Hanging Out With Chops

Choppie Chops

From studio sessions to breakfast rituals, from label life to life on the road—this is the real story behind the music. Join a Grammy-winning mix engineer as he shares raw experiences from years inside a major record label, unforgettable tour stories, daily routines, and lessons learned in and out of the studio. Whether you're an artist, audio head, or just love a good story, this podcast keeps it honest, soulful, and grounded in the creative grind.

  1. Episode 34 - Why Every Musician Should Learn to Produce Their Own Music

    6D AGO

    Episode 34 - Why Every Musician Should Learn to Produce Their Own Music

    Send us Fan Mail Most people think becoming a music producer is about gear, plugins, or making beats. That’s not what this is about. In this episode, I break down why my goal for you isn’t just to make music…  it’s to learn how to produce it — because that’s how you take control of everything. Control over:  your sound  your sessions  your time  your money  and ultimately, your future as an artist I’ve seen what happens when bands don’t have that control:  sessions turn into chaos  money gets wasted  decisions don’t get made  and eventually… the band falls apart We get into:  what a producer actually does inside a real studio  why indecision is the most expensive thing in music  the difference between prepared artists and unprepared ones  why hiring a producer is like paying for another album  and what real growth looks like from one record to the next This isn’t about becoming a producer as a job… It’s about learning how to think like the person who runs the room. Because if you don’t learn how to create direction for yourself…  you’ll always be waiting for someone else to give it to you. Support the show 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.  🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.  💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [choppiechops@yahoo.com].  📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination. Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon.  buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                 https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

    26 min

  2. APR 27

    Episode 33 - If Machines Make the Music… What Happens to Us?

    Send us Fan Mail I remember the first time I figured out MIDI… I thought I had it all solved. Not long after that, I walked into a producer’s room and saw 15–20 keyboards lined up against the wall… and nobody playing them. Every sound was being triggered. That moment stuck with me. In this episode, I’m thinking out loud about how we got from playing music… to controlling it… to building it piece by piece—and what we might’ve lost along the way. We can make everything perfect now. Timing, pitch, performance… all of it. But at what point does perfect stop meaning something? This one’s a little more reflective… but if you’ve ever felt like music today sounds incredible but something’s missing—you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Support the show 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.  🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.  💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [choppiechops@yahoo.com].  📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination. Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon.  buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                 https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

    16 min
  3. Episode 32 - Mentors - Learn From Them… or Learn the Hard Way

    APR 20

    Episode 32 - Mentors - Learn From Them… or Learn the Hard Way

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Hanging Out With Chops, we’re talking about something that shapes all of us—whether we realize it or not: mentorship. The mentors you recognize…  the ones you don’t…  the ones who help you…  and even the ones who push you the wrong way. Chops shares real stories from his life in and out of the studio—from learning hard lessons early on, to being guided by people who saw further down the road, to becoming a mentor himself without even realizing it. This episode dives into:  Why a smart person learns from their mistakes—but a wise one learns from others  The advice we hear but don’t always follow  How struggle can build confidence you can’t fake  The difference between people who want it and people who work for it Why mentorship isn’t always comfortable—but it’s always teaching you something  And how helping others actually makes you better Whether you’re just starting out or years into your journey, this episode will make you think about who’s pouring into you… …and who you’re pouring into next. 🎧 Press play, and don’t wait to learn the hard way. Support the show 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.  🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.  💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [choppiechops@yahoo.com].  📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination. Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon.  buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                 https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

    24 min
  4. Episode 31 – The Biggest Mistakes Bands Make After Finishing a Record

    APR 13

    Episode 31 – The Biggest Mistakes Bands Make After Finishing a Record

    Send us Fan Mail After you finish a record, it feels like the job is done… but that’s actually where most bands lose everything. In this episode, I break down the biggest mistakes I’ve seen bands make right after releasing a record—mistakes that quietly kill momentum, waste great music, and leave projects dead before they ever had a chance. From disappearing after release, to having no rollout plan, to playing the entire new album live before fans even know the songs… this is the stuff nobody talks about. I also get into something a lot of bands overlook—capturing the process. Recording footage, documenting sessions, and creating vlogs isn’t optional anymore. It’s one of the most powerful ways to connect with fans. Even I find myself watching band vlogs all the time—it pulls you into their world in a way the music alone can’t. And we talk about the part nobody wants to admit… sometimes the process of making that first record is too much. Lineups change, session players step in, songs get cut, and emotions run high. I’ve seen bands fall apart right as they’re getting started—right when they should be building. If you’re making music, about to release, or wondering why your last project didn’t go nowhere… this episode is for you. Support the show 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.  🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.  💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [choppiechops@yahoo.com].  📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination. Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon.  buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                 https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

    27 min
  5. Episode 30 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 5 - Everything Else) Releasing, Touring & The Business of a Record

    APR 6

    Episode 30 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 5 - Everything Else) Releasing, Touring & The Business of a Record

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 5 of the So You Wanna Make a Record? series, we step outside the studio and into the real world of what happens after the album is finished. Because making the record is only part of the journey. In this episode, we break down everything that surrounds a release—from choosing the album name and building a visual identity, to designing a tour, creating merch, and preparing backing tracks for live shows. We also talk about distribution, vinyl releases, and how music actually reaches listeners today. Beyond the creative side, we get into the realities most bands overlook: archiving your sessions, handling finances, tracking expenses, and understanding that once money is involved, the band becomes a business. We also touch on real-world experiences from the studio, including why some bands actually perform better when they’re exhausted after a show, and how overthinking can sometimes get in the way of great performances. And most importantly, we close with a mindset shift—successful artists never leave the recording cycle. They finish one record and start the next. Because in the end, you’re not just making songs… You’re building something that can last. This is the final part of the series. Support the show 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.  🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.  💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [choppiechops@yahoo.com].  📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination. Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon.  buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                 https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

    21 min
  6. Episode 29 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 4: Mixing & Mastering) The Moment a Record Becomes a Record

    MAR 30

    Episode 29 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 4: Mixing & Mastering) The Moment a Record Becomes a Record

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 4 of the So You Wanna Make a Record? series, we move into the stage where a collection of tracks finally becomes a finished record: mixing and mastering. This episode walks through the real-world process of building a mix from the ground up — starting with session organization and routing, shaping the relationship between kick and bass, and creating space for instruments across the stereo field. We talk about why the vocal is always present while mixing the rhythm section, how EQ and compression decisions happen throughout the process, and how automation and arrangement choices help a mix breathe. We also dive into the philosophy behind respecting an artist’s established sound, why a mix is never truly “finished,” and how mastering ties the entire album together into one cohesive listening experience. From subtle low-end tricks to final loudness and album balance, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how records are shaped after the red light turns off. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to make a song sound good — it’s to create a record that stands on its own and holds up for years to come. This is Part 4 of the series. In the next episode we’ll look at everything that happens around the music: artwork, visuals, legal details, and the final steps that bring a record into the world. Support the show 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.  🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.  💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [choppiechops@yahoo.com].  📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination. Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon.  buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                 https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

    34 min
  7. Episode 28 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 3 - Editing) Timing, Pitch, and the Danger of Over-Editing

    MAR 23

    Episode 28 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 3 - Editing) Timing, Pitch, and the Danger of Over-Editing

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 3 of this series on how records actually get made, we dive into one of the most misunderstood stages of the recording process: editing. Once tracking is finished, what you really have is raw material — multiple takes, alternate performances, and a lot of decisions to make. Editing is where those performances get shaped into the version of the record the listener will eventually hear. In this episode we talk about timing alignment, warping vs cutting, how drum editing really works with multi-mic recordings, and why direct mics become the targets when tightening performances. We also get into the reality of pitch correction, building vocal comps with the singer, and how budget affects how far editing can go. We discuss the dangers of over-editing, the sound engineers call the “warble,” and why sometimes the best edit is putting the original audio back so the performance can breathe. Most importantly, we talk about protecting the groove — because editing should support the music, not remove the personality of the players. Think of this episode like two musicians talking in the control room about what really happens after the red light turns off. This is Part 3 of the series. Next we move into mixing and mastering, where the final sound of the record comes together. Support the show 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.  🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.  💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [choppiechops@yahoo.com].  📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination. Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon.  buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                 https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

    31 min
  8. Episode 27 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 2: Production) Tracking the Band in the Studio

    MAR 16

    Episode 27 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 2: Production) Tracking the Band in the Studio

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of this series on how records actually get made, we move from preparation into the studio itself. This episode focuses on production, the stage where the microphones are up, the band is playing, and the red light finally turns on. We talk about how sessions actually unfold in the real world—starting with tracking the band live, capturing the groove between drums, bass, and guitar, and building the record from that core foundation. From there we dive into punch-ins, scheduling sessions, focusing on one instrument at a time, and why I like having the whole band present even when we’re retracking parts so everyone can learn how the recording process works. Along the way we cover the moment bands realize the record is really happening, the difference between recording musicians and recording songs, and the hidden job of the producer during a session—managing energy, personalities, and the atmosphere in the room so the best performances can happen. Think of this episode like two musicians talking after a show about what really happens in a recording studio. This is Part 2 of a series on making a record. In the next episode we’ll move into post-production, where editing, mixing, and mastering shape the final sound of the record. Support the show 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to this episode—raw, random, and real.  🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.  💬 Got thoughts, stories, or wild theories? Hit me up on socials or email [choppiechops@yahoo.com].  📡 Music in this episode created using Suno AI and my own twisted imagination. Appreciate you being here. More chaos and conversation soon.  buymeacoffee.com/choppiechops                 https://hanging-out-with-chops.kit.com/497c631a7e

    29 min
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About

From studio sessions to breakfast rituals, from label life to life on the road—this is the real story behind the music. Join a Grammy-winning mix engineer as he shares raw experiences from years inside a major record label, unforgettable tour stories, daily routines, and lessons learned in and out of the studio. Whether you're an artist, audio head, or just love a good story, this podcast keeps it honest, soulful, and grounded in the creative grind.

Information

  • Creator
    Choppie Chops
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hanging Out With Chops
  • Show Website
    Hanging Out With Chops