Hanging Out With Chops

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In this episode, we dive headfirst into one of the most talked-about topics in music — the 440 vs 432 Hz tuning debate. Is there really something magical about 432? Does it actually sound warmer, more natural, more “in tune” with the universe? Or is it just another internet myth that refuses to die?

Join me as we explore the history of tuning standards — from ancient instruments and orchestras all the way to modern recording studios. We’ll look at why 440 Hz became the global pitch reference, what role physics and perception play in all of this, and how different tunings can actually affect a mix, an instrument, or even the way you feel music.

Whether you’re a producer, a musician, or just a curious ear — this one’s going to tune your brain in all the right ways.

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🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

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Every space tells a story — even before the music starts. In this episode, I talk about one of the most overlooked skills in audio: knowing your room. From the precision of a tuned control room to the unpredictability of live halls and auditoriums, the way a room shapes sound can make or break your mix.

I share real-world examples from sessions with choirs, orchestras, and rock bands — including a powerful story about a conductor who completely changed his approach after learning how the hall reacted to his every move.

We’ll explore why understanding reflections, resonance, and space is just as important as knowing your plugins or your mic locker. Whether you’re behind the console, on stage, or just curious about the magic of sound, this one will make you listen to your world a little differently.

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🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                

https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

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Ever wonder what it’s really like inside the studio? In this special Q&A episode, I answer some of the most common (and a few not-so-common) questions I get asked — everything from how I know when a mix is finally done, to have you ever fallen asleep in a session.

It’s a little personal, a little technical, and a whole lot of real talk. I open up about what keeps me motivated, what drives me crazy, and why sometimes, the biggest lessons in music have nothing to do with gear.

Whether you’re an artist, an engineer, or just someone who loves the behind-the-scenes chaos of making records, this one’s for you.

🎧 Highlights include:

• Falling asleep in a session (yep, it’s happened).
• The never-ending quest for the “perfect” mix.
• Lessons learned from rejection and rough sessions.
• Why you should never underestimate a fresh pair of ears.
• Some raw, unfiltered advice to my younger self.

And as always, all the music you hear in this episode is original — written, produced, and mixed by yours truly.

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Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                

https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

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In this episode, Chops sits down at the piano to break down music theory in a way that actually makes sense — and matters in the real world. From major scales to the Nashville number system, he shows how understanding these simple patterns can completely change the way you play, produce, and record.

No fancy jargon. No textbooks. Just the real language of music — explained through studio stories, bad analogies, and a few moments of musical humor.

You’ll learn why theory isn’t just for classical nerds, how to shift keys in seconds without panic, and how the number system can save entire sessions from falling apart.

Whether you’re a musician, producer, or just curious about what makes songs tick, this one will make you hear music in a whole new way.

(All background music in this episode is original, written and produced by Chops.)

👉 Support the show: [Buy Me a Coffee]
 👉 Bonus content & updates: [Join the Email List]

Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                

https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

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Every studio has “that guy.” The drummer who insists one take is enough. The bassist who still hasn’t learned the notes on the fretboard. Or the last-minute string changer who halts the whole session. In this episode of Hanging Out with Chops, I dig into the biggest session killers, from endless percussion overdubs to bad hygiene, and why they derail more than just a recording schedule.

But here’s the twist: I’m not ranting — I’m trying to help. These stories are about saving money, finishing projects on time, and keeping bands together instead of breaking apart. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and some behind-the-console truths you won’t hear anywhere else.

Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                

https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

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Ever wonder how we got from Edison’s wax cylinders to plugins that can run on your laptop? In this episode of Hanging Out With Chops, we take a wild ride through the history of recording studios—from the first captured sounds, to vinyl, tape, and ADATs, all the way to Pro Tools and the rise of AI in music production.

We’ll dig into how classic effects like reverb, delay, flanger, and chorus were born, why world events shaped the gear we use, and how each era pushed creativity further. It’s a mix of history, humor, and real talk about why knowing the past makes us better in the studio today.

So grab your headphones, settle in, and let’s geek out on the sounds that changed the world.

Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                

https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

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What do microphones and world history have in common? Way more than you think.

In this episode of Hanging Out With Chops, I take you through the fascinating backstories of legendary mic makers like Shure, Neumann, Sennheiser, AKG, and Electro-Voice. From World War II contracts to recording iconic voices and music that defined generations, these microphones weren’t just gear—they were the bridge between history and sound.

We’ll explore the inventors behind the brands, the governments and wars that shaped demand, and why these mics became household names in studios worldwide. Along the way, I keep things light, fun, and packed with insights—because this isn’t just a story about equipment, it’s about people, culture, and how sound shaped the way we remember history.

If you’ve ever leaned into a mic, sung along to your favorite song, or wondered how a simple piece of gear could literally change the world—this one’s for you.

Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                

https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

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Every studio has its fair share of myths — ideas that get passed around like gospel but don’t always hold up. In this episode of Hanging Out with Chops, I break down 12 of the most common studio myths that musicians, engineers, and producers run into.

From the obsession with expensive microphones to the belief that “fix it in the mix” is a real strategy, I dig into where these myths come from, why they stick around, and what really matters when making great music.

At the end of the day, the truth is simple: it’s not the gear, it’s the ears. Join me as we laugh, learn, and clear out some studio folklore so you can focus on what really counts — creating great records.

Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                

https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

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In this episode of Hanging Out With Chops, I sit down to share some practical advice for young and hungry engineers looking to earn their first dollars in the music world. Fresh off a conversation with a beginner engineer, I break down real opportunities you can grab today—whether it’s working with local bands, helping churches with live sound, recording cheer squads, mixing for fundraisers, or even building your own gigs online with platforms like Fiverr.

It’s not just about chasing jobs—it’s about being resourceful, showing initiative, and building a reputation that lasts. If you’re trying to turn your passion for sound into income, this episode is packed with ideas that can get you moving in the right direction.

Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                

https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

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In this episode of Hanging Out with Chops, we dive into ten unforgettable films where music isn’t just in the background—it’s the heartbeat of the story. From cult classics like That Thing You Do! and The Blues Brothers to powerful documentaries like Standing in the Shadows of Motown and Searching for Sugar Man, these films show how music can drive narrative, shape identity, and even change lives.

We’ll revisit standout performances, real musicians who left their mark on the screen, and why these stories still resonate with us today. Whether it’s the fictional rise of The Wonders, the gritty beats of Hustle & Flow, or the genius of Mozart in Amadeus, this countdown celebrates the magic of music on film.

So grab some popcorn, turn up the volume, and let’s explore ten movies where music is truly the main character.

Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.
 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
 💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [[email protected]].
 📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination.

Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon. 

buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                

https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e