Music Production Talks

In this episode, we sit down with guitarist and composer Ben Garnett to explore his new sophomore album Kite’s Keep. We dig into the creative process behind the record — from world-building and sonic narrative to the delicate balance of ensemble interplay. We talk about how Ben frames the guitar not just as a lead instrument but as a collaborator in the story, weaving through textures, dynamic shifts, and conversational exchanges. We also break down his production and mixing choices, how he works with his collaborators (Darol Anger, Brittany Haas, Chris Eldridge, Ethan Jodziewicz, Paul Kowert, Matt Glassmeyer), and the emotional arc he designed across the tracklist. Whether you produce acoustic music, write for small ensembles, or just love hearing how a record is constructed from the inside out, this episode offers insights you can apply to your own musical projects.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Ben Garnett’s artistic vision behind Kite’s Keep
• Approaches to “world-building” in acoustic music
• Role of instrumentation & ensemble interplay
• Guitar as collaborator: composing from inside the texture
• Recording, mixing & sonic decisions (space, balance, dynamics)
• Working with notable collaborators and improvisation vs structure
• Creative lessons & takeaways from the making of Kite’s Keep
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Connect with Us:

• Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
• JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon
• Ben Garnett: Website • Instagram

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for show updates & extra resources
• Share this episode with fellow producers, instrumentalists, and music fans
• Leave us a review on your preferred podcast platform
• Check out Kite’s Keep and related music from Ben Garnett

Episode Description:
In this episode, we analyze the production behind Nathan Vincent’s “Go Together,” breaking down the sonic architecture that gives the track its emotional depth and dynamic flow. We explore the thoughtful arrangement, subtle instrumentation, and nuanced mixing choices that shape the song’s indie folk atmosphere. From ambient textures to rhythmic shifts and vocal layering, this deep dive uncovers the techniques that make “Go Together” both intimate and expansive. Whether you're a producer, songwriter, or just someone who loves dissecting great tracks, this episode is packed with insights and practical ideas you can apply to your own music-making process.

Topics Discussed:

• Analyzing the structure and arrangement of “Go Together”
• How instrumentation supports the emotional arc
• Vocal production and layering techniques
• Reverb and spatial effects that create atmosphere
• Mixing choices that serve the narrative
• Lessons from Nathan Vincent’s production style

Clickable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:05 – Nathan Vincent’s Artistic Approach
• 07:30 – Arrangement & Dynamics Breakdown
• 12:50 – Instrumentation Choices
• 18:10 – Vocal Processing & Effects
• 23:40 – Creating Mood with Reverb & Space
• 30:15 – Mixing Insights & Balance
• 35:00 – Creative Takeaways & Final Thoughts

Connect with Us:
Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for resources and updates
• Share this episode with fellow music producers
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Train Your Ears 2 – Improve your listening skills with this great tool

Sponsors:
*(Contact us to add sponsor info here)*

Music Production Talks © 2025

Episode Description:
In this episode, we interview musician Ben Alleman and producer Parker McAnnaly about the making of Ben’s new album A Study In Unknowing. They discuss the creative process, songwriting, and production techniques that shaped the album’s unique sound. From conceptual ideas to recording and mixing, Ben and Parker share insights into their collaboration and how they brought this project to life. Whether you’re an artist, producer, or music fan, this conversation offers inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories about creating a compelling album.

Topics Discussed:

• Ben Alleman’s musical background and influences
• Concept and inspiration behind A Study In Unknowing
• Production approach by Parker McAnnaly
• Songwriting and arrangement insights
• Collaboration dynamics between artist and producer
• Tips for creating unique and authentic music

Clickable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:30 – Ben’s Background
• 08:10 – Album Concept & Inspiration
• 14:45 – Production with Parker McAnnaly
• 21:00 – Songwriting & Arrangements
• 26:30 – Collaboration Insights
• 32:00 – Music Creation Tips
• 36:40 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Connect with Us:
Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon
Ben Alleman: Instagram
Parker McAnnaly: Instagram

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for resources and updates
• Share this episode with fellow music producers
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Train Your Ears 2 – Improve your listening skills with this great tool

Sponsors:
*(Contact us to add sponsor info here)*

Music Production Talks © 2025

Episode Description:
In this episode, we interview Collins McLaughlin, an incredible session violinist and member of the band Chester. We discuss Chester’s new album, exploring the creative process, musical influences, and the role Collins plays in shaping the band’s sound. Whether you’re a fan of violin, session musicianship, or indie rock, this conversation offers a fascinating look into the making of a dynamic album. Tune in for insights and stories from Collins and the latest from Chester.

Topics Discussed:

• Collins McLaughlin’s background and session work
• The creative process behind Chester’s new album
• Violin’s role in Chester’s sound
• Songwriting and arrangement insights
• Musical influences and collaboration dynamics
• Advice for aspiring session musicians

Clickable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:45 – Collins’s Musical Journey
• 08:20 – Chester’s New Album
• 14:10 – Violin in the Band’s Sound
• 20:00 – Songwriting and Arrangements
• 25:40 – Musical Influences
• 30:10 – Session Musician Advice
• 34:50 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Connect with Us:
Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon
Collins McLaughlin: Instagram
Chester: Instagram

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for resources and updates
• Share this episode with fellow music producers
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Train Your Ears 2 – Improve your listening skills with this great tool

Sponsors:
*(Contact us to add sponsor info here)*

Music Production Talks © 2025

Episode Description:
In this episode, we interview Ken Perkerwicz, a talented musician whose latest release was produced by JP. Ken shares insights into his musical journey, creative process, and the making of his new project with Tennessee Rhythm Company. We discuss songwriting, recording, and the dynamics of collaboration. Whether you’re a musician or music lover, this conversation offers inspiration and a behind-the-scenes look at crafting great music. Tune in for stories and tips from Ken’s experience in the industry.

Topics Discussed:

• Ken Perkerwicz’s musical background and influences
• The creative process behind his latest release
• Collaboration with JP on production
• Songwriting and recording insights
• The role of Tennessee Rhythm Company in Ken’s music
• Advice for musicians and producers

Clickable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:45 – Ken’s Background
• 09:10 – Creative Process & Production
• 15:30 – Songwriting Insights
• 21:00 – Collaboration with JP
• 26:40 – Tennessee Rhythm Company
• 31:15 – Advice for Musicians
• 36:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Connect with Us:
Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon
Ken Perkerwicz: Instagram
Tennessee Rhythm Company: Instagram

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for resources and updates
• Share this episode with fellow music producers
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Train Your Ears 2 – Improve your listening skills with this great tool

Sponsors:
*(Contact us to add sponsor info here)*

Music Production Talks © 2025

Episode Description:
In this episode, we sit down with Oliver Wood, lead singer of The Wood Brothers, to discuss his musical journey and creative process. Oliver shares stories from his career, insights into songwriting, and how he connects with audiences through his music. Whether you’re a musician or a fan, this conversation offers a heartfelt look into Oliver’s artistry and the dynamics of being part of a celebrated band. Tune in for inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories from Oliver Wood and The Wood Brothers.

Topics Discussed:

• Oliver Wood’s background and musical influences
• Songwriting and storytelling techniques
• The dynamics of performing with The Wood Brothers
• Creative process and live performance insights
• Connecting with audiences through music
• Advice for aspiring musicians

Clickable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:50 – Oliver’s Musical Journey
• 09:15 – Songwriting Process
• 15:40 – Life in The Wood Brothers
• 22:10 – Live Performance Insights
• 27:30 – Connecting with Fans
• 32:45 – Advice for Musicians
• 37:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Connect with Us:
Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon
Oliver Wood: Instagram
The Wood Brothers: Instagram

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for resources and updates
• Share this episode with fellow music producers
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Train Your Ears 2 – Improve your listening skills with this great tool

Sponsors:
*(Contact us to add sponsor info here)*

Music Production Talks © 2025

Episode Description:
In this episode, we sit down with artist Chris Kasper to discuss his creative journey and the making of his album Sunlight In An Empty Room. Chris shares insights into his songwriting process, musical influences, and the stories behind his songs. We explore how he crafts his sound and conveys emotion through his music. Whether you’re an artist, songwriter, or music lover, this conversation offers inspiration and a deep dive into the artistry behind Chris’s work. Tune in for an intimate look at Sunlight In An Empty Room and the creative process that brought it to life.

Topics Discussed:

• Chris Kasper’s background and influences
• Creative workflow and mixing strategies
• Challenges faced in the music industry
• Balancing technical skill and creativity
• Advice for aspiring producers and engineers
• Key tools and techniques used by Chris Kasper

Clickable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:30 – Chris’s Background
• 08:00 – Creative Workflow
• 14:10 – Industry Challenges
• 20:00 – Balancing Creativity & Technique
• 25:50 – Advice for Aspiring Producers
• 31:30 – Tools & Techniques
• 36:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Connect with Us:
Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon
Chris Kasper: Instagram

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for resources and updates
• Share this episode with fellow music producers
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Train Your Ears 2 – Improve your listening skills with this great tool

Sponsors:
*(Contact us to add sponsor info here)*

Music Production Talks © 2025

Episode Description:
In this episode, we explore techniques for creating motion and emotion in your mixes. We discuss how dynamic changes, automation, effects, and arrangement choices can bring energy and feeling to your tracks. Whether you’re mixing vocals, instruments, or full productions, understanding how to craft motion and evoke emotion is key to engaging listeners. Tune in for practical tips and creative strategies to make your mixes more expressive and captivating.

Topics Discussed:

• Using automation to enhance dynamics and interest
• Effects and processing techniques for motion
• Arrangement strategies that create emotional impact
• Balancing static and dynamic elements in a mix
• Tips for mixing vocals and instruments expressively
• How to keep listeners engaged through motion and emotion

Clickable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:30 – Understanding Motion in Mixing
• 08:50 – Automation Techniques
• 15:10 – Effects for Motion and Emotion
• 21:00 – Arrangement Tips
• 26:40 – Balancing Mix Elements
• 32:20 – Expressive Vocal Mixing
• 37:10 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Connect with Us:
Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for resources and updates
• Share this episode with fellow music producers
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Train Your Ears 2 – Improve your listening skills with this great tool

Sponsors:
*(Contact us to add sponsor info here)*

Music Production Talks © 2025

Episode Description:
In this episode, we dive into the iconic Motown drum tones that helped define an era of music. We explore the recording techniques, mic placements, and gear used to capture that warm, punchy, and soulful drum sound. Whether you're a producer, engineer, or drummer, understanding the secrets behind Motown’s drum tones can inspire your own recordings. Tune in for practical tips and historical insights to help you recreate that classic vibe in your mixes.

Topics Discussed:

• The signature Motown drum sound and its characteristics
• Recording techniques used in classic Motown sessions
• Microphone choices and placement for drums
• Gear and processing that shaped the sound
• How to recreate Motown drum tones today
• Tips for adding vintage vibe to modern drum recordings

Clickable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:20 – What Makes Motown Drum Tones Unique
• 08:40 – Classic Recording Techniques
• 15:30 – Mic Placement and Choices
• 21:50 – Gear and Processing
• 27:10 – Recreating the Sound Today
• 32:45 – Tips for Vintage Vibe in Modern Mixes
• 37:30 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Connect with Us:
Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon
John Wood: Instagram

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for resources and updates
• Share this episode with fellow music producers
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Train Your Ears 2 – Improve your listening skills with this great tool

Sponsors:
*(Contact us to add sponsor info here)*

Music Production Talks © 2025

Episode Description:
In this episode, we chat with Mitch Webb, also known as mihtmo, about his journey as a producer and artist. Mitch shares insights into his creative process, challenges, and the tools that shape his unique sound. We discuss his approach to music production, collaboration, and how he balances creativity with technical skill. Whether you’re an aspiring producer or music lover, this interview offers valuable inspiration and practical tips from a rising talent in the industry. Tune in for a deep dive into mihtmo’s world.

Topics Discussed:

• Mitch Webb’s background and musical influences
• Creative workflow and production techniques
• Balancing artistry and technical skills
• Collaborations and career highlights
• Advice for emerging producers and musicians
• Using innovative tools and resources

Recommended Resources:

• Streetcar Example Resource

Clickable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:40 – Mitch’s Background
• 08:20 – Creative Process
• 14:50 – Balancing Artistry & Technique
• 20:30 – Collaboration Highlights
• 26:10 – Advice for Producers
• 31:45 – Innovative Tools & Resources
• 36:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Connect with Us:
Chris Jacobie: Instagram • Website • Free Creative Connection Chat
JP Ruggieri: Instagram • Website • Patreon
Mitch Webb (mihtmo): Instagram

Ways to Support This Podcast:

• Visit our websites for resources and updates
• Share this episode with fellow music producers
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Train Your Ears 2 – Improve your listening skills with this great tool

Sponsors:
*(Contact us to add sponsor info here)*

Music Production Talks © 2025