

Dead Wax
Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman
Musicians nerding out to great music. Hosts Jack Conte (Scary Pockets, Pomplamoose, CEO of Patreon) and Ryan Lerman (Scary Pockets, John Legend, Ben Folds) are joined by musician friends to help break down what's going on in their favorite music. They dish about production, harmony, composition, theory, vocal performance and everything in between. New episodes every other week!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 18, 2025 • 55min
Creating The New Miley Sound - with Shawn Everett
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Shawn EverettExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightVideo: Phineas AlexanderTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow

Aug 11, 2025 • 17min
How Willie Weeks Invented the Bass Solo - with Anna Butterss
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Anna ButterssExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightVideo: Phineas AlexanderTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow

14 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 48min
St. Vincent's Sound Explained - with Cian Riordan
Cian Riordan, a talented mixer, producer, and engineer known for his work on St. Vincent's albums, shares insights into the world of sound production. He discusses the intricate process behind crafting specific songs, emphasizing collaboration and improvisation. Cian also dives into the emotional impact of modular synth tracks and innovative recording techniques. Listeners will learn about the art of achieving perfect drum sounds through strategic mic placement and the strong creative synergy that fuels his artistic journey.

Jul 28, 2025 • 53min
Production Secrets with Eric Valentine
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Eric ValentineExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightVideo: Phineas AlexanderTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow

5 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
Kaveh's Favorite Punk Rock Bass Lines - with Kaveh Rastegar
Join Kaveh Rastegar, an accomplished musician known for his punk rock-infused bass lines, as he dives into the electrifying world of punk music. He shares his personal journey rediscovering the raw energy of iconic bands like Bad Brains, discussing the emotional resonance behind their groundbreaking bass lines. Kaveh analyzes the urgency and complexity of these musical elements while reflecting on contrasting styles of punk and pop in the '80s. His insights illuminate how these connections forged community and shaped his musical identity.

Jul 14, 2025 • 24min
Jeff Buckley's Genius Explained - by David Ryan Harris
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: David Ryan HarrisExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightVideo: Phineas AlexanderTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow

Jul 10, 2025 • 34min
PART 2 - The INCREDIBLE Direction Billie Eilish and Finneas Gave Their Mixers - with Jon Castelli
On this episode of Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan sit down with top mix engineer Jon Castelli to break down his work on Billie Eilish’s new album and Omar Apollo’s latest project. He opens up about his perfectionist approach to mixing, the pressure of shaping an artist’s sound, and why he’s obsessed with Mariah Carey’s music.Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Jon CastelliExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightVideo: Phineas AlexanderTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow

Jul 7, 2025 • 35min
The Incredible Direction Billie Eilish and Finneas Gave Their Mixers
Hosts: Ryan Lerman and Jack ConteGuest: Jon CastelliAudio: Jack LightTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow

Jun 30, 2025 • 53min
Ethan Gruska on Unpacking Remi Wolf's INCREDIBLE production
Guest: Ethan GruskaHosts: Ryan Lerman and Jack ConteProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack Light
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow

Jan 21, 2025 • 57min
Greg Wells on Wicked, Katy Perry, and His FAVORITE Song
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman Guest: Greg WellsExecutive Producer: Ryan Lerman Production Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas Alexander Video & Editor: Phineas Alexander Audio Lead: Jack Light Theme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow


