

The Mr. Bill Podcast
Bill Day
Mr. Bill and Guests
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 33min
MBP #174 Andrew Simper
Andrew develops some of the world's most advanced analog modelling audio algorithms, releasing these as plugins through his own company Cytomic, and licensing technology to industry leading developers like Ableton (Live, Move, Push), and Xfer Records (Serum). Andrew Simper Links Mr Bill Links Summary In this conversation, Bill Day and Andy Simper delve into the intricacies of audio programming, DSP algorithms, and the evolution of music production tools. They discuss the challenges faced in hardware development, the early days of VST plugins, and the impact of the Glue compressor on Ableton's EQ8. The conversation also explores the technicalities of filters, the transition from bi-quad to state variable filters, and the nuances of summing engines in audio quality. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of efficiency in DSP and the future of audio processing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:02 Early Days of Audio Programming 11:56 The Glue Compressor and Its Impact 18:01 The Transition to Better Algorithms 23:55 The Future of Audio Processing 30:33 Understanding Audio Summing and Its Implications 36:06 The Complexity of DSP Equations 41:18 Optimizing CPU Usage in Audio Plugins 52:12 Challenges in Audio Feature Extraction 59:17 The Complexity of Circuit Simulation 01:06:18 Modeling Analog Gear: The Importance of Realism 01:11:39 Criteria for Meaningful Emulation vs. Mimicry 01:20:40 Imagining Unlimited Computational Power in DSP 01:25:42 Unsolved Problems in Digital Signal Processing

Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
MBP #173 PhaseOne
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, PhaseOne’s distinct sound (a unique blend of hard-hitting Bass Music infused with Metal) quickly found him a niche in the hardline EDM landscape. His music has been described as “a symphony of filth”, and boy are they not wrong. As a producer, guitarist, and songwriter PhaseOne expertly crafts a “metal meets electronic” sound that not only defies genres but has earned him multiple number 1s, and millions of streams globally. PhaseOne’s DJ performances bring unmatched energy to the stage; it’s a show he’s toured extensively in global markets including North America, South America, Europe, Australia, the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East, and Europe, playing sold-out headline shows and festivals such as Tomorrowland, EDC, Rampage and Lost Lands, with some of the biggest names in electronic music. His music is loved and supported by artists such as Skrillex, Illenium, Slander, and Excision. PhaseOne Links Mr. Bill’s Links

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
MBP #172 Skybreak
Amidst the kaleidoscopic landscape of electronic music, Skyberak stands as a visionary architect of sound, masterfully weaving vibrant hues of color into the intricate fabric of bass music. With a signature style that defies convention, Skybreak's sonic creations explore the uncharted territories of Color Bass and Future Riddim, giving rise to a symphony of textures, emotions, and boundless creativity. Collaborations are a cornerstone of Skybreak's sonic voyage, serving as gateways to musical exploration and innovation. His creative energy flows seamlessly alongside artists such as Ace Aura, Aethoro, ALLEYCVT, and Azure Spark, to name just a few. With each collaborative endeavor, Skybreak melds his sonic identity with the unique perspectives of his musical counterparts, resulting in tracks that are as diverse as they are captivating. Through a prolific discography, Skybreak's music finds its home on an array of prestigious labels, each one a testament to his ability to traverse the sonic spectrum. From the ethereal landscapes of Seeking Blue to the bass-driven frontiers of Never Say Die and Disciple, his releases resonate with audiences across genres, speaking to his dynamic range as a producer and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of bass music. At the core of Skybreak's sonic identity lies a passion for Color Bass and Future Riddim—a genre that he has nurtured and evolved since his inception in 2017. His tracks are not mere compositions; they're vivid landscapes of sound, each element carefully placed to evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions. The rhythms, melodies, and textures intertwine to create an immersive experience that transcends sound, becoming a canvas for listeners to explore the depths of their imagination. Skybreak's transformative influence extends beyond his own productions. Through a remix of "Blue Eternal" by Said The Sky & Motion City Soundtrack, he infuses his unique touch into existing tracks, breathing new life into familiar melodies. This remix is a testament to his ability to reshape music into his own sonic realm, infusing it with his trademark energy and creativity. As he continues to forge his path through the evolving landscape of electronic music, Skybreak's name becomes synonymous with innovation, audacity, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of music, showcasing the ability to create immersive worlds through sonic landscapes. With each track, each release, Skybreak invites audiences to experience the beauty of color bass and future riddim—a vivid symphony that transcends the ordinary and propels listeners into realms of uncharted sonic wonder. Skybreak Links Mr. Bill’s Links

Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 7min
MBP #171 Matt Xavier
Matt Xavier is a full-time psychedelic guide, DJ, and mental health counselor whose remarkable career has spanned more than three decades at the intersection of music, healing, and expanded states of consciousness. In the early 1990s, Matt gained prominence as “Matthew Magic,” a pioneering force in New York City’s underground electronic music scene. As cofounder of Tsunami Productions, he introduced Psychedelic Trance to the North American East Coast and later founded the influential techno label Railyard Recordings. Throughout his tenure, he held DJ residencies in both New York and Los Angeles, performing at renowned festivals and clubs around the world. Educated at Loyola Marymount University and credentialed in California, Matt has worked as a certified Gestalt therapist and co-occurring addiction counselor, providing evidence-based care at leading treatment centers across Los Angeles. In 2019, he received formal training in psychedelic-assisted therapy and launched Integrated Psychedelics—a private practice offering harm-reduction therapy, integration counseling, and immersive, music-enhanced psychedelic journeys. Through his work with Therapeutic DJing, Matt teaches others how to harness the powerful synergy between music and psilocybin-assisted therapy to support emotional release, healing, and deep personal transformation. Career News: Book release Early June 2025: The Psychedelic DJ - A Practical Guide to Therapeutic Music Curation and Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy DJ Sets @ Psychedelic Science Conference June 2025: Shulgin 100 Year Birthday Celebration @ Psychedelic Science 2025 - Denver, feat. Oona Dahl & Matt Xavier AFTERGLOW: unofficial ambient-techno afterhours for Psychedelic Science 2025 - Denver, feat. Oona Dahl & Matt Xavier Matt's Links Mr. Bill’s Links

May 8, 2025 • 1h 1min
MBP #170 Dave Gamble
DMGAudio is Dave Gamble and co-conspirator Krzysztof Oktalski, enriched with ideas from hundreds of engineers, producers and audio specialists. Dave has worked in Pro-Audio for over a decade, for prestigious companies such as Focusrite, Novation, Sonalksis, Neyrinck, Brainworx. DMGAudio was created to build the products that we've always wanted; free from the constraints of a board of directors and instead driven by our users. Dave Gamble Links Mr. Bill Links

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 15min
MBP #169 Vojtech Meluzin
Vojtěch Meluzín, founder and CEO of MeldaProduction, shares his inspiring journey from programming at age 10 to creating over 120 innovative audio plugins. He discusses the challenges of innovating in a crowded market and critiques the industry's obsession with analog emulation. Meluzín dives into the intricacies of cross-platform development, highlighting frustrations with macOS updates. He also reflects on leadership responsibilities, the importance of community, and the evolving future of music mixing in the age of AI.

Apr 3, 2025 • 55min
MBP #168 Rodrigo Constanzo
Rodrigo Constanzo makes art. He thinks this is an important thing to do. The art he makes is generally smeared in time, in the form of music. He improvises and acts as an antennae to the beauty, electricity, and endless surprise that is living a crazy life. He composes and tries to create new sounds, interactions and behaviors that he finds interesting and challenging. He performs his own music and the music of others on a variety of instruments, with close friends. He believes in magic. He believes in sharing things. He believes in teaching. He believes in openness. He loves sweet jams, and avoids speaking with a complicated vocabulary as much as possible. He tries to live as presently and honestly as possible. Rodrigo Constanzo Links Mr. Bill’s Links

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 21min
MBP #167 Steve Duda
In this engaging chat, Steve Duda, a legendary sound designer and the creative force behind the Serum synthesizer, shares insights into the development of Serum 2. He discusses the challenging balance of innovation and user experience, and the role community input plays in shaping sound design. Duda also explores the exciting potential of AI in music synthesis, addressing how it might revolutionize sound creation. With a rich history in music technology, his stories are a treasure trove for producers and synth enthusiasts alike.

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 30min
MBP #166 Benn Jordan
Benn Jordan, a trailblazing composer and YouTuber, is a strong advocate for independent artists battling against the tech industry. He discusses his journey in reclaiming music rights from labels, and his role in shaping ethical standards in AI audio technology. The conversation dives into the challenges facing today’s musicians from monopolistic streaming services, the evolving nature of music distribution, and the impact of social media on artists. With a focus on innovation, he envisions music albums as dynamic entities rather than static products.

Feb 20, 2025 • 59min
MBP #165 Curtis Roads
Curtis Roads creates and pursues research in music technology. He is Professor Emeritus of Media Arts and Technology (MAT) and in Music at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he also managed the Center for Research in Electronic Art Technology (CREATE). He studied composition at California Institute of the Arts and the University of California, San Diego and received a Doctorate from the Université Paris 8. A researcher at MIT for six years, he also taught at Harvard and the University of Naples "Federico Due." He was Editor and Associate Editor of Computer Music Journal (The MIT Press) from 1978 to 2000, and cofounded the International Computer Music Association (ICMA) in 1979. His album POINT LINE CLOUD was reissued in 2019 by Presto Records. His album Flicker Tone Pulse (2019) was published on DVD by Wergo (Schott Musik). The textbook The Computer Music Tutorial, Second Edition (The MIT Press) appeared in 2023. Curtis Roads Links Mr. Bills Links