Music Production Podcast

Kevin Griffin is the frontman of Better Than Ezra, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, and Co-founder of a new artist-built AI music platform Soundbreak. Better Than Ezra contributed to the soundtrack of the 90's with hits like "Good" and "In the Blood." Kevin's music has been performed and recorded by artists like Meatloaf, Taylor Swift, and Blondie.  Kevin and I spoke in depth about the art and magic of songwriting , collaborating, and touching peoples' lives with music. We discussed the future of AI music and how his company Soundbreak is helping artists license their musical styles for generative AI music.  This episode is dedicated to (not sponsored by!) Darwin Audio and his awesome vintage soda/beer can microphones: https://darwinaudio.net Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Kevin Griffin's Website - https://www.kevingriffinmusic.com Soundbreak AI - https://www.soundbreak.ai Better Than Ezra - https://www.betterthanezra.com Kevin's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kevinmgriffin/ SoundBreak AI's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soundbreak.ai/ Better Than Ezra's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthanezra/ The Greatest Song by Kevin Griffin - https://amzn.to/4vqYERG Do Schools Kill Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson - https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk 

David Paul Newell is a musician, producer, and one half of the electronic music duo Midnight Mystery Club. David worked as an audio engineer in Nashville for Brantley Sound Associates. He's been a ghost writer in European House music. Midnight Mystery Club's has a new single "I Only Have Eyes for You" coming out April 3rd.  David and I talked about his experience in music production and developing an authentic, interesting sound. In this episode, you'll hear Midnight Mystery Club's new single and learned about its creation. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Midnight Mystery Club Links - https://linktr.ee/midnightmysteryclub "I Only Have Eyes For You" (April 3, 2026) Presave - https://hypeddit.com/midnightmysteryclub/ionlyhaveeyesforyou-1 MMC YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNF2xW2mMSErV1u-VthISzg MMC Bandcamp - https://midnightmysteryclub.bandcamp.com MMC Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/midnightmysteryclub/ Toy Synths Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/toysynths Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk 

Amani Roberts is a DJ, Professor, Author, and Artist Coach. Amani teaches music business at Cal State Fullerton and helps artists reach their creative dreams. Amani is the author of DJs Mean Business and The Quiet Storm, a historical look at R&B Groups.  Amani and I discussed the challenges artists face from creating music to releasing and sharing it with the world. Amani has powerful insights that can help musicians develop a strong body of work, while making constant progress and enthusiasm in their craft. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Amani's Website - https://www.amaniexperience.com Amani's Coaching - https://www.amaniexperience.com/coaching Book a Call with Amani - https://www.amaniexperience.com/call Amani's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amaniexperience Bird by Bird by Ann Lamont - https://amzn.to/3PGjxIb Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Have you ever felt like the more you learn about music production, the harder it actually gets to finish a song? You aren't alone. In this episode, I'm sharing the 5 biggest mental blocks I've faced, from "tutorial paralysis" to the crushing weight of trying to be a "Great Artist," and the practical shifts I used to break through them. After 6 years of the Jamuary challenge, I've learned that the secret to finishing more music isn't a new plugin or more music theory; it's about moving from a romanticized "Artist" identity to a prolific "Maker" mindset. In this episode, we discuss:  The "Quantity Over Quality" Hack: Why having a routine allows you to fail safely. The Skills of Finishing: Why completing "bad" music is the only way to prepare for your best work. Learning by Doing: How to escape the "Tutorial Junkie" cycle and get your hands dirty. Killing the "Artist" Label: Why viewing your work as a "body of work" is more freeing than chasing a single masterpiece. Stop overthinking, start creating, and let's get those ideas out of your DAW and into the world.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Matt Tinkler is a musician, educator, and Ableton Certified Trainer. He runs a the Aspect Music Academy and makes music as Chronitect. Matt's YouTube channel is a great resource for learning music production and creative workflows. Matt and I spoke in depth about the creative process and how he makes music. He shared his 5 I's of Ideation workflow, as well as how he helps students turn their ideas into finished tracks. I've been following Matt's work for a long time and it was a lot of fun speaking with him.  Enrollments for Matt's Aspect Music Academy's 24-week structured mentorship program begin February 9, 2026. The program starts March 16, 2026. More information here: https://aspectmusicacademy.com/ Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Matt's Website - https://matttinklermusic.com Matt's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@matttinklermusic Matt's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matttinklermusic/ Chronitect - https://chronitect.com Aspect Music Academy - https://aspectmusicacademy.com/ Make Awesome Sounds with THIS Underused Ableton Live Feature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TiNtj1eGIs Watch THIS if You Can't Finish Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gPHMyOvyHM Matthew Dicks on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/matthew-dicks Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Aqeel Aadam is the founder of Aqeel Aadam Sound plug-ins and Tyler Gilmore makes music as Blankfor.ms. Aqeel and Tyler have just released Outgrowth, a sample-based plug-in and iOS app. Outgrowth allows you to manipulate and reimagine samples in playful and unique way. Aqeel and Tyler spoke to me about their collaboration on the new plug-in, and how they came to work together. We covered the creative process of developing plug-ins and some of the artistic choices and sacrifices made to help create a device that is inspiring and deep without being overwhelming. Tyler discussed the inspiration and creation process of his new album as Blankfor.ms called After the Town Was Swept Away.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Outgrowth - https://aqeelaadamsound.com/b/outgrowth Aqeel Aadam Sound - https://aqeelaadamsound.com Blankfor.ms - https://www.blankfor-ms.com/ After the Town Was Swept Away by Blankfor.ms - https://www.blankfor-ms.com/music/after-the-town-was-swept-away Aqeel Aadam Sound Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aqeelaadamsound Aqeel's Personal Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/aqeel.aadam Aqeel's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AqeelAadam Aqeel on Bandcamp - https://aqeelaadam.bandcamp.com Aqeel Aadam on Music Production Podcast #404 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/aqeel-aadam Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Brad Barr is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and, along with his brother Andrew, is half of the Americana, folk-rock group the Barr Brothers. The Barr Brothers just released their new album, Let it Hiss, which has a more vulnerable, stripped-down sound that embraces human imperfection and spirit.  Brad and I had a great conversation about songwriting and the production of the Barr Brothers' new album Let it Hiss. Brad shared how a minimalist approach, including a 4-string guitar, helped guide the songwriting and production of the new record. Brad even demonstrated his polyester thread trick on the guitar. Please welcome Brad Barr to the Music Production Podcast. This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their Tekno drum synthesizer plug-in.   Save 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: The Barr Brothers - https://thebarrbrothers.com Let it Hiss by The Barr Brothers - https://found.ee/letithiss Brad's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bradbarr216/ "Growing Up Sideways" by Brad Barr - https://vyd.co/BradBarrGrowingUpSidewaysInstrumental Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

It's time for Jamuary, a challenge to create music and share it each day during the month of January.  Jamuary is a powerful way to start your year with a creative bang! In this episode, I share 7 tips that will help you make the most of Jamuary and maximize your productivity and creativity! Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Join the Music Production Club! - https://brianfunk.com/mpc My free #jamuary2026 Prompts - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/jamuary2026 My #Jamuary2026 Playlist - https://soundcloud.com/brianfunk/sets/jamuary-2026 Music Production Club #Jamuary2026 Playlist - https://soundcloud.com/brianfunk/sets/mpc-jamuary-2026 31x Your Creativity with Jamuary 2025 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/31x-your-creativity Don't Lose Twice and 3 Book Recommendations - https://brianfunk.com/blog/dont-lose-twice Jamuary Lessons - https://brianfunk.com/blog/see-your-ideas-through My Most Profound Jamuary Insight - https://brianfunk.com/blog/my-most-profound-jamuary-insight-music-production-podcast-203 Creative Strategies for Jamuary by Spooqs - https://spooqs.space/creative-strategies-for-jamnuary-2026/ Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Joshua Blum is the host of The Thirteenth Hour Podcast, a show about the creative process as it relates to writing, music, and imagination. He's also the author of The Thirteenth Hour, a fantasy adventure novel, and the creator of Once Upon a Dream—an 80's-inspired synth soundtrack to accompany the book. Josh builds a rich creative world around his stories, blending music, writing, and visual art to tell bigger, immersive narratives. In this conversation, we talk about the routines, strategies, and mindset shifts that help Josh stay creative while managing the demands of everyday life. He shares how working within time constraints forces him to be more focused and playful, how constraints fuel creativity, and why creative output doesn't need to be perfect to be meaningful. We also talk about nostalgia, world-building, and how developing recurring characters and themes across mediums can unlock a deeper connection to your work. This episode is a simulcast with The Thirteenth Hour Podcast, and it was a real pleasure to swap perspectives with someone who thinks deeply about creativity across disciplines. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Time Constraints Can Be Creative Superpowers - Josh works in short, focused bursts—15 minutes at a time—which keeps him consistent and prevents overwhelm. Build a World, Not Just a Project - By creating music, stories, and visuals around a central fictional world, Josh finds new ways to stay inspired and expand his creative universe. Let Go of Perfect - A finished piece that's "good enough" beats the idea that never leaves your head. Josh treats creativity like a muscle—small, steady reps matter. Routines Protect Creativity - Morning journaling, evening music sessions, and other small rituals help Josh build momentum and reduce decision fatigue. Nostalgia as a Lens, Not a Limitation - Josh embraces his love of '80s aesthetics not as a gimmick, but as a creative compass that helps him stay aligned with his artistic voice. Links: Joshua's Books: https://amzn.to/4a33uN0 Joshua's Music: https://joshuablum.bandcamp.com Joshua's Web Site - https://13thhr.wordpress.com 13th Hour Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/2WqY0n2zFra3Ni2cIiC8YK X-Twitter - https://x.com/13thhr Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/the13thhr.ost/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joshua.blum.714/ Bluesky -https://bsky.app/profile/13thhr.bsky.social Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@the13thhr Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/13thhr Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@13thhr Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Joseph Holiday, who releases music as Snakes of Russia, returns to the podcast to talk about his latest album, Swallowed Whole Through the Mouth of Eternity. Joseph's music blends modular textures to create dark, moody, cinematic soundscapes.  In this episode, we talk about how Joseph's approach has evolved since our last conversation, why limitations fuel his creativity, and how visual storytelling influences his sound design. We get into his production workflow, how he finishes music quickly without overthinking, and why his favorite creative moments often come from accidents. We also touch on how the music industry's changing landscape impacts independent artists and why Joseph is focusing more on physical formats and direct fan connection. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Snakes of Russia Official Site - https://snakesofrussia.com/ Swallowed Whole Through the Mouth of Eternity by Snakes of Russia - https://snakesofrussia.bandcamp.com/album/swallowed-whole-through-the-mouth-of-eternity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/snakesofrussia/ Snakes of Russia Soundpacks on Gumroad - https://snakesofrussia.gumroad.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SnakesofRussia See Machine art by Morgan Sorensen- https://www.instagram.com/see_machine/?hl=en Evan Frankfort on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/evan-frankfort Joseph on episode 341 of the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/snakes-of-russia-2 Joseph on episode 175 of the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/snakes-of-russia Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

Tommy Zee runs Tommy Zee and Co., a music production company that creates music for some of the world's largest brands like Nike, Adidas, Google, Sony, and more. He also runs Making Music for Brands, a platform where he teaches producers how to build careers creating music for commercial projects. This is the fourth time I've had Tommy on the podcast, and every time we talk, I walk away feeling inspired and energized. In this episode, we talk about the evolving role of artists in a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation. We explore how commercial work shaped Tommy's discipline, why he's now leaning more into slower, more intentional creativity, and how important it is to stay connected to what truly matters to you as an artist. Toward the end, things get philosophical—and I think that's where some of the richest moments come through. This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, who are running a huge Black Friday sale until December 8, 2025.   Save an additional 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Making Music For Brands- https://www.makingmusicforbrands.com Tommy's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@studiozeeandco KMRU on Ableton's Blog - https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/kmru-on-the-art-of-sharing-music/ Tommy on the 307th Episode of this podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/tommy-zee-3 Tommy on the 188th Episode - https://brianfunk.com/blog/tommy-zee-2-music-production-podcast-188 Tommy on the 122nd Episode - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2019/8/15/tommy-zee-making-music-for-brands-music-production-podcast-122 Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Tom Cosm is an electronic musician, Ableton Certified Trainer, and the technical co-founder of Telepathic Instruments. Widely known for his early Ableton Live tutorials and inventive use of hacked gear, Tom has built a reputation as a true audio mad scientist—transforming data, brainwaves, and even bugs into expressive sound. In this conversation, Tom shares his journey from early YouTube educator to the co-creator of Orchid, a new instrument, dreamt up by Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, built to spark musical ideas with immediacy and joy. We explore the evolution of his creative philosophy, how tools can invite spontaneity, and what he's learned about music (and life) by building instruments from scratch.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: From YouTube to Orchid - Tom's journey started with early Ableton tutorials on YouTube and led to co-creating Orchid—a creative "ideas machine" that helps musicians quickly generate complex chord progressions. Music in Everything - Whether converting brainwaves, weather data, or the movement of a spider into sound, Tom finds musicality in everyday patterns and natural systems. Designing for Play - Tom emphasizes having fun while making music. Orchid was intentionally built without a screen to encourage tactile exploration and playful interactions. Community-Driven Development - Community has been a constant factor in Tom's work and continues through community-feedback on Orchid. Making Time for Music Again - After years focused on building hardware, Tom is excited to return to making music—starting with 80 unfinished tracks and a fresh wave of curiosity. Links: Telepathic Instruments - https://telepathicinstruments.com Telepathic Instruments on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/telepathic.instruments/ Telepathic Instruments on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@telepathic.instruments Tom Cosm Website - https://www.cosm.co.nz Tom's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/cosmcosm Tom's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tomcosm/ Tame Impala - https://www.tameimpala.com Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk  

Tom Carpenter is a musician, producer, and plug-in developer. He is currently on tour with his 3-piece indie electronic band, Moon Tower. Tom is a co-founder of Soap Audio, who recently released Soap Voice Cleaner, a plug-in designed to easily clean up spoke word audio. I spoke with Tom about his tour, Moon Tower, and Soap Voice Cleaner. Tom shared his thoughts on creativity and collaboration in both a band setting and as a programmer. We also explored how Tom has found multiple avenues to build a career in the music industry. This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their new plug-in Tekno! Save 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io/tekno  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Soap Voice Cleaner - https://www.musehub.com/plugin/soap-voice-cleaner Moon Tower - https://thisismoontower.com Muse Hub - https://www.musehub.com Audacity - https://www.musehub.com/app/audacity Abberant DSP - https://aberrantdsp.com Beat Link Trigger - https://github.com/Deep-Symmetry/beat-link-trigger Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ *Edit - in the show I mistakenly mentioned Sony's involvement in Audacity. I was confusing Audacity with Acid, which was at one time owned by Sony.  Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk    

https://brianfunk.comIs your best music not getting made? Do you struggle through the process?  This video contains 10 habits of prolific music producers. Adopt them into your music making and let your best music come to life! Every time we make music is a unique and special experience. We will never be in exactly the same place again. We have to take advantage of each moment we get otherwise, that music will never get made.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Every music creation moment is unique and special. Prolific music production requires consistent practice. Don't wait for the perfect moment to start creating. It's okay to borrow ideas from other artists. Create what you want to hear, not just for others. Establish a routine to make music regularly. Embrace constraints to enhance creativity. Explore side projects to find new inspiration. Immerse yourself in a creative environment. Share your work to build a community and grow as an artist. Links: Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Yeuda Ben Atar, aka Side Brain, is one of the most knowledgable and prolific Ableton Certified Trainers out there. He recently released his 100th weekly episode of his music production Study Group. He's got some exciting new Ableton Live tools, such as his Push Trigger FX, MIDI Bounce, and Flin for Push. We spoke about his teaching and work and his liberating position on releasing music. We discussed some of the challenges and benefits of AI in music production and technology.  Check out Side Brain's Live 12.3 new features Free online workshop RSVP here:  https://forms.gle/439ZeDmANMFNhphk8 Side Brain is hosting and event at the Grammy museum about music technology and there Sonic Playground exhibit with Moldover:  https://grammymuseum.org/event/ableton-live-lab-inside-sonic-playground/ This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their new plug-in Tekno! Save 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io/tekno   Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Music Education Thrives on Community – Yeuda highlights how workshops, meetups, and collaborative spaces create more meaningful and lasting learning experiences than isolated online content. Technology Should Serve Expression – Whether using Ableton Live or experimenting with AI, Yeuda emphasizes that tools are only valuable if they help artists communicate something human. The Importance of Tempo and Feel – Musical tempo is emotional and essential to how people connect with rhythm and groove. Creativity Through Constraints – From limiting gear to setting personal rules, Yeuda believes creative boundaries often lead to more original and inspired results. Teaching Is Sharing Tools, Not Rules – Rather than telling students what's "right," Yeuda focuses on showing possibilities and letting each person develop their own approach. Links: Side Brain's Website - https://sidebrain.net Side Brain's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SideBrain Side Brain's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sidebrain/ Side Brain's Live Stream Course Vault - https://sidebrain.net/vault/ MIDI Bounce Max for Live Device - https://sidebrain.net/midi-bounce/ Side Brain's Compositional Power Tools - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/xyAAD Ableton Push Live FX Triggers - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/RNOxFW Play Ableton Live with Video Game Controllers - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/rqxoh Side Brain on Music Production Podcast #346 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/yeuda Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

Sarah Belle Reid is a trumpet player, composer, educator, and sonic explorer whose work combines classical performance, experimental electronics, and modular synthesis. With a background in conservatory training and a fearless embrace of improvisation and technology, Sarah's music blurs boundaries—merging extended trumpet techniques, custom-built software, and handcrafted synth patches into deeply expressive, often otherworldly performances. It's great to have Sarah back on the Music Production Podcast! We talk about music as a practice, the joys of unpredictability in modular synthesis, and how constraints lead to creativity. We explore her educational approach and the value of creative curiosity. Sarah reminds us that music-making should be fun and playful! Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Sarah's Upcoming Workshops and Courses: Sign up for Sarah's FREE Live Workshops: How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG Sarah is about to open enrollment for her very limited and highly-praised Learning Sound and Synthesis Course. Sign up for the priority notification list to get early access and exclusive early-bird bonuses! Learn more here:  https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG Takeaways: Modular as Playground – She uses modular synths not to replicate traditional instruments, but to build interactive environments for sonic exploration. Start with Curiosity – Whether teaching or performing, Sarah emphasizes the power of asking "What happens if…?" rather than chasing specific outcomes. Constraints Create Freedom – Limiting one's tools or techniques can paradoxically unlock deeper creativity and more personal expression. Improvisation as Listening – Sarah sees improvisation not as random playing, but as a form of deep listening—responding to yourself, your tools, and your environment in real time. Bridging Tradition and Tech – With a conservatory background and a DIY ethos, Sarah integrates academic rigor with playful experimentation. Teaching the Inner Artist – Her courses focus on helping students reconnect with joy, experimentation, and the "why" of making music—not just the "how." Sound as Emotional Language – Sarah uses synthesis to explore emotion and identity, encouraging others to find their own voice through abstract sound. Every Patch is a Performance – Even small synth patches hold potential for deep expression. You don't need complexity to create something meaningful. Links: Sarah's Official Site - https://www.sarahbellereid.com/ Learning Sound and Synthesis Course - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG Live Workshop - How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG How to Design Your First Modular Synth Patch Free Course - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028330/2H9xLyBG Sarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbellereid/ Sarah's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@sarahbellereid Sarah and Andrew Huang "No Listening" Collaboration - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWPg2Sb1Zas Support Sarah on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/sarahbellereid Sarah on Music Production Podcast #334 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/sarah-belle-reid Eventide MixerLink - https://amzn.to/4fGgLvv Onward Chase Bliss - https://www.chasebliss.com/onward Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk 

Mixerman (Eric Sarafin) is a gold and platinum-selling producer, mixer, engineer, and author whose credits include The Pharcyde, Ben Harper, Spearhead, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, and Foreigner. Known for his no-nonsense approach and razor-sharp insights, Mixerman has spent decades working at the highest levels of the industry—both in iconic L.A. studios and now from his mountain home studio in Asheville, NC. In this episode, Mixerman and I dive deep into the role of the producer—what it really means, how it differs from mixing and engineering, and why musical vision always trumps technical perfection. We talk about his new book, Mixerman's Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs, and explore everything from the psychology of studio performance to the pitfalls of overthinking and the dangers of letting the gear drive the session. Whether you're just starting out or you've been producing for years, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, sharp humor, and hard-won truths. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Producing ≠ Mixing ≠ Engineering – Mixerman breaks down the distinct roles and responsibilities of a producer, mixer, and engineer, and why blurring the lines can derail a project if you're not careful. The Producer Is the Artist's Advocate – A great producer champions the artist's vision, not their own. It's not about control—it's about making the best possible record with the artist. Don't Be a Gear-Driven Producer – Focusing on tools over results leads to decision paralysis. Gear doesn't make records—people do. Performance Over Perfection – A technically flawless take is worthless if it lacks feel. Great records are built on compelling performances, not clean edits. Producing Is Emotional Management – Producers aren't just sonic decision-makers—they're emotional barometers. Reading the room and managing personalities is part of the gig. Capture the Spark, Then Get Out of the Way – Sometimes the best thing a producer can do is not intervene. Let the magic happen, then shape it later. The Role of Arrangement – Great production often comes down to arrangement: understanding how to leave space, when to add tension, and how to support the song's emotional arc. Don't Chase a Sound—Chase the Song – Trying to copy other artists' sounds can lead you away from authenticity. The song should dictate the production—not trends or references. Learn to Say "That's the Take" – Knowing when a performance is done (even if it's not "perfect") is part of a producer's superpower. Everything You Need Is Already in the Room – Fancy studios and high-end gear are nice, but great records have been made with far less. What matters is the intention behind the tools. Links: Mixerman's Website – https://mixerman.net Mixerman's Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs by Mixerman - https://mixerman.net/books/mm-ultimate-producing/ Mixerman's YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@MixermanPublishes Mixerman on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/_mixerman_/ Brian Funk Website – https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club – https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer Book – https://brianfunk.com/book Music Production Podcast Archive – https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs with code PODCAST – https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

There's really only one secret I can tell you that will help you make more music, have more fun making it, and leave you more satisfied with what you make.  Work Fast.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Adam Rokhsar on the Music Production Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xsm_PGb9vM Some Good Evil The Master Plan EP - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/somegoodevil/the-master-plan Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Oscar Zambrano is a mastering engineer and the founder of Zampol Productions, a New York City studio known for mastering an impressive range of records—from Spotify Singles to avant-garde jazz to Broadway cast albums. With 20 years in the industry, Oscar has become a go-to name for artists who want their music treated with care, precision, and a deep understanding of both the technical and artistic sides of mastering. In this episode, Oscar and I explore the art and philosophy of mastering—from quality control and loudness wars to the vinyl revival and the evolving role of mastering in the digital age. We talk about Oscar's unique path through the music world, the importance of saying yes to opportunities (even when you're terrified), and why a mastering engineer's job is often more about understanding intent than making things louder. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Zampol Productions - https://zampolproductions.com Zampol's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zampolproductions/ Oscar's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ozambrano/ Oscar's Credits - https://jaxsta.com/profile/cdc649f1-211b-4691-afed-157c14e105d0/credits?view=tile Weezer's Blue Album Spotify Session - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_vI3FV1H4U Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Aqeel Aadam is a musician, sound designer, and plugin developer blending modular synthesis with a love of nature and organic textures. Through his company, Aqeel Aadam Sound, he creates audio plugins for the curious and open-minded. He creates tools that spark inspiration rather than dictate outcomes. Aqeel and I explore the connection between nature and synthesis, the power of limitations in creativity, and how modular gear shapes his sonic world. We talk about learning through struggle, designing plugins that encourage play over perfection, and finding joy in the unpredictable. Aqeel shares his story of learning guitar from his jazz-guitarist grandfather, discovering modular synthesis in college, and developing a suite of expressive, visually rich plugins like Ridgewalk, Waymaker, and Weeping Wall. Listen on Apple | Spotify | YouTube Takeaways: Plugins for the Curious & Open-Minded – Aqeel designs tools that prioritize exploration over precision, encouraging musicians to discover unexpected results through experimentation. Modular Meets Nature – His music and visual plugin interfaces reflect his deep love of nature and organic textures, merging the electronic and the natural in both form and function. Learning Through Struggle – From self-teaching guitar to building plugins, Aqeel embraces the idea that struggling through something is essential to meaningful learning. Designing for Musical Flow – Rather than overloading plugins with technical features, Aqeel focuses on simplicity, usability, and play, so musicians can stay in the creative zone. From Guitar to Eurorack – His journey from jazz guitar to modular synths and plugin development reflects a wide-ranging approach to music-making and sound design. Improvisation as Composition – Aqeel's performances and recordings often begin with semi-generative modular systems, allowing spontaneity to guide structure and form. Inspiration Over Information – His plugins don't just process sound—they invite interaction and interpretation, helping users find their voice through curiosity. Contextual Composition – Like an impressionist painter, Aqeel aims to place abstract textures into recognizable musical frameworks that resonate emotionally. Visual Interfaces Matter – From growing circular meters to mountainous visualizers, Aqeel's plugins look as fun as they sound—inviting creators to explore without intimidation. Building an Ecosystem – With plugins like Waymaker interacting with his other tools, Aqeel is creating a modular digital environment where small ideas lead to big creative breakthroughs. Links: Aqeel Aadam Sound Website – https://aqeeladamsound.com Aqeel Aadam Sound Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aqeelaadamsound Aqeel's Personal Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/aqeel.aadam Aqeel's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AqeelAadam Aqeel on Bandcamp - https://aqeelaadam.bandcamp.com Brian Funk Website – https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club – https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer Book – https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack – https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast Archive – https://brianfunk.com/podcast 🎁 Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs with code PODCAST – https://brianfunk.com/store 🎧 Episode edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule – https://performodule.com/   Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk