The Self-Recording Band

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

This might be the shortest episode we've ever done. And one of the most important ones. 

Just listen, do this one thing that the episode is about and watch your recordings and mixes improve. 

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/232
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

When we give people feedback on their mixes before they join our coaching program, we're often talking about a lack of "size" and "depth". 

Now what is that actually and what can you do now with that feedback?

We're all about helping you make exciting and unique sounding records. And you can only do that when you're able to make intentional decisions. 

You won't get there with presets and things you copy from someone else. And knowing how to create size and depth is a big part of that. It's what's always lacking when people mix with presets or settings that they didn't choose intentionally.

In this Episode we're talking about:

1. Size:
   1. Frequency content
   2. Dynamics
   3. Contrast
   4. Writing/arrangement
   5. Transients/punch
      
      
2. Depth:
   1. Frequency content
   2. Reverb/delay
   3. Pre-delay on reverbs
   4. Detail
   5. Dynamics
      
      

And we're using real life everyday examples to explain these concepts.

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/231
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

My guest on this episode is the artist and producer Blake Beckmann.

Blake is a self-recording musician from California and he's the lead vocalist in a Nu Metal band called Stepa. 

You might have heard of them, because in 2002 they've released a record that was pretty popular in the scene.

Blake joined our coaching program, The Self-Recording Syndicate in late 2023, with the goal of making a new Stepa record that is even better and more exciting than their major label debut from 20 years ago. Quite the challenge! 

I think he and the band are definitely on track there and I'm beyond excited about the progress and the songs I've heard, so far. 

So it’s about time to introduce him to you and tell his story.

Here's Blake Beckmann for you. Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/230
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Have you been putting off the recording or mixing of a song? Or an album?

Have you ever been in a situation where you just couldn't make yourself work on a record because every time you think about it it just feels overwhelming? You just don't feel motivated enough to finally figure out what's holding you back, practice your audio skills and get the project done?

Can you play music or practice an instrument for hours without a problem, but sitting down to finish that studio project just feels like this huge challenge and you don't even know where to start?

You are not alone. Even when we have all the resources, training, feedback and guidance, sometimes we just can't do a certain thing. We keep avoiding it and constantly do something else instead. And then we get frustrated about ourselves. Because, after all, we wanted it so bad, didn't we?

A coaching student sent us a message about exactly this, asking me for help. And I'm gonna share my answer to him with you now on the podcast. 

Time to get real and ask ourselves some important questions.

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/229
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

On this episode I'm talking to the artist and producer Phillip Cronin.

Phillip is a self-recording musician, based in Rogers, Arkansas in the United States who writes and records indie rock and pop-punk music as a solo artist under the artist name "On The Radio". 

We first met in late 2021, so almost 3 years ago now, when Phillip joined our coaching program, The Self-Recording Syndicate. 

Since then he has levelled up his audio skills, writing and playing skills, as well as his overall knowledge and understanding of the whole record-making process significantly. 

Earlier this year, I travelled to Arkansas to co-produce his first real record with Phillip at his home studio and boy, did I have a blast there.

The sessions were so much fun, I think the results speak for themselves, there is so much to learn from this for our community here and people just need to know about On The Radio and this upcoming record.

So it’s about time to introduce Phillip to you and tell his story. 

Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/228
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Josh Rogosin created the iconic sound for the Tiny Desk series for over 800 recordings, collaborating with Fred Again, Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, Post Malone, Taylor Swift and countless others. He also introduced theater to the series, producing and engineering performances from Blue Man Group, Sesame Street, Wicked, The Lion King and more. 

Tiny Desk Concerts has a massive audience and has turned into the holy grail and must-stop for every touring musician. It also hits the sweet spot for demographics featuring every kind of music you can imagine.

Josh says he's learned so much about what makes it work so well and we're so stoked that he's sharing some of those insights with us today.

And of course, we're talking about how you can apply these learnings to your home recording studio.

Now, after 10 years producing and engineering for Tiny Desk, Josh is starting his own show, called Global Sound Concerts, and his own production company.

Global Sound Concerts is a music discovery and travel show that finds musicians where they are from, to learn why being from the place inspires them to make music. 

He's produced a couple of episodes already and he's planning to release them as a pilot season on his own YouTube page. 

We've already been able to watch one of these episodes and can tell you it is totally amazing! So naturally, we had questions about this, too, and cover all of it on this episode.

So here's Josh Rogosin for you! Enjoy!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/227
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Let's get technical! Today we're gonna talk about how to handle and reduce or remove noise from your recordings. And how to keep it out of your recordings in the first place.

Usually, everything we teach is about the music. About the song. About how we can serve the song and make it connect and resonate with your audience. We try to avoid getting too technical and we don't believe that gear or plugins are the solution to most of your audio problems.

But sometimes we have to do purely technical work to remove what is distracting from the music, so we can go back to the song and fully focus on that again.

Noise is one of those distracting things. And it comes in many different forms. 

So on this episode we're talking about:

• How we deal with noise at the source and keep it out of our recordings. Because capturing a noise-free signal is always better than removing the noise afterwards.
  
  
• Understanding noise:
  • Broadband noise vs specific frequencies
  • Why removing it is always a compromise
  • Why gating isn't enough in many cases
    
    
• Ways to reduce/remove noise if you have to:
  • Why stock plugins won't get you very far here
  • Why it's smart to capture a few seconds of just the noise and not cut it out until you've removed it from the rest of the signal.
  • Cutting it out manually (and or gating)
  • Removing or reducing noise with EQ
  • iZoptope RX / spectral editors
  • Noise removal plugins
  • Embracing it instead of fighting it
  • Understanding the "analog" and "noise" buttons / knobs on your plugins
  • The ground lift switch on your gear

Let's dive into this!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/226
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Ady Parzentny is back on our podcast! 

If you've been following us for a while, you'll know that we've interviewed him at Studioszene 2023. Now he's back, this time joining us in our usual setting here.

We've asked our community to send us questions for Ady, so this is at least partly a Q&A episode.

But we also have our own questions and topics that we want to cover, because so much has happened since we last talked. 

Ady was involved in starting a recording school in Morocco, which is such a cool project, and he also introduced us to a couple of really exciting people, which we're forever grateful for. 

So we're very glad we met last year and super stoked to have him back!

Here's Ady Parzentny from Hit The Road Music Studio!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/225
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Benedikt & Malcom mix a LOT of songs every year and therefore notice a fair amount of mistakes that home recording artists are making. With a little know-how and experience, these mistakes are entirely preventable.

The guys admit to having made many of these mistakes themselves in the past, and now, through their experience, you and other home recording artists don't have to. 

Sometimes knowing what NOT to do is more valuable than being told what to do.

So let's look at the 5 biggest recording mistakes that Benedikt has seen and dealt with this week. 

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/224
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us a text

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Let's go through the entire record making process, start to finish, step by step!

Here's why you need to hear this episode:

If you've never been to a professional studio to go through the entire process without compromise, then you probably don't know all the steps involved and everything that's necessary to get a great sounding result in the end.

So many self-recording artists are cutting corners and skipping important steps without knowing. Let's change that.

And if you've already done it all and know the process, then this is a great reminder to go the extra mile every single time and do whatever is required, even if it seems to be tedious and hard sometimes.

Let's go!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/223
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]