Hanging Out With Chops

Choppie Chops
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MUSIC

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

    6D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Episode 26 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 1: Pre-Production) A Real Talk Guide Before You Ever Hit Record

    MAR 9

    Episode 26 - So You Wanna Make a Record? (Part 1: Pre-Production) A Real Talk Guide Before You Ever Hit Record

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode we start a new series about how records actually get made, beginning with pre-production — everything that happens before the red light ever turns on. Think of this like two musicians talking after a show, on a plane ride or a long drive to the next gig. Just real-world conversation about what it actually takes to prepare for a recording session. We talk about preparing gear, tuning instruments, drum heads, reeds, and making sure the band is physically ready to record. Then we move into the bigger picture — song structure, rehearsals, demo recordings, scheduling, budgets, transportation, food, songwriting credits, and all the real-life logistics that come with making a record. Pre-production may not be the glamorous part of recording, but it’s often the most important. The better the preparation, the smoother the session and the stronger the final record. This is Part 1 of a series on the full life of a record. Next episode we’ll move into production, when the microphones go live and the music finally starts getting captured. 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

    35 min
  6. Episode 25 - How I Actually Use AI in the Studio (Without Losing the Human Part)

    FEB 2

    Episode 25 - How I Actually Use AI in the Studio (Without Losing the Human Part)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m talking honestly about how I’m actually using AI in a real recording studio. Not to write songs.  Not to replace musicians.  Not to chase trends. But to handle the small, time-eating tasks that slow sessions down and pull me out of the room. From turning handwritten charts into readable charts, to changing keys on the fly, organizing lyrics, documenting sessions, handling admin, and protecting creative energy — this is a real-world look at using AI as an assistant, not an artist. I also talk about what I don’t use AI for, including music-generation tools. They’re impressive, but they’re not my lane. This episode isn’t about the future of music — it’s about staying human, present, and focused while working day to day with artists, bands, and decades of recorded music. If you’re a producer, engineer, musician, or creator who’s curious about AI but doesn’t want to lose the soul of the work, this one’s 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

    30 min
  7. Episode 24 - The Untold Story of Music Therapy and War

    12/05/2025

    Episode 24 - The Untold Story of Music Therapy and War

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we step back into the early days of modern music therapy — where the healing power of sound was rediscovered not in a laboratory, but on the battlefields of World War II.  Through real stories of wounded veterans, the science behind trauma response, and the pioneering work of musicians who stepped into military hospitals, we uncover how music became a lifeline for thousands of soldiers fighting battles long after the war had ended. This episode blends history with humanity: the courage of veterans, the breakthroughs of early clinicians, and the deeply personal stories of those who found their way back through melody — including a tribute to my own WWII grandfather, a former POW who used music to survive one of the darkest experiences a human can endure. This is a story about resilience, recovery, and the unexpected places where healing begins. 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

    22 min
  8. Episode 23 - A Wild Ride Through the Entire Frequency Spectrum - Earthquakes to Guitars and Beyond

    12/03/2025

    Episode 23 - A Wild Ride Through the Entire Frequency Spectrum - Earthquakes to Guitars and Beyond

    Send us Fan Mail Buckle up — this is the funniest science lesson you’ll hear all year.  In this episode, we explore every major region of the frequency spectrum, from the bone-shaking rumbles below human hearing all the way to the WiFi signals fighting your microwave. You’ll hear stories, jokes, weird history, surprising science, and original insights that turn the invisible world of vibration into a full-blown adventure. We go deep on every zone:  • 0–20 Hz: earthquakes, elephants, body-rattling vibrations • 20–80 Hz: the thump of music, 808s, thunder, jet rumble • 80–300 Hz: musical fundamentals, voices, lions, heartbeats • 300–3,000 Hz: human speech, alarms, trumpets, the “annoying frequency” zone • 3,000–8,000 Hz: screams, feedback, danger signals • 8,000–20,000 Hz: sparkle, harmonics, dog whistles • Ultrasound & beyond: bats, dolphins, medical imaging, radar • Radio & microwave range: WiFi, Bluetooth, satellites, communications • Cosmic frequencies: stars, quasars, the echo of the Big Bang Think science + comedy + music + storytelling — all rolled into one.  This is the episode nobody knew they needed, but everyone will talk 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

    23 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
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hanging Out With Chops
  • Show Website
    Hanging Out With Chops