Music Production Podcast

Iftah is the creator of a number of official Ableton Live Packs, including CV Tools, Time and Timbre, Microtuner, and the new Performance Pack for Live 12. Formerly one-half of the duo, Skinnerbox, Iftah has performed around the world. His creative pursuits cover various mediums and styles such as electronic music, field recordings, photography, and programming.  Iftah and I spoke about his work as a music producer and developer. We discuss Iftah's journey in music, the development of the Performance Pack for Ableton Live, and the importance of rest and recovery in the creative process. Iftah speaks about the significance of building your own instruments and the satisfaction of seeing others use and create with your tools. We discuss the new features in Ableton Live 12 and the Performance Pack. We also explore the concept of constraints in music production and the importance of following one's own interests and passions.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube Show Notes: Iftah on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iftah.gabbai/ Iftah's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iftah_fow/featured Ableton Live's Performance Pack - https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/performance-pack/ Iftah's Performance Pack Video Manual - https://youtu.be/SnqCJmkxZ_s?si=6m6L4lG1vjRkugNh Iftah's Dancing Candle - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRl9nioCG10/ Skinnerbox - https://soundcloud.com/skinnerbox SideBrain's Performance Pack Walkthrough - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDVxZr4-Hoc 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  

Gregg Lehrman is the founder and CEO of Output. Output is a music-creation software company created by musicians for musicians. Gregg is an ASCAP award-winning musician and producer who has worked in television and film. Gregg spoke about his work at Output and how he started the company to fulfill his creative needs. He shared lessons he learned working for Hans Zimmer and how those experiences informed his work at Output. Gregg elaborated on how focusing towards a clear vision can help creatives work through the process and finish more work. Gregg also shared details about Output's latest work, Co-Producer.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube Show Notes: Output - https://output.com Co-Producer - https://coproducer.output.com Arcade - https://output.com/products/arcade Output YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/outputsounds Output Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/output/ Gregg's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregglehrman/ 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  

Guest Sound Oracle, a music producer who worked with Timbaland, shares insights on sound design for Ableton Live 12. Topics include drum rack creation, efficient organization, tape machines in production, inspiration from headlines, collaboration with Ableton, diversity in sound design, quality over quantity, mastering skills for success, and embracing imperfections for a unique sound.

The Him is a music producer, DJ, and plug-in designer with over 500 million streams on Spotify. He's toured some of the largest festival stages and done remixes for artists like Tiesto, The Chainsmokers, and Miley Cyrus. The Him just released his first plug-in, Sub Ninja, which allows producers to get an accurate understanding of the bass frequencies in a mix. The Him and I spoke about his career and Sub Ninja. We discussed the creative process and how he stays enthusiastic by balancing different projects with rest. The Him generously shared lots of useful insights we can all use in our own music production. You can get 10% off Sub Ninja with the code: MPPODCAST - https://dsp.thehim.com Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube Show Notes: The Him Website - https://www.thehim.com Sub Ninja - https://dsp.thehim.com The Him Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehim The Him YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehim The Him Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/thehim The Him Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5WdqBAQhGFCrZvBKXiPIu7 How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy - https://amzn.to/3vuqClB World Within a Song by Jeff Tweedy - https://amzn.to/3TOAaBk The War of Art by Steve Pressfield - https://amzn.to/43zJpZ7 Effortless by Gregg McKeown - https://amzn.to/3VvYfhm 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

Johan Ransby, an artist, coach, and producer, shares tips on finishing music and reaching career goals. They discuss embracing excitement in music production, exploring chord progressions for creativity, balancing artistic expression with audience reception, finding motivation in music creation, and overcoming procrastination. The podcast touches on unconventional creativity, self-comparison, and the power of contrasts in creative work.

Michaela Shiloh and Andre Mullens run the community-based record label HRDRV, which helps artists develop their careers. Their combined decades of experience in the music industry include writing music for top artists like Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez and working for Bad Boy Records.  Michaela and Andre discuss the importance of camaraderie and collaboration in running their company, HRDRV. The conversation also delves into the challenges of wearing multiple hats as a musician and the need for a toolbox in the music industry. Michaela and Andre share stories from their journeys in the music business and how they led to the development of HRDRV. Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube Show Notes: HRDRV - https://hrdrv.com Michaela's Website - https://www.itsmichaela.com Michaela's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mickeyshiloh/ Andre's Website - https://www.andremullen.me 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  

Carlos Sosa is a musician, producer, composer, and music director. Sosa formed Grooveline Horns, a 1970s funk and R&B influenced brass group. Carlos tours and records with Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Zac Brown Band, and Hanson. Carlos and I spoke in-depth about his music career recording and touring with some of music's largest acts. He spoke about how his never-ending desire to learn had him remote-recording since 2004, meeting new people, and landing dream gig after dream gig. Carlos' energy and enthusiasm fuels this great conversation, loaded with insight and wisdom. Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube Show Notes: Grooveline Horns Splice Pack - https://splice.com/sounds/packs/jammcard-samples/carlos-sosa-grooveline-horns/samples Carlos' Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/groovelinesosa/ Music for Tiny People by Coy Bowles - https://open.spotify.com/album/0cP8IU5D80tom9vR5ZQ3j1 Evolution Of... by Intergalactix - https://open.spotify.com/album/5uEIDKgtEKeaSid61XdFYJ Kill Tony - https://www.youtube.com/@KillTony 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

Philip Röder, a music producer from Copilco studio, shares insights on self-investment and the Go-Giver mindset. They discuss overcoming procrastination, embracing clarity, AI in music production, and the power of collaboration. The podcast delves into ambisonics, modular synthesis, and unlocking creative potential through mentorship.

Tim Smolens is a musician, composer, and recording engineer. He teaches music theory on his YouTube channel and at High Castle Music Conservatory. Tim has toured and plays in the bands ISS and High Castle Teleorkestra. Tim and I had an inspiring conversation about his work and appreciation of music and chord theory. Throughout the episode, Tim demonstrates the principles on his piano. We discussed the chord theory of the Beach Boys and Soundgarden, the evolution of recording technology, and much more. Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube Show Notes: Tim's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/timsmolens Tim's YouTube playlists page - https://www.youtube.com/@TimSmolens/playlists Tim's Conservatory on Patreon: High Castle Conservatory - https://www.patreon.com/hccmusic Tim's official website - https://timsmolens.com/ Tim's Bandcamp - https://timsmolens.bandcamp.com/ Tim's genre-defying, sci-fi progressive band High Castle Teleorkestra - https://highcastleteleorkestra.com/ 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/ Takeaways: Tim Smolens' YouTube channel focuses on analyzing the chord progressions and music theory behind the Beach Boys' music. The Beach Boys' music is known for its complexity and intricate production techniques. Tim Smolens incorporates interesting chord progressions and extensions in his own music, drawing inspiration from various genres. Home recording has evolved significantly, allowing musicians to create complex and layered compositions. The way music is consumed and appreciated has changed, with a diminished passion for music in society. Music has a profound influence on philosophy and can be explored as a subject of study. Learning to play an instrument can be challenging, but the struggle and resilience required can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding of music. Technology has revolutionized music production, allowing for greater control and experimentation in creating music. The production of music plays a significant role in creating feelings, moods, and atmospheres. The aesthetics of music, including tone production and composition, can greatly impact the emotional impact of a piece. The studio itself can be considered an instrument, with its unique capabilities and effects on the music. Different musical instruments offer unique challenges and opportunities for expression. Timing and groove are essential elements in music, creating a sense of feel and energy. Studio musicians have played a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of music throughout history. The science of music and tuning, including the harmonic series, can provide a deeper understanding of the relationships between notes and harmonies. Harmonic science is often overlooked in music education, but understanding it can enhance musical compositions and performances. The cultural context in which music is created and perceived can influence the perception and appreciation of different musical elements. Balancing music with a busy life can be challenging, but it is possible to find time for creativity. Creating a dedicated space for music and setting aside specific times for practice and composition can help prioritize musical pursuits. Joining platforms like Patreon and music conservatories can provide valuable resources and support for musicians. Embracing tangential conversations can lead to unexpected insights and creative ideas. 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  

Alexkid is a music producer and plug-in designer. He's been releasing house music for decades and designing Max for Live devices for Ableton and Isotonik Studios. Alex now runs 510k Arts, where he releases his powerful sequencers, including the new VST/AU plug-in Seqund.  Alexkid and I spoke about his work, music, and experience designing sequencers. He went into great detail about the subtle art of humanization and how groove and feel are an integral part of his sound and sequencer design. He shared his philosophies about having a playful mindset and the importance of moving fast while creating.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube Show Notes: 510K Arts - https://510k.myshopify.com Seqund Sequencer - https://510k.myshopify.com/products/seqund-au-vst-vst3-sequencer Alexkid Bandcamp - https://alexkidofficial.bandcamp.com Instant Haus - https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/instant-haus/ 510K Arts Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/510k_arts/ 510k Arts YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@510k_plugins/videos Alexkid's Isotonik Studios Page - https://isotonikstudios.com/product-category/isotonik-collective/alexkid/ Digitails Plug-in - https://aberrantdsp.com/plugins/digitalis/ Life by XLN Audio - https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/life 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