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

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