Jxmie Blake is a genre-blending artist, producer, and educator whose work fuses jazz, soul, hip hop, pop, and electronic music into a bold and expressive signature sound. Known for his innovative approach to Ableton Push as a chromatic instrument, Jxmie is a multi-talented creator with a deep background in audio engineering, songwriting, and sound design. With degrees from Berklee College of Music and a client list including Ableton, Red Bull, and Ludacris, he’s quickly becoming a leading voice in modern music education and performance.

In this conversation, Jxmie and I dive into the creative mindset—how breaking the rules, following sparks of inspiration, and simplifying your workflow can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. We explore the power of limitations, the importance of finishing ideas (even imperfect ones), and how developing a strong relationship with your tools—like Push—can unlock musical freedom. It’s an honest look at the balance between discipline and play, structure and spontaneity, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop overthinking and just make something.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

1. Push as a Chromatic Instrument – Jxmie breaks down how Push can function like a guitar fretboard, opening up intuitive, expressive playing that bridges the gap between traditional instruments and digital music-making.

2. Creative Freedom Through Limitations – Embracing limited gear or working with only stock tools can actually foster more creativity and deeper exploration.

3. Breaking the Rules Is the Point – Jxmie encourages musicians to intentionally break conventions—whether it’s stacking effects, pushing gear beyond intended use, or warping samples into unrecognizable textures.

4. Music as Self-Expression – The ultimate goal isn’t perfection, but expressing what’s inside you—your mood, your perspective, your story.

5. Reckless Experimentation Leads to Inspiration – Playing without a specific goal, just to see what happens, often leads to surprising and exciting results.

6. Gear Doesn’t Make the Artist – Even basic tools like GarageBand or stock Ableton devices can be powerful when fully understood and creatively applied.

7. Teaching as Empowerment – Through his work at 1500 Sound Academy and his online courses, Jxmie focuses on empowering students to unlock their own creative voices, regardless of background or skill level.

8. Creative Blocks Are Often Internal – As we gain technical skills, creative challenges become more mental and emotional—expectations, self-judgment, and overthinking can block our flow.

9. Start with Play, Not Pressure – Some of the best creative moments happen when you approach music playfully, without the weight of needing to make something great.

10. The Process Is the Product – Whether it’s creating sounds, building devices, or finishing songs, the act of exploring, tweaking, and iterating is as valuable as the final result.

Links:

• Jxmie's Website and Push Classes - https://jxmieblake.sellfy.store
• Jxmie's Free Ableton Live Packs - https://jxmieblake.sellfy.store/packs-2/
• Jxmie's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jxmieblake
• Jxmie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jxmieblake/
• 1500 Sound Academy - https://1500soundacademy.com/
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Liina Turtonen, aka LNA, is a musician, producer, and educator, who runs the LNA Does Audio Stuff YouTube Channel. Liina is an Ableton Certified Trainer and just released her book Creative Confidence and Music Production: Overcome Your Insecurities. 

LNA and I discussed her new book and the inspiration behind writing it. She shared insights that have helped her and her students get past creative blocks and insecurities. 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• LNA's journey to authorship was unexpected due to her dyslexia.
• Creative confidence is essential for artists to overcome insecurities.
• Art is often undervalued despite its significant role in society.
• Vulnerability is necessary for authentic creative expression.
• Insecurities often stem from past experiences and external judgments.
• Recognizing negative thought patterns is the first step to overcoming them.
• Acceptance of emotions is crucial in the creative process.
• It's important to create without the fear of judgment from others.
• Life is short; take risks and pursue your passions.
• Embrace the mindset of 'why not?' to unlock creativity.
• Consistency in your efforts is more important than perfection.
• Being comfortable in your mediocrity can be liberating.
• Curiosity keeps life interesting and fulfilling.
• You never know who you might inspire by pursuing your passions.
• The journey of creativity is often more valuable than the end result.

Links:

• Creative Confidence and Music Production by Liina Turtonen - https://www.lnamusic.com/creativeconfidenceandmusicproduction
• LNA's Web Site - https://www.lnamusic.com
• LNA Does Audio Stuff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/LNADoesAudioStuff/featured
• Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/LNADoesAudioStuff
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lnadoesaudiostuff/
• LNA’s 1st Appearance on this Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/liina-turtonen
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Rich Shivener is a musician, producer, and professor. His book Living Digital Media explores how creators producer works. He documents the emotional journey creators go through and the behind the scenes experiences that shape their work. 

Rich and I are reconnecting after meeting and working together at my Finish February workshop at Ableton’s headquarters. Rich shares his experiences writing his book, creating music, and live streaming. 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Collaboration can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.
• Vulnerability in sharing creative work fosters connection.
• Creating in public can alleviate pressure and inspire creativity.
• Accountability in a group setting enhances productivity.
• The story behind music is becoming increasingly important.
• Free content can help reach a wider audience.
• Unique sounds create memorable experiences in music.
• Templates can streamline the creative process.
• Exploring sound design can lead to unexpected discoveries.
• Embracing human errors can lead to more authentic music.
• Finding a balance between perfection and completion is crucial.
• Community plays a significant role in the creative process.
• Constraints can lead to innovative solutions in music production.
• It's important to recognize when a project is done and share it with the world.

Links:

• Living Digital Media by Rich Shivener - https://www.ccdigitalpress.org/book/ldm/
• Rich's SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/rikshiv
• Brindl SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/brindl
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Chad Shank is a songwriting teacher and music producer. Chad teaches songwriting at Berklee Online and runs At Home Songwriting, where he helps students learn how to write songs in their own authentic style and voice. Chad’s YouTube channel, At Home Songwriting, is filled with songwriting tips and exercises.

Chad and I spoke in-depth about songwriting, lyric writing, and overcoming creative blocks. Chad shared techniques and strategies he uses in his music and teaches his students. 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• At Home Songwriting YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@athomesongwriting
• At Home Songwriting Website - https://athomesongwriting.thinkific.com
• Chad's Pro Writer Group - https://athomesongwriting.thinkific.com/bundles/ProMembership
• Chad's Music - https://chadshankmusic.com
• Chad on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/northloopsongwriter
• Andrea Stolpe on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/andrea-stolpe
• Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison - https://amzn.to/423Iyky
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

William Garrett is a mixing and recording engineer and producer, and studio builder and manager. He managed a studio for Sony in New York City for 15 years and was Senior Music Producer for Spotify Singles, recording and mixing more than 900 tracks that have over 10 billion streams to date. William has worked with countless artists like Jack White, Miley Cyrus, Shania Twain, John Cale, Cyndi Lauper, The National, Norah Jones, Elton John… the list goes on and on… it might have been easier to mention who he hasn’t worked with! 

William shared his story from humble beginnings sweeping the floor of a studio to working with some of the greatest artists of all time. 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• William started his career sweeping floors in a recording studio.
• He learned valuable lessons from observing Aerosmith and Carly Simon.
• Sight lines in the studio are crucial for band communication.
• Vulnerability in the creative process can derail a session.
• The Boston music scene provided a rich environment for growth.
• Transitioning to New York was a significant step in his career.
• Building relationships in the industry is key to success.
• Every session is a learning experience, regardless of the artist. Recording technology has evolved significantly over the years.
• Creative limitations can enhance the music-making process.
• Time constraints often lead to more focused and energetic recordings.
• The spirit of spontaneity can lead to unique musical moments.
• Mixing is an art that requires both skill and intuition.
• Experimentation is key to discovering new sounds.
• Reading the room is crucial for producers to facilitate creativity.
• The vibe in the studio can significantly impact the outcome of a session.

Links:

• The Many Talents of William Garret - https://www.mixonline.com/recording/music-production/the-many-talents-of-william-garrett
• William's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/electracraft/
• Spotify Singles - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWTUm9HjVUKnL
• The Secrets of Spotify's Studio - https://youtu.be/jEJ3e3Kma0g?si=qsr22jPwwcKSw2ll
• Ultimate New York Studio with Andrew Masters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5kI8urq374
• Inside Spotify at Mateo Studios - https://www.mixonline.com/recording/music-production/inside-spotify-at-mateo-studios
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

In this episode of The Music Production Podcast, I sit down with musician and songwriter Jean-Paul Vest, the driving force behind Last Charge of the Light Horse. We talk about the evolution of songwriting, the impact of place and sound on music, and the delicate balance between control and spontaneity in the creative process. Jean-Paul shares his approach to writing, how his songs take shape over time, and the unexpected ways music resonates with listeners. We also dive into the role of nostalgia, the value of quiet spaces, and why playing music with friends is one of the greatest joys of being a musician.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Main Topics Discussed:

• Songwriting and Identity – How artists evolve over time and whether they should brand themselves or stay fluid in their musical identity.
• Letting Creativity Flow – The challenge of balancing technical skill with raw inspiration and why stepping back can lead to better songs.
• Sound and Place – How environments, from noisy cities to quiet deserts, influence musical perception and creativity.
• The Role of Collaboration – Learning to trust bandmates and fellow musicians rather than dictating every detail.
• Reinvention in Music – How artists like Beck and XTC reinvent themselves and what we can learn from their approach.
• Music as a Personal Archive – Songs as layered stories, much like a “palimpsest,” revealing new meaning over time.
• Field Recording and Natural Soundscapes – Using organic sounds in music and the impact of noise pollution on creativity.

Key Takeaways:

• Step Back and Let the Song Lead – Trying too hard to control the songwriting process can stifle creativity. Let ideas develop naturally.
• Your Environment Shapes Your Sound – Whether it’s a reverb-heavy church or the silent stillness of a desert, soundscapes influence the way music is made.
• Not Every Song is an Autobiography – Just because a song is personal doesn’t mean it’s literally about the songwriter. Sometimes, music is a character study.
• The Right Audience Makes a Difference – Playing in an intimate setting vs. a bar can completely change how a song is received.
• Music is a Long Game – Success isn’t just about radio play; it’s about the relationships and experiences built through music-making.

Links:

• Last Charge of the Light Horse - https://lastcharge.com
• In the Wind by Last Charge of the Light Horse - https://lastcharge.com/music/in-the-wind/
• "Imaginary Friend" by Last Charge of the Light Horse - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdBHlirBKtE
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastchargeofthelighthorse/
• Bandcamp: https://lastcharge.bandcamp.com/
• The Sound Book: The Science of the Sonic Wonders of the World by Trevor Cox
• https://amzn.to/3XGP4ei
• The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig - https://amzn.to/3XL75rR
• Some Good Evil - https://somegoodevil.com
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store

This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Today I am speaking with Kristoffer Lislegaard and Janne Eraker of the duo Øy. Janne is a tap dancer, with contact mics attached to her shoes. Kristoffer receives the audio in his computer running sequencers, synthesizers, drum machines, and Max for Live that all respond to Janne's movements.

We had a fascinating conversation about how Øy collaborates and interacts musically for live performances and their new album Live. It was inspiring to learn about these new and exciting ways of creating music on both a technical and creative level. This is also the third time I've had Kristoffer on the show and it was a pleasure to hear how what was an idea last time we spoke has now become a fully realized project. Please welcome Kristoffer and Janne of Øy to the Music Production Podcast.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• The interaction between dance and music creates a unique performance experience.
• Trust and communication are essential for successful collaboration.
• The psychological aspects of performance can greatly affect the dancer's experience.
• Recording sessions allows for reflection and discovery of new elements in their work.
• The use of technology opens up new possibilities for sound manipulation.
• Human expression is crucial in music, transcending technical limitations.
• Improvisation thrives on a shared language developed through collaboration.
• Bringing humanity into electronic music performance is valuable.
• Engaging with audiences can deepen their appreciation for the performance.
• Independent artists should focus on building direct connections with their audience.

Links:

• Øy Website - https://www.oyduo.com
• Øy Live - https://www.kristofferlislegaard.com/faircamp/live/
• Øy on Bandcamp - https://oyduo.bandcamp.com/album/live 
• Kristoffer Lislegaard - https://www.kristofferlislegaard.com
• #BeYourOwnPlatform - https://www.kristofferlislegaard.com/blog/2023-12-20-be-your-own-platform/
• Kristoffer on the Music Production Podcast #138 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2019/11/16/kristoffer-lislegaard-on-sgrows-new-album-and-live-performance-music-production-podcast-138
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Boyan of LowHeatBeats is a music producer and educator, whose rapidly growing YouTube channel takes us behind the scenes of his process, showing us the tools and techniques he uses to create his blend of soulful hip-hop, funk, electronic music.

Boyan and I discuss a wide range of creative philosophies and techniques. He shares how he gets into the creative flow and uses his YouTube channel to share and develop his music making process. We discussed some of our favorite tools, including the new Ableton Move and how the consumerism around music production can inhibit our growth and creativity as artists.

Finish February Workshop at Ableton's Pasadena Headquarters: https://brianfunk.com/workshop

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Creating content on YouTube was a way to share music and knowledge.
• Finding core tools is essential for effective music production.
• Explaining concepts helps deepen understanding.
• Collaboration enriches the creative process.
• Embracing imperfections adds character to music.
• Experimentation is vital in music creation.
• Ableton Move offers unique creative opportunities.
• Limitations can lead to innovative solutions.
• Working fast in the early stages is crucial.
• You need to take advantage of your creative moments.
• Most of my best tracks were done in intense sessions.
• The joy of music creation comes from personal expression.

Links:

• Low Heat Beats Web Site - https://lowheatbeats.com
• Low Heat Beats YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lowheatbeats
• Low Heat Beats Sample Packs - https://lowheat.gumroad.com
• Low Heat Beats on SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/lowheat
• Low Heat Beats Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lowheatbeats/
• Low Heat Beats Link Tree - https://linktr.ee/lowheatbeats
• Ableton Move as a Sampler - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRQew7M752U
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Nick Maclaren is the Chief Strategy Officer for Serato. Nick talked about his experiences as a DJ  and how it lead him to become a Serato user. We discuss Serato's new multi-fx plug-in Hex FX. Nick also spoke about the technological developments that have changed DJing and music production, and the challenges that lie ahead as tech gets more and more powerful.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Serato - https://serato.com
• Serato Hex FX - https://serato.com/hex-fx
• Creativity a Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese - https://amzn.to/4hffpHG
• Sarah Belle Reid on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/sarah-belle-reid
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/
• Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk