Hip-hop is constantly growing. The last few decades have seen a crazy surge in popularity for hip-hop and R&B. What does this mean for society, and what does it mean for the music itself?

Music credit goes to HookSounds.

Hip-Hop Becomes Dominant U.S. Genre:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/07/17/hip-hoprb-has-now-become-the-dominant-genre-in-the-u-s-for-the-first-time/#43e859bd5383

In this episode I talk about analog music vs. digital music. Covers how each functions, their differences, advantages, and disadvantages.

Music credit goes to HookSounds.

Analog vs. Digital Overview:

https://www.klipsch.com/blog/digital-vs-analog-audio

Analog/Digital Advantages & Disadvantages:

http://www.planetoftunes.com/digital-audio/pros-and-cons-of-analogue-and-digital-audio.html#.WvIKMKSUthE

What is an independent artist? Why are artists increasingly choosing to go independent from labels? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this? What are some examples of artists who have been successful independently?

Music credit goes to HookSounds.

Billboard Top Independent Artists 2017:

https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2017/independent-artists

How have music streaming services changed the financial landscape of the industry? Are musicians being paid enough for their streams? This is part 2 of 2 in the Behind the Record music streaming series.

Credit for the intro/outro music goes to HookSounds.

Sources:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/186688/downloads-of-digital-music-singles-in-the-us-since-2004/

https://www.sutori.com/story/history-of-music-streaming

https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/7/9861372/spotify-year-in-review-artist-payment-royalties

https://medium.com/bandbasher/5-things-artists-need-to-know-about-their-44-increase-in-streaming-profits-51d680ab9fb5

How popular is music streaming today? How does it fit into the industry? This is part 1 of 2 in the Behind the Record music streaming series.

Credit for the intro/outro music goes to HookSounds.

Apple Music vs. Spotify - streaming stats & features:

https://www.digitaltrends.com/music/apple-music-vs-spotify/

Comparison of major streaming services (stats):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_on-demand_music_streaming_services

History of music streaming & financial controversy:

https://www.sutori.com/story/history-of-music-streaming

What are the essential pieces of gear that a beginner needs for a home studio?

Credit for the intro/outro music goes to HookSounds.

Blue Yeti Microphone:

https://www.bluedesigns.com/products/yeti/

MXL 770 Microphone:

http://www.mxlmics.com/microphones/studio/770/

DAW Guide:

https://ehomerecordingstudio.com/best-daw-software/

Audio Interface Guide:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/audio/buying-guide/audio-interfaces

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface:

https://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-solo

Mackie CR Studio Monitors:

http://mackie.com/products/cr-series

This episode deals with different kinds of microphones, how they are used for commercial music, and what their variety and complexity says about the overall music creation process.

Credit for the intro/outro music goes to HookSounds.

Sources/Additional Info:

The Making of Where Are U Now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mY5FNRh0h4

First Recorded Song:

http://www.craveonline.com/music/669691-listen-to-the-first-ever-recorded-song-and-prepare-to-be-terrified

Microphone Varieties + General Info:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone

Polar/Pickup Patterns:

https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/6-microphone-pickup-patterns-every-filmmaker-should-know/

I talk about and demonstrate three of the major audio effects that get used when creating professional music.

Credit for the intro/outro music goes to HookSounds.

I discuss how the tools used to create music are more accessible than ever before. Anyone can be a digital musician, and anyone can create quality content.

Credit for the intro/outro music goes to HookSounds.

Source: https://www.recordingconnection.com/reference-library/recording-entrepreneurs/how-the-internet-changed-music/

This is the introductory episode of Behind the Record - a podcast series that takes a look at music behind-the-scenes, from the way that music labels function to how streaming has changed everything.