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 24 - The Untold Story of Music Therapy and War

    DEC 5

    Episode 24 - The Untold Story of Music Therapy and War

    Send us a text 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
  2. Episode 23 - A Wild Ride Through the Entire Frequency Spectrum - Earthquakes to Guitars and Beyond

    DEC 3

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

    Send us a text 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
  3. Episode 22 - “500 Years of Music: The Longest-Running Bands on Earth”

    NOV 18

    Episode 22 - “500 Years of Music: The Longest-Running Bands on Earth”

    Send us a text In this episode, choppie chops takes listeners on a wild, funny, and mind-blowing journey through the longest-running musical groups in history — from rock bands that survived five decades of drama to legendary choirs and orchestras that have been performing for hundreds of years. Yes… hundreds. Starting with 50-year rock veterans like AC/DC and Aerosmith, the episode climbs decade by decade into the centennial giants: Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the New York Philharmonic, the Black Dyke Band, and more. Then the timeline explodes into the unbelievable — ensembles that have been active for 300, 400, and even over 500 years. The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. The Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir. The Vienna Boys’ Choir. Groups so old they make the Rolling Stones look like a garage band that just started rehearsing. Along the way, choppie chops brings humor, history, and heart, breaking down how these musical institutions survived wars, revolutions, technology shifts, and entire eras of humanity. It’s a reminder that music isn’t just something we make — it’s something we inherit, protect, and pass on. If you’ve ever been in a band, worked in a studio, played an instrument, or just love the stories behind the sound, this episode will inspire you, make you laugh, and maybe make you rethink how long a legacy can truly last. 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

    19 min
  4. Episode 21 - When the Beat Hits the Keyboard: The World of Live-Coded Music

    NOV 14

    Episode 21 - When the Beat Hits the Keyboard: The World of Live-Coded Music

    Send us a text In this episode, I dive headfirst into the fascinating world of live-coded music — a growing creative movement where musicians don’t just play instruments, they write the music as lines of code in real time. Instead of a DJ booth full of gear, you’ll see a laptop, a projection screen full of scrolling commands, and an artist literally typing the beat into existence. We’ll explore how this strange-but-brilliant art form works, why performers choose to create music this way, and what makes audiences connect so deeply with watching creativity happen at the speed of thought. From improvising drum patterns with algorithms to sculpting synth lines through cryptic-looking commands, live coding turns programming into something raw, expressive, and surprisingly human. Join me as we look at the tools these artists use, the wild energy of algoraves, and what this could mean for the future of performance. Whether you’re a musician, a tech nerd, or just curious about where sound is headed, this episode opens the door to one of the most innovative and mind-bending corners of modern music. 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

    20 min
  5. Episode 20 - 20 Mistakes Every New Engineer Makes (And How to Dodge Them)

    NOV 3

    Episode 20 - 20 Mistakes Every New Engineer Makes (And How to Dodge Them)

    Send us a text In this episode, we’re tackling the 20 biggest mistakes new engineers make — from setting levels too hot to “fixing it in the mix.” Whether you’re recording your first band, producing from home, or working in a full studio, these are the habits that can make or break your sound. I’ve seen it all — from forgotten tuners to over-compressed vocals, bad mic choices, and mystery hums that could haunt a session. This one’s packed with real advice from years behind the console. Hit play, take notes, and remember — it’s not about being perfect, it’s about knowing better every time you hit 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

    36 min
  6. Episode 19 - The Silence After the Applause

    OCT 30

    Episode 19 - The Silence After the Applause

    Send us a text After winning one of the biggest awards in music, I expected to feel complete. Instead, I found myself in a strange, quiet kind of depression — the kind that sneaks in after you’ve achieved everything you thought would make you happy. In this episode, I open up about what happens when the applause fades and the success doesn’t fill the emptiness you thought it would. It’s a conversation about identity, purpose, and learning that this job — this art — is a reflection of what we do, not who we are. If you’ve ever hit a goal and still felt lost afterward, 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

    20 min
  7. Episode 18 - 440 vs 432: The Pitch That Divided the Music World

    OCT 23

    Episode 18 - 440 vs 432: The Pitch That Divided the Music World

    Send us a text In this episode, we dive headfirst into one of the most talked-about topics in music — the 440 vs 432 Hz tuning debate. Is there really something magical about 432? Does it actually sound warmer, more natural, more “in tune” with the universe? Or is it just another internet myth that refuses to die? Join me as we explore the history of tuning standards — from ancient instruments and orchestras all the way to modern recording studios. We’ll look at why 440 Hz became the global pitch reference, what role physics and perception play in all of this, and how different tunings can actually affect a mix, an instrument, or even the way you feel music. Whether you’re a producer, a musician, or just a curious ear — this one’s going to tune your brain in all the right ways. 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 17 - Know Your Room – The Secret Ingredient to Great Sound

    OCT 17

    Episode 17 - Know Your Room – The Secret Ingredient to Great Sound

    Send us a text Every space tells a story — even before the music starts. In this episode, I talk about one of the most overlooked skills in audio: knowing your room. From the precision of a tuned control room to the unpredictability of live halls and auditoriums, the way a room shapes sound can make or break your mix. I share real-world examples from sessions with choirs, orchestras, and rock bands — including a powerful story about a conductor who completely changed his approach after learning how the hall reacted to his every move. We’ll explore why understanding reflections, resonance, and space is just as important as knowing your plugins or your mic locker. Whether you’re behind the console, on stage, or just curious about the magic of sound, this one will make you listen to your world a little differently. 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
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Hanging Out With Chops
  • Show Website
    Hanging Out With Chops