Progressions: Success in the Music Industry

Since I've taken a month break to prepare for season two of the podcast I've reissued this episode with a brand new introduction. I really enjoyed my conversation with Bill and I thought there was a lot of great insight in his story...Today’s guest is multi-platinum awarded producer, mixer, and musician Bill Appleberry. Bill has worked on Republic Records' and NBC's hit TV show The Voice for the last decade. He has produced and mixed the studio recorded versions of every song performed by every artist for every season of the show. Outside of his work with The Voice, Bill's credits as an engineer, producer, and player include names like Stone Temple Pilots, The Wallflowers, Puddle of Mudd, Joe Walsh, Hole, and 311. We have a great chat about his start, playing drums in the Marines, getting a hit early in his career, being prepared, and how your career is defined by what you do between gigs.In this episode, we'll dig in on...10 Years of The VoiceThe 5 P's of PreparationKnowing when to reinventPutting in practiceBuilding a team that you trustHaving a hit early in your careerEnlisting in the MarinesGetting recognized by the labelsLiving in a van with your keyboardsDoing demos with bands and trying to get them signedHow recording schools are commercializing the industryLearn More About ...Website: http://www.billappleberry.com/LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/bill-appleberry-6334561bOur Sponsors:Sign Up for Complete Producer Network HERE!Get on the Waitlist for The Beats Accelerator Process HERE!Other Links:Support the show on Patreon!Gear and Recommended Reading: https://kit.co/travisferenceSign up for the Progressions Mailing List!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProgressionsPod/Learn more about Travis: https://www.travisference.com/Credits:Guest: Bill AppleberryHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

A year and half ago I committed to starting a podcast and releasing a new episode every week for a full year. This week I talk about what I learned from that experience and I share the five biggest take aways that I think will most apply to helping you on your career journey. I also get into how Progressions will change as we enter into the second year of the show.📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is pianist, composer, producer, and musical director David Cook. David is an accomplished jazz pianist, having released two albums and represented the United States internationally through Jazz at Lincoln Center and the US State Department. He's also an adjunct professor for the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. The majority of his time is spent as a musical director and touring musician working with artists including Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Lizz Wright, Joshua Bassett, Shoshana Bean, and NSYNC. We chat about ego vs confidence, his jazz roots, and preparing for world tours.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Finding your musical familyChops vs restraintBig budget world toursRespecting the artistMusic "no nos"Self-promotion for musicians, then and nowAccompanying vocalistsLearning from every gigNot leaving any doubt musicallyBuilding synth patchesStudying with your herosJam sessions and meeting musiciansPutting together a bandTranslating a record to a live showLearn More About David Cook...Website: https://davidcookmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidcook88/Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidcookmusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidcookmusic📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: David CookHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Today's guest is Grammy winning mastering engineer Evren Göknar. Evren spent 25 years on staff at Capitol Mastering in Hollywood and now works independently from his own studio, Evren Göknar Mastering. His credits include artists like, KISS, Smashing Pumpkins, Mariah Carey, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, and NBC's The Voice. He's also recently written a book called "Major Label Mastering" which has been released on Routledge. We chat about working for a major label, writing a book and the importance of listening musically.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Working on classic Capitol releasesWriting a book and finding a publisherFinding your nichePlaying in bands around HollywoodClient communicationGoing a different path from your college peersThe importance of understanding musicMastering studio wiring and setupHaving control of your scheduleSorting out your businessWorking a the desk to get into a recording studioKnowing peopleLearn More About Evren Göknar...Get "Major Label Mastering" HERE!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evrengoknar/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evren.goknar/Twitter: https://twitter.com/evrengoknar📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Evren GöknarHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is drummer, percussionist, and manager Nik Hughes. Nik is a member of the band Youngblood Hawke, who burst on the scene with their platinum hit "We Come Running." He's also currently playing drums for Bush and in the past he's recorded or toured with artists such as Andy Grammer, Bishop Briggs, Puddle of Mudd, Emily Osment, and many more. Along with all of his playing experience he's also worked on the business side of music, working in management and also briefly holding a label position at Big Deal Music. We chat about releasing music, the importance of supporting each other, and how to audition.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Being in Youngblood HawkeSafe touringReading between the lines on auditionsPlaying in BushUnderstanding the label side as an artistAlways learning new skillsTransitioning into management and businessRecording drums lastJazz drumming influencing rock drummersLabel servicesPlaylistingBuilding long lasting friendships with other bandsKnowing who you are as an artistPlaying with Bishop BriggsDealing with record labelsLearn More About Nik Hughes...Website: http://www.nikhughesdrum.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhughesdrum/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nik.hughes.7/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVM3MNHWPL3Lf4qMFcdX9pw📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Nik HughesHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is mixing and mastering engineer, drummer, and podcast host Matt Boudreau. Matt started his 35 year career in the music industry as a drummer, but turned to the studio world after being inspired by sessions with producers like Joe Chiccarelli and Gil Norton. Since then he's worked on tons of records, as well as owned and operated multiple studios. In 2014 he started his podcast, Working Class Audio, which rapidly became one of the most popular podcasts in the audio industry. We chat about the inspiration behind his show, being financially diversified, and the importance of being a good person and building great relationships.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Playing in bands until falling in love with the studioStarting the Working Class Audio podcastHaving the right managerDiversifying your income as an audio professionalThe cost of keeping up with technologyBeing an advocate for yourselfTaking over a Bill Putnam built studio in San FranciscoWhy relationships matterTaking a loan out to buy an early Pro Tools rigMastering the basics of moneyMentally recovering from failed venturesBuilding a Dolby Atmos roomBeing a good personThe dangers of the instant gratification of social mediaUsing drum samplesLearn More About Matt Boudreau and Working Class Audio...Website: https://www.mattboudreau.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_boudreau/Working Class Audio: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/WCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio/Check Out Matt's Drum Sample Course here!📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Matt BoudreauHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is veteran recording engineer and score mixer Todd Burke. As a score mixer he's worked on movies such as The Big Sick, The King of Staten Island, Daddy's Home 2, and Donnie Darko. On the record side of things his credits include names like Fitz and the Tantrums, M83, The Kooks, Ben Harper, and The Temper Trap, among many others. Todd's also recently banded together with several other engineers to launch a platform to share their experience with the next generation of engineers and producers. We have a great chat about being self taught, launching recordBetter, and being committed to decisions.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Teaching yourself to be an engineer by going through the tape vaultGiving back and sharing knowledgeFilling the seat differently for every projectCommitting and making decisionsMoving to LA after high school and sleeping at the studioRecording to analog tapeWorking at Grandmaster RecordersTransitioning from records to filmRecords happen on the other side of the glassWorking in Dolby AtmosLaunching recordBetterRecording music for film vs recording for recordsWorking with the KooksAlways having funCapturing the magic of a band in the roomWorking with Slyvia MasseyLearn More About Todd Burke...Website: https://toddburke.tumblr.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddburke/recordBetter: https://www.recordbetter.com/recordBetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recordbetter/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Todd BurkeHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is music executive and songwriter Shelby Kennedy. Shelby is the President of North American operations for amazing, which is the parent company for Amazing Radio, Amazing Songs, and now CMJ. Prior to that he has held various positions throughout the industry including Director of A&R for Disney's Lyric Street Records, Artist and Partner relations for Tunecore, as well as executive roles at both ASCAP and BMI. Along with all that, early in his career Shelby had success as a songwriter with his songs being cut by artists like Ray Charles and Reba McEntire. We have a great chat about being independent artists, being unique, and using every tool you've been given.In this episode, we'll dig in on...The global marketplace of musicAmazing Radio and Amazing SongsTurning limitations into opportunitiesThe many hats an independent artist wearsFilling the voidBeing a song pluggerThe complexities of publishing and songwritingSigning Rascal FlattsThe best music is always nextMusic release strategiesPROsLearn More About Shelby Kennedy and Amazing Radio...Website: https://amazingradio.us/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazingradio/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Shelby KennedyHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is producer, songwriter, and recording artist Gab Strum. Gab releases music under the moniker Japanese Wallpaper, as well as writes and produces for other artists. Based out of Melbourne, Australia, he's found success on Triple J radio with several of his tracks as well as some of his productions. Including "Forces" featuring Airling and "In Motion" by Allday. His latest album "Glow" came out at the end of 2019 and has been followed up by a slew of new singles over the last year. We have a great chat about the artist's perspective of a mix, touring, and defining success in a way that fits your path.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Getting back the first mixThe Suzuki Method and ear trainingDealing with imposter syndromeTriple J radioSupporting an artist's vision, instead of telling them what their vision should beDefining success in way that fits your pathRecord labels and avoiding making decisions via committeeThe Australian music scene vs American music sceneThe duality of a musically and technically great mixBuilding relationships on the touring circuitHandling your own playback during tourProtecting your hearingThe importance of a great monitor and FOH team.Learn More About Gab Strum and Japanese Wallpaper...Website: https://gabstrum.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabstrum/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japanesewallpaper/Listen to Japanese Wallpaper here.📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Gab Strum (Japanese Wallpaper)Host: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest, Corey Schreppel, is an engineer and mixer specializing in podcast and broadcast production. Currently he is on the audio team for The New York Times, where he works on many of the narrative shows as well as their flagship show "The Daily." Prior to that he was the Technical Director for Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. Along with his decade of broadcast experience he's also worked extensively in the classical recording space as an engineer for the New England Conservatory of Music. We have a great chat about mixing live broadcasts, empowering your coworkers, and the importance of quality of life.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Mixing Live to 2Working the board the night Prince diedGetting repetitions to master your craftLearning to capture an ensemble as the sum of all it's partsWorkflow and systems designRemote collaboration, Pro Tools, and DropboxQuality of LifePodcastingsWorking for the New York TimesRecording in an old bank converted to a recording studioAudio of IP CodecsRecording classical ensembles at New England Conservatory or MusicMixing live broadcast showsCreative storytellingClock based radio broadcastsLearn More About Corey Schreppel...Website: https://coreyschreppel.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreyschreppel/Twitter: https://twitter.com/coreyschreppelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyschreppel/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Corey SchreppelHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference