Unstoppable Recording Machine Podcast

Eric Guenther (The Contortionist, From Exile) sits in on this episode to shed some light on songwriting, collaboration, and being an effective keyboardist in rock/metal genres. It seems like more rock and metal bands than ever are incorporating some sort of keys or synth in their music. Of course, that also means that there’s a lot of bands doing it without really having any idea how to not make a mess of things in the process. There are few people that we’d feel are as qualified as Eric right now to provide some guidance on the subject. “I kind of like that ability to use a wide variety of different toys on every record, so that each record has its own character and place in time in a way.” - Eric Guenther ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Using new tools to distinguish records from each other - Getting keys to live peacefully with other instruments in a mix - Finding creative ways to use pedals that “suck” - Effectively working with collaborators to craft balanced arrangements - How Eric uses Ableton for his live performances - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Wanasek has the answers you need to make sure you stay #nosmalltime. Want Joel to answer your questions? Send them to Joel@urm.academy with the subject line “Dear Joel.” The more detailed the better! “Small time is when you have really big dreams, but you don’t have the balls to go out and go after them.” - Joel Wanasek ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - The importance of setting yourself apart, and how to do it - Small time behaviors to avoid - Why you should always be open to help - What to do about a lack of motivation - Navigating past scene drama - Diversifying businesses - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re happy to have producer and engineer Richard Chycki (Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Rush) on the show to impart wisdom that he’s gained working at the industry’s top tier. Richard’s discography reads like a who’s who of all time amazing musicians. There’s so much information to mine from this discussion it’s crazy. From the process behind getting amazing guitar tones from guitar gods to how to communicate in a manner that maximizes creativity to the benefits he sees when looking back on his path into the industry, if you want to hear the mindset of one of the all time greats, you’re going to want to pay close attention to this one. “The biggest attribute that I could give to the majority of artists I work with in the ‘upper echelon’ is that they are not chasing success, they’re being creative, and they’re doing what they want to do to express their musical outlet at that time in their lives.” - Richard Chycki ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Communicating effectively with artists - The common traits of upper tier artists - Dealing with “big personalities” - Gaining trust - What Richard would want to tell his younger self - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder joins us to discuss his undying love for metal, what it takes to keep a band running at peak performance, and learning lessons about what to do (and what not to do) from the bands around you. Trevor is undeniably one of the great metal frontmen, and anyone looking to be successful in an extreme metal band stands to learn a lot from what he shares in this episode. The Black Dahlia Murder has always done things their own way and they’ve done it well. They’ve faced adversity and roadblocks along the way, but they’ve excelled due to tenacity and skill. “That’s the ultimate goal. To be a tight band. To be a good band. To make good records that resonate. To make songs that are dynamic. To make songs that emote, despite being a fast band, despite being a death metal band.” - Trevor Strnad ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Trevor’s metal obsession - Why it’s ok for musicians to be open about enjoying what they do - Focusing on work ethic and professionalism - How bringing in band members that aren’t local can be beneficial - Developing a band and learning from those around you - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finn Mckenty has the life and career answers you crave. Want Finn to answer your questions? Send them to Finn@urm.academy with the subject line “Dear Finn.” The more detailed the better! “Is it really true that bands make decisions based on whether somebody has nice gear or not? I’m not sure that it is. What I’m very certain of is that, if they are making that decision, they have no fucking idea what nice gear is.” - Finn Mckenty ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - What branding actually is - Why Finn believes that charisma is essential for performers - Degrees for creatives - How to prepare for career transitions - Getting clients for you new studio - Why no one is going to care about your unknown band’s studio diary - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jaime Gomez Arellano (Ghost, Paradise Lost, Sunn O))) shares his perspective on natural drum production, what you can buy today that will level up your productions immediately, and when enough compression is enough. Modern tools like samples, plugins, and amp sims definitely have a place in many productions. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking otherwise. However, it’s always intriguing to chat with a producer like Jaime that takes the extra time to do things with more of an analog approach. There’s tons of info in this episode for those of you interested in classic production techniques. “I’ve had records where it’s like: I can’t get it to sound louder without making it sound bad. So, I just need to leave it there, because I don’t want it to sound bad.” - Jaime Gomez Arellano ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Starting every project with a “clean slate” - How to get the most out of going to a music school - How Jaime went about starting his studio - Putting in the time and getting your name out there when you’re starting out - Why you should limit your recording session time - Why you should be careful with high end instruments that the artist has toured with - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Wanasek has the answers you need to make sure you stay #nosmalltime. Want Joel to answer your questions? Send them to Joel@urm.academy with the subject line “Dear Joel.” The more detailed the better! “I’m going to tell you something about clipping plugins… if you can’t hear it, and it sounds good, who cares?” - Joel Wanasek ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Staying healthy - Reinvigorating your interest in music - The pros and cons of clipping plugins - Credit - Dialing in a problematic kick - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Dunne follows up the Emmure Nail the Mix by joining us to dive into how he’s gotten to this point and how he continues to knock out killer mixes. Being a successful audio professional involves a lot more than just knowing how to mix. Not only is Jeff an amazing producer, but he balances that with another career, and his approach to managing all of it is something that we could all learn from. From avoiding distractions to communication strategies to not letting your unconscious sabotage you, there’s tons of info to take away from this one. “I think a lot of it is having confidence in what you can do, making sure you do it at a consistent level, and then being a little bit willing to pick up some shit at the end of the day for other people, because, realistically, that’s what people need you to do even if that’s not the explicitly stated job description.” - Jeff Dunne ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Jeff’s top down mixing philosophy - Managing your involuntary reactions and turning them into positives - Cutting out distractions - How to become a “go to guy” - Nailing the prep - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Pilotta (URM Academy, The Wade Studio) is on the show to make sure you don’t end up the subject of just another intern horror story. Whether we’re talking the audio industry or not, there are opportunities out there being left on the table by people that aren’t willing or capable of grabbing them. If you know your shit and you’re not a punisher, then having a willingness to put in the time can pay off in dividends. Nick is definitely a prime example of how you can turn an internship into a career that could last you a lifetime. “You have to make your own opportunity, or else nothing will really come.” - Nick Pilotta ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - How to show, through internship work, that you’re someone worth paying - Getting the most out of the intern experience - Dealing with stigma related to coming out of a music school - How Nick got to the point of working with URM and Andrew Wade - Time management while building your career - Getting through moments when success feels impossible - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beau Burchell has Phil Sgrosso (As I Lay Dying, Wovenwar, Poison Headache) in the hot seat this time, for a wide ranging discussion about his career and the amazing productions he’s been a part of. Phil has built a career for himself that’s allowed him to have the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in metal production. He hasn’t just been sitting on his laurels as an amazing guitarist though; he’s also branched out into other paths that have presented themselves, such as management. If you’re a musician looking to adopt some great philosophies for maintaining a successful career this is a conversation you’re going to want to hear. “Gear and I have always had this weird relationship, that I don’t really like it.” - Phil Sgrosso ON THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Phil’s experiences working with producers like Colin Richardson and Adam D - Balancing production and mixing - Elevating songwriting and production by listening to feedback - Dialing in guitar tones - Pivoting to other career opportunities such as management - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices