Progressions: Success in the Music Industry

Michael J. Morgan is a career coach for mix engineers who has guided numerous Grammy-winning and nominated professionals, including Jon Castelli, Eric Dubowski, and Rauiri O'Flaherty.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why talented engineers stay stuck (hint: it's not about talent)The internal narratives sabotaging your career without you knowingThe role of a coach for a mixer and producerThe unsexy systems that separate pros from everyone elseWhy calendars matter more than connectionsHow to climb out when you've hit rock bottom*** CONNECT WITH MICHAEL:🌐 Website: https://mjm.earth/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelj.morgan CONNECT:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify

Our guest this week is six time Grammy nominated producer, mixer, programmer, songwriter, and all round good human Damian Taylor. Damian found himself in heavy demand early in his career after becoming one of the first masters of audio editing and automation within DAWs. His career has taken him around the global and his discography is filled with household names such as The Prodigy, Arcade Fire, The Killers, Temper Trap, and Bjork. In addition to his daily mixing and production projects, Damian has also recently started streaming production sessions live on Twitch, and has launched a social network for producers, engineers, musicians and music creatives called The Complete Producer Network.Travis' Intro: Deep WorkIn this episode, we'll dig in on...Encouraging community and sharing knowledgeThe intersection of productivity and creativityHow relocation can help redirect your careerRe-thinking your approach to the internetStarting his career in London and working out of Strongroom StudiosThe power of constantly learningThe Complete Producer NetworkMaking records on six of the seven continentsPro Tools chopsMentioned in the Episode:"Deep Work" by Cal Newport - Here"Getting Things Done" by David Allen - Here"The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle - HereToggl Software Time Tracker - LinkLearn More About Damian...Website: http://www.damiantaylor.com/Twitch TV: https://www.twitch.tv/hereisdamianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hereisdamian/Check out a Spotify playlist of his work here!📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Damian TaylorHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Welcome to Progressions: Success in the Music Industry!In this brief opening episode, I decided to give you an introduction to myself and the reasons why I chose to start a podcast.In this episode, we'll dig in on...What this podcast is aboutDefining successMindsets that may be be holding your career backSetting and achieving your goalsBreaking goals down to steps📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Host: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Ari Herstand is a Los Angeles–based musician, author of the best‑selling "How to Make It in the New Music Business", and host of the Webby‑award winning podcast "The New Music Business," where he empowers artists to build successful DIY careers in the modern music industry. Recognized by Forbes as “the poster child of DIY music,” he also founded the artist‑advocacy education platform Ari’s Take.In this episode, you'll learn about:- The history of streaming platforms- How streaming has changed music consumption- "Owned" vs "Borrowed" audiences- How to lay the ground work for a long successful career as an artist- The potential implications of AI generated music*** CONNECT WITH ARI:🌐 Website: https://aristake.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aristake_/🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aris.take📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArisTakeCONNECT:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify

Support the LA Music Communityhttps://musicares.org/https://www.wearemovingtheneedle.org/lawildfireresourceshttps://www.redcross.org/

Howard Benson is a Grammy winning rock producer who has made records with My Chemical Romance, Three Days Grace, Daughtry, All American Rejects, POD, and Hoobastank.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why having hits is a "numbers game"How producer royalties have changed over the past three decadesHow DAWs are hurting artistsDisguising pop music as rock musicThe Howard Benson vocal chainHow to find harmony parts, even if you don't singCowriting in RockAI's role in modern songwriting and productionConnect with Howard Benson:🌐 Website: https://judgeandjuryrecords.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howardbenson/⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Howard BensonHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Mat Leffler-Schulman is a mastering engineer who's worked with artists such as Jon Batiste, Blondie, Mary J Blige, Beach House, and many more.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Value of Working with a Human Mastering EngineerThe Ethics of Using Stem Splitting to Alter a Mix in MasteringThe Various Roles AI Could Play for Music Production ProsHow to Address "Width" in a MasterThe Business Side of a Mastering StudioAn Analog One Stop Shop Mastering UnitHow to Setup a Project for Success with CommunicationStaking Multiple Limiters for Louder, Cleaner MastersLearning to Work with SynesthesiaEnjoyed this Episode? Dig deeper on mastering with my interview with Sam FischmannConnect with🌐 Website: https://matlefflerschulman.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matlefflerschulman/⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Host: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Travis shares how mixing and recording knowledge is shared today versus when he started and explains why the abundance of information can be both empowering and limiting.⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Andrew Scheps is a Grammy winning engineer and mixer who has worked with Adele, Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, and many more. We chat about the future of audio recording, the implications of AI, the mindsets you need to succeed, and the skills every engineer must have.In this episode, you'll learn about:How AI Will Integrate into Mixing and RecordingWhat Engineering and Mixing Will Look Like in 5 YearsAtmos Lovers vs Atmos HatersNavigating the Ebbs and Flows of a Career in AudioParallel Compression TipsLearning the Fundamentals So You Can Break the RulesLimiting Beliefs that Hold Your Career BackEnjoyed this one? Check out my interview with Tony HofferConnect with Andrew🌐 Website: https://www.bouncefactory.net/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascheps⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Andrew SchepsHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Following the announcement of Spike AI, Travis discusses his thoughts on the inevitability of the us of AI in mixing and how it might affect the careers of future generations of engineers and mixers.⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Brendan Dekora is an engineer and mixer with credits with artists such as Trent Reznor, Foo Fighters, Steven Wilson, and Muse.In this episode, you'll learn about:What You Need to Know as a Freelance Engineer to Align with your ClientsWhy “Vibe” is More Important than SkillsHow Authentic Content can be One of Your Best ToolsTips for Remote Mixing and CollaborationHow to Navigate Moving into the Co-Production RoleDrum Tuning and How to Get Great Drum SoundsHow Being in a Major Music City Can Shape Your CareerConnect with🌐 Website: https://www.brendandekora.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendandekora/⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Brendan DekoraHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Sam Fischmann is a cofounder of the audio plugin company Musik Hack. As a software developer and musician he is passionate about demystifying the mastering process and making it accessible to everybody by creating tools that enable musicians to focus more on the creative and less on the technical.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Truth Behind Loudness StandardsWhere the -14LUFS Target Came FromDeveloping and Trusting Your Own TasteHow Machine Learning Can Help Us Build Better Audio ToolsThe Ethics of AI Audio ToolsGrowth through mistakesSeparating Creative Instincts from Technical InstinctsOwning the Role That You Are Best at, Even If It’s Not The One You WantConnect with Sam:🌐 Website: https://www.musikhack.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musikhack_🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@musikhackllc⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Sam FischmannHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Travis discusses the myths that people believe about big credits and how you should actually think of them.⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Nick Broste is Chicago based audio engineer and musician who specializes in recording bands in ensembles in both studio and live settings. The spirit of removing the obstacles of artistic expression for artists is the driving force for Nick’s approach to recording and always puts the music first.In this episode, you'll learn about:How the Role of the Engineer Changes When There is No ProducerThe Best Way to Record a Vocalist that is Playing Acoustic GuitarMicrophone Polar Patterns and How They Shape the Sound of BleedTips for Recording Brass and WoodwindsThe Importance of Talking About BudgetsBringing Value Outside Your Technical SkillsWhen Songwriting Credit Should Be Given to Session MusiciansConnect with Nick🌐 Website: https://www.nickbroste.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbroste/⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Nick BrosteHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Travis talks about the year he spent NOT buying plug-ins and how the recording studio culture fuels the audio tech industry into trying to sell engineers everything.⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Marc Matthews is a music producer, mastering engineer and the host of the Inside the Mix Podcast.In this episode, you'll learn about:How Social Media and Content Can Be NetworkingThe Value of Having a Strong Core Group of “Music Friends”Making What You Are Passionate AboutIs the Cost of Higher Education Worth it for Music?How Releasing Something Helps You Relate to ArtistsThe Importance of Being a Life Long LearnerWhether AI Mastering Tools Encourage Engineers to Ignore Their Own Sonic TastesConnect with Marc Matthews🌐 Website: https://www.synthmusicmastering.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidethemixpodcast/⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Marc MatthewsHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Travis discusses why he quit every staff engineering gig he had and how to know that you're ready to go freelance as a recording engineer, mixer, or producer. ⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

In this episode, you'll learn about:Is Our Musical Taste Nature or NurturePracticing Minimalism in ProcessHow to Discover Your Sonic PreferencesIs Our Musical Tastes Nature or NurtureHow to Discover Your Sonic PreferencesWhy A-B Tests are a Sales Psy-OpHow We Are Too Concerned with the Process of Making Records vs The OutcomeHow to Find Your Sound in the World of Internet OpinionsWhat’s Worth Worrying AboutConnect with Harper James:🌐 Website: https://www.harperjamesmusic.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harperjamesx🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@harperjamesx🔗 Links: https://linktr.ee/harperjames⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Harper JamesHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

In this episode Travis breaks down the five productivity tips that help him find work life balance and still deliver on a high level for his clients.In this episode, you’ll learn about:The Importance of PlanningHow to Beat Task OverwhelmThe Secret to Operating at Your Highest LevelWhy Your Calendar Is Your Super PowerDeep Work⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

In this episode, you'll learn about:SoundflowKeyboard MaestroHow to Use Automation to Speed up WorkflowWhy Consistent File Naming So ImportantAutomating Complete Session Delivery and Stem PrintingThe Power of Pro Tools Track PresetsCoding and Automation is a Skill just like playing an instrumentHow Making Music for Sync Differs from Making RecordsHow to Hit All the Cuts when Composing for AdsConnect with Raphael📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raphaelsepulveda/Grammy File Naming Conventions - here⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Raphael SepulvedaHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference