UNSUNG - the Audiomovers Podcast

AUDIOMOVERS
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UNSUNG is a fortnightly show exploring the untold stories and creative processes behind the music we love, from a cast of globally acclaimed record producers, studio engineers, songwriters and composers. UNSUNG honours the real stories, and the truth behind the music that shapes our lives. It's a podcast by music obsessives, for music obsessives. UNSUNG is made by Audiomovers - part of the Abbey Road REDD family - and used by over 90% of recording sessions at the studio. It is the creator of a suite of groundbreaking pro audio software tools designed to help music makers collaborate.

  1. Sep 24

    The Reality of Mixing Major UK Rap Records With Will Lite | UNSUNG

    The latest episode of UNSUNG welcomes acclaimed mix engineer Will Lite, who joins Audiomovers hosts for an in-depth conversation about his career, his work across UK rap, and the process behind shaping records for artists including Potter Payper and Digga D.Will shares how his long-running work with Potter Payper developed from an early mix into a trusted creative relationship, including the intense process behind projects such as Training Day 3 and Thanks for Hating. He breaks down what it takes to deliver records under tight deadlines and collaborate remotely while maintaining a consistent sound across an entire project.Together the team dive deep into Will’s approach to mixing vocals, from meticulous vocal cleanup and analogue-modelled processing. He explains why he prefers shaping sound by feel rather than relying on what he sees on screen, how he approaches compression and EQ, and why speed, repeatability and trusting your ears are essential when working at the highest level.➡️ Learn more about Audiomovers – https://audiomovers.comUNSUNG is a podcast from Audiomovers exploring the untold stories and creative processes behind the music we love.#Will #PotterPayper #DiggaD #MixEngineer #UKRap #AudioEngineering #MusicProduction #Mixing #Mastering #Audiomovers #UNSUNGPodcast00:00 | Late nights in the studio and new artist sessions02:15 | Finding the balance: music, lifestyle, and fishing03:05 | Cycling through East London and local life08:00 | Early projects and lessons from the industry10:31 | The headache of copyright and sample permissions10:55 | Reflections on album mixing and track appreciation15:13 | My approach to the collaborative production process16:42 | Creative synergy and working with Potter Payper17:33 | Remote workflows: how I collaborate with Louis23:13 | Adapting your mix when technical challenges hit24:51 | Meeting tight deadlines without losing the vibe25:07 | Balancing modern quality with a classic legacy26:20 | Favorite collaborative tools and mixing techniques29:49 | When communication breaks down in production30:05 | The nightmare of mixing from WhatsApp voice notes36:06 | Unconventional sessions and "impossible" mixing hurdles37:04 | Navigating the social side of music collaboration38:37 | Using AI and stem splitting to save a mix42:07 | Creative "hacks" for difficult engineering problems43:25 | The struggle with plugin updates and compatibility46:47 | A deep dive into my go-to vocal chains47:51 | Advanced vocal processing techniques51:38 | Why I use analog gear and the Goldclip plugin54:24 | Building the perfect mastering chain55:18 | Are plugin subscriptions actually worth it?57:19 | Analog warmth vs. the speed of digital workflows01:00:00 | Hardware innovations and the future of total recall01:01:24 | Starting the mix: drums first and audio cleanup01:03:08 | Quick fire: favorite gear and studio picks01:05:25 | Learning to trust a mix on headphones01:07:25 | Choosing the right headphones: does magnet size matter?01:08:57 | Moving beyond British rap and exploring new genres01:10:31 | Essential advice for breaking into the music industry

  2. Sep 10

    The Sound Behind Young Thug: Bainz on Recording, Mixing & Trust | UNSUNG

    The latest episode of UNSUNG welcomes acclaimed recording and mix engineer Bainz, who joins hosts Jocelin and Matt Soczywko for an in-depth conversation about his career, his long-standing creative partnership with Young Thug, and the process behind mixing some of the biggest records in hip-hop. Bainz shares how years spent recording, mixing and travelling with Young Thug have created a unique level of trust and creative understanding, allowing him to instinctively know what an artist wants from a record. He also reflects on building a career behind the scenes, working under intense deadlines, collaborating with other leading engineers, and why being in the room when a song is created can make all the difference when it comes time to mix. Together they dive deep into Bainz’s approach to vocals, from clip gain and detailed vocal cleanup to controlling harshness and keeping every word upfront and intelligible. He breaks down his hybrid mixing setup and the systems that allow him to move quickly across huge projects without sacrificing creativity. The conversation also explores working with artists including Young Thug, Lil Baby and Jordan Adetunji, collaborating with engineers across major records, mixing remotely with Audiomovers, analogue versus in-the-box workflows, the importance of maintaining an artist’s signature sound, working closely with mastering engineer Joe LaPorta, and why trust, relationships and collaboration remain at the heart of making great records. ➡️ Learn more about Audiomovers – https://audiomovers.com UNSUNG is a podcast from Audiomovers exploring the untold stories and creative processes behind the music we love. #Bainz #YoungThug #MixEngineer #AudioEngineering #MusicProduction #HipHop #RecordingEngineer #Mixing #Audiomovers # UNSUNG Podcast Timecode: 00:00 Going to NAMM vs. being on NAMM 02:50 Working so fast there's no time to talk 06:14 The relationship is the ultimate cheat code 07:43 I would still do this if I wasn't getting paid 08:36 Why you need to be in the room when inspiration hits 10:08 Does being there for the creation give your mix an edge? 12:20 Handling messy files and endless track counts 14:48 Adapting to Atmos and the remote mixing reality 15:24 My hybrid setup: mixing with the real deal gear 18:57 Breaking down my master mix chain setup 20:41 How to get vocal clarity without making it sound clinical 24:10 Streamlining my workflow using a Stream Deck 25:26 Custom quick keys that save my creative momentum 25:54 When session prep becomes a massive teamwork puzzle 28:16 Thriving under intense pressure for major label records 31:22 Dealing with crazy parallel album deadlines 32:20 Knowing when to stay in your lane as an engineer 33:48 How modern technology is changing studio collaboration 36:52 The Miami session crisis: mixing in an unfamiliar room 38:17 Using Audio Movers to bridge cross-system sessions 42:05 The specific tools I use for vocal processing 43:26 Strict template boundaries and managing client feedback 45:15 Using reference tracks and working with mastering engineers 48:54 Quick fire round: studio essentials and gear picks 50:06 Starting a pro audio lifting team in the studio 51:04 Gym stories, ego lifting, and who won on bench press 51:20 Where to find more and wrapping up the episode

  3. Aug 27

    George Martin's handwritten orchestral scores to The Beatles recording philosophy albums | UNSUNG

    The latest episode of UNSUNG welcomes Brian Kehew and Kevin Ryan, acclaimed engineers, producers and authors of the legendary book Recording The Beatles, for a fascinating deep dive into the recording techniques, technology and untold stories behind some of the most influential music ever made. Drawing on decades of research, Brian and Kevin reveal how they uncovered the truth behind Abbey Road's iconic equipment, the engineers and technicians who shaped the Beatles' sound, and the detective work involved in separating fact from decades of myth. Together they discuss the creative power of recording limitations, why great songs always matter more than great gear, and how collaboration helped create one of the most respected books in modern music production. The conversation also explores George Martin's handwritten orchestral scores, rediscovering legendary vintage equipment, mono versus stereo, the evolution of recording technology, and why preserving music history matters for future generations of engineers and producers. ➡️ Learn more about Audiomovers – https://audiomovers.comUNSUNG is a podcast from Audiomovers exploring the untold stories and creative processes behind the music we love. #RecordingTheBeatles #TheBeatles #AbbeyRoad #BrianKehew #KevinRyan #GeorgeMartin 00:00 Technical troubles and the search for the amp switch00:19 Welcome back: meeting the authors of Recording the Beatles04:17 The 15-year obsession behind the ultimate Beatles gear guide06:34 Why an ego-free partnership was the key to the book08:29 The massive gamble of self-publishing a 500-page masterpiece09:46 Designing a book that feels like an Abbey Road tape box10:55 Why the packaging matters as much as the history11:52 Decoding George Martin’s original orchestral scores15:43 The hidden stories buried in the handwritten sheet music18:35 Exploring George Martin’s genius beyond the Fab Four20:02 Re-recording history: the educational power of classic scores22:27 Alternate takes and the legacy of the world's most famous recordings26:13 How technical limitations actually fueled the Beatles' creativity27:45 Why imperfections are the "character" of your favorite records30:30 Creativity vs. technology in the modern studio31:09 The true power of Mono in early music production32:49 Why the first Stereo mixes were actually a technical "mistake"35:55 Celebrating the unsung heroes of the Abbey Road control room37:40 The Beatles’ live philosophy and the impact of Norman Smith39:23 A postcard from George Martin and Chris Thomas' big break41:56 The race to save original Abbey Road gear from the skip43:44 Finding the "lost" Altec RS124 compressors45:48 Forensic audio: how we tracked down every piece of gear46:40 Finalizing the definitive history of the world's most famous studio47:19 Memorable moments from inside the Abbey Road vaults49:01 Studio disasters and the art of solving problems under pressure51:15 Why memories fade but the session tapes never lie53:14 Unraveling the greatest myths of Beatles recording sessions55:41 From the Vox AC30 to the J-160E: the sounds that defined an era59:12 Why we must preserve the knowledge of these recording techniques1:00:40 Chasing the Ringo drum sound and replicating iconic tones1:02:32 How a small gear guide turned into a massive historical archive1:05:18 Finding the "unknown unknowns" in the Beatles' history1:09:02 The long journey of the George Martin project1:11:08 The lasting impact of Recording the Beatles on the industry1:14:11 Why vintage gear prices have gone through the roof1:14:41 The truth about microphone reissues and classic AKG models1:15:19 Why we still reach for vintage mics for that specific character1:16:42 John Brion sessions and the hunt for rare vintage sounds1:18:03 Exploring the legendary guitar shops of London1:18:50 The legacy of Sound Techniques and the console that changed everything1:25:06 Closing thoughts and wrapping up the session

  4. Aug 13

    The creative process behind an unconventional project | UNSUNG

    The latest episode of UNSUNG welcomes acclaimed producer and engineer, Luke Wooten who joins hosts @mirek.stiles and @mattsoczywko for an in-depth conversation about building hit records in Nashville and the creative process behind some of country music's biggest artists.With a career spanning more than three decades, Luke shares stories from working with Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, William Shatner, and many more, offering a rare insight into life inside Nashville's recording scene. Together they discuss finding an artist's unique sound, the importance of choosing the right musicians, producing without ego, and why preparation is the key to capturing unforgettable performances.The conversation also explores Brad Paisley's signature recording setup, Station West Studios, Nashville's world-renowned session musicians, the evolution from tape to Pro Tools, Dolby Atmos, studio acoustics, analogue versus digital workflows, and why great records are ultimately built on great songs, great players and great collaboration.➡️ Learn more about Audiomovers – https://audiomovers.comUNSUNG is a podcast from Audiomovers exploring the untold stories and creative processes behind the music we love.#LukeWooten #BradPaisley #MusicProduction #RecordProducer #AudioEngineering #RecordingStudio #MixEngineer #Nashville #Audiomovers #UNSUNGPodcastTimecode:00:00 Why the musicians are Nashville’s greatest asset.02:26 Working with Brad Paisley and his elaborate studio setup.05:48 The ""Tackle Box"" Project: Recording 16 tracks in two days.08:47 Stepping back from the console: Why producers stop mixing.11:23 Capturing the artist's vision instead of your own.13:05 The Station West origin story: Finding a ""hidden"" studio.16:24 Taking the ultimate financial risk on a dream.18:13 Why I converted to a standing desk for long sessions.20:45 Creating a creative sanctuary in Costa Rica.23:46 Watching Berry Hill transform into a world-class music hub.25:42 Why I’m optimistic about the rising tide of streaming.27:53 Post Malone’s deep respect for the Nashville community.31:38 The incredible depth of talent in local session players.34:09 Collaboration over ego in the control room.35:42 Mixing for Brad Paisley: When the guitar is as loud as the vocal.40:13 Why I finally transitioned to mixing entirely in the box.44:22 The adrenaline and magic of a live tracking session.46:08 Studio disasters: When the lights dim and the gear shorts out.48:08 My biggest rookie mistake: The accidental feedback loop.49:19 The importance of good diffusion and room tuning.52:30 Quickfire: the Lewitt 1040 and the Dr. Z DB4 Amp.56:08 Why the best guitar tones often use zero pedals.58:08 My favorite 1961 Les Paul Jr. and the Martin D-35.59:22 Closing thoughts and how to find Station West.

  5. Jul 30

    How Sean D Won Over Central Cee With Three Different Mixes | UNSUNG

    The latest episode of UNSUNG welcomes acclaimed mix engineer Sean D, who joins Audiomovers and hosts Jocelin, Matt Soczywko for an insightful conversation about building one of the UK's most respected mixing careers. From humble beginnings to mixing chart-topping records for artists including Central Cee, Headie One, M Huncho, D-Block Europe and more, Sean shares the journey behind his success and the lessons learned along the way. Together they discuss the importance of relationships in the music industry, transitioning from recording to full-time mixing, developing Signature Studios, and why business skills are just as important as technical ability.The conversation also explores Sean's mixing philosophy, working on landmark UK drill records, staying current through reference tracks, Dolby Atmos, analogue summing, simplifying workflows, and why making music feel great will always matter more than chasing technical perfection. ➡️ Learn more about Audiomovers – https://audiomovers.com UNSUNG is a podcast from Audiomovers exploring the untold stories and creative processes behind the music we love. #SeanD #MixEngineer #AudioEngineering #MusicProduction #RecordingStudio #Mixing #CentralCee #UKDrill #Audiomovers #UNSUNGPodcast 00:00 Why mixing is about feeling over technology 00:37 How I got my start in audio engineering 06:27 Building a sustainable career and giving back to the community 08:42 How to balance multiple creative roles in the music industry 12:03 The right way to build lasting relationships in the game 14:57 Turning points: major career milestones and moving into mixing 17:47 Why I chose to transition away from recording to focus on mixing 19:35 Behind the scenes of The Plug project and executive producing 22:44 Staying ahead of evolving trends in modern music production 26:20 Adapting classic mixing styles to fit modern trends 26:55 Tailoring your mix to match an artist's specific identity 29:31 Technical insights on monitors, rooms, and acoustic translation 33:07 The golden rule of mixing: keeping it simple and trusting intuition 34:34 My honest thoughts on Dolby Atmos and spatial audio 36:45 Breaking down my favorite plugins and daily mixing workflow 40:40 Dream collaborations and looking toward future artistic goals 42:32 Balancing the creative side with business: advice for aspiring engineers 46:20 Studio stories and finding technical workarounds under pressure 49:06 Overcoming the biggest challenges in mixing and mastering 50:54 Where to find Signature Studios and our educational resources 51:12 Wrapping up the session and closing thoughts

  6. Jul 16

    From mastering to pressing, every step explained – Piper Payne | UNSUNG

    Season 2 of UNSUNG continues with acclaimed mastering engineer Piper Payne, who joins hosts Mirek Stiles and Matt Soczywko for a fascinating conversation about mastering, vinyl, and the craft of making great records.Based in Nashville, Piper has mastered albums for independent artists and major labels alike, while also founding Physical Music Products, one of the industry's most innovative vinyl pressing plants. Together they discuss mastering philosophy, the resurgence of vinyl, building a pressing plant during the pandemic, and why physical media has become a vital lifeline for independent artists.The conversation also explores analogue vs digital workflows, communication between artists and engineers, preserving specialist knowledge, and why mastering is as much about serving the music as it is technical precision.➡️ Learn more about Audiomovers – https://audiomovers.comUNSUNG is a podcast from Audiomovers exploring the untold stories and creative processes behind the music we love.#PiperPayne #MasteringEngineer #Vinyl #VinylRecords #AudioEngineering #MusicProduction #RecordingStudio #Mastering #Audiomovers #UNSUNGPodcastTimecode00:00 The art and economics of vinyl records.00:48 Building a record plant in the middle of a pandemic.03:29 Why I left Electrical Engineering for Audio Mastering.06:55 Fixing the deficit in vinyl quality control.08:59 Helping Independent Artists recoup their studio costs.13:58 Why it used to take two years to press a record.15:11 Debunking the myth of heavyweight vinyl.17:27 Why colored and clear vinyl actually sound different.20:22 The "dark arts" and magic of a well-pressed record.23:07 Active vs. passive listening: The ritual of the LP.24:41 Finding the "old guys" to save a dying craft.29:41 From jazz drumming to the mastering chair.31:00 The moment I realized mastering was my future.32:35 Learning from icons like Mandy Parnell and Darcy Proper.35:32 Why cutting a record is a handshake with the artist.39:26 Passing on 10,000 hours of knowledge to the next generation.42:07 Moving from the Bay Area to Nashville.44:03 Navigating studio ego and the game of "telephone".47:44 The pros and cons of remote vs. attended sessions.50:16 My hybrid gear chain: From Api to Rupert Neve.51:57 Why modern mixes are "kissing the top" too hard.55:08 The "poop joke" guide to cleaning up your low end.56:49 A litmus test for mix engineers.59:41 Using your ears instead of watching a waterfall.1:02:01 Why I prefer watching meters dance to looking at an RTA.1:03:53 Falling into Reaper after a Sonic Studio breakdown.1:07:50 Quickfire: Cheeseburgers and PMC Monitors1:08:43 My wife’s collection of 14 tape machines.1:09:26 Mastering on the road with Audeze Headphones.1:10:31 Being a night owl in an early-morning town.

  7. Jul 2

    Why Most Audio Engineers Fail (And It Has Nothing To Do With Talent) — F. Reid Shippen | UNSUNG

    Season 2 of UNSUNG continues with acclaimed mixer, engineer, producer, and entrepreneur F. Reid Shippen, who joins hosts Mirek Stiles and Matt Soczywko for a wide-ranging conversation about mixing, studio culture, artist development, and what really makes a career in music last. Known for his work across country, rock, pop, Americana, and film projects, Reid has spent decades behind the console working with some of the biggest artists, producers, and songwriters in the industry. In this episode, he shares the lessons he's learned from a lifetime in recording studios — from major-label sessions and Nashville's music scene to modern mixing workflows and the realities of creative collaboration. The conversation also explores demoitis, mix revisions, artist psychology, sample replacement, Atmos mixing, and the changing role of the modern engineer. Along the way, Reid shares stories from Nashville sessions, discusses the challenges facing independent artists today, and offers practical advice for anyone trying to build a sustainable career in music. From studio etiquette and creative confidence to failure, persistence, and finding your own voice, this episode is packed with insights for musicians, producers, engineers, and anyone interested in how great records actually get made. ➡️ Learn more about Audiomovers – https://audiomovers.com UNSUNG is a podcast from Audiomovers that explores the untold stories and creative processes behind the music we love. Each episode features producers, engineers, mixers, composers, and artists shaping records and soundtracks across genres and industries. #FReidshippen #MixingEngineer #Podcast #Audiomovers #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #Mixing #Nashville #RecordingStudio #Producer #Atmos #MusicIndustry Timecode 00:00 Why vibe is the most important tool in music production 01:37 Lessons from The Beatles on capturing authentic moments 04:33 Current studio projects and the evolution of the Nashville scene 08:10 Tapping into the unique musical spirit of Nashville 09:49 Navigating economic challenges when building a studio 10:35 My personal journey into the world of mixing and production 14:34 Breaking in: early career shifts and the move to engineering 17:11 Teaching the real-world skills that actually matter in the studio 20:33 The art of problem-solving and managing studio dynamics 22:00 Late-night mixing sessions and taking control of your creative agency 27:53 Surviving the long road to success in a creative industry 29:06 Inside the room: Taylor Swift's early career and production insights 30:30 Exploring the influence and art of modern music production 34:00 How to communicate with artists during the mixing process 35:42 Navigating artist references without losing the original vision 37:34 Finding the emotional connection in a raw mix 38:58 The "demo-itis" struggle: when an artist can't let go of the rough draft 44:06 Understanding why artists fall in love with their demos 45:11 A philosophy on the biggest challenges in modern mixing 49:21 Technical tips for session prep and plug-in management 51:43 The "dark art" of mixing drums and using samples 53:05 Pro techniques and tools for drum triggering 55:15 The balancing act: maintaining quality at high speed 58:38 My personal recording and mixing gear preferences 1:00:54 A deep dive into specific audio techniques and signal paths 1:02:58 Is it the future? exploring Immersive Audio and the Atmos format 1:07:04 Empowering indie musicians through the Once platform 1:10:10 A final look at essential mixing tools and creative techniques 1:13:03 Closing thoughts and acknowledgments

  8. Jun 18

    Vinyl Mastering, Atmos & Modern Music Production — Pete Lyman | UNSUNG

    In this episode of UNSUNG Season 2, hosts @mixedbyjocelin and @mattsoczywko are joined by GRAMMY-winning mastering engineer Pete Lyman for a conversation about mastering, vinyl, artist intent, and the role of the mastering engineer in bringing a record across the finish line.  Known for his work with artists including Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Amanda Shires, Halsey, and many others, Pete shares insights from a career spanning punk rock, country, pop, and independent music, explaining why understanding an artist's vision is often more important than chasing technical perfection. The conversation explores the resurgence of vinyl and what makes the format such a unique listening experience. Pete discusses album sequencing, music discovery, and why listening to a record from start to finish can reveal a deeper artistic narrative than simply skipping between tracks. Matt and Jocelin also dive into the technical side of vinyl mastering, covering topics including low-end management, phase relationships, side length limitations, loudness, and the challenges of ensuring a mix translates across every listening environment, from high-end immersive systems to everyday headphones. Alongside the technical discussion, Pete reflects on his journey from playing in punk bands to becoming one of the industry's most respected mastering engineers. The episode touches on immersive audio, modern mastering workflows, working with artists and producers, mentorship, studio culture, and the lessons he's learned from decades spent helping shape records across every genre. Whether you're an engineer, producer, musician, or passionate music fan, this episode offers a rare insight into the craft, philosophy, and responsibility of mastering music for generations of listeners. ➡️ Learn more about Audiomovers – Audiomovers.com➡️ Listen to this episode on Spotify #PeteLyman #UNSUNGPodcast #MasteringEngineer #VinylMastering #AudioEngineering #MusicProduction #MixingEngineer #MusicIndustry #AtmosMixing #Audiomovers Timecode 00:00:00 Introduction: Meeting Pete Lyman of Infrasonic Mastering 00:01:05 'Immersive' Mixing and Mastering, and different formats 00:03:32 The Early Days: From Punk Rock to Professional Mastering 00:05:46 Breaking down 'The Process'. Listening is key! 00:10:35 Punk Rock Shaped Everything I Do. 00:11:58 Why vinyl is important to Pete Lyman. Streaming vs. playing an album. 00:15:22 How Pete mixes for Vinyl 00:19:54 Dub Plates to Dance Music - cutting vinyl. 00:26:33 Making your music future proof and mixing for all formats. 00:28:38 Watching Billy Strings. Unbelievable! 00:31:13 Working with Chris Stapleton. All live! 00:35:01 Collaboration: Communicating with Mix Engineers and Artists 00:40:42 Breaking down the studio journey. Moving to Nashville. 00:45:00 What still motivates me. My obsession. 00:46:12 The technical tour and studio setup, in the studio and at home. 00:52:43 QuickFire question round. 01:05:15 Closing Thoughts & The Future of Audio Engineering. Advice for beginners.

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About

UNSUNG is a fortnightly show exploring the untold stories and creative processes behind the music we love, from a cast of globally acclaimed record producers, studio engineers, songwriters and composers. UNSUNG honours the real stories, and the truth behind the music that shapes our lives. It's a podcast by music obsessives, for music obsessives. UNSUNG is made by Audiomovers - part of the Abbey Road REDD family - and used by over 90% of recording sessions at the studio. It is the creator of a suite of groundbreaking pro audio software tools designed to help music makers collaborate.

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