Explore every episode of the podcast The Self-Recording Band
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 324: Capturing The Band vs. Producing The Band - And Getting Better With Every Record | fourcitycolony | 11 oct. 2026 | 01:44:58 | |
What happens when you compare the record you’re making now to the one you made a few years ago... and your first reaction is: “What the fuck? We sent this to our mixing engineer?” That’s exactly what happened to Stefan Thoms and fourcitycolony. And honestly, that’s a pretty good sign. It means they got better. A lot better. Want to make incredible-sounding records yourself, without having to figure everything out alone? → https://theselfrecordingband.com In this in-person episode at our studio, Stefan joins us to talk about how fourcitycolony have developed their approach to making records over several releases. They record most of the music themselves, but they don’t insist on doing absolutely everything themselves. Instead, they’ve landed on a hybrid approach: DIY recording, combined with outside help for mixing, mastering and feedback when it makes sense. And that opens up some bigger questions: Should a record simply capture what your band sounds like... or should you use the studio to create something bigger than what you can reproduce live? How much do influences from other bands matter? What's the vision for the project? Should you try to recreate sounds from a reference? For fourcitycolony, the starting point was their live identity. They already knew how the two guitars should interact and what they wanted the band to feel like. Their goal was to get that sound and energy onto the record, while still allowing themselves to add things that wouldn’t necessarily happen on stage. We also get very practical. Stefan talks about having to re-record guitars because of tuning problems, changing the way they structure recording sessions, renting a better room to track drums, separating loud guitar cabinets from the musicians during recording, and learning when another take will genuinely improve something versus when you’re just doing it again because you can. And once again, one of the biggest reoccurring lessons from making records yourself: Knowing when something is good enough. Don’t rush the beginning of the record. Set the standard. Don’t get lazy toward the end. Don’t leave the hardest songs until everyone is exhausted. And if something simply isn’t happening that night, come back tomorrow. We also talk about why bringing in a professional mixer can be useful even when you know exactly how you want your own music to sound like: They’re hearing the song for the first time, without hundreds of rehearsals and demos shaping their expectations. That outside perspective can reveal things the band simply stopped noticing. Pair that with professional feedback, coaching and guidance during pre-production and the recording sessions and you have a bullet-proof, no-compromise approach. In this episode:
If you’re recording your own band and wondering what you should do yourself, what you should get help with, and how to make every record better than the last, there’s a lot to take away from this one. Check out fourcitycolony: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourcitycolony Also mentioned: Want help making your own recordings and mixes sound professional? -- 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 | |||
| 323: What It Takes To Make A Record Feel Alive - Garreth Tackney | 04 oct. 2026 | 01:36:55 | |
What makes a record feel alive, not just polished? Producer Garreth Tackney shares how he keeps modern productions sounding real, human and exciting. Want to make your own recordings sound professional without losing what makes your music yours? → https://theselfrecordingband.com -- What makes a record feel alive? Like real people are actually in a room making music. While still getting the quality, size and impact we'd expect from a modern production? That’s something producer, engineer and Self-Recording Syndicate member Garreth Tackney thinks about a lot. His philosophy is simple: “It has to sound real.” That doesn’t mean rejecting modern production. Garreth still wants clarity, punch and impact. He uses modern tools, amp sims when they make sense, editing, samples and everything else available to us. But he doesn’t want the process to remove the character that made the performance exciting in the first place. In this conversation, we get into what that looks like in practice: Making drums feel like an actual kit in a room, capturing guitars through real amps and cabinets, knowing when not to edit something, leaving natural details in vocals, using room mics to create energy, and even keeping a technically “wrong” guitar sound because it simply felt better. We also talk about Garreth’s development as a producer and engineer. He came into The Self-Recording Syndicate with plenty of recording experience, but over time his ears, methods and approach to the entire process changed significantly. One of his biggest realizations was that great results have much less to do with owning more gear than with developing the skills to make good decisions with what you already have. And because Garreth does all of this alongside a regular job and family life, we also talk about finding the time to actually make records, improving through periods of intense creative work, and putting in the hours when music isn’t your full-time job. In this episode:
-- If you’re trying to make your own records sound professional without sanding away everything that makes them feel human, this conversation is for you. Find Garreth / De Villa Sounds: Website & portfolio: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devillasounds/ -- Want help making your own recordings and mixes sound the way you hear them in your head? Join the Syndicate: -- 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 | |||
| 322: This Music Producer Is Covering The Entire 400-Song Catalogue Of One Band - Samy Braysel | 23 sept. 2026 | 01:21:32 | |
🚀 Want our personal help with your next recording project? If you want to learn to listen in a completely different way, and get the production skills to finish songs consistently... 👉 Book a free first coaching session with us: We’ll listen to your music, look at your current situation, create a custom plan for you and figure out if you're a good fit for our coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate. If you are, we can help you make records you're truly proud of and give you the skills and confidence to do it over and over again. -- About this episode: What kind of person decides to cover the entire ~400-song catalogue of one band? Someone like Tobi Seitz, aka Samy Braysel. His ongoing project is to cover every original song by German punk legends Die Ärzte. He’s currently around 10% of the way through and estimates that finishing the whole thing could take 25 years or more. His reason for starting such a ridiculous project is simple: if an idea is crazy enough, you sometimes have to start immediately before you overthink yourself out of doing it. But that project is only one part of what Samy does. He writes and records his own music, plays multiple instruments, produces other artists, teaches guitar and songwriting, repairs and restores guitars, and is building Hitzen Audio, where he helps artists take songs from the initial idea all the way to the finished production. In this episode, we talk about the philosophy that connects all of those things. Samy deliberately creates challenges that force him to move quickly instead of overthinking everything. He has written and recorded songs within a few hours, captured one new musical idea every day for a month, resurrected unfinished songs from ten years ago, and learned when to accept that something is done and simply good enough to release. We also get into his approach to production: making records polished without making them robotic, recording real instruments, keeping human imperfections, using references early in the process, and knowing when the last 10% of "perfection" simply isn’t gonna help the song. And we talk about “Always Smiling,” the first official Samy Braysel release: a fast, loud song about unexpectedly finding a sense of freedom after AI takes away a job you didn’t particularly enjoy in the first place. -- In this episode:
-- Check Out Samy / Tobi Samy Braysel: Die Erbse – the Die Ärzte cover project: Hitzen Audio: Confusion of ChiffChaff: “Walls” – produced by Tobi: “Tuxedo Torpedo” – Ron Jambo: “Always Smiling”: -- Work With Us If you’re making your own music and want outside feedback, coaching, and a clear process for making better records: https://theselfrecordingband.com -- 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 like you, 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 | |||
| 321: Why Creative Constraints Can Make You A Better Songwriter & Producer - Bryan Hinerdeer | 16 sept. 2026 | 01:32:35 | |
🚀 Want our personal help with your studio or your next music project? If you want to explore the full potential of your creations, learn to listen in a completely different way, and get the production skills to finish songs consistently... 👉 Book a free first coaching session with us: We’ll listen to your music, look at your current situation, create a custom plan for you and figure out if you're a good fit for our coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate. If you are, we can help you make records you're truly proud of and give you the skills and confidence to do it over and over again. -- About this episode: What if the thing limiting your creativity is actually what helps you become more creative? That’s one of the big ideas in this conversation with Bryan Hinerdeer. Bryan is a songwriter, guitarist, live musician, and longtime member of The Self-Recording Syndicate. He’s also spent the last few years diving deep into sync licensing and writing music to briefs for film, TV, and other media. At first glance, writing to a brief can sound restrictive. You’re given a genre, a purpose & references. Sometimes specific instrumentation. Plus a deadline. And then you have to create something that fits. But Bryan found that those constraints can actually force you to be more creative, because you can’t just fall back on the same habits every time. As he puts it, you’re already “in a box” with your own music, even if you don’t realize it. In this episode, we talk about how writing for sync pushed Bryan to grow as a songwriter, producer, and self-recording artist. We get into learning to interpret briefs, figuring out what “contemporary” actually means, hearing production choices more critically, collaborating with other musicians, improving timing and drum programming, and developing the kind of ears that let you recognize problems before someone else points them out. We also talk about the balance between polished and organic production, why collaboration can unlock better results, and how Bryan went from simply “listening to drums” to hearing whether a snare, reverb, arrangement, or performance actually fits the song. In this episode:
If you’re a self-recording artist who keeps defaulting to the same sounds, the same habits, or the same way of writing, this episode is a great reminder that sometimes a few limits are exactly what you need. -- 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 like you, 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: Bryan Hinerdeer: The Bryan Scott Revival on Spotify -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 320: From Second-Guessing Every Mix To Finishing & Releasing Songs - Thomas Hauenstein | 09 sept. 2026 | 01:09:22 | |
🚀 Want our personal help with your studio or your next music project? If you want to finally finish songs and make them sound so good that you can't wait to share them with the world... 👉 Book a free first coaching session with us: We’ll listen to your music, look at your current situation, create a custom plan for you and figure out if you're a good fit for our coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate. If you are, we can help you make records you're truly proud of and give you the skills and confidence to do it over and over again. -- About this episode: What happens when you stop second-guessing every mix and start actually finishing and releasing your songs? Creating fuzzy rock tones, programming realistic drums, experimenting with acoustic guitar mic setups, sampling his own drum kit, collaborating with other musicians, and learning when to let go of control.
If you have a hard drive full of unfinished songs and keep wondering whether your mixes are good enough, Thomas’s story will probably feel very familiar. And it might inspire you to finally take action. -- 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 like you, 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: Thomas Hauenstein: instagram.com/thomas_hauenstein (@thomas_hauenstein) -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 319: What Mastering Actually Does To Your Music - Maor Appelbaum | 26 août 2026 | 01:49:18 | |
🚀 Want our personal help with your studio or your next music project? If you want to produce your songs in a way that gets the emotion across and makes your vision for the music come out of the speakers... 👉 Book a free first coaching session with us: We’ll listen to your music, look at your current situation, create a custom plan for you and figure out if you're a good fit for our coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate. If you are, we can help you make records you're proud of and give you the skills and confidence to do it over and over again. -- About this episode: What does mastering actually do to your music? It’s easy to think of mastering as the final technical step. Make it louder, maybe add some polish, export the final files, done. But for mastering engineer Maor Appelbaum, the job goes much deeper than that. Maor has worked with artists including Faith No More, Sepultura, Dream Theater, Yes, Meat Loaf, and many more. And in this episode, he explains mastering as a form of presentation: shaping the tone, focus, contrast, texture, dynamics, and overall feel of a finished mix so the listener connects with the music more deeply. We talk about why mastering isn’t just about loudness, why tiny changes can matter, how transient response changes emotional impact, when a mastering engineer should leave a mix alone, and why there is no universal mastering chain that works for every song. Maor also shares his thoughts on collaboration, AI mastering, hearing health, learning through mentorship, and why the human connection around music still matters so much. In this episode:
If you’ve ever wondered what mastering really adds after the mix is finished, this conversation gives you a much deeper answer than “make it louder.” -- 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 like you, 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: Maor Appelbaum: instagram.com/maorappelbaummastering -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 318: What Artists Actually Need From A Modern Music Producer - Pablo Lopez Figueroa | 19 août 2026 | 01:30:53 | |
What do artists actually need from a modern music producer? Not just someone who can hit record, choose microphones, or make a mix sound polished. A great producer helps turn a rough idea into a finished record. And a huge part of that work happens before the final recording even starts. In this episode, we talk with Spanish producer, guitarist, songwriter, and engineer Pablo Lopez Figueroa about what modern production really looks like. Pablo works with artists across the entire process: songwriting, arrangement, pre-production, recording, performances, editing, mixing, mastering, and bringing in additional musicians when a song needs them. A big part of the conversation is about pre-production and why decisions about structure, tempo, key, dynamics, instrumentation, vocal melodies, and contrast often matter more than the plugins or gear you use later. We also get into collaboration, making faster creative decisions, keeping ego out of the production process, creating a studio environment where artists feel comfortable, and why working around other ambitious musicians can accelerate your growth dramatically. Pablo is a member of The Self-Recording Syndicate and also part of our Studio Growth Mastermind, where studio owners meet weekly to exchange ideas, solve problems, and grow their creative businesses together. In this episode:
If you think a producer’s job starts when the red light comes on, this episode might change the way you look at the entire record-making process. -- 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 like you, 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: Pablo Lopez Figueroa: -- 🚀 Want our personal help with your studio or your next music project? If you want to surround yourself with like-minded, ambitious artists and producers like Pablo and Manel... 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching You'll get our unlimited, personal guidance. Depending on what your goals are, we can help you make records you're proud of, or build and grow the studio business you've always wanted. We’ll listen to your music, look at your current situation, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 317: Sounding Professional Doesn't Mean Generic, Boring, Or "Overproduced" - Domi Schreiber (MyKungFu) | 12 août 2026 | 01:33:54 | |
Can your music sound professional without becoming generic, boring, or overproduced? That tension is the main theme of this conversation with Domi Schreiber, the Swiss artist behind MyKungFu. Domi has a very specific artistic taste. He likes warm, organic, slightly imperfect productions with unusual textures, sparse arrangements, and a strong emotional identity. But for a long time, sounding different from other artists made him wonder whether his music simply wasn’t good enough. In this episode, we talk about the difference between sounding professional and sounding polished into sameness. Domi shares how he developed his own sonic identity, why he prefers character over perfection, and how learning the technical side of recording and mixing gave him more creative freedom instead of less. We also talk about unusual instruments and textures, working with real studio musicians, keeping imperfections that add emotion, building a live show that feels different from the studio recordings, and learning to promote your own music without handing everything over to someone else. In this episode:
Domi was also a member of The Self-Recording Syndicate and worked with us through 1-on-1 coaching to improve his recording, mixing, and production skills while staying true to the sound he wanted to create. If you’ve ever worried that making your music sound more professional might also make it sound less like you, this episode is for you. -- 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: Domi / MyKungFu: -- 🚀 Want our personal help with your next project? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to build your skills, confidence and turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 316: What Great Drummers Do Differently - Michi Dreilich | 05 août 2026 | 01:47:27 | |
What separates a good drummer from a great one? Most people would probably think it's timing, technique, or playing everything perfectly. But the biggest difference is: Great drummers make intentional choices. They understand how dynamics, tuning, feel, sound, and even small imperfections can change the emotion of a song. In this episode, we talk to professional session and touring drummer Michi Dreilich about what great drummers do differently and how musicians can create drum parts that truly serve the song. Michi spent ten years playing with Blackout Problems and now works as a touring drummer for different artists. He also teaches drums and records custom drum tracks remotely from his own studio, Container Drums. He was previously a member of The Self-Recording Syndicate and worked with us through 1-on-1 coaching to further develop his recording setup, workflow, and drum sounds. In this conversation, Michi explains why good drum performances are about much more than hitting the right drums at the right time. We discuss the balance between precision and feel, what a real drummer can add that programmed drums cannot, and how to make bold creative decisions without losing sight of the artist’s vision. We also listen to three versions of Manel’s song “Lágrimas de Sal”: The original phone demo, a full production demo with programmed drums, and the finished version featuring Michi’s live drums and Benedikt’s final mix. In this episode:
Whether you play drums, program them, or record a drummer in your own studio, this episode will help you think more intentionally about the performance and sound your song actually needs. -- 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: Michi Dreilich: https://linktr.ee/michidreilich -- 🚀 Want our personal help with your next project? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to build your confidence and turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. And if you want to try what Manel did, let Michi add drums to your song and then send it to us to mix, we can do that, as well! Let's talk! -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 315: Why Most Bands Never Finish Their Album - Fabian Valentini (Max im Parkhaus) | 29 juil. 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:
This is an episode about the hardest part of recording music: Finishing it. -- 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: Max im Parkhaus: Fabian's video agency: -- 🚀 Want our personal help with your next project? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to build your confidence and turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. And if you want to try what Fabi did and let us mix your self-recorded songs, we can do that, as well! Let's talk! -- 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 juil. 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:
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. -- 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: Michael Buschka: -- 🚀 Want our personal help applying this to your next project? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to build your confidence and turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 313: How Legendary Rock Records Are Made - Kyle Hoffmann (NRG Recording Studios) | 16 juil. 2026 | 02:00:47 | |
What separates good audio engineers and producers from great ones? In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Hoffmann, Chief Engineer at the legendary NRG Recording Studios in Los Angeles, to talk about the iconic NRG sound and the skills that matter most. Both in the studio and throughout your career. Kyle shares his journey from intern to Chief Engineer, what he learned at Berklee College of Music, and why mentorship, attitude and relationships have shaped his career far more than gear ever could. We also talk about:
This conversation is packed with practical lessons that go far beyond equipment and recording techniques. -- 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: NRG / Kyle: -- 🚀 Want our personal help applying this to your next project? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to build your confidence and turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 312: "Can We Really Produce Our Own Album Start To Finish?" (Steady Drops Case Study) | 08 juil. 2026 | 01:20:30 | |
Can you really make a professional-sounding album yourself? Martin Kreuzer from Steady Drops had doubts. He questioned whether he could pull it off. And so did his band mates. Until they did it. Now he joins us to share how his band recorded, produced and mixed their latest album entirely in-house. And what it actually took to make that happen. We talk about preparation, creating a sonic vision, recording real drums, learning to mix, building confidence as a producer and knowing when to ask for help. We also discuss:
If you’re working on your own record, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately. -- 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: -- 🚀 Want our personal help applying this to your next project? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to build your confidence and turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 311: Making Decisions & Serving The Song | How ninnyliver Created Their Debut Album | 01 juil. 2026 | 01:25:56 | |
What does it actually take to finish a self-produced album you’re genuinely proud of?
-- If this episode helps you, we’d really appreciate it if you left a rating 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: -- 🚀 Want Our Personal Help Applying This To Your Own Songs? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 310: This Podcast Is About To Change - The Beginning Of A New Chapter For TSRB | 09 avr. 2026 | 00:13:27 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: The Self-Recording Band Podcast Is Changing. We're taking a break and then we'll come back with a rebrand and a new show format. This episode gives you the why, the what and the how. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 309: From 30 Demo Songs to A Finished Record That Matters - Swallow's Rose | 01 avr. 2026 | 01:18:07 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: This is one of the most honest and valuable conversations we’ve had on the podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Dominik from Swallow's Rose to break down the making of their latest record “The Beginning”. From the first rough demos all the way to release, promotion, and everything in between. This wasn’t a typical DIY production. But also not fully done at a studio. It was a hybrid approach:
But the story goes much deeper than that. We talk about:
And we also go into something much more meaningful and personal than just the production and promotion of it: This record is about overcoming real-life challenges. And how turning that into honest music can connect with people in a way nothing else can. If you’re a self-recording artist trying to turn your demos into finished releases, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply immediately. 🚀 Want Our Personal Help Applying This To Your Own Songs? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 308: Two Backing Vocal Approaches Every Self-Recording Artist Needs To Know | 18 mars 2026 | 00:46:02 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: Most self-recording artists overcomplicate backing vocals, or ignore them completely, because they're having a hard time coming up with something interesting that really helps the song. Both are mistakes. Backing vocals and harmony layers can be the difference between a boring, amateur sounding chorus and one that hits. They make great lead vocals even stronger and give a chorus the lift that it needs. In this episode, we break down two simple, powerful approaches to backing vocals that can completely transform your songs. And we're using real session examples you can actually hear and apply. If you’ve ever felt like your chorus is missing something, this is probably it. 🚀 Want Our Personal Help Applying This To Your Own Songs? If you want feedback on your vocals, your arrangements, or your mixes… …and a clear plan to turn your demos into finished releases: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 307: 6 Home Studio Mistakes We Made Early On (And What We’d Do Differently Today) | 11 mars 2026 | 00:42:36 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: Setting up your first home studio is exciting. It’s also very easy to waste time, money, and energy on the wrong things. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel look back at their early recording days and share six lessons they wish someone had told them when they started. Some of these mistakes cost money. Others cost years of slow progress. If you’re building your first recording setup or upgrading your current one, this episode will help you focus on the things that actually matter. The goal is simple: to help you skip the beginner mistakes and make faster progress with your music and recordings. What You’ll Learn In This Episode
If you’re a self-recording musician and want expert feedback on your recordings, full guidance while improving your setup, and the fastest way to getting your songs to sound truly professional - apply for coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate. We’ll analyze your setup, your songs, and your workflow and help you build and implement a clear plan to improve your recordings. Apply here: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 306: How We Recorded Drums For A Punk Rock Record (Swallow's Rose - Full Drum Production Walkthrough) | 04 mars 2026 | 01:23:56 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: What does a drum recording session for a real record look like? Not a theory lesson. In this episode we walk you through a real drum recording session from start to finish. The session was for the Swallow’s Rose album “The Beginning”, and we documented the entire process while recording drums for the record. That means you’ll see the real decisions behind the drum sounds:
And the thinking behind every step. This is not meant to be a strict “how to”. Every record is different. But the principles behind these decisions are the same fundamentals that make all great recordings work. If you understand why things are done a certain way, you can apply those ideas to your own projects in whatever space and setup you have. This episode is especially helpful if you:
If you’re listening to the audio version, you might want to watch this one on YouTube, because a lot of the value comes from seeing the session itself. ⸻ About The Record: The session featured in this episode is from the Swallow’s Rose album “The Beginning.” Singles from the record started releasing in 2025, with the full album scheduled for early 2026. Check out the released record to hear what it sounds like on the final album version. ⸻ Want Help Finishing Your Own Record? Inside The Self-Recording Syndicate, we help self-recording artists turn demos into finished releases they’re proud of. This isn’t a generic video course. We work with you one-on-one, helping you:
If you want a personal production plan for your next record, apply here: -- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 305: These 5 Low-End Mixing "Rules" Are Killing Your Mix | 25 févr. 2026 | 01:13:13 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: 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
If you pick the right sounds, faders alone often get you 80% there. 2. Think in Terms of Energy Low end is about:
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:
Impact is often about transient alignment, not EQ moves. 4. Control Buildup Dynamically Instead of static carving, try:
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:
Apply here: 👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Free first call. Money back guarantee. No pressure. -- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 304: Are You Learning From Audio Pros Or YouTubers? (The Mixing Advice That Actually Matters) | 18 févr. 2026 | 01:12:00 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: There’s more mixing advice online than ever. But here’s the real question: 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
And most importantly: How do you know who to trust when learning mixing? The Big Takeaways
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:
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 https://theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We don’t teach trends. We teach what actually works for your music. -- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 303: The Music Production Process (Steps 6-10): Clean Up Your Session, Enhance The Performance, Mix And Finish Your Song! | 12 févr. 2026 | 01:11:41 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: 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
If you’ve ever:
This episode is for you. We break down a proven, step-by-step framework that helps you:
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:
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: 👉 Download the free guide: theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes 🎯 Want Help Finishing Your Songs? If you want personal guidance through all these steps: Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Inside the Self-Recording Syndicate you get:
-- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 302: The Music Production Process (Step 5): Capturing Magic - How To Record Strong Takes That Actually Move People | 05 févr. 2026 | 01:04:47 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: Recording music is about capturing magic moments. 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:
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. -- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 301: The Music Production Process (Step 4): Recording Setup & Sound Check: How To Capture Great Tones At The Source | 28 janv. 2026 | 01:05:41 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: 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:
Who this episode is for:
-- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 300: The Music Production Process (Step 3): Pre-Production - Why Most Home Recordings Fail Before Recording Even Starts | 21 janv. 2026 | 00:42:34 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: Episode 300 is a big one — and not because of the number. In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood (and most skipped) steps in the entire record-making process: pre-production. Most self-recording artists think pre-production is either:
Both are wrong. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel explain:
This is Step 3 in our complete record-making process — right between writing and recording — and it’s the step that determines whether your recording session feels creative… or frustrating. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Who this episode is for:
If you want your next recording session to feel focused, creative, and intentional, this episode is required listening. 🎧 Listen now and make your next recording session easier — before it even starts. -- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 299: The Music Production Process (Step 2): Choosing The Right Gear For The Project Without Wasting Money | 14 janv. 2026 | 00:48:41 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: Everyone loves gear. Most people just get their priorities wrong when it comes to picking the right equipment for the project. In this episode, Benedikt walks you through Step 2 of the full music production process: choosing the right gear for your project — without overspending, obsessing over specs, or sabotaging your results before you even hit record. This is not a list of “best microphones” or “must-have plugins.” Instead, you’ll learn a clear hierarchy of what actually matters most, starting at the source and working all the way down to plugins. If you’ve ever wondered:
This episode will give you clarity. What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
This episode will help you: ✔ Stop wasting money ✔ Make intentional gear decisions ✔ Get better recordings with what you already have ✔ Build a setup that actually supports your music 🔗 Need Help Choosing The Right Gear? If you want personalized guidance for your setup, your music, and your goals: 👉 Apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, build a custom production plan, and help you make the right decisions — without guesswork. -- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 298: The Music Production Process (Step 1): Build a Rock-Solid Foundation Before You Record | 07 janv. 2026 | 01:35:42 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: In this episode, Benedikt and Manel kick off a brand-new series where they break down the entire music production process from start to finish. This episode covers Step 1: The Foundation - the most overlooked phase of production, and the one that determines whether everything later (recording, mixing, mastering) becomes smooth… or a constant fight. You’ll learn why:
This episode is long, deep, and practical - designed to give you a repeatable mental framework you can return to every time you start a new song or record. What You’ll Learn
Key Takeaway If you don’t know what you’re aiming for, every decision later becomes a guess. This episode helps you define the target before you hit record. Listen / Watch
-- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 297: Connor Daniel (Avril Lavigne, Yellowcard, Simple Plan) On Modern Rock Production, Working At A High-End Studio, And Making Killer Records On A Bedroom Setup | 05 janv. 2026 | 01:25:46 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: In this episode, we’re joined by Connor Daniel - an LA-based writer, producer, and engineer, working closely with John Feldmann, while also producing and mixing records from his own home studio. Connor has worked on projects involving artists like Avril Lavigne, Yellowcard, Simple Plan, and collaborations featuring Travis Barker - but what makes this conversation especially relevant is that Connor still self-records his own band, socialghosts, and produces much of his work outside of big studios. This episode is a deep, honest conversation about:
No hype. No dogma. Just real-world insight from someone working at the highest level and in a bedroom studio. Topics We Cover
Listen / Watch
-- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 296: The 10-Step-Process That Every Record Goes Through | 27 déc. 2025 | 00:30:42 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: Making a great record isn’t about plugins, presets, or expensive gear. It’s about following a clear, repeatable process — every single time. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel break down the 10-step process that goes into every record, regardless of genre, budget, or studio size. This is the big-picture overview that most artists never get. And the starting point for a full upcoming series where each step will be explored in depth. If you’ve ever wondered:
This episode gives you the full map. 🔟 The 10 Steps Covered in This Episode
This isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about not skipping steps. 🎯 Why This Matters Most self-recording artists struggle because:
This framework gives you clarity, confidence, and momentum. Whether you want to do everything yourself or build a team. 🔗 Next Steps & Resources
-- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 295: Why Your Records Don’t Sound the Way You Want (Real Talk for Self-Recording Artists) | 17 déc. 2025 | 01:01:08 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: Real Talk, Tough Love Edition In this episode, Benedikt and Manel get brutally honest about one of the most uncomfortable truths in music production: 👉 It’s not your talent, your plugins, or your gear holding you back. 👉 It’s what you’re not doing — and what you keep postponing. This episode sets the foundation for an upcoming in-depth series that walks through the entire record-making process from start to finish. But before we talk workflows, plugins, or techniques, we need to talk mindset, priorities, and reality. In this episode, you’ll learn:
If you’ve ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck halfway through your own productions — this episode will reset your perspective. 👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 294: 5 Proven Songwriting Tricks To Make Your Chorus Hit Harder | 10 déc. 2025 | 00:41:39 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: Most artists want a chorus that lifts, hits harder, and feels bigger than the rest of the song. But when your chorus falls flat, lacks impact, or simply doesn’t feel like a chorus… it’s usually a songwriting or arrangement issue. In this episode, Manel and Benedikt share 5 practical, easy-to-apply tricks you can use immediately to make your choruses hit harder — without adding dozens of new layers, buying more plugins, or overthinking your production decisions. You’ll learn:
Plus: Hear examples from productions Manel worked on and classic songs that use these tricks brilliantly. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 293: Give Us 30 Minutes And We'll Fix Most Of Your Reverb Problems | 03 déc. 2025 | 00:37:18 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: If your reverbs sound muddy, harsh, disconnected, washed-out, or simply “not right”, this episode will change everything. Benedikt and Manel break down the most common reverb mistakes self-recording musicians make - and exactly how to fix them. From choosing the right reverb type, to EQing your ambience, to building proper send/return routing, to understanding pre-delay (and WHY it matters), you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap for getting clean, modern, intentional reverbs that actually sit in your mix. This episode is includes multiple practical step-by-step workflows you can apply immediately. If you want your mixes to sound more 3D, controlled, clean, and professional — this is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn
Key Quotes
-- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 292: Small Mix Tweaks, Big Results - Real-World Recording & Mixing Lessons That You Can Use Today | 27 nov. 2025 | 01:01:25 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: In this episode, Benedikt and Manel dive into fresh lessons from recent real recording, mixing and coaching projects. You’ll learn why seemingly tiny mix tweaks (we’re talking 0.5–1 dB) can completely transform a chorus… when to keep pushing for perfection… and when it’s time to stop tweaking and call a mix “done.” You’ll also hear why working with external producers or engineers can completely change your playing - and even your identity as a musician. Manel shares humbling (and hilarious) stories from his early studio days, including the moment when a producer had to re-record part of his guitar solo and why that became a pivotal learning moment. Finally, we unpack the power of panning, tone-shaping, and arrangement decisions - and why context matters way more than isolated guitar tones. If you want practical, real-world insights that instantly make you better at recording and mixing your own music… this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn:
Key Quotes:
Links & Resources:
-- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 291: Music Marketing Real Talk With Jesse Cannon - How To Actually Get Your Music Heard | 20 nov. 2025 | 01:20:09 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Cannon - producer, engineer, author, YouTuber (Musformation), and one of the most respected music marketing strategists today. This episode is absolutely packed with real-world, data-backed insights on what actually works in 2025/26 and beyond - and what artists should finally stop wasting time on. ⸻ What We Cover: 🎯 The #1 thing artists must do before promoting anything Why understanding your identity, strengths, aspirations, and position in the market is no longer optional - and how Jesse’s LAMES analysis helps artists finally get clarity. 📱 The truth about social media in 2025/26
🎧 Release strategy: The 4–8 week rule Why consistent, sustained releases are the #1 growth driver for new artists today - and how Jesse discovered the pattern by analyzing major breakout acts. 🎵 Playlists: Overrated? Underrated? Misunderstood? Jesse breaks down:
💸 Paid ads: When (and when NOT) to use them
🧠 The mindset artists need if they want to grow Including:
🌍 Websites, email lists & direct-to-fan tools
🔥 Creative promo ideas Including the example of artist Audrey Hobert and her brilliant “Archive” page that builds a universe around every song. ⸻ Jesse's Links:
⸻ If you’re a self-recording artist and want help making your music sound professional and releasing it effectively, apply for our coaching program at: If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 290: Afraid to Release Your Music? Here’s What’s Really Holding You Back | 12 nov. 2025 | 01:00:11 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. -- Episode show notes: Are you scared to release your music? Thinking it’s not good enough yet? In this episode, Benedikt and Manel get real about the fear behind finishing and releasing music. Why it happens, how to overcome it, and what happens when you finally let go of perfectionism and self-doubt. They share personal stories (from Benedikt’s band, his studio, and his coaching business) and examples from real students who turned fear into finished records. You’ll learn:
Whether you’ve been sitting on unreleased songs for years or you’re just afraid of judgment, this episode will help you move forward and finally release your music proudly. 👉 Listen now and take that first step. And if you want help finishing and releasing your songs, apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com. We’ll show you the exact path and hold you accountable so you don’t have to do it alone. -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 289: Lessons From Real Recording Sessions and Coaching Projects | 05 nov. 2025 | 00:54:35 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. If you love it and would like to implement it with us, we can start working together. In that case we'll help you personally to get your projects done and out there at the highest possible quality. -- Episode show notes: In this episode, Benedikt and Manel dive deep into the most valuable lessons they’ve learned from recent real-life recording and mixing sessions, as well as coaching projects inside The Self-Recording Syndicate.
Whether you’re producing your own record or working with others, this episode is full of actionable lessons that will save you hours of frustration and help you make better-sounding records. --
If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 288: Danny Gomez: From Brian May to Dirty Boy Pedals - Turning Obsession Into Opportunity | 29 oct. 2025 | 01:09:52 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. If you love it and would like to implement it with us, we can start working together. In that case we'll help you personally to get your projects done and out there at the highest possible quality. -- Episode show notes: In this inspiring and entertaining episode, Benedikt and Manel talk to guitarist, product designer, and entrepreneur Danny Gomez - a true example of what happens when obsession meets opportunity. Danny has worked with Brian May, Orange Amps, Fender, PRS, and many more. He’s an accomplished musician, who's played guitar in the "We Will Rock You" musical, and alongside many of the greats in the music industry. Danny is also the translator of Brian May’s "Red Special" book (Spanish edition), owner of Dirty Boy Pedals, and creator of the Royal Way Academy, where he teaches how to play Queen songs on the guitar. His journey - from growing up in a tough Madrid neighbourhood, to touring with "We Will Rock You", to designing groundbreaking gear - is packed with lessons for every self-recording artist. What You’ll Learn:
Key Takeaways:
Links & Resources:
-- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 287: “I Don’t Have Enough Time” - How To Actually Make Time For Your Music (Even With A Busy Life) | 22 oct. 2025 | 01:04:57 | |
Your next step: We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. If you love it and would like to implement it with us, we can start working together. In that case we'll help you personally to get your projects done and out there at the highest possible quality. -- Episode show notes: We’ll talk about:
By the end, you’ll have a new perspective on time, discipline, and what it actually takes to move your music forward - even when life is busy. If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 286: The Top 10 Plugins We Can't Live Without | 15 oct. 2025 | 00:42:32 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music. Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever. 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible. As part of the program, we even mix a song for you, in your DAW of choice, and with your plugins only. And then we'll do an in-depth mix-walkthrough, showing you everything we've done. It's your custom mixing course based on your own song! And it doesn't stop here: You'll also get the session file, so you can study the mix and create starting points and templates for your other songs. 🤯 And this is only a fraction of what we can do for you if you join our coaching program, The Self-Recording Syndicate. If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away. Sounds fair? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: We get asked all the time: “Which plugins should I buy?” Here’s the truth: you don’t need hundreds. You need a tight, well-understood toolbox you can reach for in any situation. In this episode we share the 10 plugins we’d keep for the rest of our lives, explain exactly why they made the cut, and point you to stock alternatives where it makes sense. DAW-agnostic, rock-ready, and focused on what actually moves the needle for self-recording artists. What You’ll Learn
Action Steps
(We don’t take money to push brands. If we recommend something on the podcast or YouTube, it’s because it works.) For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/286 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 285: Bringing Your Music To The Live Stage: Click track? Backing Tracks? 100% Live And Free? | 08 oct. 2025 | 00:37:00 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music. Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever. 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible. If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away. But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise: You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does. Sounds fair? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: How should you approach your live show? Should you go all in with backing tracks, click tracks, and a tightly structured set? Or should you keep things 100% live and raw, without backing tracks or even a click track? In this episode, Manel dives deep into both worlds. He shares what it’s really like to play completely live versus using clicks and tracks, and talks about the pros, cons, and practical realities of each setup. From spontaneous, free-flowing shows to perfectly synced festival sets, this episode breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your band. Based on your style, goals, and budget. In This Episode: 🎸 The pros and cons of playing with no click and no backing tracks 💻 The structure and consistency that come with click tracks and playback setups 🎚️ How to build a reliable backing track rig that actually works live 🎤 The psychological side - why some musicians love the click and others hate it 💡 How audience perception of “authenticity” might not be what you think ⚡ Hybrid setups and emergency plans: finding a middle ground between both worlds 💰 Budget and logistics - when backing tracks make a small lineup work Why It Matters: Your live setup affects everything: The energy, the sound, the consistency, and even your reputation. Understanding the tradeoffs will help you create shows that fit your music and feel right for you and your audience. Key Quote: “The key is finding what fits your music, your budget, and your audience - not what others say you should do.”Join the Conversation: How do you run your shows? Do you prefer the raw energy of playing fully live, or the precision of playing to a click and tracks? Let us know - we’d love to hear your take.
For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/285 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 284: Inside Van Holzen’s New Album: Self-Producing "SOLANG DIE ERDE SICH DREHT" | 01 oct. 2025 | 01:10:50 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music. Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever. 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible. If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away. But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise: You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does. Sounds fair? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: Van Holzen just dropped a fantastic new record. And it's not just the songs, the production is really exciting and interesting, too.
So it is a partly self-produced album and a project that we can all learn a lot from. We went deep into the making of this record. From writing under the Greek sun, to cramming into an 8m² Berlin studio, to locking in drums and bass at Toolhouse Studios.
This is not just gear talk (though we nerd out plenty about snares, ribbon mics, and pedals). It’s about the intention behind the sound, the decisions that shaped the vibe of the record, and what other DIY musicians can learn from their process. If you care about authentic performances, raw energy, and making bold production choices, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you approach your own music. 👉 Listen to Van Holzen’s new album “SOLANG DIE ERDE SICH DREHT” everywhere music is streamed
For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/284 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 283: The Only Gear That Actually Matters (Monitoring Explained) | 24 sept. 2025 | 01:00:27 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music. Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever. 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible. If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away. But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise: You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does. Sounds fair? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: We can’t believe we haven’t done an episode on this yet! Monitoring is by far the most important gear-related topic in music production. In fact, it’s really the only piece of gear that truly matters. Why? Because everything you do goes through that filter - your speakers, headphones, and room. Every single decision you make depends on it. In this episode, we’ll break down the essentials of monitoring. Not in theory, not repeating what we’ve read online, but from our actual experience: Mixing thousands of songs professionally, working in countless studios, learning from Grammy winners, acousticians, and top-tier engineers, and building our own optimized setups over the last 15+ years. This isn’t the “end all, be all.” But it is the most helpful, practical way we know to explain what really matters when it comes to monitoring. Think of it as a checklist: By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what you might be missing in your setup, and what’s worth investing in first. We’ll cover:
This one’s packed. If you want us to dive deeper into any specific sub-topic (headphones, room treatment, speaker placement, etc.), let us know and we’ll make a dedicated episode. 👉 Also: check out our conversation with Jesco Lohan on this show, and his work online, for next-level acoustics insights. 🎧 Listen now and finally get clarity on the only gear that truly matters: your monitoring setup.
For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/283 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 282: The "Audio Nomad" Ady Parzentny: Building A Unique Career In Music Production, Van Life & Finding Home | 17 sept. 2025 | 01:14:17 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music. Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever. 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible. If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away. But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise: You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does. Sounds fair? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Ady Parzentny (Hit The Road Music Studio) is back again on the podcast! This time we’re talking about his brand-new book "Audio Nomad" and the crazy journey that inspired it.
This one’s not just about recording. It’s about building a life and career in music that feels right to you. Ady’s story is proof that you can blend adventure, creativity, and authenticity and still make a living doing what you love. Get your copy of Audio Nomad now -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/282 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 281: Put Your Producer Hat On! Bold Recording Decisions = Exciting Music. | 10 sept. 2025 | 00:47:26 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music. Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever. 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible. If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away. But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise: You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does. Sounds fair? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: Too many self-recording artists are playing it way too safe. They record clean, flat tracks, leave every option open, and hope the mix will somehow turn it into a world-class record. The problem? Safe equals boring.
-- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/281 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 280: Raw vs Polished Recordings (Stop Missing The Point - Here’s What Actually Matters) | 03 sept. 2025 | 00:54:51 | |
The free balancing guide mentioned in the episode: Your next step: Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music. Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever. 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible. If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away. But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise: You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does. Sounds fair? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: There’s this endless internet fight about what makes music exciting: 👉 raw, “organic,” human vibes vs. polished, larger-than-life production. Some say modern records sound boring because they’re too perfect. Others say they love the wall-of-sound, super-polished productions. So what’s the truth? And more importantly: how do you find the sweet spot for your music? In this episode we break it all down. We’ll talk about when to embrace imperfections, when polish actually helps, and how to make bold decisions that let your songs sound like you - not just another clone. Let’s go! -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/280 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 279: From Rough Demo To Killer Song (Pre-Production & Songwriting Deep Dive) | 27 août 2025 | 00:49:15 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music. Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever. 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible. If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away. But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise: You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does. Sounds fair? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: On this episode, you'll learn what it takes to turn a voice memo on a phone, or a very rough song idea, into a finished song that can then be recorded and mixed without compromise. If you want to work with us and apply for our coaching, you need to have songs written and ready to be recorded. You need material that is pretty much ready to go, so that we can walk you through the production process and make sure you get exceptional results recording and mixing those songs yourself. Manel is exceptionally great at this part of the process, the writing and pre-production. So we're letting him walk us through his approach step-by-step.
If you want to self-produce your songs and plan on working with us through our coaching, you can prepare and get your songs ready for that. If you don't want to do that yourself, you can contact us and bring Manel on to your team, so he can work with you on getting your songs ready at the highest quality. If your plan is to go to a studio, you can prepare for that session properly to make the most out of it. Your engineer/producer will love you for it. ;) Either way, you'll walk away prepared and ready to kill it on your next project without cutting corners. Let’s go! -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/279 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 278: The #1 Beginner Mistake In Music Production (Stop Doing This!) | 20 août 2025 | 00:28:29 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music. Inside, we work with you one-on-one. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever. 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible. If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away. But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise: You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does. Sounds fair? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: We made this episode because we see artists make the same mistake again and again. We don’t want you to make it too. We call it a “rookie mistake.” That means it’s something beginners often do. And yes, this can even happen to people who have played music for years, but never made a record the right way. Some of you might think, “I’m not a beginner.” But if you are making this mistake, you are. At least when it comes to making records that have a chance to be heard and enjoyed by more than just your friends and family. And when it comes to making music that sounds so good you’ll be proud of it forever. Music that can play right next to your favorite songs and still hold up in quality. If you keep making this mistake, that will never happen. So please listen to this episode and take it seriously. This advice comes from over 15 years of full-time work in audio. From thousands of projects with hundreds of artists and labels all around the world. What we share here is true for pretty much everyone. Don’t think you’re the one exception. Do what works. Let’s go! -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/278 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 277: Auditioning 15 Limiters?! Mastering Talk with Slatin | 13 août 2025 | 01:14:17 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward. 🚀 Here are all the details, let's go: -- Episode show notes: We are 277 episodes into this podcast and haven't really touched on mastering. We did an episode on loudness and one where we explained what mastering actually is. But we really only scratched the surface. Today we're finally going a bit deeper and we're doing it with an amazing guest. Slatin is joining us on the show today. Slatin is an award winning mastering engineer, based in Madrid, Spain. He is also a DJ and artist himself and despite his current career in electronic music, he actually has a heavy metal background. There's lots to talk about and I'm super excited to have him on the show. So without further ado, here is Slatin for you! --
Enjoy! -- Slatins website: -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/277 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 276: Creating Music For Wandering Souls - The Journey Of The Grand Caravan (Case Study Interview With Adam Croft) | 06 août 2025 | 01:03:45 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward. 🚀 Here are all the details, let's go: -- Episode show notes: In this episode, Benedikt is joined by Adam Croft from the band The Grand Caravan. A group that makes music for wandering souls and vibe-chasers, rather than sticking to any one genre. Adam shares his experience going from home recording setups to professional studios, and the lessons he’s picked up along the way. Adam and Benedikt also get into the balance between focusing on feel vs. getting caught up in the technical side of things, and how collaboration and spontaneity often lead to the best creative moments.
Enjoy! -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/276 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||
| 275: Why Your Vocals Don’t Sit Right in the Mix (And How to Fix It) | 30 juil. 2025 | 00:53:46 | |
Your next step: Apply for coaching! Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward. 🚀 Here are all the details, let's go: -- Episode show notes: I hear it all the time. It's one of the most common problems that people run into: "The vocals are buried in the mix and when I turn them up, they are too loud." "I want the vocals to be "in the mix" but still clear and audible all the time." "I want the vocals to be upfront, but not on top of the mix too much." "What do I do to make my vocals sit well in the mix?"
It's what connects with your listeners, it's what tells the story, gets the message across and it is the most unique thing about your music that won't sound like anyone or anything else.
Enjoy! -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/275 -- If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com | |||