What does a rooftop studio, a cold plunge, and a punk rock heart have in common? Producer Toby Lloyd shares how surrender, discipline, and creative flow helped him build Tiny Triumph Recordings and rediscover joy in making music.

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Howdy Rockstars, my guest today is Toby Lloyd, a music producer, studio engineer, and mixing engineer who runs Tiny Triumph Recordings, a boutique rooftop recording studio in Wellington, New Zealand. Toby has worked with artists like Shapeshifter, Hollie Smith, Stan Walker, and Nightmares on Wax, and he's contributed to major film projects including Avatar 2, The Hobbit Trilogy, Mortal Engines, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, as well as mixing scores for acclaimed films such as Savage, Stylebender, and Ka Whawhai Tonu (pronounced Car Far Fie Toe Nu). In addition to his studio and film work, Toby is also making new music as an artist himself. Big thanks to Matt Boudreau from Working Class Audio for making today's introduction!

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Howdy Rockstars, my guest today is Rich Bernett, aka Sound of Machines, a Richmond, Virginia - based sound artist, builder, and experimental musician. Rich designs and performs with his own DIY instruments like the CassetteTone 2 and Rotary Drone, blending circuit bending, contact mics, and field recordings to create wild, organic, and otherworldly soundscapes. With a growing following on YouTube, Patreon, and Instagram, Rich shares his creative process and connects with a community of makers and musicians exploring new sonic frontiers.

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Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

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https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FEzCg4bWv4y9FZlZaMVMk

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My guest today is Ian Fitchuk, a two-time Grammy Award–winning musician, songwriter, and producer based in Nashville. You've heard his work on Golden Hour with Kacey Musgraves - a landmark record that helped redefine the sound of modern country and pop. Ian has also collaborated with artists like Maggie Rogers, Joy Oladokun, Chris Stapleton, and Beyoncé, bringing his versatile musicianship and deep sense of songcraft to every project he touches. In this conversation, Ian shares his journey from growing up in a musical family to finding his voice as both an artist and a producer. We talk about the evolution of the Nashville music scene, how collaboration shapes every great record, and why fear can actually be one of the most powerful creative tools in the studio. Ian opens up about rediscovering his own songwriting, balancing commercial work with personal expression, and learning to embrace uncertainty as part of the artistic process. Whether you're a songwriter, producer, or studio musician, this episode is packed with insight into what it really means to make music in Nashville today - not just as a profession, but as a lifelong creative pursuit.

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Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6on3LJZ2s6RnTOkHEkDyCZ?si=e6896b3481a74242

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

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What does it take to go from Ohio to LA and start mixing records at the highest level? In this episode, I sat down with mixer and engineer Ryan Nasci to trace his journey from the Midwest to Los Angeles, where he worked alongside the legendary Tony Maserati and began mixing artists like Kingfish, Celeste, and more. Ryan breaks down how he built a hybrid workflow that blends analog gear, plugins, and Atmos into mixes that stay musical, open, and emotionally focused. We dig into Ryan's approach to gain staging, managing headroom, using trim plugins, tightening low end, and shaping vocals for dynamic performers. He shares how he uses tape vs. plugins, when hardware matters, how to set compression strategies that preserve energy, and why understanding the why behind every move is the key to a competitive mix. Ryan also talks about mixing in Atmos, building depth with headphones, creative mic choices in small studios, keeping mixes clean without over-stacking plugins, and how persistence, day-rate pricing, and good communication help engineers build sustainable careers in today's industry. Huge thanks to Michael Estok for connecting us!

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https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

Listen to this guest's discography on Apple:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ryan-nasci-select-discography-2025/pl.u-6mYKLtBxmvyY

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Learn why polar patterns matter more than EQ as Derek Bargaehr of Vanguard Audio Labs breaks down capsules, circuits, self-noise, phase tricks, stereo techniques, and practical mic placement you can use on your next session.

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My guest today is Derek Bargaehr. A lifelong tinkerer, he started out burning himself with a soldering iron and modding guitar pedals at 15, eventually working as Director of Operations for a successful microphone company. A freelancing engineer, producer, gear tech, and bassist, Derek earned a BA in Commercial Music – Audio Engineering & Music Business from Azusa Pacific University. Today, he runs Vanguard Audio Labs as the Chief Everything Officer, designing microphones and restoring priceless vintage AKG, Neumann, and Gefell mics.

He was previously a guest on RSR249, and I'm excited to have him back to talk about his new line of microphones, including the V14 Variable-Voltage Tube Condenser, the V24 Stereo Tube Condenser, and the V1 Gen2 FET Pencil Condenser!

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Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRoockstars.com/534

What happens when a French-Canadian music producer trades poutine for prairie skies and builds a new studio in Calgary? Will his acoustic panels survive the move? Tune in as Chris Selim shares his journey, one recycled bass trap at a time.

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My guest today is Chris Selim, a musician, music producer, and mixing engineer behind Mixdown Online, where he helps home studio owners and musicians improve their recording, mixing, and production skills. His YouTube channel has grown to over 125K subscribers and 14 million views, thanks to his clear, practical tutorials that make it easier to get pro results from your home studio.

Chris is also the co-host of the Studio Stuff Podcast, a laid-back and informative show where he and Steve Dierkens talk music production, gear, and home studio life. With more than 80 albums produced and over 22 years of experience, Chris is especially known for his work in the French Christian music scene.

Working primarily in-the-box with Cubase, Chris shares the tools and techniques he once searched for himself—empowering musicians around the world to make better music from home.

He first joined us back on episode RSR098 and I'm excited to have him back.

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https://www.spectra1964.com

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https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5iIfwOzvKWebiajxOq4XHa?si=QqQC6d7VQqa9EoNIVHqPYA

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What happens when you don't cage the elephant—and let creativity run wild in the studio? Lincoln Parish shares how recording live, trusting your gear, and embracing bleed helped shape the sound of a Grammy-nominated band and his work as a producer today.

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My guest today is Lincoln Parish, founding guitarist of the Grammy-nominated rock band Cage the Elephant. After years of success on the road and in the studio with the band, Lincoln left in 2013 to focus full-time on producing and songwriting. From his Nashville studio Talk Box Rodeo, he's worked with artists like Lilly Hiatt, Alicia Blue, and Carrollton, with music landing in shows like Grey's Anatomy and Lucifer.

Lincoln brings a great perspective on what it's like going from the band and the stage to producing records in the studio.

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https://www.spectra1964.com

https://pickrmusic.com

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/63cZjUj6u2m8qUfYTw6HM9

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/532

Ever mix a Grammy-winning track on AirPods? Justin Francis did - and he's back to share killer tips on mixing in the box, vocal stacking, pedalboard tricks, and keeping the studio vibe fun. Get ready to level up your mixes and laugh along the way!

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My guest today is Justin Francis, a Grammy award-winning engineer, mixer, and producer with a talent for channeling deep emotion through sound. Justin brings a creative, artist-first approach to every session, working across many genres - from Sheryl Crow and Kacey Musgraves to Tyler Childers, Lake Street Dive, Justin Timberlake, Madison Cunningham, Gary Clark Jr., Sarah Jarosz, and Lauren Daigle.

Originally from western Pennsylvania and now a long-time fixture in the Nashville music scene, Justin has earned a reputation for his innovative techniques and dedication to serving the song. He's been on the show before in episodes RSR220 and RSR280, and I'm psyched to have him back again today.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

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https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

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https://www.spectra1964.com

https://pickrmusic.com

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5V5goiVEMHTiv1mmhPbuSu?si=F1djvCk1R1mgDFCpzkj5LQ

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/531

What do drum mics, bluegrass, and Pro Tools have in common? Find out as David Streit shares 35+ years of studio wisdom, from Quad Studios to acoustic sessions, and why trusting musicians might be your best mic technique yet.

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My guest today is David Streit, a recording engineer, producer, mixer, and live sound engineer based in Portland, Oregon. With over 35 years of experience, he started mixing live shows in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, before refining his recording skills in Nashville. He later freelanced in Nashville and Santa Cruz before settling in the Pacific Northwest.

David holds a recording degree from Middle Tennessee State University and interned at The Aspen Music Festival, learning classical mic'ing techniques. His career spans assisting at Quad Studios, teaching multi-track recording, and working in location sound.

Thanks to MTSU for the introduction where we were both students!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

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https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

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https://www.adam-audio.com/

https://www.spectra1964.com

https://pickrmusic.com

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0UvoaJkX14wYK2wAHAekAy?si=wRPeCAwNQzGOfe9EMG38yw

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

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Did Chet Atkins invent fingerpicking just to keep other guitarists from catching up? In this episode, I talk with Don Cusic—author of Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar—about Chet's legendary style, Nashville studio secrets, and how the music biz has changed (and stayed weird).

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My guest today is Don Cusic, the Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University and the author of over 30 books on music, culture, and the music business. His latest is Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, a newly released biography that explores the life, legacy, and lasting influence of one of Nashville's most iconic musicians.

Don has also produced albums for legends like Bobby Bare, Jeannie Seely, and Jim Ed Brown. He co-produced the Eddy Arnold Tribute album with Cheetah Chrome and collaborated with Mike Curb on an album of James Weldon Johnson songs performed by American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle.

Thank you to Pam Lewis and Associates for the introduction!

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https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

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https://www.adam-audio.com/

https://www.spectra1964.com

https://pickrmusic.com

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RLwWj9VRj9MaiUecrbvxR?si=3ad154b682a94b3d&pt_success=1&nd=1&dlsi=3991a6a2d4d846d8

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/529