you will either get the outcome you want, or you will get the lesson you need, providing you reflect.

And when you really think about that, there's no such thing as failure anymore. 

That's how powerful it is.

Key takeaways:

• Failure is essential to progress, but only if you learn from it
• The only time that you can truly fail when you're shooting for a big goal is when you give up.
• Pain + reflection = progress.
• You should be opportunity-focused, not problem-focused.

Quotes

“Failure is essential, utterly essential if you want to progress, but you're only going to progress if you learn from it. So you can either choose to keep feeling the same pain, the same failures again and again, or you can choose to reflect and to grow and to move towards success.” (14:12)

“ ‘If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.’ And the key to doing something different is to learn. And the key to learning is to make mistakes and to reflect on them.” (10:59)

As much as we’d all like to think so, you can’t win at music. You can’t win at art. And you can’t win at life.

It just doesn’t work like that, so why do so many of us treat our music like it does?

Treating every single track, label submission, or particular goal like it's the be-all and end-all of the world - "I have to win this" -  will only lead to the kind of relentless pressure which stifles and crushes creativity.

Similarly, looking sideways and perceiving the success of others as your failure - “They’ve beaten me” - will only lead to frustration, a loss of motivation, and giving up.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

In this episode, I discuss the concept of finite and infinite games, and how seeing your creative journey through this lens will give you back control over your progress, and allow you to break free of the pressure of having to succeed at every moment.

There are many things in life that we can’t control, and these often come in the form of small tasks, challenges, and games that we can never always win, no matter how hard we try.

Understanding your journey as part of the long game, a game that you can never lose, allows you to create freely and stay focused on your overall vision, and have a lot more fun doing it.

And this is the mindset that sets apart those who succeed from those who struggle.

Get ready to open your mind and get locked in, this is essential.

Key takeaways:

• Realise that there is no end result, only you becoming a better artist
• Obsessing over finite games results in losing control.
• "Masters are not experts because they take a subject to its conceptual end. They are masters because they realize there isn't one." 
• Approach your music as a game that you cannot lose

Quotes:

“There’s never an end to being a creative. There’s never an end to music”

“If you view your tracks, your label submissions, your goals as part of an infinite game, then you're going to be able to create freely. You'll be focused on your overall vision, you'll give it your best. You'll stay motivated no matter the result of that track or that label submission or that particular goal.”