Music Production Podcast

Brian Funk
Music Production Podcast Podcast

An exploration of music production through informal discussions about technique, philosophy, gear, and creativity. Hosted by Brian Funk, a musician, songwriter, teacher, and Ableton Certified Trainer.

  1. KIN TALA - Building an EP from Scratch

    6 HR AGO

    KIN TALA - Building an EP from Scratch

    KIN TALA is a musical duo from Blackpool, England, who just released their debut EP, Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost. They created the album entirely on their own, learning to produce and mix along the way.  I spoke with Dominic of KIN TALA about their new EP and the creative process they used to make it. Dom discussed how the duo did most of their learning on the fly and how they managed to inject their personality and style into the music. We talked about overcoming creative challenges and working hard to find a unique sound. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Starting from scratch and diving into music production can lead to great results. The process of recording and mixing can be challenging, but it's worth it to achieve the desired sound. Maintaining artistic vision is important, even in the face of industry expectations. Strengths and challenges of playing in a duo. Embracing a unique sound and not fitting into a specific genre or scene can be a breath of fresh air. Working with limited equipment and resources can push artists to be more creative and think outside the box. Finding moments of inspiration and taking the time to reflect on the music you want to create is important. The music industry has become more equitable in terms of access, but it's important to navigate it in a way that speaks to your own goals and values. Creating music that is authentic, meaningful, and resonates with listeners is more important than constantly producing and saturating the market. Links: KIN TALA - https://www.kintala.uk Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost by KIN TALA - https://open.spotify.com/album/4h7pwz215ylKjc6ZPOjwzk KIN TALA Bandcamp - https://kintalaband.bandcamp.com KIN TALA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kintalauk 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

    1h 7m
  2. Ian Temple - Soundfly CEO on Overcoming Creative Obstacles

    9 SEPT

    Ian Temple - Soundfly CEO on Overcoming Creative Obstacles

    Ian Temple is the CEO and Co-Founder of the online music school, Soundfly. Soundfly offers courses in a variety of topics related to music-making and music production. Ian is a pianist, composer, and plays in the band Sontag Shogun. Ian and I spoke about the creative process and the challenges of making music. Ian shared insights about learning music and growing as a musician. He explained how we should embrace challenges and obstacles along the way and use them to our creative advantage. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: The creative process is a constant journey of growth and learning. Mental obstacles can hinder creativity, but they can be overcome with the right mindset. Flexibility and adaptability are key in the creative process. Community and collaboration can provide valuable insights and support. Reframing limiting beliefs can lead to new perspectives and breakthroughs. Embrace the creative process and accept where you are in your journey. Overcome obstacles by reframing them as opportunities for growth. Keep creating and pushing forward to bridge the gap between your skills and your taste. Collaborate with others and engage with a supportive community to inspire and enhance your creativity. Links: Soundly - https://soundfly.com Soundfly newsletter sign up: https://soundfly.com/ Kimbra’s Vocal Class - https://soundfly.com/courses/kimbra-vocal-creativity-arranging-production Com Truise’s Production Class - https://soundfly.com/courses/com-truise-mid-fi-synthwave-slow-motion-funk Soundfly Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learntosoundfly Soundfly YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/learntosoundfly Sontag Shogun - https://www.sontagshogun.com “This is Water” by David Foster Wallace - https://fs.blog/david-foster-wallace-this-is-water/ “The Gap” by Ira Glass - https://vimeo.com/85040589 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

    1h 15m
  3. Corey Baker - aka Kill Paris, Musician, Producer, Ableton Certified Trainer

    27 AUG

    Corey Baker - aka Kill Paris, Musician, Producer, Ableton Certified Trainer

    Corey Baker is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and Ableton Certified Trainer. Corey made a huge impact on the electronic music scene and toured the world as Kill Paris. He shares his workflow and techniques in his tutorials and courses, and hosts a weekly sample flip challenge. I spoke with Corey about his music, educational community, and production techniques. We discussed some of the newer features in Ableton Live 12.1, as well as the process of learning complex software to create music. Corey shared how being discovered by Skrillex on SoundCloud changed the course of his career. 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: The early days of using Ableton Live involved a supportive community and tutorials helped in the learning process. Transitioning from hardware to digital plugins allowed for more flexibility and experimentation in music production. The MIDI tools and scale awareness in Ableton Live 12 provide a user-friendly way to explore music theory and create musical compositions. Balancing technical knowledge with creative exploration is important in music production Breaking the rules and trying new things can lead to unique and interesting results. The standalone version of Ableton Push has improved workflow and allows for a more immersive and enjoyable music-making experience. Reacting and responding to what you are creating in the moment is important for staying in a creative flow. Simplifying your setup and focusing on using default Ableton devices can help avoid getting caught up in technical details and allow for a more fluid creative process. Challenging oneself and embracing the struggle in the creative process leads to a deeper sense of satisfaction and connection with the music. The energy and process put into creating music can be felt by the listener, even if it's not consciously recognized. Bringing energy and enthusiasm to live performances is crucial for creating a great show and engaging the audience. Creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere can help build a connection between the performer and the audience. Playing for smaller venues allows for more eye contact and a sense of community, while larger crowds can create a domino effect of energy. How platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube have played a significant role in the success of many musicians, providing opportunities for exposure and collaboration. Gamification and metrics in music production can provide valuable feedback and motivation for producers. Links: Corey’s Site - https://funthingsfunlife.com Corey’s Intro to Ableton Live Course - https://corey-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/YjH3Muz2/checkout Corey’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coreybakercoreybaker Corey’s Clubhouse on Discord - https://discord.com/invite/PJtmtk5ydg Links to Corey’s Work and Music - https://funthingsfunlife.com/links Making Music by Dennis DeSantis PDF - https://cdn-resources.ableton.com/resources/uploads/makingmusic/MakingMusic_DennisDeSantis.pdf 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

    2h 4m
  4. Thomas Glendinning - ELPHNT, Sound Designer, Music Maker, Educator

    12 AUG

    Thomas Glendinning - ELPHNT, Sound Designer, Music Maker, Educator

    Thomas Glendinning is a music producer, educator, and sound designer. He creates some of the finest Ableton Live and Max for Live devices available at his site ELPHNT. Tom recently released his new album Micro((osmos under the name Conso/e. Tom joined me for a 3rd conversation on the Music Production Podcast to talk about his new album and some of his latest Max for Live creations, including Essentials. We spoke about the fun and challenges of creating music and devices. Tom shared some great insights from his experiences that will surely help music-makers of all levels. We also spent some time discussing the latest features in Ableton Live 12.1. 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: Tom's Essentials Pack offers simple and focused Max for Live devices that perform specific tasks effectively. Tom emphasizes the importance of headroom and organization in mixing, allowing for flexibility and clarity in the mix. Shakers and tambourines can add groove and texture to music, serving as both rhythmic and textural elements. Distinguishing between creative effects and mix effects helps maintain clarity and intention in the production process. Mixing in mono can provide a fresh perspective and help create a balanced and cohesive mix. Tom's minimalist approach to music production focuses on using only what is necessary to achieve the desired sound. Playing percussion instruments requires technique and skill, and it's important to have respect for percussionists. Imperfection in music production can add a unique and organic sound to the music. The new features in Ableton Live 12.1, such as Auto Shift and macro randomization, offer exciting creative possibilities. There is a need for reevaluation in the music tech space to focus on tools and content that actively help musicians make more music. Limiting your tools and focusing on intentional limitations can enhance creativity and productivity in music production.  Links: ELPHNT - https://elphnt.io Essentials Max for Live Pack - https://elphnt.io/store/essentials/ Micro((osmos - https://consoleconsole.bandcamp.com/album/micro-osmos ELPHNT Newsletter - https://elphnt.io/newsletter/ Freakshow Industries Plug-ins - https://freakshowindustries.com Thomas on Music Production Podcast #26 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2017/6/22/26-thomas-glendinning-ableton-certified-trainer Thomas on Music Production Podcast #158 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2020/3/14/tom-from-elphnt-on-finishing-music-and-making-it-a-career-music-production-podcast-158 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

    1h 15m
  5. Michelle Moog - Bob Moog Foundation, History of Moog Synthesizer

    30 JUL

    Michelle Moog - Bob Moog Foundation, History of Moog Synthesizer

    Michelle Moog is the executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation and daughter of synthesis pioneer Bob Moog. The Bob Moog Foundation’s Mission Statement is to inspire creative thinking by providing interactive educational experiences at the intersection of science, music theory, history, and innovation. Michelle helped bring the organization from a volunteer-driven, grassroots effort to the educational and historical preservation force it is today. Michelle and I spoke about the Bob Moog Foundation and their efforts to preserve the history of Bob Moog’s work. She shared personal stories of growing up with her father and how she has learned about him and his work on a deeper level since starting the Bob Moog Foundation. 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: Bob Moog Foundation - https://www.moogfoundation.org Moogseum - https://www.moogseum.org Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool - https://moogfoundation.org/projects/dr-bobssoundschool/ Bob Moog Foundation Membership - https://moogfoundation.org/membership/ Donating to the Bob Moog Foundation - https://bit.ly/ContributeBMF Bob Moog Foundation Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bobmoogfoundation/ Bob Moog Foundation YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@moogfoundation/featured Spectrasonics Bob Moog Tribute Library - https://www.spectrasonics.net/products/tribute/ Native Instruments Modular Icons - https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/play-series/modular-icons/ Vox Humana Sample Pack by Alex Ball - https://bit.ly/VoxHumanaSoundbank Michelle’s TED Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG_PYTsSSAM Bob Moog Foundation online store - https://bobmoogfoundation.myshopify.com/ Bob's biography, Switched On: Bob Moog and the Synthesizer Revolution - https://bit.ly/SwitchedOnBobMoogBiography Francis Preve on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/francis-preve-2024 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

    1h 25m
  6. Carter Vail - Musician, Songwriter on his new album 100 Cowboys

    16 JUL

    Carter Vail - Musician, Songwriter on his new album 100 Cowboys

    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

    56 min
  7. Evan Frankfort - Songwriter, Sound Designer, Film and TV Composer

    27 JUN

    Evan Frankfort - Songwriter, Sound Designer, Film and TV Composer

    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

    1h 44m

About

An exploration of music production through informal discussions about technique, philosophy, gear, and creativity. Hosted by Brian Funk, a musician, songwriter, teacher, and Ableton Certified Trainer.

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