Episodes

  • Ben Levin - Staying True to Yourself as an Artist

    Ben Levin - Staying True to Yourself as an Artist
    Nov 5 2024

    Ben Levin is a musician, visual artist, and educator. He runs the Ben Levin Music School where he hosts courses that help artists find their voice, finish music, and maintain and cultivate their love of music-making. Ben's YouTube Channel hosts his art, music, and educational content. His new album Heaven Heaven Heaven features indie, alternative rock music with 2 Fender Bass VIs at its core.

    Ben and I explore the complexities of artistic identity, the challenges of navigating platforms like YouTube, and the importance of creativity in education. Ben explains the challenges of being artistically honest and following our passions while trying to create a consistent online presence that cooperates with the algorithms so we can actually make a living artistically. Ben even brings out his Fender Bass VI to demonstrate how he uses it on his new album Heaven Heaven Heaven.

    This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Takeaways:

    • Ben Levin discusses the duality of being a multifaceted artist.
    • Navigating the YouTube landscape requires balancing creativity and marketability.
    • Batch production of content can help manage audience expectations.
    • The importance of creating space for endings in artistic work.
    • Teaching creativity in schools can enhance student engagement.
    • Understanding modes in music requires contextual learning.
    • The arts provide essential emotional support during difficult times.
    • Artistic expression can be a powerful healing tool.
    • Personal growth in music production often involves collaboration and community.
    • The creative process is often nonlinear and requires patience.
    • The Fender Bass VI offers a unique sound that bridges bass and guitar.
    • Authenticity in vocal performance resonates more than technical perfection.
    • Finding one's voice is a journey that requires exploration and practice.
    • The creative process is often more rewarding than the final product.
    • Vulnerability in music can create a deeper connection with listeners.
    • Teenage experiences and emotions can be effectively expressed through music.
    • Balancing humor and seriousness in art can enhance emotional impact.

    Links:

    • Ben Levin Music School - https://benlevinmusicschool.com
    • Ben's Courses - https://benlevinmusicschool.com/p/courses
    • Heaven Heaven Heaven by Ben Levin - https://benlevingroup.bandcamp.com/album/heaven-heaven-heaven
    • Ben's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenLevin
    • Ben's Art - https://benshow.horse
    • Ben on the Fender Bass VI - https://youtu.be/G1DLpdFWrdM?si=gEvXLlRG6QzCKYIt
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

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

    Brian Funk
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    2 hrs and 3 mins
  • David Mash - Musician, Educator, Futurist

    David Mash - Musician, Educator, Futurist
    Oct 22 2024

    David Mash is a musician, composer, educator, technologist, and futurist. David worked at Berklee College of Music for 44 years, first as a teacher of guitar and jazz. Then he started the Music Synthesis department, which is now the Electronic Production and Design department. David was Berklee’s Assistant Dean of Curriculum for Academic Technology (BADCAT) in 1989, Vice President for Technology in 1997, Vice President for Technology and Education Outreach in 2006, and Senior Vice President for Innovation, Strategy, and Technology in 2013. He is the President of the Bob Moog Foundation Board, and as Chair of the Board for the Alan R. Pearlman (ARP) Foundation.

    It was an honor to speak with David, a man who played a major role in bringing the latest in music technology to the academic world. David spoke about his influential career and how he has evolved over the years as a musician. He shared how a hand injury derailed his guitar playing career and guided him to a new chapter in synthesis and music technology. We discussed his various musical projects and some of the important collaborators he's worked with along the way. It's an incredible story about a man who undoubtedly shaped the musical landscape for all who follow.

    This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Links:

    • David's Website - https://davidmash.com
    • Mashine - https://www.mashine.com
    • David's Berklee Profile - https://www.berklee.edu/people/david-mash
    • Sonic Doodles by David Mash - https://davidmash.com/sonic-doodles/
    • Stefan - https://stefanthemusician.com
    • Bar of 2 Productions - http://barof2.com/
    • Peter Bell on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/peter-bell
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

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

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

    Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 46 mins
  • The Craft of Songwriting with Andrea Stolpe

    The Craft of Songwriting with Andrea Stolpe
    Oct 8 2024
    Andrea Stolpe is a renowned, multi-platinum creative consultant whose methodology for songwriters and music artists has been taught worldwide. A writer with 20+ years of experience in the music industry, Andrea has written for such artists as Faith Hill, Julianne Hough, and Jimmy Wayne. She has turned her experience into award-winning online courses and live events as well as numerous articles, books, and resources. As one who has followed and learned from her for years, I really enjoyed speaking with Andrea. She shared lots of practical songwriting advice musicians from any genre can use. Andrea shared her story and how she continues to hone her songwriting craft. We spoke about the vulnerability and openness songwriting requires, as well as how to grow by working with collaborators. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Simplicity is key in songwriting, focusing on the core elements of melody, lyrics, rhythm, and chords. Focus on expressing yourself authentically. Write songs that have substance and meaning, rather than relying on cliches or low-hanging fruit. Collaboration and production can enhance a song's message and impact. Take the time to reflect on your songs and identify areas where they may need improvement or refinement. Feedback from others can be useful, but it is important for songwriters to stay true to their own instincts and not try to wear other people's ideas as their own. Specific details in lyrics can create a vivid and relatable experience for listeners, but it is important to find the right balance between specificity and universality. Songwriting retreats provide a supportive and collaborative environment for songwriters to connect with others, overcome creative blocks, and make progress in their writing. The creative process is a journey of exploration and reaction, and it is important to embrace both the creative and critical aspects of songwriting. Having the right tools and techniques can help songwriters overcome challenges and make their creative process more efficient and effective. Links: Andrea's Website - https://www.andreastolpe.comAndrea's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andreastolpeofficial/Andrea's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@andreastolpe Download the 5 Songwriting Tools That Change Everything - Free PDF Guide: https://bit.ly/fivesongwritingtools Join Andrea Live at a Songwriting Retreat - (California dates still available for November 2024): https://bit.ly/4e4EvHA Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.comMusic Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/bookIntro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bitMusic Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcastSave 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/storeThis episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • KIN TALA - Building an EP from Scratch

    KIN TALA - Building an EP from Scratch
    Sep 24 2024

    KIN TALA is a musical duo from Blackpool, England, who just released their debut EP, Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost. They created the album entirely on their own, learning to produce and mix along the way.

    I spoke with Dominic of KIN TALA about their new EP and the creative process they used to make it. Dom discussed how the duo did most of their learning on the fly and how they managed to inject their personality and style into the music. We talked about overcoming creative challenges and working hard to find a unique sound.

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Takeaways:

    • Starting from scratch and diving into music production can lead to great results.
    • The process of recording and mixing can be challenging, but it's worth it to achieve the desired sound.
    • Maintaining artistic vision is important, even in the face of industry expectations.
    • Strengths and challenges of playing in a duo.
    • Embracing a unique sound and not fitting into a specific genre or scene can be a breath of fresh air.
    • Working with limited equipment and resources can push artists to be more creative and think outside the box.
    • Finding moments of inspiration and taking the time to reflect on the music you want to create is important.
    • The music industry has become more equitable in terms of access, but it's important to navigate it in a way that speaks to your own goals and values.
    • Creating music that is authentic, meaningful, and resonates with listeners is more important than constantly producing and saturating the market.

    Links:

    • KIN TALA - https://www.kintala.uk
    • Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost by KIN TALA - https://open.spotify.com/album/4h7pwz215ylKjc6ZPOjwzk
    • KIN TALA Bandcamp - https://kintalaband.bandcamp.com
    • KIN TALA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kintalauk
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

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

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

    Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Ian Temple - Soundfly CEO on Overcoming Creative Obstacles

    Ian Temple - Soundfly CEO on Overcoming Creative Obstacles
    Sep 9 2024
    Ian Temple is the CEO and Co-Founder of the online music school, Soundfly. Soundfly offers courses in a variety of topics related to music-making and music production. Ian is a pianist, composer, and plays in the band Sontag Shogun. Ian and I spoke about the creative process and the challenges of making music. Ian shared insights about learning music and growing as a musician. He explained how we should embrace challenges and obstacles along the way and use them to our creative advantage. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: The creative process is a constant journey of growth and learning.Mental obstacles can hinder creativity, but they can be overcome with the right mindset.Flexibility and adaptability are key in the creative process.Community and collaboration can provide valuable insights and support.Reframing limiting beliefs can lead to new perspectives and breakthroughs.Embrace the creative process and accept where you are in your journey.Overcome obstacles by reframing them as opportunities for growth.Keep creating and pushing forward to bridge the gap between your skills and your taste.Collaborate with others and engage with a supportive community to inspire and enhance your creativity. Links: Soundly - https://soundfly.comSoundfly newsletter sign up: https://soundfly.com/Kimbra’s Vocal Class - https://soundfly.com/courses/kimbra-vocal-creativity-arranging-productionCom Truise’s Production Class - https://soundfly.com/courses/com-truise-mid-fi-synthwave-slow-motion-funkSoundfly Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learntosoundflySoundfly YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/learntosoundflySontag Shogun - https://www.sontagshogun.com“This is Water” by David Foster Wallace - https://fs.blog/david-foster-wallace-this-is-water/“The Gap” by Ira Glass - https://vimeo.com/85040589Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.comMusic Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/bookIntro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bitMusic Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcastSave 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/storeThis episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Corey Baker - aka Kill Paris, Musician, Producer, Ableton Certified Trainer

    Corey Baker - aka Kill Paris, Musician, Producer, Ableton Certified Trainer
    Aug 27 2024
    Corey Baker is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and Ableton Certified Trainer. Corey made a huge impact on the electronic music scene and toured the world as Kill Paris. He shares his workflow and techniques in his tutorials and courses, and hosts a weekly sample flip challenge. I spoke with Corey about his music, educational community, and production techniques. We discussed some of the newer features in Ableton Live 12.1, as well as the process of learning complex software to create music. Corey shared how being discovered by Skrillex on SoundCloud changed the course of his career. This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: The early days of using Ableton Live involved a supportive community and tutorials helped in the learning process.Transitioning from hardware to digital plugins allowed for more flexibility and experimentation in music production.The MIDI tools and scale awareness in Ableton Live 12 provide a user-friendly way to explore music theory and create musical compositions.Balancing technical knowledge with creative exploration is important in music productionBreaking the rules and trying new things can lead to unique and interesting results.The standalone version of Ableton Push has improved workflow and allows for a more immersive and enjoyable music-making experience.Reacting and responding to what you are creating in the moment is important for staying in a creative flow.Simplifying your setup and focusing on using default Ableton devices can help avoid getting caught up in technical details and allow for a more fluid creative process.Challenging oneself and embracing the struggle in the creative process leads to a deeper sense of satisfaction and connection with the music.The energy and process put into creating music can be felt by the listener, even if it's not consciously recognized.Bringing energy and enthusiasm to live performances is crucial for creating a great show and engaging the audience.Creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere can help build a connection between the performer and the audience.Playing for smaller venues allows for more eye contact and a sense of community, while larger crowds can create a domino effect of energy.How platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube have played a significant role in the success of many musicians, providing opportunities for exposure and collaboration.Gamification and metrics in music production can provide valuable feedback and motivation for producers. Links: Corey’s Site - https://funthingsfunlife.comCorey’s Intro to Ableton Live Course - https://corey-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/YjH3Muz2/checkoutCorey’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coreybakercoreybakerCorey’s Clubhouse on Discord - https://discord.com/invite/PJtmtk5ydgLinks to Corey’s Work and Music - https://funthingsfunlife.com/linksMaking Music by Dennis DeSantis PDF - https://cdn-resources.ableton.com/resources/uploads/makingmusic/MakingMusic_DennisDeSantis.pdfBrian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.comMusic Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/bookIntro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bitMusic Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcastSave 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/storeThis episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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    2 hrs and 4 mins
  • Thomas Glendinning - ELPHNT, Sound Designer, Music Maker, Educator

    Thomas Glendinning - ELPHNT, Sound Designer, Music Maker, Educator
    Aug 12 2024
    Thomas Glendinning is a music producer, educator, and sound designer. He creates some of the finest Ableton Live and Max for Live devices available at his site ELPHNT. Tom recently released his new album Micro((osmos under the name Conso/e. Tom joined me for a 3rd conversation on the Music Production Podcast to talk about his new album and some of his latest Max for Live creations, including Essentials. We spoke about the fun and challenges of creating music and devices. Tom shared some great insights from his experiences that will surely help music-makers of all levels. We also spent some time discussing the latest features in Ableton Live 12.1. This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Tom's Essentials Pack offers simple and focused Max for Live devices that perform specific tasks effectively.Tom emphasizes the importance of headroom and organization in mixing, allowing for flexibility and clarity in the mix.Shakers and tambourines can add groove and texture to music, serving as both rhythmic and textural elements.Distinguishing between creative effects and mix effects helps maintain clarity and intention in the production process.Mixing in mono can provide a fresh perspective and help create a balanced and cohesive mix.Tom's minimalist approach to music production focuses on using only what is necessary to achieve the desired sound. Playing percussion instruments requires technique and skill, and it's important to have respect for percussionists.Imperfection in music production can add a unique and organic sound to the music.The new features in Ableton Live 12.1, such as Auto Shift and macro randomization, offer exciting creative possibilities.There is a need for reevaluation in the music tech space to focus on tools and content that actively help musicians make more music.Limiting your tools and focusing on intentional limitations can enhance creativity and productivity in music production. Links: ELPHNT - https://elphnt.ioEssentials Max for Live Pack - https://elphnt.io/store/essentials/Micro((osmos - https://consoleconsole.bandcamp.com/album/micro-osmosELPHNT Newsletter - https://elphnt.io/newsletter/Freakshow Industries Plug-ins - https://freakshowindustries.comThomas on Music Production Podcast #26 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2017/6/22/26-thomas-glendinning-ableton-certified-trainerThomas on Music Production Podcast #158 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2020/3/14/tom-from-elphnt-on-finishing-music-and-making-it-a-career-music-production-podcast-158Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.comMusic Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/bookIntro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bitMusic Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcastSave 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/storeThis episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Michelle Moog - Bob Moog Foundation, History of Moog Synthesizer

    Michelle Moog - Bob Moog Foundation, History of Moog Synthesizer
    Jul 30 2024

    Michelle Moog is the executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation and daughter of synthesis pioneer Bob Moog. The Bob Moog Foundation’s Mission Statement is to inspire creative thinking by providing interactive educational experiences at the intersection of science, music theory, history, and innovation. Michelle helped bring the organization from a volunteer-driven, grassroots effort to the educational and historical preservation force it is today.

    Michelle and I spoke about the Bob Moog Foundation and their efforts to preserve the history of Bob Moog’s work. She shared personal stories of growing up with her father and how she has learned about him and his work on a deeper level since starting the Bob Moog Foundation.

    This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Links:

    • Bob Moog Foundation - https://www.moogfoundation.org
    • Moogseum - https://www.moogseum.org
    • Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool - https://moogfoundation.org/projects/dr-bobssoundschool/
    • Bob Moog Foundation Membership - https://moogfoundation.org/membership/
    • Donating to the Bob Moog Foundation - https://bit.ly/ContributeBMF
    • Bob Moog Foundation Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bobmoogfoundation/
    • Bob Moog Foundation YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@moogfoundation/featured
    • Spectrasonics Bob Moog Tribute Library - https://www.spectrasonics.net/products/tribute/
    • Native Instruments Modular Icons - https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/play-series/modular-icons/
    • Vox Humana Sample Pack by Alex Ball - https://bit.ly/VoxHumanaSoundbank
    • Michelle’s TED Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG_PYTsSSAM
    • Bob Moog Foundation online store - https://bobmoogfoundation.myshopify.com/
    • Bob's biography, Switched On: Bob Moog and the Synthesizer Revolution - https://bit.ly/SwitchedOnBobMoogBiography
    • Francis Preve on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/francis-preve-2024
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

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

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

    Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 25 mins