The Self-Recording Band

Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
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Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for you:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
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Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
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Episode show notes:

"Your song is your baby - and everyone on your team should care as much as you." - Carl Bahner.

Carl is an emotion-focused mix engineer with a hands-on approach, who helps artists and producers from all over the world to build their own sonic dream team.

He has an open-minded, collaborative approach with artists and producers, exploring the jungle of sounds to make each song as unique, memorable, and emotionally impactful as possible.

Carl also calls himself a co-producer. Because even though most people come to him for mixing, one of his biggest strengths is helping artists and producers with that final 3% of the production that keeps you banging your head against the wall.

And finally, Carl helps passionate studio pros become irresistible to their ideal clients by teaching them to communicate their unique passions and perspectives.

Why does he do that? Because he loves being part of magical teams who create magical art. And through helping other producers find their perfect artist and make them happy, Carl can have an even greater impact and change even more lives through the music that's being created.

And why is it all about communicating? Because when you clearly communicate what makes you, YOU - aligned with exactly what your ideal clients crave - your inbox fills with serious inquiries.

That’s why Carl uses his two decades of music industry experience to help producers, engineers, and session musicians find and attract the perfect artists to work with.

And he really cares. It comes through in everything he says.

Here comes Carl Bahner, on The Self-Recording Band Podcast. Let's dive in!

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

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For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/215
--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Get access to our super detailed DIY-recording course "Mix-Ready: The Band Recording Essentials" and our "Everything Bundle" that also includes our mixing courses (feat. Wet Future):
https://theselfrecordingband.com/mixready/

Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our unique, personalized coaching program for those who are taking this seriuosly and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for you:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
--

Episode show notes:

Wet Future return to the podcast to share details about recording their record, "Under the Weather", DIY-style versus hiring a producer and renting a big high-end recording studio to produce their upcoming new material.

They made both methods work very well and on this episode they explain why that is and what went into it. They talk about the pros and cons of each process and also discuss their current hybrid approach that they are looking to refine in the future.

This is an incredibly valuable episode because it makes a few things very clear that many DIY-musicians are not fully aware of:

The importance of pre-production:

Why most professional records get fully recorded and planned out during this demo process before the actual recording session starts and everything gets recorded again.


What it takes to make great records, DIY or not:

Great songs, great performances, lots of practice and preparation, perfectly set up guitars with great intonation, great rooms, etc.


Why making a DIY record still often means hiring professional mixing and mastering engineers:

Production and engineering is hard enough to do yourself. Most artists are simply not capable of also doing the mixing themselves and are therefore much better off focussing on being musicians.

Unless you are putting in the many hours required to learn mixing properly and with professional guidance, your mixes will not sound professional. Period.

That's why bands like Wet Future record themselves, but hire pros for mixing who can also guide them through the self-recording process and therefore get them a better end result.

Their records and their progress as DIY-producers speak for themselves.


The biggest challenge with DIY-productions:

Someone still needs to produce! Can you do that? 

• Can you keep the big picture in mind and stay objective? 
• Can you coach and guide your bandmates to get the best performances out of them?
• Are you capable of capturing great source tones with the final record and full arrangement in mind? 
• Will you do a proper pre-production process before recording "for real"? 
• Are you willing to learn all of that properly? 
• Are you willing to go the extra mile, do whatever it takes and not accept compromises (like a good producer would)?

Let's dive in!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment on YouTube, a rating and review on your podcast app, 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: https://theselfrecordingband.com/214
--

Send us Fan Mail

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

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 unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for you:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Sam Pura is a record producer and audio engineer from Fremont, California. He owns and operates the Panda Studios and is the founder of Purafied Audio, a plugin company turning Sam's ideas and analog workflows into digital mixing tools that will inspire your creativity.

Sam Pura and his team at The Panda Studios are not just about immaculate results. Working with them is an experience.

At The Panda Studios you'll find a great live room, multiple mixing rooms / control rooms, and an amazing collection of gear, combining the best of both analog and digital. Plus a great collection of instruments and amps.

Sam Pura's discography includes breakthrough albums by Basement, The Story So Far, State Champs, Hundredth, and The Dangerous Summer, just to name a few.

He's known for his work on a lot of modern pop punk, punk rock and heavy records. But has also worked on many projects outside of these genres.

And finally, Sam also makes plugins! Purafied is the name of his company there and on this episode we talk about those tools for a bit, as well. 

Because those are some really unique and interesting ideas that Sam has turned into these plugins.

From Sam Pura's website: 

Let's dive in!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment on YouTube, a rating and review on your podcast app, 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: https://theselfrecordingband.com/213
--

Send us Fan Mail

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

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 unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for you:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

We interviewed Lars Deutsch on the podcast and the result is a masterclass in songwriting and sync licensing. Is your song telling a story?

This was our exclusive opportunity to pick the brain of a super successful songwriter and sync-licensing expert.

Lars Deutsch currently lives in L.A. and has worked with brands and artists like Adidas, Amazon, Brett Gelman (Stranger Things, The Other Guys), Budweiser, FOX, Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan), Katie Melua, Mercedes-Benz, and many more.


The two-time Emmy winner is self-recording his music, but also collaborating with other engineers, depending on the project.

He went from heavy metal guitarist, to singer, to songwriter, to a Masters in classical composition, to international performances of his classical works, to lecturing in composition and audio production to scoring three hundred films / commercials that have collected over one hundred awards.


His songs are in high demand and Lars is a producer at Built To Last Music, a company that features multiple Oscar nominees and Grammy winners.

Recent projects include: Stephen King’s “The Passenger”, “Future Proof” with Keke Palmer, a commercial with James Earle Jones (Darth Vader), plus live mixes and an Intel commercial with the Higher Brothers. 


If you're interested in the sync licensing world and want to know how to get started in this industry, this is for you.

You'll learn how high the bar actually is when it comes to the quality of your music and what Lars does to keep his chops and creativity fresh.

And if just want to improve your songwriting skills for your own projects, this is your chance to learn from a true master of the craft.



PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment on YouTube, a rating and review on your podcast app, 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: https://theselfrecordingband.com/212
--

Send us Fan Mail

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

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/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Surprisingly, some of our subscribers are telling us that they are using standalone multitrack recorders instead of computers. 

We actually get these kinds of messages pretty regularly.

So, is it a good alternative? Are there any advantages to using a device like that? Or should you just get an interface and a DAW and start using a computer to produce your music?

Let's discuss!



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: https://theselfrecordingband.com/211
--

Send us Fan Mail

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

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/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Casual NAMM 2024 recap episode from Benedikt's LA hotel room, giving Malcom an update on who he met and what he discovered at the conference.

Also, if you ever go to an event like this (highly recommended!), this episode includes a few mindset-related principles and takeaways, so you'll have an incredible time and make new friends in the industry.

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: https://theselfrecordingband.com/210
--

Send us Fan Mail

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

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/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Casual NAMM 2024 recap episode from Benedikt's LA hotel room, giving Malcom an update on who he met and what he discovered at the conference.

Also, if you ever go to an event like this (highly recommended!), this episode includes a few mindset-related principles and takeaways, so you'll have an incredible time and make new friends in the industry.

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: https://theselfrecordingband.com/209
--

Send us Fan Mail

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

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/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

>>Please go back to part one of this mini series (episode 207) before you listen to this one!<<

You're not mixing kick drums, you're mixing songs. And the kick drum sound has to serve the song. Here's how to get this right in your mix.

We go through our kick drum chains and show you the tools we use, why we use them and how we use them in the context of the mix.

It's not just about EQ moves or compression techniques. It's about how it all works together to create the sound you want for your song.

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: https://theselfrecordingband.com/208
--

Send us Fan Mail

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

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/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

You're not mixing kick drums, you're mixing songs. And the kick drum sound has to serve the song. Here's how to get this right in your mix.

We go through our kick drum chains and show you the tools we use, why we use them and how we use them in the context of the mix.

It's not just about EQ moves or compression techniques. It's about how it all works together to create the sound you want for your song.

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: https://theselfrecordingband.com/207
--

Send us Fan Mail

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

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/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

This is a purely speculative episode on the current state and future of A.I. (artificial intelligence) in (rock) music. 

We're talking about what it can and can't do (yet), where we think things might be going and whether or not we all need to be afraid of it.

Again, we don't know nearly enough about this subject and the tech under the hood to make any serious predictions here. Hardly anyone does. 

But we are already using A.I. tools on a daily basis. In our personal lives, in our businesses and when working on music or other audio & video projects, like this podcast. So we have some experience and have done enough research and testing to at least have an opinion. 

And we're hoping for certain tools to be released soon, so that artists, producers and engineers can be even more creative with even less friction.

Let's dive in!

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: https://theselfrecordingband.com/206
--

Send us Fan Mail

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