It's Levels To This

It's Levels To This
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Two longtime music pros (Sensei & Fatboi) go deep on what makes music great. A podcast for music producers, artists, and fans. Fatboi is a Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated, award winning producer whose credits include: Camoflauge, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Rocko, Shawty Redd, Flo Rida, Bow Wow, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Juvenile, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, OJ Da Juiceman, 8Ball & MJG, Jeremih, 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj, Bobby V, Ludacris and Yo Gotti, Monica, Zay Smith, TK Kravitz, Future. Sensei Hollywood (a.k.a. Dan Marshall) formerly an instructor and chair of the Audio Production program at the Art Institute of Atlanta, is an accomplished musician, producer, engineer who's performed on and engineered multi--platinum records with Big Boi, Outkast, Killer Mike, Chamillionaire, Carlos Santana, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Ron Isley, Lil Wayne, Trillville, Monica, and more...

  1. BIRTH of TRAP MUSIC

    5 DAYS AGO

    BIRTH of TRAP MUSIC

    Chapters 00:00 ESP and the Power of Thought03:24 The Birth of Trap Music06:14 The Struggles Behind Trap Music09:00 Cultural Impact of the Crack Epidemic11:36 The Legacy of Trap Music01:02:42 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4

    1hr 3min
  2. Can AI Sing the Blues? (And Does the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Still Matter?)

    18 MAR

    Can AI Sing the Blues? (And Does the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Still Matter?)

    Is the soul of music being averaged out? In this episode of It’s Levels To This, Dan Marshall and Fatboi stage an AI intervention. We dive into the Suno rabbit hole to ask a hard question: Can a computer ever truly recreate the "dirt" and character that makes the Blues the foundation of everything we love? We also tackle the Gene Simmons vs. Hip Hop debate. If Run-DMC are the Kings of Rock, how can you separate the family? From Prince’s "Purple Rain" miracle to the art of mimicry used by legends like MJ and John Lennon, we trace the DNA that connects the "Big Three"—Rock, Country, and Hip Hop. Chapters 00:00 The Creative Process: Mimicry and Originality08:49 The Distinction Between Singers and Artists14:23 Influences and the Creation of Unique Sound18:06 Divine Intervention in Performance20:03 The Impact of Iconic Performances21:08 The Debate on Music Hall of Fame24:51 The Interconnection of Genres29:10 Hip Hop: Rock's Little Brother31:33 The Power of Music Genres37:14 Recognition in the Music Industry38:54 The Nature of Awards and Recognition46:12 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4

    47 min
  3. Why Modern Music Feels Empty

    5 MAR

    Why Modern Music Feels Empty

    Sensei says: "I recently caught my 12-year-old son obsessing over my 40-year-old Walkman. Watching him discover that tactile, imperfect sound made me realize something: modern records are often "perfect," but they feel completely empty. They have the polish, but they’ve lost the pulse." In this episode, we’re bridging the gap between analog nostalgia and modern digital chaos. We’re breaking down why "imperfection" is actually a production tool and how legends like George Clinton and Thundercat use creative friction to keep their music alive. If you’ve ever felt like your tracks are missing that "soul," or you’re struggling to manage big personalities in the studio, this breakdown is for you. What we cover in this episode: Analog vs. Digital: Why my son's Walkman has something modern Spotify tracks are missing. The "No Man" Secret: Why George Clinton avoided "Yes Men" to find true genius. Creative Flow: How to use mimicry to find your original voice. The Artist Whisperer: Navigating personalities and ego behind the console. Chapters 00:00 The Nostalgia of Analog Music02:34 The Evolution of Music Production Techniques05:41 The Influence of Thundercat and Eclecticism in Music08:39 The Art of Songwriting and Creative Flow11:38 Breaking Musical Norms and Expectations14:34 The Legacy of George Clinton and Creative Collaboration20:29 The Art of Production and Control23:50 Navigating Artist Personalities26:31 Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes30:31 The Role of Yes Men and No Men33:48 The Creative Process: Mimicry and Originality36:00 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4 Fatboi is a Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated, award winning producer whose credits include: Camoflauge, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Rocko, Shawty Redd, Flo Rida, Bow Wow, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Juvenile, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, OJ Da Juiceman, 8Ball & MJG, Jeremih, 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj, Bobby V, Ludacris and Yo Gotti, Monica, Zay Smith, TK Kravitz, Future. https://twitter.com/thefatboihttps://www.instagram.com/thefatboi_/ ______________________________________________ Sensei Hollywood*  (a.k.a. Dan Marshall) is an accomplished musician, producer, engineer, and audio educator who's performed on and engineered multi--platinum records with Big Boi, Outkast, Killer Mike, Chamillionaire, Carlos Santana, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Ron Isley, Lil Wayne, Trillville, Monica, and more... As an instructor and chair of the Audio Production program at the Art Institute of Atlanta, he he taught a new generation of audio engineers and producers to go on to great things in their own right.

    37 min
  4. Is Modern Music Trash?

    11 FEB

    Is Modern Music Trash?

    Keywords music, Grammy, 1984, 2026, sampling, technology, concept albums, media influence, music production, music trends, music production, songwriting, industry dynamics, ownership, creativity, performance, cultural shifts, K-Pop, timelessness, competition Takeaways Rick Beato's comparison of Grammy nominees highlights a perceived decline in music quality.The conversation reflects on the nostalgia for music from past decades.Gatekeeping in the music industry has changed with the rise of social media.The ease of music production today has led to a saturation of similar sounds.Sampling has evolved, with many artists relying on existing tracks without adding originality.The concept album has become rare in modern music, with many artists focusing on singles.The influence of media, especially MTV, shaped music consumption in the past.Today's music often lacks the distinctiveness of past eras due to homogenization.The role of producers and songwriters has expanded, leading to more collaborative efforts.The discussion touches on the cultural impact of artists like Michael Jackson and their legacy. The modern music industry often involves multiple writers and producers for a single track.Budgets for music production have significantly decreased over the years.Ownership and independence in music are becoming increasingly important.The quality of modern music is often perceived as lacking energy and originality.Producers play a crucial role in shaping an artist's performance and sound.Cultural shifts have changed the way music is consumed and appreciated.K-Pop represents a new trend in music that combines energy and youthfulness.Timelessness in music is a key factor for lasting success.Competition among artists can drive creativity and innovation in music.Authenticity and self-belief are essential for artists to thrive in today's industry. Summary In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of music from the 1980s to the present day, focusing on the perceived decline in quality and originality. They explore the impact of technology, the role of gatekeeping, and the significance of concept albums. The discussion also touches on the influence of media on music trends and the changing landscape of music culture, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by modern artists. In this conversation, Fatboi and Sensei explore the evolution of music production, the changing dynamics of the industry, and the importance of authenticity and performance in modern music. They discuss the impact of technology on songwriting, the significance of ownership, and the need for competition and collaboration among artists. The dialogue also touches on cultural shifts in music consumption and the quest for timelessness in contemporary songs. Titles Is Modern Music Losing Its Touch?Comparing Grammy Nominees: Then vs. Now  sound bites "Does today's music suck?""Hip hop got away from us.""It's levels to this." Chapters 00:00 Does Modern Music Suck? Rick Beato Says:Yes! We React00:53 INTRO01:32 Reacting to Music Trends and Grammy Nominations05:18 The Evolution of Songwriting09:26 The Impact of Music on Culture14:20 MTV's Role in Music Popularity19:22 The Concept of Albums vs. Singles24:22 The Changing Landscape of Music Production29:25 The Influence of Soundtracks on Music32:17 Sampling and Its Artistic Value35:48 The Evolution of Music and Sampling39:34 The Changing Landscape of Songwriting and Production43:48 Ownership and the Music Industry46:20 The State of Modern Music and Performance51:53 The Impact of Technology on Music Consumption57:04 Cultural Shifts in Music and Society01:02:36 The Evolution of Song of the Year01:04:33 The Competitive Landscape of Music01:07:15 The Importance of Rivalry in Music01:08:25 The Role of Originality and Authenticity01:29:40 Finding the Balance in Music Creation01:34:53 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4

    1hr 36min
  5. Steve Cropper - It's Levels To This - 008

    08/12/2025

    Steve Cropper - It's Levels To This - 008

    Summary In this conversation, Fatboi and Sensei reflect on the legacy of Stax Records and the contributions of Steve Cropper, highlighting the art of collaboration and the unpredictable nature of creating hits. We explore the journey of musicians, emphasizing the importance of paying dues and gaining experience in the music industry.The discussion also touches on the timelessness of music and its ability to resonate across generations. Chapters 00:00 Cold Open 00:29 Intro 01:02 Steve Cropper & The Greatness of Stax 03:05 Green Onions playthru/reaction 06:12 Music Biz 101: Paying Your Dues 13:37 Why Does Stax Get Overlooked? 15:15 Steve Cropper's Style/Approach 18:02 Green Onions Musical Breakdown 21:04 Green Onions & The Cultural Zeitgeist 25:53 Is Green Onions...PERFECT? 27:39 Knowing When You Have A Hit On Your Hands 35:05 Soul Man Breakdown 37:20 Sam & Dave & Sloppy Business At Stax 38:38 Other Stax Groups: The BarKays 39:43 BarKays & Spies Like Us 42:00 Jazze Pha's Connection To The BarKays 46:59 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4 Takeaways Many successful artists start by working for free to gain experience.Paying dues is essential in the music industry.Leadership qualities are often developed through following great leaders.The balance between working for free and making a sustainable living is crucial.Success requires putting in the necessary hours and effort.Music is a collaborative art form that thrives on diverse influences.Hits are often unexpected and cannot be forced.The legacy of Stax Records is significant in shaping modern music.Steve Cropper's contributions exemplify the importance of supporting roles in music.Great music transcends time and continues to impact future generations.

    48 min
  6. RUN- DMC: ROCK BOX / WALK THIS WAY Episode 13

    28/10/2025

    RUN- DMC: ROCK BOX / WALK THIS WAY Episode 13

    In this episode we’re talking about RUN DMC and how their ground breaking fusion of ROCK and RAP brought bold new sounds to the cultural landscape and changed the world of music forever... Get ready rock steady cause It's Levels To This... Chapters 00:00 The Fusion of Musical Worlds01:22 The Impact of Rockbox and Crossover Genres14:52 Run-DMC and Aerosmith: A Game-Changing Collaboration20:22 The Legacy of Run-DMC and the Evolution of Hip-Hop27:42 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4 ----------------------------------------- Fatboi is a Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated, award winning producer whose credits include: Camoflauge, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Rocko, Shawty Redd, Flo Rida, Bow Wow, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Juvenile, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, OJ Da Juiceman, 8Ball & MJG, Jeremih, 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj, Bobby V, Ludacris and Yo Gotti, Monica, Zay Smith, TK Kravitz, Future. https://twitter.com/thefatboihttps://www.instagram.com/thefatboi_/ ______________________________________________ Sensei Hollywood*  (a.k.a. Dan Marshall) is an accomplished musician, producer, engineer, and audio educator who's performed on and engineered multi--platinum records with Big Boi, Outkast, Killer Mike, Chamillionaire, Carlos Santana, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Ron Isley, Lil Wayne, Trillville, Monica, and more... As an instructor and chair of the Audio Production program at the Art Institute of Atlanta, he he taught a new generation of audio engineers and producers to go on to great things in their own right.

    28 min
  7. Michael Jackson's Human Nature - PART 2

    02/10/2025

    Michael Jackson's Human Nature - PART 2

    Summary In this episode, we continue our deep dive into Michael Jackson’s Human Nature, written by Steve Porcaro and featuring the guitar work of session ace Steve Lukather, both of Toto fame. We’re listening to individual tracks of the multi-track recording and learning about the music theory behind one of the all time great pop songs. Sensei and Fatboi explore chord progressions, jazz influences, and the importance of collaboration in music creation, emphasizing the creative process from initial ideas to the final product. We delve into the intricacies of music production, vocal techniques, and the creative process behind iconic songs. We also explore the significance of emulation in developing one's unique sound, the influence of legendary artists like Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, and the evolution of recording techniques over time. The discussion highlights the importance of capturing the essence of a demo, the artistry involved in vocal arrangements, and the lasting impact of musical influences on contemporary artists. Chapters 00:00 Real-Time Collaboration in Music Production00:14 Innovative Tools for Remote Recording01:09 Analyzing Classic Tracks and Production Techniques08:17 The Role of Jazz in Modern Music Production11:20 Jazz Influences in Modern Music14:11 Articulation and Musical Complexity17:45 The Role of Instrumentation in Songwriting20:47 Demo-itis and the Creative Process23:13 Vocal Techniques and Their Impact26:35 Blending Genres: R&B, Pop, and Jazz30:40 The Art of Collaboration in Music Production34:38 Frankenstein: The Metaphor for Music Creation44:50 The Influence of Church and Jazz on Music46:02 Capturing the Essence of a Demo47:33 The Art of Emulation in Music50:20 The Journey of Finding One's Voice52:23 The Importance of Learning from Great Artists54:03 The DNA of Musical Influence55:13 The Legacy of James Brown and His Impact56:00 Understanding Lyrics and Vocal Techniques58:33 The Role of Emotion in Music Production01:01:32 The Process of Clearing Samples and Collaborations01:03:16 The Creative Process Behind PYT01:04:56 The Special Nature of Quincy Jones' Collaborations01:06:33 The Hidden Nuggets of Music Theory01:06:50 The Evolution of Recording Techniques01:08:57 The Transition from Analog to Digital Recording01:11:16 The Role of Limitations in Creativity01:13:20 The Signature of Flaws in Music Production01:15:22 The Future of Music Technology01:15:24 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4

    1hr 16min
  8. Michael Jackson's Human Nature - Full Song Breakdown part 1

    26/09/2025

    Michael Jackson's Human Nature - Full Song Breakdown part 1

    Summary This conversation delves into a deep analysis of Michael Jackson's iconic song 'Human Nature.' The hosts explore the song's production, lyrics, and the complex persona of Michael Jackson, discussing how his experiences and the cultural context of the 80s shaped the music. They reflect on the deeper meanings behind the lyrics and the legacy of the song, emphasizing its impact on pop culture and music history. Chapters 00:00 Boredom as a Catalyst for Creativity06:24 Decoding the Lyrics of 'Human Nature'12:12 The Mystique of Michael Jackson15:35 The Sound of the City in 'Human Nature'16:53 Legacy of 'Human Nature': A Reflection18:28 The Studio 54 Experience: Music and Memory18:33 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4 Takeaways Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature' is a timeless classic.The song reflects the cultural context of the 80s.Lyrics of 'Human Nature' reveal deeper emotional themes.Michael Jackson's persona was more complex than perceived.The production of 'Human Nature' is iconic and influential.Studio 54 played a significant role in the song's narrative.The song captures the essence of youth and nightlife.Michael Jackson understood the importance of mystique in his career.The legacy of 'Human Nature' continues to resonate today.

    19 min
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About

Two longtime music pros (Sensei & Fatboi) go deep on what makes music great. A podcast for music producers, artists, and fans. Fatboi is a Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated, award winning producer whose credits include: Camoflauge, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Rocko, Shawty Redd, Flo Rida, Bow Wow, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Juvenile, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, OJ Da Juiceman, 8Ball & MJG, Jeremih, 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj, Bobby V, Ludacris and Yo Gotti, Monica, Zay Smith, TK Kravitz, Future. Sensei Hollywood (a.k.a. Dan Marshall) formerly an instructor and chair of the Audio Production program at the Art Institute of Atlanta, is an accomplished musician, producer, engineer who's performed on and engineered multi--platinum records with Big Boi, Outkast, Killer Mike, Chamillionaire, Carlos Santana, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Ron Isley, Lil Wayne, Trillville, Monica, and more...

Information

  • Creator
    It's Levels To This
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©2025 It's Levels To This - Podcast