Producer's Chair

Join me for a conversation with Ben, the frontman behind Velvet Lab, an Austin, Texas-based band creating original music that blends alternative rock, electronic textures, and experimental sounds.

Ben has been making music since he was 18, starting with cassette four-tracks and eventually moving through iOS music production, GarageBand, and Logic Pro. Along the way, he's explored international online collaborations, vintage hardware, and the creative possibilities of bringing musicians together in a room.

We talk about the evolution of his production workflow, the challenges of recording and performing live, and how limitations can sometimes lead to the best creative ideas. Ben also shares his thoughts on using synthesizers as instruments of sound design, why he prefers artistry over technical perfection, and why having the latest gear isn't nearly as important as making something meaningful with what you already have.

In this episode:

• The origins of Velvet Lab and its collaborative approach to music
• Producing music with an international team using mobile apps
• The magic of cassette four-track recording and analog tape saturation
• Building an original band and finding opportunities to play live
• Recording, mixing, and mastering an EP in Logic Pro
• Using the Minilogue, MicroFreak, and vintage Roland MC-307
• Why creative limitations can lead to better music
• Developing songs through experimentation and collaboration
• The importance of delegating responsibilities in a live band
• Ben's advice for beginning music producers
• His perspective on AI and its role in music production

We also listen to two Velvet Lab tracks, "Hit So High" and "No Big Deal," and get a look behind the creative decisions that brought them to life.

Find Velvet Lab:
Website: https://velvetlabatx.com

Find Velvet Lab on your favorite streaming platform.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher

In this episode of Producer’s Chair, I’m joined by Jack, the artist and producer behind the pop-punk project The Last Draft. We talk about his journey back to making music, recording an entire album on his own, and how personal struggles with addiction and recovery became the inspiration for his latest music.

Jack shares his approach to songwriting, playing multiple instruments, recording live drums, and producing everything himself in Logic Pro. We also discuss the gear and plugins he uses, getting great sounds without expensive equipment, and the challenges of taking on the roles of songwriter, musician, recording engineer, and mixing engineer all at once.

We listen to two tracks from The Last Draft, “Fading Away” and “Internal Dismay,” and explore the stories behind the songs and the album In a Bind.

It’s an honest conversation about rediscovering your passion, turning difficult experiences into creative expression, and finding your way back to the things that matter.

In this episode:

• Jack’s journey back to music and recovery
• The story behind The Last Draft
• Writing, recording, and mixing an entire album independently
• Recording guitars, bass, drums, and vocals
• Producing pop-punk in Logic Pro
• Drum triggers, Superior Drummer, saturation, EQ, and compression
• The personal story behind In a Bind
• Finding inspiration and creative purpose through difficult experiences

Links for The Last Draft coming soon!

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher

German producer Kaya joins Steve in the Producer’s Chair to talk about recording and producing music without relying on expensive gear—and the unconventional path that led them there.

Kaya shares their experience working with bands across Europe, traveling with a mobile recording rig, recording in rehearsal spaces, and adapting to whatever equipment and environment is available. We talk about Reaper, microphones, preamps, plugins, drum editing, and why sometimes the best production decision is simply learning to work with what you already have.

Kaya also tells the story of tackling a massive project with dozens of guitar tracks, struggling through the mix for more than a year, and eventually coming out the other side with a huge boost in confidence as a producer.

We also get into the importance of trusting your ears, avoiding rigid production rules, knowing when a project is finished, the pressure of working from home, AI in music production, and why beginners probably worry far too much about having the right equipment.

Plus, Kaya shares some great advice for new producers: don't blindly follow one person's rules. Listen to different perspectives, get real-world experience, and develop your own approach.

In this episode:

• Mobile recording and producing on the road
• Working with limited equipment
• Reaper and favorite plugins
• Why expensive preamps aren't always necessary
• Trusting your ears instead of your eyes
• Editing drums and preserving the energy of a performance
• Managing huge sessions and complicated guitar arrangements
• Knowing when a mix is finished
• The importance of working with what you have
• AI and the future of music production
• Advice for producers just starting out

Check out more from Kaya: Instagram - Goose of Doom - Mild Crush - Phoma

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher

Corbin Young sits in the Producer's Chair to talk about his work in the music business and how that encompasses a lot of things people may not consider when they start trying to make a career out of music. From playing live in his B-52's cover band, writing compositions for stage productions, teaching music lessons, recording voiceovers in his home studio and scoring scenes for all sorts of films; Corbin has a lot of experience on what it really takes to make a living in this industry.

Check out more from Corbin Young!

Corbin's Instagram

Production

Music

2xS Band

MockLobster

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher

Belgian producer, ZombieNijlpaard, joins me for an honest discussion about mental health struggles and how mental-wellbeing affects creativity. We also talk about the creative ways he uses field recordings to add texture to his musical artworks. 

Check out more from ZombieNijlpaard: Website -  Youtube  -  Spotify  - Free Field Recordings

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher

Welcome to Producer's Chair. This is a bi-weekly show where I interview people from all over the world who making music in their homes. I ask questions about their creative process, the tools they use and skills they're developing. We listen to a couple of their music pieces and get an understanding of what goes into those. The best parts are when I leave the script behind and we start hearing the interesting stories that make these individuals truly unique. 

Join me every other Wednesday morning for a brand new episode. You can help me out by sharing the show with the musical people in your life. If you're passionate about producing music I'd love to have you on Producer's Chair as my guest. We can talk about your music and the experiences that have shaped your art. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher

Tech-House producer, Ron S, has a seat in the Producer's Chair to talk about his production tricks and the unique way he built a career in the audio industry.

Ron S Website  -  Instagram  -  YouTube  -  Spotify

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher

Industrial producer, Ripley Sterling, sat in the Producer's Chair to talk about his work with artists all over the world and shared some great tips for creating at a high level. 

Check out Ripley! Bandcamp   -   Instagram

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher

Just Emcee hopped in the Producer's Chair to talk about getting creative with the whole family and how he uses a hybrid setup of hardware and software for his music creations. We also talk about his background in video production and the artists he records in his home studio.

Just Emcee Website  -  Instagram   -  YouTube  -  Spotify

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher

Jayme Vari joins us to talk about his band The Imperial Mission and how ice cream is the greatest distraction.

The Imperial Mission Website

The Imperial Mission YouTube

Jayme Vari Youtube

Facebook

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Producer’s Chair! If you enjoy the show, it helps me out when you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another music maker.

For info on sponsoring the show or becoming a guest send me an email.

I recently started live-streaming my own music production process on YouTube where viewers can chat with me while I create. http://www.youtube.com/steveswisher I also do giveaways, review music hardware and  plugins, step-by-step tutorials and lots of other content.

You can help me continue this passion project by donating to PayPal, Venmo or Cash App.

You can also support the show and save 20% on the complete suite of creative tools at LimePulse.Studio when you use the discount code: SWISHER20. Lime Pulse Studio is a browser-based service providing Music Visualizers, AI Mastering, text-synced videos for podcasts and karaoke, customizable loops for Spotify Canvas, Apple Motion and much more. You can watch the videos I've made about the various tools on youtube.com/steveswisher