In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Matt Lawrence, a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer who has worked on some of the most influential records of the past 20 years. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Matt discusses his journey into the audio industry, his perspective on the current state of the music industry in 2026, and how the landscape has changed for studios, artists, and record labels over his career.

Matt brings invaluable insights from two decades of working at the highest levels of music production, having mixed and produced records that have shaped contemporary music across multiple genres. Whether you're an aspiring audio engineer, a music producer, an artist navigating the modern music industry, or a label executive seeking perspective on industry dynamics, this conversation provides honest, experienced insights into how the music business is evolving and what it takes to build a sustainable career in professional audio production. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode exploring the past, present, and future of the music industry.

In This Episode:

• Career Journey into Audio Production - How Matt Lawrence got started in the audio industry, the path that led to Grammy recognition, and the formative experiences that shaped his career as a mixer and producer
• Work on Influential Records - Overview of Matt's extensive discography and the iconic projects he's contributed to over the past 20 years in mixing and production
• The Evolution of the Music Industry (2006-2026) - How the music industry has transformed over the past two decades, changes in recording technology, distribution, and the business model for artists and labels
• The Role of Studios in Modern Music Production - What studios look like in 2026, how the role of physical recording spaces has changed, and why certain aspects of professional studios remain invaluable
• Artists Navigating the Current Landscape - The challenges and opportunities for musicians and artists in 2026, from recording and production to promotion and distribution
• Record Labels and Industry Structure - How record labels are adapting to the modern music ecosystem, their changing role, and what sustainable relationships look like between labels, artists, and production professionals
• Technology and Production Innovation - Advancements in recording technology, production tools, and mixing techniques that have emerged over Matt's 20-year career
• Professional Insights from Industry Veterans - Lessons learned, perspectives on what it takes to succeed in professional audio, and honest assessment of the current state of music production

About Our Guest:

Matt Lawrence:
Matt Lawrence is a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer with an extensive career spanning over two decades in professional music production. His work has touched some of the most influential records released over the past 20 years, earning him recognition and respect throughout the music industry. With deep experience working across multiple genres and with diverse artists and labels, Lawrence brings authentic perspective on how the music industry operates and the evolution of music production in the modern era.

About Our Host:

Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Matt Lawrence - Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer
• Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
• All major podcast platforms

Follow us:

• Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
• Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]

Sponsorship

This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.

Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part episode with Matt Lawrence exploring the music industry landscape of 2026 and his insights on studios, artists, and labels.

"Behind some of the world's greatest hits lies a great question: does constraint breed genius? In this Podcast Edition, Drummer Steven Gilchrist (Graham Coxon, The Damned, and Boney M) and Grammy winning engineer Liam Nolan (Rihanna, Stormzy, the Black Eyed Peas) sit down with our Host Ashea to reveal the behind-the-scenes of Adele's 'Hello,' the meticulous process behind the legendary Drumopolis project with Tony Visconti, and what it really takes to engineer records that resonate globally.

In This Episode:

• Inside the Adele 'Hello' sessions: 
• The mic chain that captured one of the biggest vocal performances of the decade (U47, Neve 1081, 1176)
• How Tony Visconti designed Drumopolis: capturing '70s legend with modern flexibility across 29 microphones
• The Decca tree, room mics, and why a tea towel on the snare matters (vintage tone with intention)
• Why recording vibe, comfort, and 'reading the room' is non-negotiable—and what that looks like in practice
• Analog vs. digital: the tape machine, commitment, and why limitations can raise the stakes for performance
• Managing expectations: why clients listening on car stereos ask for mixes that don't exist, and how to set boundaries
• Democratizing music production: why tools like Drumopolis matter beyond the studio
• Working with Rihanna, Stormzy, the Black Eyed Peas & will.i.am: lessons from sessions with global superstars

About Our Guests

Liam Nolan

Liam Nolan is a recording and mix engineer who has recently transitioned to freelance work after years at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick. Over his career, he's engineered sessions with some of the world's biggest artists, including Adele, Stormzy, Rihanna, AJ Tracey, the Black Eyed Peas, and will.i.am. He was the engineer on Adele's Grammy-winning 'Hello,' credited for his work in a writing session that became chart history. His approach prioritizes artist comfort, technical precision, and understanding the unique sonic demands of each session. He specializes in capturing vocal performances and crafting the sonic identity of records at one of the world's most legendary facilities.

Instagram: @liamjnolan | Website: mixedbyliamnolan.com

Steven Gilchrist

Steven Gilchrist is an accomplished drummer, percussionist, producer, and engineer. He's performed with legendary artists including Graham Coxon, The Damned, and Boney M. As the owner and operator of Brixton Hill Studios, he works as a session drummer, producer, and engineer. Under his name Stephen Evens, he's currently working on his fifth record, all of which (except the first) have been recorded to tape. He collaborated with Tony Visconti on the Drumopolis project for Toontrack, providing his Ludwig drum kit and his mother's Premier snare for the sound design. Steven is a strong advocate for analog recording, commitment in the studio, and the philosophy that limitation breeds creativity.

Instagram: @thestephenevens | Brixton Hill Studios: brixtonhillstudios.com

About Our Host

Ashea

Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. Her production and mixing credits include work with Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, and SVT1 (Sweden). Through the Production Expert Podcast, she brings industry insiders together to explore the craft, process, and philosophy behind the world's greatest records.

Website: asheamusicofficial.com Instagram: @iamashea

Featured In This Podcast: 

• Metropolis Studios: metropolisstudios.com
• Toontrack Drumopolis SDX: toontrack.com
• Brixton Hill Studios: brixtonrecording.com
• Genelec UNIO Monitoring: genelec.com/unio
• Source Elements Suite: sourceelem

The number of women working as audio engineers and music producers is falling, not rising. Ashea is joined by British-Ghanaian producer, rapper and author Nana Ayebi-Kwakye to discuss why the gap is widening, where the signs of hope are, and the thinking behind her children's book Delasi On A Mission, written to show young girls that the studio is a place they belong.

Women In Audio: Why The Numbers Are Falling, With Nana Ayebi-Kwakye

The proportion of women working as professional audio engineers and music producers has been moving in the wrong direction for years. The data is uncomfortable, the reasons are tangled, and the industry's response has been inconsistent at best. In this conversation, Ashea sits down with producer, rapper and author Nana Ayebi-Kwakye to talk honestly about what's happening, what's working, and why representation in children's books might matter more than another panel discussion at a trade show.

In this episode:

• Why the percentage of women working in professional audio production is declining rather than growing, and what the available data actually shows
• The signs of hope: the initiatives, mentorship structures and visible role models that are starting to shift the picture for the next generation
• The principle Nana keeps coming back to: if you can't see it, you can't be it, and what that means in practical terms for studios, schools and parents
• The story behind Delasi On A Mission, the children's book Nana wrote to put a young girl behind the desk rather than in front of the mic
• The barriers that show up before anyone gets near a studio: perception, language, who appears in the photos, who teaches the classes
• What working professionals can actually do, beyond awareness, to change the numbers in their own corner of the industry

About Our Guest: Nana Ayebi-Kwakye:

Nana Ayebi-Kwakye is a British-Ghanaian music producer, rapper and author. Her debut children's book, Delasi On A Mission, tells the story of a young girl discovering music production and learning to navigate the obstacles that come with it, aimed at readers aged six and up. She is also involved in initiatives including The Leading Vibe and her own Sounds You Make project, both focused on widening access to music production for young people.

About Our Host:  Ashea is a platinum selling songwriter, music producer & audio engineer from the UK. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM) Steve Smart (Kiss FM) The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).

Description

In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Arnd Kaiser, Product Designer Strategist at Fender Musical Instruments, and Tony Carridi, Global Revenue and Go-To-Market Executive at Fender PreSonus. Together they discuss the strategic rebrand of Fender Studio, exploring what this evolution means for music producers, audio engineers, and musicians using Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software.

This conversation goes beyond the surface-level rebrand to explore the vision driving Fender's entry into the DAW market, the future of music production software, and what producers should expect from Fender Studio going forward. Whether you're a guitarist, music producer, audio engineer, or just curious about the future of music production tools, this episode provides insider insights into one of the music industry's most iconic brands' strategic move into professional music production software. Discover why this rebrand matters, what innovations are coming, and why Fender Studio is positioning itself as a game-changer in the competitive DAW landscape.

In This Episode:

• The Fender Studio Rebrand Strategy - Understanding the vision behind Fender's rebrand and repositioning of their DAW product, and what strategic decisions led to this major announcement
• Product Design & User Experience Focus - How Fender approaches product design strategy to create intuitive, professional-grade music production software that serves both beginners and experienced producers
• Expanding Beyond Guitarists - Why Fender Studio is positioning itself as a tool for all music creators, not just guitarists, and how this broadens the addressable market for the product
• The Future of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) - Industry perspective on where DAW technology is headed, emerging features, and competitive dynamics in the music production software market
• Go-To-Market Strategy & Industry Positioning - Insights into how Fender is launching and marketing Fender Studio to different segments of the music production community
• Innovation in Music Production Tools - The technological innovations and features that make Fender Studio a compelling option in a crowded DAW marketplace
• Collaboration Between Fender & PreSonus - How the partnership between Fender Musical Instruments and PreSonus creates synergies and advantages for Fender Studio users
• What Inspires Professional Audio Engineers - Personal insights from industry executives about what drives their passion for music production and innovation in the field

About Our Guests:

Arnd Kaiser:
Arnd Kaiser is a Product Designer Strategist at Fender Musical Instruments, responsible for shaping the vision and strategic direction of Fender's product offerings in the music production software space. With expertise in product design and strategic planning, Kaiser brings deep understanding of how to create tools that resonate with musicians and producers across different skill levels and genres.

Tony Carridi:
Tony Carridi is a Global Revenue and Go-To-Market Executive at Fender PreSonus, overseeing the commercial strategy and market positioning of Fender Studio. With extensive experience in revenue growth and market strategy, Carridi brings insights into how Fender is approaching the competitive music production software market and building a sustainable business around innovative music tools.

About Our Host:

Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Fender Studio - Fender's professional music production DAW software. Visit: fender.com/studio
• PreSonus - Digital audio workstation and music production technology company. Visit: presonus.com
• Fender Musical Instruments - Iconic manufacturer of guitars and music production equipment. Visit: fender.com
• Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
• All major podcast platforms

Follow us:

• Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
• Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]

Sponsorship

This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.

In this episode Ashea is joined by Arnd Kaiser and Tony Cariddi of Presonus/Fender for a tense guitar and synth quiz designed to really test your abilities. If you fail it's worth thinking long and hard about your career choice because you're likely an impostor ;) Enjoy!

Description

In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Stephen Gallagher, an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with credits on major film and television productions, and Tilman Sillescu, creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore. This is Part 2 of the Lord Of The Strings, continuing their in-depth exploration of professional film and television scoring.

In this episode, Stephen and Tilman delve deeper into the collaborative process between composers and directors, discussing the balance between creative independence and serving the director's vision. They explore the importance of delegation in team environments, managing multiple demands across different projects, and the mindset required to adapt to each director's unique style and creative preferences. Whether you're a composer, music producer, or anyone interested in understanding how professional orchestral scores are crafted in demanding production environments, this conversation reveals the professional and interpersonal skills that separate experienced composers from emerging talents.

In This Episode:

• Balancing Creative Independence and Collaboration - The importance of finding balance between personal creative expression and working collaboratively with directors, producers, and other team members in film and television production
• The Skill of Delegation and Team Leadership - How composers effectively delegate tasks in a team environment, trust collaborators with specific aspects of the score, and manage workflow across multiple projects and deadlines
• Serving the Director's Vision - Understanding that a composer's primary responsibility is to serve the director's intent and the story they're telling, rather than imposing a personal creative agenda
• Adapting to Different Directors' Demands - Each director has unique creative preferences, production challenges, and storytelling approaches, requiring composers to be flexible and responsive to varied creative demands
• Human Behavior in Creative Collaboration - Drawing parallels between human relationship dynamics and creative collaboration, understanding how people work individually and collectively
• Managing Micromanagement and Creative Control - The importance of letting go of excessive control, trusting collaborators, and avoiding the pitfall of trying to micromanage every aspect of a production
• Problem-Solving Across Diverse Projects - No two film or television projects present the same challenges, requiring composers to develop adaptable problem-solving skills and creative flexibility
• Building a Professional Composing Career - Insights into how experienced composers navigate the entertainment industry, work with varied production teams, and sustain long-term creative careers

About Our Guests:

Stephen Gallagher:
Stephen Gallagher is an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with extensive credits in film and television. His work has been recognized with Emmy Awards, and he has contributed music to major television and film productions that have reached global audiences. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Gallagher brings deep expertise in orchestration, music editing, and the interpersonal skills required to collaborate effectively with directors and production teams in demanding entertainment environments.

Tilman Sillescu:
Tilman Sillescu is a creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore, a leading company known for developing advanced digital orchestral libraries and composition tools. As an award-winning composer in his own right, Sillescu combines deep musical knowledge with innovative technology and practical production experience. His perspective bridges the gap between creative composition and the practical realities of professional film and television scoring.

About Our Host:

Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Sonuscore - Digital orchestral libraries and composition tools. Visit: sonuscore.com
• Stephen Gallagher - Emmy-winning composer and music editor
• Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
• All major podcast platforms

Follow us:

• Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
• Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]

Sponsorship

This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.

Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part episode. Be sure to listen to Part 1 for the complete conversation with Stephen Gallagher and Tilman Sillescu.

Description

In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Stephen Gallagher, an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with credits on major film and television productions, and Tilman Sillescu, creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore. Together they explore the craft of composing for film and television, diving deep into orchestration techniques, string articulation, music production tools, and the creative workflows that define professional film scoring.

Whether you're an aspiring composer, music producer, or audio engineer looking to understand how professional film and TV scores are created, this two-part episode reveals insider insights from Emmy-winning composers who have shaped the soundtracks of iconic productions. Discover the technical and creative approaches that separate professional orchestral music from amateur compositions, and learn how modern digital tools are transforming the composition process while maintaining the richness of orchestral sound.

In This Episode:

• String Ensemble Articulation & Digital Orchestration - Why getting convincing orchestral string parts to sound authentic is challenging, and how modern composition tools like Sonuscore's libraries solve articulation problems that traditionally required live orchestras
• Film Scoring vs. Television Music Production - The unique demands and constraints of scoring for film versus episodic television, including timeline pressures, creative collaboration, and technical requirements
• Orchestration Techniques for Professional Composers - Deep dive into how Emmy-winning composers approach orchestration, layering, and arrangement to create emotionally impactful scores
• Music Editing in Post-Production - The critical role of music editing and how composers work with editors and directors to shape final scores in the post-production workflow
• Digital Tools & Software for Modern Composition - Overview of contemporary music production tools, libraries, and workflows that professional composers use to stay creative and efficient
• Creative Workflow & Staying in the Creative Flow - How professional composers maintain creative momentum and avoid getting bogged down in technical details during the composition process
• Collaborating with Directors & Production Teams - How composers navigate feedback, creative direction, and collaborative relationships with directors and producers in film and television
• Emmy Awards & Career Path in Film Scoring - Stephen Gallagher's journey to Emmy recognition and insights into building a sustainable career as a composer in the entertainment industry

About Our Guests:

Stephen Gallagher:
Stephen Gallagher is an Emmy Award-winning composer and music editor with extensive credits in film and television. His work has been recognized with Emmy Awards, and he has contributed music to major television and film productions that have reached global audiences. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Gallagher brings deep expertise in orchestration, music editing, and the technical and creative demands of professional film and television scoring.

Tilman Sillescu:
Tilman Sillescu is a creative director, co-founder, and principal composer at Sonuscore, a leading company known for developing advanced digital orchestral libraries and composition tools. As an award-winning composer in his own right, Sillescu combines deep musical knowledge with innovative technology, creating solutions that help composers achieve professional-quality orchestral sounds in the digital realm. His work with Sonuscore has made advanced composition tools accessible to a global community of music producers and composers.

About Our Host:

Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning legendary artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Sonuscore - Digital orchestral libraries and composition tools. Visit: sonuscore.com
• Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
• All major podcast platforms

Follow us:

• Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
• Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]

Sponsorship

This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.

Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. Part 2 continues the conversation with Stephen Gallagher and Tilman Sillescu.

Description

In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Richard Hilton, an award-winning producer and engineer who has worked extensively with Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Steve DeMott, Grammy-nominated producer and engineer from the acclaimed Tribe Collective. Together they dive deep into compression techniques, mixing workflows, and the art of working backwards in music production.

The proportion of modern music production relies heavily on understanding the nuances of audio engineering, and in this conversation, Ashea sits down with two industry veterans to talk honestly about what separates professional-quality mixes from the rest. Whether you're a professional audio engineer, music producer, or aspiring musician looking to elevate your craft, this discussion reveals insider secrets from producers who've worked with legendary artists like Nile Rodgers and Chic, providing invaluable insights into the production techniques and studio workflows that define hit records.

In This Episode:

• Compressor Techniques & Mixing Best Practices - Deep dive into compression, its applications in modern music production, and how top producers use compression to shape sound and achieve professional-quality mixes
• Mix Translation Across Playback Systems - Why mixes that sound great on studio monitors may not translate to other listening environments, and how professional engineers ensure consistency across headphones, car speakers, and mobile devices
• Working Backwards in Production - Unconventional production workflows and creative approaches that yield breakthroughs, straight from producers who've worked at the highest levels of the music industry
• Recording with Iconic Artists - Insights from Richard Hilton's extensive experience working with Nile Rodgers and the legendary band Chic, and what those collaborations taught him about music production
• Grammy-Level Production Standards - Steve DeMott shares the engineering mindsets and technical approaches that earned his work with Tribe Collective Grammy nominations
• Song Structure & Great Titles - How producers approach songwriting, track development, and the importance of crafting songs with exceptional titles and sonic quality
• Audio Engineering Fundamentals - The tools, monitoring setups, and studio practices that matter most for producing professional recordings
• Producer Mentality & Studio Culture - The thinking and approaches that define successful production teams and how to build a sustainable creative practice

About Our Guests:

Richard Hilton:
Richard Hilton is an award-winning music producer, recording engineer, and songwriter with a career spanning decades. Known for his extensive work with industry-leading artists including Nile Rodgers and the iconic band Chic, Hilton brings unparalleled expertise in music production and professional studio engineering. His experience capturing world-class recordings and crafting hit records provides invaluable insights into the production process, audio engineering best practices, and what it takes to work at the highest levels of the music industry. His collaborations with Nile Rodgers and Chic have shaped modern music production standards.

Steve DeMott:
Steve DeMott is a multi-talented music producer, engineer, and songwriter whose work with the Grammy-nominated group Tribe Collective has earned him recognition as one of the industry's most meticulous audio engineers. Known for his deep understanding of compression and mixing techniques, DeMott is passionate about crafting songs with exceptional titles and sonic quality. His expertise spans advanced audio engineering, music production strategies, and creative direction. His contributions to Grammy-nominated work demonstrate the level of precision and artistry required in professional music production.

About Our Host:

Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning legendary artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio
• Nile Rodgers - Legendary producer and guitarist who continues to influence modern music production
• Chic - Iconic band known for groundbreaking work in funk, disco, and popular music
• Tribe Collective - Grammy-nominated music group showcasing cutting-edge production and engineering

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
• All major podcast platforms

Follow us:

• Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
• Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]

Sponsorship

This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great-sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.

Today on the Production Expert Podcast, Ashea puts Richard Hilton and Steve De -Mott's compression trivia knowledge to the test.

So how did you do you? Let us know.

About Our Guests:

Steve DeMott: Producer, engineer, songwriter, and musician who has worked with the Grammy nominated Tribe collective 

Richard Hilton: Musician and producer well known for his work with Nile Rodgers and Chic

Description

In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Andrew Scheps, a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer, for Part 2 of their in-depth conversation about professional mixing in the era of immersive audio. Building on the discussions from Part 1, Andrew delves deeper into practical techniques for mixing in Atmos and spatial audio formats, with particular focus on the unique challenges of mixing for headphone playback, binaural rendering, and maintaining mix translation across different monitoring environments.

In this episode, Andrew answers listener questions while providing concrete, actionable advice on EQ and panning techniques in immersive formats, the differences between phantom center and actual center speakers in spatial mixes, reverb strategies for Atmos, and insights into where the music production industry is heading. Whether you're a professional mixer looking to expand into immersive audio, a producer curious about Atmos workflows, or an audio engineer wanting to understand the future of spatial mixing, this conversation provides both technical knowledge and strategic industry perspective from one of the world's most respected mixing engineers.

In This Episode:

• Mixing in Atmos with Headphone Monitoring - Practical techniques for creating mixes in Atmos that translate accurately on headphones, including the challenges of binaural rendering and headphone-specific mixing considerations
• Panning and Spatial Placement Techniques - How phantom center differs from actual center speakers in immersive mixes, and strategies for placing elements in three-dimensional space effectively
• EQ and Equalization in Immersive Formats - How equalization approaches change in Atmos compared to stereo, maintaining balance in surround configurations, and frequency management across spatial channels
• Reverb and Spatial Effects in Atmos - Advanced reverb techniques specifically designed for immersive mixing, creating depth and space in three-dimensional mixes, and psychological acoustic principles
• Binaural Rendering and Headphone Playback - Understanding how binaural rendering works, the challenges of creating convincing spatial imaging through headphones, and translation between different listening formats
• Practical Real-World Mixing Tips and Tricks - Actionable advice from decades of professional mixing experience, workflow optimization, and techniques that immediately improve mixing results
• Industry Direction and Future of Mixing Technology - Andrew's perspective on where the music production industry is headed, emerging technologies in spatial audio, and how mixers should prepare for future formats
• Listener Questions and Career Advice - Andrew addresses questions from podcast listeners about mixing, professional development, and navigating the modern music production landscape

About Our Guest:

Andrew Scheps:
Andrew Scheps is a three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer with an extensive discography that includes work with some of the world's most influential artists. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, innovative mixing techniques, and expertise in both traditional stereo and immersive audio formats like Atmos, Scheps has established himself as one of the most sought-after mixers in the music industry. His technical knowledge combined with artistic sensibility has made him a mentor figure to many aspiring audio engineers and producers.

About Our Host:

Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Andrew Scheps - Three-time Grammy Award-winning mixer and producer
• Atmos and Spatial Audio - Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other platforms offering immersive audio mixes
• Genelec UNIO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
• All major podcast platforms

Follow us:

• Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
• Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]

Sponsorship

This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If you've ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelec's UNIO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UNIO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.

Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part episode. Be sure to listen to Part 1 for the beginning of the conversation with Andrew Scheps on mixing fundamentals, impostor syndrome, and career insights.