The Self-Recording Band

Your next step:

Apply for coaching! 

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

I hear it all the time. It's one of the most common problems that people run into:

"My vocals never seem to sit right in my mixes." 

"The vocals are buried in the mix and when I turn them up, they are too loud." 

"I want the vocals to be "in the mix" but still clear and audible all the time." 

"I want the vocals to be upfront, but not on top of the mix too much." 

"What do I do to make my vocals sit well in the mix?"

The vocal is the most important element in most mixes. So, I don't think I have to explain why it matters to get it to sound right. 

It's what connects with your listeners, it's what tells the story, gets the message across and it is the most unique thing about your music that won't sound like anyone or anything else.


So we've made this entire episode, diving deep into all the things you can do to make sure your vocals sit perfectly and feel just right:

• Timing and pitch
• EQ
• Compression
• Sibilance control
• Effects
• Depth and distance between vocal layers

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/275

--

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

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

Have you ever written something in a burst of raw emotion - only to cringe at it a year later? Or maybe the opposite - you sat on a song too long and lost the magic?

In the age of AI-generated music and the flood of music that's technically fine and engineered without flaws, but still incredibly boring, what is it that music fans want most? 

The human connection. Stories. Emotion. Art that is relatable and authentic. 

So let's talk about that part of producing music some more. Let's explore different ways to approach it and how they lead to different results.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• Writing/producing fast and in the moment vs letting it sit for a while
• Writing songs in the moment, when you are going through something versus writing them some time later
• Same with producing 
• The Emotional Argument:
  • In an AI-dominated, overpolished era, what listeners crave isn’t just clean production—it’s connection.
    • Why immediacy can lead to:
      • Raw energy
      • Honest storytelling
      • Unfiltered performances
    • Why hindsight can lead to:
      • Deeper insight
      • Refined songwriting
      • Better arrangement decisions

“Is one more ‘authentic’ than the other - or is it just a different kind of truth?”
 

As an example we talk about Manel's upcoming and already partly released album.

And his experience producing the album (writing the songs 2/3 years ago, then revisiting them 1 year ago, and mixing them now)

• What changed emotionally or musically during that time?
• Were there parts he wanted to keep but didn’t connect with anymore?
• Did letting things sit help or hurt the creative flow?

We also mention some famous examples, like Taylor Swift, Kurt Cobain, Metallica, Radiohead, or the Foo Fighters.

And finally, we talk about the producer’s dilemma:

When producing others:

• Do you push for emotion in the moment or help refine over time?

As a self-recording musician:

• Are you capturing a moment—or sculpting art from memory?

And, of course we add some practical advice and action steps for you before we wrap it up.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/274

--

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

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

People obsess over amps - but totally ignore the cab. Let’s change that.

In this episode, Manel and Benedikt dig into why the cabinet you’re using (or the IR you’re loading) has way more impact on your tone than most folks think. You’ll hear real-world guitar and bass examples where the amp stays the same - but the cab changes everything.

We’re showing how different speakers, cabinet types, mic placements, and even small tweaks to an IR can make your tone tighter, more aggressive, warmer, darker - whatever the song needs.

So whether you’re using real amps and mics or working fully in-the-box with amp sims and IRs, this episode will help you dial in better tones by starting where it really matters: the cab.

What we cover:

• Why your cab (or IR) matters more than your amp
• The difference between open-back and closed-back designs
• How speaker types and cabinet construction affect tone
• Why mic choice and placement can make or break your sound
• Examples of tone changes just by swapping cabs
• How to find the right IRs for your mix
• Why a classic 4x12 with an SM57 still works - and when to try something else

Takeaway:

Don’t sleep on your cab. If you want your guitars and bass to sound pro, this is where the magic starts.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/273

--

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

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

We sat down with one of our Self-Recording Syndicate members Jason W Taylor.

A busy entreprenuer and dad who is making his rock'n'roll dreams come true after taking a 20-year break from music.

Jason is a self-recording artist, based in Texas, USA, who just released his first couple of songs under the artist name Aught Sicks. 

We have helped him remotely during the production phase of his music and we helped him build and set up his home studio from scratch. 

Then after the recording and editing was done, I (Benedikt) mixed the songs. It was a super fun collaboration and I’m really stoked about the results.

Jason is also a very busy entrepreneur and dad, so he has limited available to work on his music. Which just goes to show that you can do it and realize your dreams, even if you have a lot on your plate. 

And finally, Jason used his new recording skills to create badass music for the live events he is doing with his company. He wrote a song specifically for those events and created a karaoke version that he is now regularly performing in front of a live audience, which creates a whole new experience for everyone attending the shows.

Not too long ago I had the honor of being a guest on Jason’s podcast, We Code You Launch. Now it’s the other way around and it’s time to tell Jason’s story. 

So without further ado, here's Jason W Taylor, aka Aught Sicks!

Enjoy!

​CodeLaunch Website

Aught Sicks on Spotify

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/272

--

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

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

Is modern guitar tone really getting boring because everyone’s using the same amp sims and plugins? 

In this episode, Manel and Benedikt dig into that idea and share their thoughts on how to actually stand out with your tone - even if you’re using the same tools as everyone else.

They talk about creative ways to shape your sound, like layering different instruments, using weird gear or effects in unexpected ways, and most importantly, really getting to know the tools you already have.

This one’s all about mindset: instead of skipping through plugin presets, we're encouraging you to experiment, break the “rules,” and carve out a tone that’s 100% yours.

Takeaways:

• Being in the box can be a powerful tool. Not a limitation.
• You can create unique guitar tones with what you have.
• Amp simulations offer endless creative possibilities.
• Understanding your gear is crucial if you want to craft unique sounds.
• Layering different instruments can enhance guitar tones.
• You can use unconventional tools for recording.
• Experimentation is key to finding your sound.
• Don't be afraid to break the rules of music production.
• Your playing style is what truly makes your sound unique.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/271

--

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

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

Got great songs ready, but no idea how to get them in front of people? 

Maybe you thought about different marketing approaches but it all feels cringy and inauthentic...

I get it. 

A lot of artists and producers are allergic to marketing. I've been there myself. For a long time I didn't see it as a fun way of providing value and helping people. More like a necessary evil.

And honestly, I didn't even really know what I was talking about. What the differences were between the different types of marketing. It was all just "advertising" to me. And that seemed super boring and embarrassing.

I didn't want to be a content creator, an advertiser, an influencer, a podcaster, a YouTuber, a marketer, you name it. 

I mean, just make great music and everyone will hear about it, right? 

Nope...

The truth is, you're already a marketer. A content marketer. Or content creator, whatever you want to call it. Whether you like it or not. 

So why not do it in a way that actually helps you and your music? A way that is fun and, most importantly, a way that makes your marketing valuable to your fans!

What if your audience loved you for "marketing" to them? What if the marketing itself would make them want to follow you because the way you do it is authentic, relatable and truly helpful? Or really entertaining? (There's value in that, as well)

In this episode, we’re diving into one specific way of marketing, that you are already doing (unless you don't have any type of public account anywhere): 

Content marketing. 

This is a workshop called "Content creation for musicians and producers" - with special guest Warren Huart from Produce Like A Pro.

Malcolm, Warren and myself (Benedikt) share real-world advice on how we used platforms like YouTube, podcasts, or social media to build big audiences, grow our careers, and attract fans or clients - without feeling like we were shouting into the void. And without feeling bad about our "marketing efforts".

To be clear: You have to be good at what you do. Really good. Or no marketing in the world will save you.

If you want to be taken seriously and have a long-term career, build the music and audio skills first before you worry about marketing. Or do it both at the same time. 

But please don't become one of those content creators who have never actually done what they are talking about on the internet. That's not what we're talking about here.

This conversation was recorded live at the Studioszene event in Hamburg and is packed with practical tips for anyone looking to put themselves out there and let the world know they exist.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/270

--

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

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

 If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

In this episode, Benedikt Hain is chatting with Markus Kaiser and Alexander Knünz from Arcware - a great band who has joined our Self-Recording Syndicate in 2024. They just released their first single ‘Medicine’, and the three are diving into what it really took to get there.

They get into the ups and downs of recording and mixing everything themselves, how their setup and sound evolved over time, and what it’s like crafting a heavy, modern metalcore production from scratch as a DIY band.

Markus and Alex talk about the lessons they’ve learned, the importance of planning and working as a team, and how they’ve gone from a trial and error approach to a systematic way of learning and taking action inside the Self-Recording Syndicate. 

There’s a lot in here about finding the balance between making music as a passion project vs. pushing yourself to take it more seriously.

It’s a fun and honest look behind the scenes of their self-recording journey - gear talk, mindset shifts, and everything in between.

Key takeaways:

• The importance of preparation and practicing 
• Recording real drums adds uniqueness to the sound
• Collaboration can enhance creativity
• The evolution of a band's sound is a continuous journey
• Setting high expectations can lead to better quality music
• Learning from past mistakes is crucial for growth
• The balance between creativity and technical skills is vital. 
• There was huge progress since Arcware have joined The Self-Recording Syndicate
• The challenge is to enhance what's there without losing the essence of the music
• Learning to be a detailed, analytical listener helps in identifying problems
• Getting and implementing feedback leads to better results much faster than doing it alone
• Self-recording bands face unique challenges
• It's okay to take time with music as a hobby
• Streamlining processes leads to quicker results
• positive feedback from others can validate your work, feels good and helps you keep the momentum up
• Enjoying the process is as important as the outcome

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/269

--

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:

Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate! 

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

• Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
• Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
• Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

 If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

Benedikt and Manel discuss the critical role of lyrics in music production, exploring common challenges artists face when writing lyrics. 

They talk about Manel's songwriting journey, share a framework for improving lyric writing, and give you specific tools for that. Like perspective, rhyme, rhythm, rhetorical devices, object writing and many more, which will help you craft expressive lyrics and overcome writer's block. 

And finally, Manel and Benedikt also touch on the mindset required to finish songs.

Key takeaways:

• Bad lyrics are a common issue in DIY productions.
• Improving lyrics can significantly impact a song's success.
• Songwriting quality is crucial in the recording process.
• Everyone struggles with writing lyrics at some point.
• Lyrics connect deeply with listeners' experiences.
• Changing perspectives can unlock new songwriting avenues.
• Rhyme and rhythm play essential roles in lyrics.
• Metaphors and rhetorical devices enhance lyric expressiveness.
• Tension can be created through the absence of rhyme.
• The structure of lyrics affects the song's flow and impact. Experiment with rhetorical devices to enhance your lyrics.
• Descriptive writing can evoke stronger emotions than simple statements.
• Avoid clichés to maintain originality in your songwriting.
• Develop a habit of object writing to stimulate creativity.
• Overcoming writer's block can involve changing your writing environment.
• Songs are never truly finished; they are just abandoned at some point.
• Writing your truth leads to unique and relatable lyrics.
• Fear of success can be just as paralyzing as fear of failure.
• Creating a writing routine can help generate more material.
• Every song has the potential to be good with enough effort.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/268

--

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:

Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate! 

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

• Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
• Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
• Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

 If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

Our guest on this episode is Matt Boudreau. Matt is an Audio Engineer, Mixer and Producer, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.

His credits list includes bands and artists such as Green Day, Alanis Morrisette, Deafhaven or Death Cab For Cutie. 

He's also the host of a fantastic podcast, called Working Class Audio. 

I (Benedikt) have been a guest on his show just a couple of weeks ago and it was a dream come true for me. I've learned an incredible amount from Matt and his guests over the years and highly recommend you check out Working Class Audio if you don't already know it.

Now we are super excited that we got to pick Matt's Brian for a bit here and can't wait for you to dive in, as well!

Some of the topics we covered on the episode:

• What's top of mind for Matt right now?
• "Identity crisis" (podcaster vs engineer)
• Thoughts on self-recording
• Dolby Atmos & Matt's Atmos studio
• Planning for the future
• Becoming a better person every day
• Lifelong learning
• The old-school approach (pre-pro, full production)
• Lessons learned from talking to so many great people - Any common threads?
• Mental health, taking care of yourself and having your shit together. Both inside and outside of the studio.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/267

--

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:

Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate! 

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever. 

• Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
• Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
• Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

 If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel dive deep into the world of snare drum sound and EQ, discussing 

• the importance of snare sound in music production
• how to choose the right snare drum
• the role of phase and mic placement
• balancing the different drum mics with a focus on the snare drum tone
• the significance of mixing in context
• EQing a snare drum in the mix

They emphasize that a snare drum's sound is not just about the close mic but also about the overheads and room mics that contribute to its character. 

The conversation is filled with insights on how to achieve a great snare sound and the subjective nature of snare preferences in music. 

Manel and Benedikt also discuss innovative approaches to music production, focusing on creative drum sound design, particularly in the use of unconventional sounds and field recordings. 

They talk about intentional mixing decisions and applying EQ with confidence. 

As always, it's about listening critically and making informed decisions to achieve professional results in music production.

You'll hear all those concepts applied in sound examples throughout the episode, as well.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/266

--

Send us Fan Mail

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