I read a lot of music biographies and history books, especially from the Rock era. Like most people, I love reading about the story behind the hits. The best book I’ve ever read about that era is Buzz Me In: Inside The Record Plant Studios. 

The Record Plant was co-founded by engineer Gary Kellgrin and businessman Chris Stone, and it’s three studios in New York City, Los Angeles, and Sausalito, plus a fleet of remote trucks, were ground zero for the music business from the 1960s through the 80s. In fact, in 1976 alone, three #1 albums―Stevie Wonder's Songs In The Key Of Life, the Eagles' Hotel California, and Fleetwood Mac's Rumours―were all recorded in Record Plant studios.

The studio was also the center for audio innovation, thanks to the involvement of speaker and studio designer Tom Hidley, who recently passed.

Buzz Me In was written by two great friends of mine, Marty Porter and David “Mr. Bonzai” Goggin. Marty is an author, journalist and publisher who began his career as a technology writer for Rolling Stone, GQ and Premiere magazines, then became editor and publisher of recording and musical instrument publications Pro Sound News, EQ, Guitar Player and Surround Pro magazines.

David is an award-winning author, photographer, and music journalist, who’s written over 1,000 articles for magazines in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and has published 6 books. He’s also a press agent in the music industry and has represented numerous recording studios, manufacturers, and trade organizations such as SPARS and the World Studio Group.

During the interview, we talked about how Record Plant started and some surprising key players, the unique business model that powered the studio, how new tech drove the studio business, how many believe that it was the real Hotel California, and so much more.

Sit back and listen to some great behind-the-scenes stories. 

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Buzz Me In at https://amzn.to/4kAXY6I

Also, a video version is now available on YouTube as well.

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(FREE DOWNLOAD) 6 proven ways to avoid muddy mixes: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/6-freqs-download-1 

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

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In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers. 

My guest today is Josh Simons, CEO of Australia's only ASX-listed music company, Vinyl Group. 

Josh’s journey is as diverse as it gets. He founded Vampr, the 'LinkedIn for creatives,' connecting over 1.4 million music professionals worldwide. He’s also been instrumental in developing platforms like Jaxsta and Vinyl.com, tackling challenges in music metadata and e-commerce.

Prior to working in tech Josh ran a record label, publishing function, film production company, and was the lead singer of Australian indie rock band Buchanan. As a songwriter and producer, he’s shared credits with Travis Scott, Troye Sivan and Kanye West, and as a performer has toured with Coldplay, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood.

During the interview we spoke about innovations in music consumption, the future of music labels, the intersection of physical and digital media, the resurgence of cassettes, and much more.

I spoke to Josh via zoom from his office in Melbourne, Australia.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Josh at: https://www.joshsimons.us/ and Vinyl.com

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(FREE DOWNLOAD) 6 proven ways to avoid muddy mixes: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/6-freqs-download-1 

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyOwsinskiBiz/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyo/

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In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers. 

My guest today is music marketing strategist, speaker, author, and the founder of Cyber PR, Ariel Hyatt. Known for her bold ideas and practical strategies, Ariel has helped thousands of independent musicians and creative entrepreneurs craft sustainable careers over the course of two decades. 

Ariel has always been at the forefront of music promotion, and she continues once again with her new book From Buzz to Bond: How to Stop Chasing Hype & Build a Lasting Music Career.

In it she introduces the concept of Bond Marketing, a 10-step system known as the Bond Marketing Funnel. It’s designed to help musicians move beyond simple social reach and build deep, lasting fan relationships.

During the interview we spoke about navigating changes in the new music business, addressing artist burnout, exploring the bond marketing funnel, the importance of fan sanctuaries, and much more.

I spoke to Ariel from her home in New York City.

Ariel has also appeared on Episode 55, 130 and 371.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Ariel and CyberPR at https://cyberpr.com, https://www.facebook.com/arielcyberpr, https://www.instagram.com/cyberpr/, 

–

(FREE DOWNLOAD) 6 proven ways to avoid muddy mixes: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/6-freqs-download-1 

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyOwsinskiBiz/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyo/

Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyowsinski/

Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bobbyowsinski.bsky.social

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In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers. 

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My guest today is Danny Garcia, co-founder and CEO of the music promotion and discovery site Songtools.

Songtools makes it easy to promote your music across Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and reach out to over 150,000 curated Spotify playlists.

It also helps playlisters discover new music, and vets both artists and playlists to make sure that the experience is top quality for both.

The company’s signature tools include SongFly, which is an easy-to-use solution that enables artists to launch ad campaigns, complete with visuals, with just one click.

In less than one year, SongFly ran fan-building ad campaigns for close to 3,000 different artists, and delivered over 500K new fans to artists across all genres. 

During the interview we talked about how important focused marketing is for artists, countering bots in music discovery and promotion, strategies for growing playlists, current trends in music business, and much more.

I spoke with Danny from his office in New York.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Danny and Songtools at: https://www.songtools.io/

–

(FREE DOWNLOAD) 6 proven ways to avoid muddy mixes: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/6-freqs-download-1 

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyOwsinskiBiz/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyo/

Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyowsinski/

Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bobbyowsinski.bsky.social

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In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers. 

My guest today is Lon Neumann, the president of Neumann Technologies, a company that’s focused on designing and commissioning production facilities for immersive audio.

Lon has a long history with Sony, and is especially keen on their 360VME virtual mix environment system, which he discussed at length during the podcast.

He started in the business as a live sound engineer at the famous Whisky a Go Go and Roxy Theater in Hollywood, and later went on to mix for Earth, Wind and Fire before becoming chief engineer for Stevie Wonder’s personal studio.

Since then he’s worked primarily in audio technology, where he trained PBS engineers in surround sound production and loudness management, and helped develop immersive and loudness standards for SMPTE, AES, and the Consumer Technology Association.

During the interview we spoke about how Sony’s 360VME can help music and post mixers alike, the importance of phase coherence in immersive sound systems, his days mixing concerts for many legendary artists, and much more.

I spoke to Lon via zoom from his home in Los Angeles.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Lon's work: https://neumanntechnologies.com/ and Sony 260VME at https://www.sony.co.jp/en/Products/create360RA/360VME/

–

(FREE DOWNLOAD) 6 proven ways to avoid muddy mixes: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/6-freqs-download-1 

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyOwsinskiBiz/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyo/

Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyowsinski/

Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bobbyowsinski.bsky.social

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In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers. 

================

In this week's podcast episode, I bring back my popular music and audio industry news segment with a full episode dedicated to stories that matter—but often fly under the radar.

In this episode, I dive into a wide range of timely and thought-provoking topics, including:

• Why today’s music has been scientifically proven to be simpler than it used to be
• How hit songs have evolved over the last 5 years
• Whether view counts actually mean anything anymore
• How AI-generated comments could be killing social media
• The mind-blowing science behind bending sound waves
• If hashtags still have a role in the modern digital world
• And—why musicians can’t just go on strike like actors and writers

Tune in to hear surprising insights, smart commentary, and the stories behind the headlines—things you’ve probably thought about but haven’t heard explained quite like this.

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(FREE DOWNLOAD) 6 proven ways to avoid muddy mixes: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/6-freqs-download-1 

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyOwsinskiBiz/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyo/

Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyowsinski/

Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bobbyowsinski.bsky.social

--

In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers. 

My guest today is owner and president of HIP Video Promo Andy Gesner.

Andy’s firsthand experience in playing in bands and releasing records gives him a special insight into music promotion and marketing. Over the past 25 years, he has built HIP from the ground up, developing innovative promotional strategies that adapt to the ever-changing media landscape. 

Andy and his team have promoted more than 4,800 music videos for artists including Bryan Adams, The B-52s, Bon Iver, Johnny Cash, Death Cab For Cutie, Pearl Jam, Maroon 5, Sia, and Weird Al Yankovic, spanning genres from indie rock to hip-hop, pop, metal, and beyond.

During the interview we spoke about the evolution of video promotion, video marketing strategies for artists, the many television channels that artists aren’t aware of, AI in video creation, and much more.

I spoke to Andy from his home in New Jersey.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Andy and HIP Video Promo: https://hipvideopromo.com

–

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyOwsinskiBiz/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyo/

Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyowsinski/

Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bobbyowsinski.bsky.social

--

In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers. 

My guest today is someone who’s spent the last 35 years on a mission to protect the hearing of musicians, audio pros, and music lovers alike.

Dr. Michael Santucci is an audiologist and the founder of Sensaphonics, a custom in-ear monitor company that’s become a go-to for top performers around the world.

What sets Michael apart is that he’s not just running a company—he’s an audiologist first. That means everything Sensaphonics does is grounded in science, with a focus on long-term hearing health.

From musicians and engineers to venue staff and even astronauts, Dr. Santucci has been a tireless advocate for protecting ears in the most demanding environments.

In fact, since 1999, Sensaphonics has provided custom hearing protection and communication solutions for every mission to the International Space Station, working closely with both NASA and SpaceX.

During the interview we talked about the major causes of hearing loss and tinnitus, the evolution of hearing protection, the importance of monitoring sound level, innovations in in-ear monitors, and much more.

I spoke with Michael from his office in Chicago.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Dr. Santucci and Sensaphonics at: https://sensaphonics.com

–

(FREE DOWNLOAD) 6 proven ways to avoid muddy mixes: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/6-freqs-download-1 

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyOwsinskiBiz/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyo/

Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyowsinski/

Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bobbyowsinski.bsky.social

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In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers. 

================

My guest today is country music author and historian, and a member of the Western Music Hall Of Fame Don Cusic.

Don is the author of over 30 books, including biographies of Roger Miller, Eddy Arnold, Gene Autry and Chet Atkins.

He’s also written album liner notes for Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Ray Stevens, Eddy Arnold, and Sonny James, as well as for multiple film soundtracks.

Don has a number of credits as a producer and songwriter, and is a Professor of Music Industry History and Professor of Music Business at Belmont University.

During the interview we spoke about the evolution of the Nashville music scene, Chet Atkins - the man behind the Nashville sound, Don’s writing journey, the changing landscape of Music Row, and much more.

I spoke with Don from his office in Nashville.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Don Cusic's work: https://www.doncusic.com/

–

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyOwsinskiBiz/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyo/

Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyowsinski/

Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bobbyowsinski.bsky.social

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In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers. 

My guest today is my good friend for many years, Engineer Dennis Moody.

Dennis was my first guest way back on Episode #1, and he’s been on the podcast almost every year since.

Dennis is unique in that he does live sound as well as studio recording, as he’s he’s engineered some of the biggest acts at some of the world’s most famous venues.

He’s also known as “the Drummer’s Engineer,” since some of the world’s best drummers hire him to engineer their personal albums.

Because he travels so much doing live sound, he’s almost like the Inner Circle’s roving reporter, as each time he makes an appearance he tells us about the latest music and audio trends worldwide.

During the interview we spoke about what it’s like to do gigs around the world, trends in music and gear, the art of live sound mixing, navigating the challenges of travel, and much more.

I spoke with Dennis from his studio in Los Angeles

Dennis has previously appeared on Episodes 1, 50, 100, 151, 200, 300, 399, and 500.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Dennis Moody's work at: https://www.dennismoody.com/

–

Get fantastic mixing tips from the best selling Mixing Engineer’s Handbook: https://bobbyowsinski.com/mixhandbook

Access my FREE music mixing crash course training: https://www.mixingcrashcourse.com

Check out my best-selling books: https://bobbyowsinski.com/best-selling-books/ 

Discover more mixing courses: https://www.bobbyowsinskicourses.com/ 

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyOwsinskiBiz/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyo/

Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyowsinski/

Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bobbyowsinski.bsky.social

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In this podcast, music guru Bobby Owsinski shares his personal insights on the music industry, covering news, reviews, analysis, and tips, as well as offering amazing interviews with prominent industry movers and shakers.