Welcome to part one of this two part episode with Brian Funk.

Today's guest is Brian Funk, a New York-based musician, producer, and Ableton Certified Trainer.

Brian hosts the Music Production Podcast, teaches music production at Berklee Online, and is the author of 5-Minute Music Producer: 365 Music-Making Activities.

Throughout this conversation we talk about

* The value of embracing structure in songwriting.

* Decision making in the music production process.

* How limitations in your production process are a good thing.

* Working hard and not taking yourself too seriously.

* And Brian teaches me about anaphora.

Also, Brian brings us a mix of old and new for the ProducerHead Listening Room.

That’s it for Part One of this two part episode. Subscribe to ProducerHead wherever you are listening so that you don’t miss out on Part 2. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with a friend.

Don’t miss Part 2 of this conversation with Brian Funk, where we will get into:

* The advantages of having a day job.

* Thinking about the opinions of others.

* The distinction between what you can and can’t control.

* How multiple projects can help you avoid burnout.

* And, how Brian accidentally wrote a book.

Top 3 Gems From This Conversation:

1. SELF-IMPOSED CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS LEAD TO FINISHING WORK.

If you have a computer, you can do anything, and that’s too much. Limit your options. Making decisions propels you forward.

2. A VISION IS NOT REQUIRED TO BEGIN A PROJECT.

Once you are on the path, you will discover what exists on the path. Begin working and you’ll find that you can reshape and edit according to what you experience during the process. Your vision will reveal itself along the way.

I love this one. Here’s the proof: “Do it on purpose and find out who you are.”

3. SHARE WHO YOU ARE.

In Brian’s case, he believed his musical identity should remain outside of school (he also teaches English). He has come to find that the two can live together. The world of education appreciates his musical talents and vice versa.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

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Tap in with Brian Funk:

Instagram: @brianfunkmusic

Brian’s Website: https://brianfunk.com/

Conversation Timeline:

00:00 Intro

01:45 Track 1 And Discussion

15:30 Track 2 And Discussion

25:05 Track 3 And Discussion

36:40 Drops In The Bucket

42:28 Following Personal Interest And Excitement

43:51 Becoming an Ableton Certified Trainer

46:45 Separation Between Music and Professional Life

47:50 Burnout (Episode 16 Preview)

48:00 Outro

Referenced:

How To Write One Song

The World Within A Song

Anaphora

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