David Rowell is a veteran music journalist who has worked as an editor and writer at the Washington Post for over 20 years. Stewart Copeland of the Police said "David Rowell is the kind of critic that scares us musicians. He really gets it, maybe even more than we do." 

David is here to talk about his new book The Endless Refrain: Memory, Nostalgia, and the Threat to New Music. In it he expores the popularity of legacy acts and tribute acts and the challenges it creates for new musicians trying to get their music heard. David raises the question "do we even want new music?" We discuss his take on the trajectory of the music industry and what it means for artists like many of us, who create original music, and our culture in general.

Finish-February 3-Day In-Person Workshop at Ableton's Pasadena Headquarters - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kwhsgv

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• The abundance of new music can be overwhelming for listeners.
• Investing in music through purchase creates a deeper connection.
• Nostalgic listening experiences shape our relationship with music.
• MTV revolutionized music consumption and artist visibility.
• The desire for new music is declining among audiences.
• Tribute bands reflect a growing preference for familiar music.
• Hologram performances raise ethical questions about music consumption.
• Nostalgia is a powerful marketing tool in the music industry.
• The emotional connection to music is vital for artists and fans.
• Venture capitalists are reshaping music consumption.
• Listeners are increasingly exposed to nostalgic music.
• Streaming services have changed how we discover music.
• Albums today don't linger in cultural impact as before.
• Tribute bands provide a living for many musicians.
• New music discovery requires intentional effort.
• Cultural references in music are becoming less shared.

Links:

• David's Website - https://www.davidrowellauthor.com
• The Endless Refrain: Memory, Nostalgia, and the Threat to New Music - https://amzn.to/4gD4lno
• Wherever the Sound Takes You: Heroics and Heartbreak in Music Making - https://amzn.to/4iCgBq8
• 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

C4RP00L is an alternative hip-hop band that combines hip-hop beats with electric guitar and bass. They've just released new music, Creature Mode: Vicious and Creature Mode: Velocity.

I spoke with Danger, Renzo Starr, and Villian about their new releases and recent touring. We had a great discussion about writing music as a group and performing live. Please welcome C4RP00L to the Music Production Podcast.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• C4RP00L Website - https://www.c4rp00l.com
• C4RP00L Creature Mode - https://fanlink.tv/CREATUREMODE
• C4RP00L on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MVdvys1l8zICstcXKGZQs
• C4RP00L on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/c4rp00l/
• C4RP00L on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@c4rp00l
• C4RP00L on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@C4RP00L
• 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

Tyson Boorman is a mixing and mastering engineer for Nightowl Music Group. He is the author of The Objective Mix - Mix Like a Pro Without Pro Gear or Premium Plug-ins. Tyson teaches music production on his YouTube channel, Objective Mixing, and he also runs a podcast called Prolific Super Producer, where, in the very near future, I'll be a guest.

Tyson and I spoke about his production philosophy of "skills over gear." We talked about the practical insights and messages from his book The Objective Mix. And Tyson gave a great explanation of how and why to use compressors in different mixing situations. 

Tyson is giving listeners of this podcast his "The 5 Secrets to Industry Standard Mixes" and "The Compression Styles Every Bedroom Producer Needs to Know" guides for free! Go to https://www.objectivemixing.com/funk to download them. 

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Focus on the why behind your music production decisions.
• Skills are more important than gear when starting out.
• Understanding compression is crucial for effective mixing.
• Creative limitations can lead to unique and interesting sounds.
• Volume is the most powerful tool in mixing.
• Intentionality in mixing decisions leads to better results.
• Compression can be used to enhance dynamics, not just reduce them.
• Learn your tools deeply to maximize their potential.
• Avoid over-compressing; subtle moves are often more effective.
• Using EQ to create space in your mix before resorting to sidechain compression.

Links:

• Objective Mixing - https://www.objectivemixing.com
• The Objective Mix - Mix Like a Pro Without Pro Gear or Premium Plug-ins by Tyson Boorman - https://www.objectivemixing.com/mix_2
• Objective Mix YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ObjectiveMixing
• Prolific Super Producer Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrq7MgGMnCTNAdFLAfg_o10w9iYPnPiqg
• NightOwl Music Group - https://nightowlmusicgroup.com
• Ian Temple on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ian-temple
• Free PDF Downloads - https://www.objectivemixing.com/funk
• 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

Let's get the big things right before we worry about the details.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• My First Album Project Nairb - Apple Music - Spotify
• My Second Album Forest Far - Apple Music - Spotify
• Music From Video is from my Passings EP - Apple Music - Spotify
• 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

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

Ben Levin is a musician, visual artist, and educator. He runs the Ben Levin Music School where he hosts courses that help artists find their voice, finish music, and maintain and cultivate their love of music-making. Ben's YouTube Channel hosts his art, music, and educational content. His new album Heaven Heaven Heaven features indie, alternative rock music with 2 Fender Bass VIs at its core. 

Ben and I explore the complexities of artistic identity, the challenges of navigating platforms like YouTube, and the importance of creativity in education. Ben explains the challenges of being artistically honest and following our passions while trying to create a consistent online presence that cooperates with the algorithms so we can actually make a living artistically. Ben even brings out his Fender Bass VI to demonstrate how he uses it on his new album Heaven Heaven Heaven. 

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Ben Levin discusses the duality of being a multifaceted artist.
• Navigating the YouTube landscape requires balancing creativity and marketability.
• Batch production of content can help manage audience expectations.
• The importance of creating space for endings in artistic work.
• Teaching creativity in schools can enhance student engagement.
• Understanding modes in music requires contextual learning.
• The arts provide essential emotional support during difficult times.
• Artistic expression can be a powerful healing tool.
• Personal growth in music production often involves collaboration and community.
• The creative process is often nonlinear and requires patience.
• The Fender Bass VI offers a unique sound that bridges bass and guitar.
• Authenticity in vocal performance resonates more than technical perfection.
• Finding one's voice is a journey that requires exploration and practice.
• The creative process is often more rewarding than the final product.
• Vulnerability in music can create a deeper connection with listeners.
• Teenage experiences and emotions can be effectively expressed through music.
• Balancing humor and seriousness in art can enhance emotional impact.

Links:

• Ben Levin Music School - https://benlevinmusicschool.com
• Ben's Courses - https://benlevinmusicschool.com/p/courses
• Heaven Heaven Heaven by Ben Levin - https://benlevingroup.bandcamp.com/album/heaven-heaven-heaven
• Ben's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenLevin
• Ben's Art - https://benshow.horse
• Ben on the Fender Bass VI - https://youtu.be/G1DLpdFWrdM?si=gEvXLlRG6QzCKYIt
• 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!

Brian Funk

David Mash is a musician, composer, educator, technologist, and futurist. David worked at Berklee College of Music for 44 years, first as a teacher of guitar and jazz. Then he started the Music Synthesis department, which is now the Electronic Production and Design department. David was Berklee’s Assistant Dean of Curriculum for Academic Technology (BADCAT) in 1989, Vice President for Technology in 1997, Vice President for Technology and Education Outreach in 2006, and Senior Vice President for Innovation, Strategy, and Technology in 2013. He is the President of the Bob Moog Foundation Board, and as Chair of the Board for the Alan R. Pearlman (ARP) Foundation.

It was an honor to speak with David, a man who played a major role in bringing the latest in music technology to the academic world. David spoke about his influential career and how he has evolved over the years as a musician. He shared how a hand injury derailed his guitar playing career and guided him to a new chapter in synthesis and music technology. We discussed his various musical projects and some of the important collaborators he's worked with along the way. It's an incredible story about a man who undoubtedly shaped the musical landscape for all who follow.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• David's Website - https://davidmash.com
• Mashine - https://www.mashine.com
• David's Berklee Profile - https://www.berklee.edu/people/david-mash
• Sonic Doodles by David Mash - https://davidmash.com/sonic-doodles/
• Stefan - https://stefanthemusician.com
• Bar of 2 Productions - http://barof2.com/
• Peter Bell on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/peter-bell
• 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

Andrea Stolpe is a renowned, multi-platinum creative consultant whose methodology for songwriters and music artists has been taught worldwide. A writer with 20+ years of experience in the music industry, Andrea has written for such artists as Faith Hill, Julianne Hough, and Jimmy Wayne. She has turned her experience into award-winning online courses and live events as well as numerous articles, books, and resources.

As one who has followed and learned from her for years, I really enjoyed speaking with Andrea. She shared lots of practical songwriting advice musicians from any genre can use. Andrea shared her story and how she continues to hone her songwriting craft. We spoke about the vulnerability and openness songwriting requires, as well as how to grow by working with collaborators. 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Simplicity is key in songwriting, focusing on the core elements of melody, lyrics, rhythm, and chords.
• Focus on expressing yourself authentically.
• Write songs that have substance and meaning, rather than relying on cliches or low-hanging fruit.
• Collaboration and production can enhance a song's message and impact.
• Take the time to reflect on your songs and identify areas where they may need improvement or refinement.
• Feedback from others can be useful, but it is important for songwriters to stay true to their own instincts and not try to wear other people's ideas as their own.
• Specific details in lyrics can create a vivid and relatable experience for listeners, but it is important to find the right balance between specificity and universality.
• Songwriting retreats provide a supportive and collaborative environment for songwriters to connect with others, overcome creative blocks, and make progress in their writing.
• The creative process is a journey of exploration and reaction, and it is important to embrace both the creative and critical aspects of songwriting.
• Having the right tools and techniques can help songwriters overcome challenges and make their creative process more efficient and effective.

Links:

• Andrea's Website - https://www.andreastolpe.com
• Andrea's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andreastolpeofficial/
• Andrea's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@andreastolpe
• Download the 5 Songwriting Tools That Change Everything - Free PDF Guide: https://bit.ly/fivesongwritingtools
• Join Andrea Live at a Songwriting Retreat - (California dates still available for November 2024): https://bit.ly/4e4EvHA
• 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

KIN TALA is a musical duo from Blackpool, England, who just released their debut EP, Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost. They created the album entirely on their own, learning to produce and mix along the way. 

I spoke with Dominic of KIN TALA about their new EP and the creative process they used to make it. Dom discussed how the duo did most of their learning on the fly and how they managed to inject their personality and style into the music. We talked about overcoming creative challenges and working hard to find a unique sound.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Starting from scratch and diving into music production can lead to great results.
• The process of recording and mixing can be challenging, but it's worth it to achieve the desired sound.
• Maintaining artistic vision is important, even in the face of industry expectations.
• Strengths and challenges of playing in a duo.
• Embracing a unique sound and not fitting into a specific genre or scene can be a breath of fresh air.
• Working with limited equipment and resources can push artists to be more creative and think outside the box.
• Finding moments of inspiration and taking the time to reflect on the music you want to create is important.
• The music industry has become more equitable in terms of access, but it's important to navigate it in a way that speaks to your own goals and values.
• Creating music that is authentic, meaningful, and resonates with listeners is more important than constantly producing and saturating the market.

Links:

• KIN TALA - https://www.kintala.uk
• Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost by KIN TALA - https://open.spotify.com/album/4h7pwz215ylKjc6ZPOjwzk
• KIN TALA Bandcamp - https://kintalaband.bandcamp.com
• KIN TALA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kintalauk
• 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

Ian Temple is the CEO and Co-Founder of the online music school, Soundfly. Soundfly offers courses in a variety of topics related to music-making and music production. Ian is a pianist, composer, and plays in the band Sontag Shogun.

Ian and I spoke about the creative process and the challenges of making music. Ian shared insights about learning music and growing as a musician. He explained how we should embrace challenges and obstacles along the way and use them to our creative advantage.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• The creative process is a constant journey of growth and learning.
• Mental obstacles can hinder creativity, but they can be overcome with the right mindset.
• Flexibility and adaptability are key in the creative process.
• Community and collaboration can provide valuable insights and support.
• Reframing limiting beliefs can lead to new perspectives and breakthroughs.
• Embrace the creative process and accept where you are in your journey.
• Overcome obstacles by reframing them as opportunities for growth.
• Keep creating and pushing forward to bridge the gap between your skills and your taste.
• Collaborate with others and engage with a supportive community to inspire and enhance your creativity.

Links:

• Soundly - https://soundfly.com
• Soundfly newsletter sign up: https://soundfly.com/
• Kimbra’s Vocal Class - https://soundfly.com/courses/kimbra-vocal-creativity-arranging-production
• Com Truise’s Production Class - https://soundfly.com/courses/com-truise-mid-fi-synthwave-slow-motion-funk
• Soundfly Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learntosoundfly
• Soundfly YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/learntosoundfly
• Sontag Shogun - https://www.sontagshogun.com
• “This is Water” by David Foster Wallace - https://fs.blog/david-foster-wallace-this-is-water/
• “The Gap” by Ira Glass - https://vimeo.com/85040589
• 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

Corey Baker is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and Ableton Certified Trainer. Corey made a huge impact on the electronic music scene and toured the world as Kill Paris. He shares his workflow and techniques in his tutorials and courses, and hosts a weekly sample flip challenge.

I spoke with Corey about his music, educational community, and production techniques. We discussed some of the newer features in Ableton Live 12.1, as well as the process of learning complex software to create music. Corey shared how being discovered by Skrillex on SoundCloud changed the course of his career.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• The early days of using Ableton Live involved a supportive community and tutorials helped in the learning process.
• Transitioning from hardware to digital plugins allowed for more flexibility and experimentation in music production.
• The MIDI tools and scale awareness in Ableton Live 12 provide a user-friendly way to explore music theory and create musical compositions.
• Balancing technical knowledge with creative exploration is important in music production
• Breaking the rules and trying new things can lead to unique and interesting results.
• The standalone version of Ableton Push has improved workflow and allows for a more immersive and enjoyable music-making experience.
• Reacting and responding to what you are creating in the moment is important for staying in a creative flow.
• Simplifying your setup and focusing on using default Ableton devices can help avoid getting caught up in technical details and allow for a more fluid creative process.
• Challenging oneself and embracing the struggle in the creative process leads to a deeper sense of satisfaction and connection with the music.
• The energy and process put into creating music can be felt by the listener, even if it's not consciously recognized.
• Bringing energy and enthusiasm to live performances is crucial for creating a great show and engaging the audience.
• Creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere can help build a connection between the performer and the audience.
• Playing for smaller venues allows for more eye contact and a sense of community, while larger crowds can create a domino effect of energy.
• How platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube have played a significant role in the success of many musicians, providing opportunities for exposure and collaboration.
• Gamification and metrics in music production can provide valuable feedback and motivation for producers.

Links:

• Corey’s Site - https://funthingsfunlife.com
• Corey’s Intro to Ableton Live Course - https://corey-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/YjH3Muz2/checkout
• Corey’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coreybakercoreybaker
• Corey’s Clubhouse on Discord - https://discord.com/invite/PJtmtk5ydg
• Links to Corey’s Work and Music - https://funthingsfunlife.com/links
• Making Music by Dennis DeSantis PDF - https://cdn-resources.ableton.com/resources/uploads/makingmusic/MakingMusic_DennisDeSantis.pdf
• 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