Music Production Podcast Brian Funk

Carter Vail is a musician, producer, and video creator. His fast-paced, lighthearted short-form songs have garnered him hundreds of thousands of followers across social media. His new album, 100 Cowboys, combines upbeat music with emotional lyrics that document a difficult breakup. Carter shares his songwriting process, thoughts on collaboration, and why he chooses to work fast and be prolific in his creative process.
This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
Takeaways:
Carter Vail's new album '100 Cowboys' strikes a balance between upbeat music and sad lyrics. Having fun with music is important and can bring joy to both the artist and the audience. Working in a simple studio setup can be beneficial, as it minimizes potential bottlenecks and allows for a seamless creative process. Carter believes in showing up and working consistently, rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. Simplicity in the creative process and studio setup can lead to faster and more efficient music-making.  Inspiration is fickle, and it's important to take action and create even when feeling uninspired. Having a concept and direction before diving into production is important for songwriting.  The proximity of instruments to the computer can affect the recording process.  Collaboration can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the creative process.  Specific details in lyrics can create a personal connection with listeners.  Efficiency and consistency are key in managing social media presence. Links:
Carter Vail Website - https://www.cartervail.com Carter's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cartervailmusic/?hl=en Carter's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@cartervailmusic Carter's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@cartervailmusic?lang=en "Nashville" by Carter Vail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCQhCt4PcLc "It's Time for Shrimp" by Carter Vail - https://youtube.com/shorts/eZ-S2ZYYjL8?si=Z9__aqPrwYc-kbXl Recording Unhinged by Sylvia Massy - https://amzn.to/4cXACo5 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 Alexander is an audio engineer, producer, and musician originally from Portland, Oregon and now based in Los Angeles. He has over 20 years of experience working in all genres, with roots in the subcultures of hardcore and punk. David shares his unique blend of technical skills and creative philosophy on social media.
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
Links:
David Alexander's Site - http://davidalexander.lol David's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@davidalexander2k9 David's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/davidalexander2k/ 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

Evan Frankfort is a Songwriter, Sound Designer, and TV and Film Composer. His TV and film credits include Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild, The Harlem Globetrotters: Pay it Forward, 90210, and The 100. He writes music and plays in the indie rock band The Spiritual Machines. He has collaborated with diverse artists including Warren Zevon, The Bangles, Rancid, and Liz Phair.
Evan and I spoke about his passion for creating music and his ongoing search for the creative lightning strike. He shares insights from his process and workflow that can help any music maker. Evan's passion and excitement for music production is inspiring and infectious.
This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
Links:
The Spiritual Machines - https://www.thespiritualmachines.com The Spiritual Machines Linktree - https://linktr.ee/thespiritualmachines Evan's IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2694758/?ref_=nm_mv_close Hearst Media Production Group - https://www.hearst.com/hearst-media-production-group 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

Francis Preve is a sound designer, producer, and synthesizer programmer. He programs factory presets for the leading synthesizer manufacturers including Sequential, Roland, Korg, Oberheim, Serum, and many more. He is the Section Lead of Digital Composition at Austin Community College. Francis releases sound packs through his company SympleSound. His latest release, Serum Models, turns the popular synthesizer into a hyper-realistic physical modeling synth.
In our 4th conversation on the Music Production Podcast, Francis discusses his new pack, Serum Models, and explains how physical modeling synthesis works. We go deep into his work as a sound designer and Francis gives thorough explanations of a variety of synthesis concepts. We also talk about his work as an educator and some student success stories, along with the traits those students exhibit in his classes. It's a wide-ranging and deep conversation with one of the world's best sound designers!
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
Takeaways:
The development of new Serum models and physical modeling and sound design. The process of creating and marketing sound packs. The psychology of sound creation involves a deep connection to the subtleties of music and the ability to differentiate musical elements. Learning to differentiate musical elements is a transformative experience that opens up new dimensions in music appreciation and understanding. The impact of music theory on creativity and the ability to enjoy music without over-analyzing it. The role of technology in music education and the importance of learning by playing and experimenting. The differences between analog and digital synthesis and the unique characteristics of each. The concept of aliasing in sound and its impact on audio quality. The use of images to create wavetables in synthesizers and the exploration of sound design through experimentation.  The significance of presets in synthesizers Passion is a key factor in determining success in a career. Limitations can enhance creativity and problem-solving in music production. Technology, such as AI and software, has both benefits and ethical considerations in music creation. Teaching and mentorship play a significant role in shaping the future of music production and the industry. Links:
Francis' Site - https://www.francispreve.com Symplesound - https://www.symplesound.com Francis' Serum Preset Collections including Models- https://xferrecords.com/preset_packs/manufacturers/francis-preve Synthtopia on Serum Models - https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2024/05/06/francis-preve-releases-serum-models-preset-expansion-library/ Francis on MPP #38 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2017/10/30/38-francis-preve-sound-designer-educator Francis on MPP #98 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2019/1/29/98-francis-preve-2-sound-design-synthesis-vanlife Francis on MPPP #273 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/francis-preve-3 Francis' Clients (wow!) - https://www.francispreve.com/clients Sara Landry - 
https://djmag.com/features/sara-landry-hard-technos-high-frequency-priestess Shadowstar - 
https://www.beatport.com/artist/shadowstar/873086 CHKLTE - 
https://ra.co/dj/chklte/biography Shreddward - https://www.shreddward.com/ Josh Davidson (Kepler North)- https://www.instagram.com/kepler_north Jeff Rona - https://liquidcinema.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
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
 
 

Tyler Manning and Jordan Dale are part of Boredomfighters, a nonprofit that brings music-making and collaboration to kids across the United States. Boredomfighters conducts workshops, assemblies, and "Instrument Gardens" to empower young people to create music on the fly using modern production techniques.
Tyler and Jordan spoke to me about their work in Boredomfighters and how they've been inspired by inspiring young people to create music. They share their techniques to help participants feel safe to drop inhibitions and have fun creating music together. The principles they share apply to any musical situation. We had a blast talking about their work and listening to music their audience created at a recent event.
This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
Takeaways:
Engaging in music production and creative expression through simple rules, examples, and creative constraints. Encouraging vulnerability and the impact of technology on music education and creativity. The importance of fostering intrinsic motivation and creativity in young learners. The challenges and opportunities in engaging and inspiring young people to explore music and creative arts. The significance of role models and exposure in shaping musical interests and aspirations. The value of creating an ideal learning environment for music exploration and self-expression. The use of vocal prompting and chat GPT in music workshops with kids. The importance of capturing the energy of a space through music. The ripple effect of their work and the empowerment of people to do similar workshops in their communities. Links:
Boredomfighters - https://www.boredomfighters.org/ Boredomfighters Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boredomfightersfoundation/ Boredomfighters YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@theboredomfighters Boredomfighters SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/boredomfighters 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

Dex Green is a Nashville-based producer, engineer, and songwriter. He recorded his new album, Imaginary War, by himself, playing every instrument. Dex has worked with artists like Elvis Costello, Margo Price, and Collective Soul. His work has been nominated for a Grammy.
Dex and I spoke about his work and the lessons he's picked up from recording countless acts in various genres. He discussed the process of recording his new album Imaginary War. Dex shared how he's combined philosophies and concepts from jazz studies, playing in punk and ska bands as a teenager, and recording top artists in Nashville.
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io 
Takeaways:
Dex's unconventional path to producing his album as a solo artist The impact of personal experiences on artistic expression and creative decisions The evolution of music and the influence of different genres on contemporary music The challenges and rewards of writing and recording a solo album The importance of finding the right key and voice for musical compositions The importance of limitations in the creative process The role of music production software in modern music creation The significance of recording techniques in shaping the sound of a track The impact of ska bands on the music scene The creative process and songwriting in music production Links:
Imaginary War by Dex Green - https://3sirens.ffm.to/imaginarywar Dex's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@dexgreenmusic Dex on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chickensplease/ "It's Only the End of the World" by Dex Green - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjAJ-ALijt0 Dex's Credits on Discogs - https://www.discogs.com/artist/1078981-Dexter-Green "What Makes This Song Great: Walking on the Moon" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVZFkI9HgJY Waves Space Rider - https://www.waves.com/plugins/space-rider 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