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

Andrew Lockington is a film and television composer who composed the scores for many films including blockbuster hits City of Ember, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, Sandreas, and Rampage, as well as hit television shows like Mayor of Kingstown, Special Ops: Lioness, and his latest Landman, starring Billy Bob Thornton. He also created the opening theme for Amazon Prime's Monday Night Hockey.

Andrew's work is known for its creativity and attention to detail. We spoke about some of those techniques like how he recorded in a prison for Mayor of Kingstown and used its gates, walls, bars as musical instruments. Andrew explains how this kind of extra effort can help us bring out the emotional impact in our work.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Andrew's recent projects showcase a diverse range of musical styles.
• The line between film and TV music is increasingly blurred.
• Creating sound palettes involves collaboration and experimentation.
• Embracing imperfections can lead to more authentic music.
• Recording in unique locations can enhance the emotional impact of a score.
• Music should reflect the humanity of characters, even in villains.
• The environment where music is recorded influences its sound and feel.
• Collaboration with trusted partners can uncover hidden musical gems.
• Storytelling through music can bridge gaps between characters and viewers.
• The stories behind music can enhance the emotional experience.
• Creating music should focus on conveying emotion rather than technical perfection.
• Imperfections in music can add character and authenticity.
• Accidental discoveries in music production can lead to unique sounds.
• Simplicity in recording can yield powerful results.
• The creative process is often unpredictable and requires openness to change.
• Music can evoke feelings that are difficult to quantify or replicate.
• Trusting one's instincts in music production can lead to profound outcomes.

Links:

• Andrew's Website - http://www.andrewlockington.com
• Andrew on IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0516908/?ref_=nmbio
• Andrew's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrewlockingtonmusic/
• Landman Official Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zxh49-bsIk
• Behind the Music of Mayor of Kingstown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT7ylRXBcFs
• Amazon Prime Monday Night Hockey Theme by Andrew Lockington - https://youtu.be/JlBFl8lSWWA?si=6BnO_7_BTEHFNt58
• 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/

Join me at the in-person Finish February Workshop Retreat at Ableton's Pasadena Headquarters - https://brianfunk.com/workshop 

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

It’s time for #Jamuary2025, a challenge to make and share music for as many days as you can during January. 

I’ll be sharing the prompts I am giving to my Music Production Club here on the podcast. 

Whether you are keeping up with the Jamuary challenge or using these prompts sometime in the future, I hope they help inspire you to make some new music!

Join the Music Production Club to get the downloads and access to a supportive community of fellow music makers: https://brianfunk.com/mpc

Good luck and have fun making music during Jamuary2025! 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• 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

It's time for Jamuary 2025! These 31 days of creativity will dramatically increase your creativity.

Here are some lessons, tips, and takeaways that will help you prepare to make the most of the Jamuary challenge.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• My Free Ableton Live Packs - https://brianfunk.com/free-ableton-live-packs
• Finish February Workshop at Ableton Pasadena Headquarters - https://brianfunk.com/workshop
• Cuckoo on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2018/12/15/94-cuckoo
• Matthew Dicks on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/matthew-dicks
• A Journey Inward by Brian Funk - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/brianfunk/a-journey-inward
• Rectangles by Brian Funk - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/brianfunk/rectangles
• Don't Lose Twice Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/dont-lose-twice
• 4 Ways to Be More Creative Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/4-ways-to-be-more-creative
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• 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

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