The Self-Recording Band

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Real Talk, Tough Love Edition

Why don’t your records sound the way you want them to?

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel get brutally honest about one of the most uncomfortable truths in music production:

👉 It’s not your talent, your plugins, or your gear holding you back.

👉 It’s what you’re not doing — and what you keep postponing.

This episode sets the foundation for an upcoming in-depth series that walks through the entire record-making process from start to finish. But before we talk workflows, plugins, or techniques, we need to talk mindset, priorities, and reality.

This is a tough-love conversation — not to discourage you, but to help you finally move forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most self-recorded music never reaches the artist’s own expectations
• The real difference between artists you admire and those who stay stuck
• Why “doing it for free” is a myth (and what it actually costs instead)
• The three real paths to making records you’re proud of
• Why information alone doesn’t lead to results — implementation does
• How unrealistic expectations quietly kill creative momentum
• The 10 essential steps that go into every great record

If you’ve ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck halfway through your own productions — this episode will reset your perspective.

Want help actually implementing this?

If you already know you need structure, accountability, and a clear plan tailored to your situation, apply for a coaching spot at

👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

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For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/295

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Most artists want a chorus that lifts, hits harder, and feels bigger than the rest of the song. But when your chorus falls flat, lacks impact, or simply doesn’t feel like a chorus… it’s usually a songwriting or arrangement issue.

In this episode, Manel and Benedikt share 5 practical, easy-to-apply tricks you can use immediately to make your choruses hit harder — without adding dozens of new layers, buying more plugins, or overthinking your production decisions.

You’ll learn:

• Why strategically removing instruments can make your chorus explode
• How to use lyric structure to create surprise + impact
• Why silence is one of the most powerful songwriting tools
• How risers, reverse reverbs & swells lift a chorus
• How reusing motifs can glue your song together
• Bonus: Why choosing the right key can fix your chorus before you even arrange it

Plus: Hear examples from productions Manel worked on and classic songs that use these tricks brilliantly.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/294

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

If your reverbs sound muddy, harsh, disconnected, washed-out, or simply “not right”, this episode will change everything.

Benedikt and Manel break down the most common reverb mistakes self-recording musicians make - and exactly how to fix them. From choosing the right reverb type, to EQing your ambience, to building proper send/return routing, to understanding pre-delay (and WHY it matters), you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap for getting clean, modern, intentional reverbs that actually sit in your mix.

This episode is includes multiple practical step-by-step workflows you can apply immediately.

If you want your mixes to sound more 3D, controlled, clean, and professional — this is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn

• Why choosing the right type of reverb is the real starting point
• The difference between room, hall, plate, chamber, spring, etc.
• Why (in most cases) reverbs should live on parallel busses - not on your audio track
• How to EQ your reverb to remove mud, boxiness, harsh S’s and metallic rings
• Why pre-delay is the secret to upfront vocals with lots of reverb
• How to create depth by controlling “front vs back” placement
• How to blend multiple instruments into one cohesive space
• When to use reverb on a track directly (and when you really shouldn’t)
• How to chain delay → reverb for cleaner and more musical results
• When to treat reverb like part of the source (e.g., amp spring reverb)
• How to fix muddy mixes without killing your vibe
• Why most reverb problems come from routing - not plugin choice

Key Quotes

• “Reverb is its own instrument. Process it like one.” — Benedikt
• “Pre-delay lets you use a TON of reverb without drowning your vocal.” — Benedikt
• “Context matters - not the preset.” — Manel
• “Sometimes the reverb is too bright, not too loud.” — Benedikt
• “Delay vs reverb? That’s a whole topic on its own. I use delays instead of reverbs a lot.” — Manel

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For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/293

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel dive into fresh lessons from recent real recording, mixing and coaching projects. You’ll learn why seemingly tiny mix tweaks (we’re talking 0.5–1 dB) can completely transform a chorus… when to keep pushing for perfection… and when it’s time to stop tweaking and call a mix “done.”

You’ll also hear why working with external producers or engineers can completely change your playing - and even your identity as a musician. 

Manel shares humbling (and hilarious) stories from his early studio days, including the moment when a producer had to re-record part of his guitar solo and why that became a pivotal learning moment.

Finally, we unpack the power of panning, tone-shaping, and arrangement decisions - and why context matters way more than isolated guitar tones.

If you want practical, real-world insights that instantly make you better at recording and mixing your own music… this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why 0.5 dB automation moves can make or break a chorus
• The danger of endless revisions - and when it’s worth the extra round
• How to build contrast between parts without wrecking your mix
• Why stereo vs mono decisions matter already in pre-production
• How Manel’s ego got destroyed (again) in the studio - and why he’s grateful
• Why you often can’t dial in a great tone alone in your room
• Why context is everything: isolated guitar tones don’t matter
• How external producers can dramatically improve your skills
• Why some instruments in classic records sound “wrong” solo’d but perfect in the mix
• How subtle panning changes can boost the emotional impact of your song

Key Quotes:

• “The mix is never really finished. There’s always another idea you could try - but you need a rule for when to stop.” - Benedikt
• “I thought I was the best - but the producer made me realize I couldn’t actually play that simple part.” - Manel
• “Context matters more than individual tone. A guitar can sound terrible solo’d and be perfect in the mix.” - Benedikt
• “Panning is one of the most powerful creative tools - use it intentionally.” - Manel

Links & Resources:

• The Self-Recording Syndicate (Our Coaching Program):
  Learn how to make pro quality records from your home studio: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching
• Episode 291 with Jesse Cannon (Highly Recommended): Music Marketing Real Talk - How To Actually Get Your Music Heard

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For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/292

Send us Fan Mail

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

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Cannon - producer, engineer, author, YouTuber (Musformation), and one of the most respected music marketing strategists today.

This episode is absolutely packed with real-world, data-backed insights on what actually works in 2025/26 and beyond - and what artists should finally stop wasting time on.

⸻

What We Cover:

🎯 The #1 thing artists must do before promoting anything

Why understanding your identity, strengths, aspirations, and position in the market is no longer optional - and how Jesse’s LAMES analysis helps artists finally get clarity.

📱 The truth about social media in 2025/26

• Why you must start on all three short-form platforms (TikTok, Reels, Shorts).
• Why you can’t predict where you’ll grow.
• Why “I don’t want to be a content creator” is no longer a useful mindset.
• When it is possible to grow without social media - and why it’s rare.

🎧 Release strategy: The 4–8 week rule

Why consistent, sustained releases are the #1 growth driver for new artists today - and how Jesse discovered the pattern by analyzing major breakout acts.

🎵 Playlists: Overrated? Underrated? Misunderstood?

Jesse breaks down:

• Why playlists are not dead.
• Why most people misunderstand their role.
• Why editorials still matter even if fewer people listen.
• Why taste-curated playlists are a massive opportunity.
• Why random SubmitHub blasting can destroy your account.

💸 Paid ads: When (and when NOT) to use them

• Why Meta ads are overrated for artists.
• Why they do work for retargeting, merch, and warm audiences.
• Why ads fail without proof of concept.
• Why organic early adopters are worth more than paid traffic.

🧠 The mindset artists need if they want to grow

Including:

• Why overwhelm is largely psychological.
• Why most people never look at analytics correctly.
• Why you should never check stats unless you’re ready to change something.
• How to avoid depression loops around growth.

🌍 Websites, email lists & direct-to-fan tools

• Are websites still relevant? (Answer: yes - but only certain types.)
• Why email is still incredibly effective even with young audiences.
• Why Shopify beats Squarespace/Wix for artists with merch.
• Why Tribly.FM is one of the most underrated tools for artists.

🔥 Creative promo ideas

Including the example of artist Audrey Hobert and her brilliant “Archive” page that builds a universe around every song. 

⸻

Jesse's Links:

• Jesse’s YouTube: Musformation
• Jesse’s newsletter: Music Marketing Trends
• Jesse’s books: Processing Creativity & Get More Fans
• LAMES analysis video

⸻

If you’re a self-recording artist and want help making your music sound professional and releasing it effectively, apply for our coaching program at:
👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/291

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Are you scared to release your music? Thinking it’s not good enough yet?
Afraid of criticism, or of hitting that publish button? You’re not alone. Almost every artist feels this way at some point.

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel get real about the fear behind finishing and releasing music. Why it happens, how to overcome it, and what happens when you finally let go of perfectionism and self-doubt.

They share personal stories (from Benedikt’s band, his studio, and his coaching business) and examples from real students who turned fear into finished records.

You’ll learn:

• Why “everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear”
• How to overcome perfectionism and analysis paralysis
• The difference between overwhelm and anxiety in your creative process
• How making faster decisions leads to faster progress
• Why art isn’t about playing it safe - and why taking risks matters
• How to find courage, take the first step, and finally share your songs with the world

Whether you’ve been sitting on unreleased songs for years or you’re just afraid of judgment, this episode will help you move forward and finally release your music proudly.

👉 Listen now and take that first step.

And if you want help finishing and releasing your songs, apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com. We’ll show you the exact path and hold you accountable so you don’t have to do it alone.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/290

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll take notes and then create a custom plan just for you. If you don’t absolutely love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and can just keep trying on your own.

If you love it and would like to implement it with us, we can start working together. In that case we'll help you personally to get your projects done and out there at the highest possible quality.

Sounds fair?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel dive deep into the most valuable lessons they’ve learned from recent real-life recording and mixing sessions, as well as coaching projects inside The Self-Recording Syndicate.

These are the kinds of situations you only encounter when working hands-on with artists - from communication breakdowns to tone-shaping decisions, from phase issues to overthinking mixes.

They cover:

• How poor communication (or assumptions) can derail a session - and how to fix it
• Why your hi-hat might be too loud in your overheads (and what to do about it)
• Why bigger, thinner cymbals are often the best for recording
• What to do when an artist changes their mind mid-production
• How to balance artistic vision with professional judgment
• Why you should trust your gut and use fewer plugins
• The importance of phase alignment and what can go wrong when you ignore it
• How to diagnose mix problems (hint: sometimes the bass isn’t too loud - the drums might be too quiet)
• And much more practical wisdom straight from real coaching calls and mixing sessions
  
  

Whether you’re producing your own record or working with others, this episode is full of actionable lessons that will save you hours of frustration and help you make better-sounding records.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/289

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll take notes and then create a custom plan just for you. If you don’t absolutely love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and can just keep trying on your own.

If you love it and would like to implement it with us, we can start working together. In that case we'll help you personally to get your projects done and out there at the highest possible quality.

Sounds fair?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

In this inspiring and entertaining episode, Benedikt and Manel talk to guitarist, product designer, and entrepreneur Danny Gomez - a true example of what happens when obsession meets opportunity.

Danny has worked with Brian May, Orange Amps, Fender, PRS, and many more.

He’s an accomplished musician, who's played guitar in the "We Will Rock You" musical, and alongside many of the greats in the music industry. 

Danny is also the translator of Brian May’s "Red Special" book (Spanish edition), owner of Dirty Boy Pedals, and creator of the Royal Way Academy, where he teaches how to play Queen songs on the guitar.

His journey - from growing up in a tough Madrid neighbourhood, to touring with "We Will Rock You", to designing groundbreaking gear - is packed with lessons for every self-recording artist.

What You’ll Learn:

• How obsession, preparation, and timing can turn chance encounters into life-changing opportunities.
• Why being ready matters more than being lucky.
• The story behind Danny’s OMEC Teleport with Orange Amps - the first audio-interface pedal of its kind.
• How saying yes to scary things (even emails to Brian May himself!) can open doors you didn’t know existed.
• The philosophy behind Dirty Boy Pedals - analog inspiration in a digital world.
• Why a few great, inspiring tools beat a room full of average gear.
• How pedals and analog gear can spark creativity even when you’re recording at home.
• The power of in-person connections in an online world.
• How Danny built the most niche online guitar school ever: The Royal Way Academy - teaching only Queen songs.

Key Takeaways:

• “Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.”
• Don’t wait to be “ready enough” - just do it.
• Gear should inspire you to play more music, not distract you.
• Being different beats being perfect.

Links & Resources:

• Dirty Boy Pedals: dirtyboy.co
• Danny Gomez: dannygomez.net
• Instagram: @dirtyboypedals | @dannygomezofficial
• Danny’s Queen-focused guitar school: The Royal Way Academy

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/288

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. 

We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. 

In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. 

With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.

If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll take notes and then create a custom plan just for you. If you don’t absolutely love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and can just keep trying on your own.

If you love it and would like to implement it with us, we can start working together. In that case we'll help you personally to get your projects done and out there at the highest possible quality.

Sounds fair?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

“I don’t have enough time.”

If you’ve ever said this, or even just thought it, when it comes to working on your music, this episode is for you.

We hear it all the time from self-recording artists who genuinely love making music but struggle to find the hours for it. Between work, family, and everything else life throws at you, it can feel impossible to stay consistent. But here’s the truth: everyone has the same 24 hours. It’s not really about time. It’s about focus, priorities, energy, and systems.

In this episode, we unpack why some people seem to get so much done, while others are stuck working on the same song for months. You’ll learn how to find time (and even make time) for your music, manage your energy instead of your hours, and set up structures that actually make you more creative - not less.

We’ll talk about:

• Energy management vs. time management (and why this matters way more than you think)
• Having time vs. finding time vs making time
• Prioritizing the right things - both in the big picture and day-to-day
• How structure and systems can unlock your creativity instead of killing it
• Building consistency through simple habits and routines
• The connection between focus, confidence, and momentum
• What your daily actions are really telling you about your priorities
• Plus, analogies from fitness, real stories from artists I’ve coached, and practical steps you can take right after this episode

By the end, you’ll have a new perspective on time, discipline, and what it actually takes to move your music forward - even when life is busy.

Listen now and start showing up for your music. Consistently, confidently, and without the guilt.
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For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/287

--

Send us Fan Mail

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

Your next step:

Apply for coaching! 

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

Our coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music.

Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever.

👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible.

As part of the program, we even mix a song for you, in your DAW of choice, and with your plugins only. And then we'll do an in-depth mix-walkthrough, showing you everything we've done. It's your custom mixing course based on your own song! 

And it doesn't stop here: You'll also get the session file, so you can study the mix and create starting points and templates for your other songs. 🤯

And this is only a fraction of what we can do for you if you join our coaching program, The Self-Recording Syndicate.

If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away.

Sounds fair?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

We get asked all the time: “Which plugins should I buy?” 

Here’s the truth: you don’t need hundreds. 

You need a tight, well-understood toolbox you can reach for in any situation. In this episode we share the 10 plugins we’d keep for the rest of our lives, explain exactly why they made the cut, and point you to stock alternatives where it makes sense. 

DAW-agnostic, rock-ready, and focused on what actually moves the needle for self-recording artists.

What You’ll Learn

• Why fewer tools = faster, better mixes. Master a handful instead of collecting everything.
• The 10 essential plugin categories we’d keep forever—plus stock options where they work great.
• How to prioritize: instruments, amps, and samples first; plugins second.
• When to reach for color vs clean, and how to avoid “option paralysis.”
• A simple upgrade path that prevents wasted spend and shiny-object syndrome.

Action Steps

1. Listen to the episode
2. Pick one plugin category you’re weakest in and commit to practicing it for a week. Then go to the next one.
3. Build your 10-plugins template (one plugin per category, pre-loaded where it makes sense. Ready to go).
4. Mix one song using only these 10. No extras.

(We don’t take money to push brands. If we recommend something on the podcast or YouTube, it’s because it works.)

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/286

--

Send us Fan Mail

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