Secret Sonics Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner
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- Music
Join mix engineers Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner as they team up to discuss the real-world trials and triumphs of music production. Tactical advice on skill development, mixing mindsets, personal branding, and achieving work-life rhythm in an evolving industry. The motivation and strategic insights you need to build your dream creative career in music and audio. Fresh episodes every week.
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#212 - How Our Instrumental Backgrounds Shape Our Production & Mixing
In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss how their respective backgrounds as a bassist and a drummer shape their approach to music production and mixing. They delve into the influence of their live performance experiences and traditional training on their production techniques, emphasizing intentionality and minimalism.
Topics we discuss:
Intentionality and minimalismPacing and instrumentationSimplicity in arrangements - adding character, not clutter The physicality of low end in mixing
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Thanks to our sponsors!
Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts
Listen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141ae
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/ -
#211 - On-Stage Lessons for Studio Success
In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss the transition from being live performers to working in the studio. They share personal anecdotes and insights into the skills and experiences that have informed their studio work, such as checking egos, understanding tempo, effective communication, conflict resolution, and the importance of arrangement. They also highlight the unique nuances of live versus studio performances and how knowing many songs can expand creative possibilities.
Topics we discuss:
Serving the song and checking the ego at the doorThe importance of tempo Interpersonal skills and conflict resolutionLive arrangements and studio adaptationsLearning songs efficiently
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Thanks to our sponsors!
Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts
Listen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141ae
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/ -
#210 - Your Opinion Wanted: The State of the Podcast
Join Ben and Carl for a peek behind the podcast curtain as they reflect on the journey of Secret Sonics and explore exciting new directions for the show. In this candid conversation, they share their vision for weaving in fresh perspectives through guest interviews while preserving the magic of their duo dynamic. Discover the thought process behind the show's evolution and learn how you, the listener, can help shape the future of Secret Sonics. Get ready for an insider's look at building a podcast that educates, entertains, and empowers the music community.
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Thanks to our sponsors!
Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts
Listen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141ae
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/ -
#209 - Building Your Dream Team: How to Collaborate in Music Production
Teamwork really DOES make the dream work. In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into assembling a roster of pros who can take your projects to the next level. From identifying the right specialists for each song to fostering a culture of trust and creative alchemy, you'll learn how to build a team that amplifies your strengths and delivers even better results. Let your ego take a backseat to the joy of synergy in action.
Topics we discuss:
Why even top producers and engineers outsource tasks to specialized prosHow to identify and articulate the unique skills each song needs to level upThe art of pitching collaborative productions to clients for a win-win-win outcomeWhy checking your ego at the door is the key to unlocking your team's full potentialThe surprising joy and freedom that comes from letting go of "doing it all" and leaning into your genius zone
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Thanks to our sponsors!
Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts
Listen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141ae
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/ -
#208 - Overcoming the Curse of Perfectionism
Are you constantly chasing the elusive "perfect" mix or agonizing over every tiny detail in your productions? In this episode, Ben and Carl share their hard-won insights on overcoming perfectionist tendencies that can stifle creativity and slow progress to a crawl. They share practical strategies for breaking free from the perfectionist's curse, trusting your instincts, and embracing the imperfections that make music magic.
Topics we discuss:
Why striving for perfection can be the biggest obstacle to finishing strong mixesHow to recognize when perfectionism is masquerading as procrastinationThe surprising upsides of working with imperfect audio in the early stages of your careerWhy imposing strict deadlines could be the secret to banishing perfectionist paralysis for goodThe liberating power of the "80% mix" mindset for nailing vibe and avoiding overthinking
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Thanks to our sponsors!
Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts
Listen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141ae
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/ -
#207 - Our Go-To Reference Mixes (and Why We Chose Them)
Ben and Carl delve into their go-to songs for mix references across various aspects of sound including bottom end, top end, mid-range, depth, stereo field, dynamic range, and transients. They explore a wide range of music from artists like Radiohead, Adele, Daft Punk, and Billie Eilish, to name a few, providing insights into why these tracks serve as the perfect benchmarks for assessing and achieving the desired sound quality in their own mixes.
Topics we discuss:
The Art of Selecting Reference TracksAnalyzing Room Acoustics and Speaker QualityThe Pensado's Place Inspired Challenge: Analyzing Music CharacteristicsReference Mixes for Individual InstrumentsThe Wow Factor MixOur Benchmark Personal Mixes
Listen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141ae
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Thanks to our sponsors!
Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-prompts
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/