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

    6D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Episode 22 - “500 Years of Music: The Longest-Running Bands on Earth”

    11/18/2025

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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
  7. Episode 21 - When the Beat Hits the Keyboard: The World of Live-Coded Music

    11/14/2025

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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
  8. Episode 20 - 20 Mistakes Every New Engineer Makes (And How to Dodge Them)

    11/03/2025

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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
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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
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hanging Out With Chops
  • Show Website
    Hanging Out With Chops