The Pinnacle

Pinnacle
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  • Music Interviews
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Exploring the world of music, art and business together 🎻 Hosted by Pinnacle 🕺🏽

  1. Jul 27

    #32: Fivio Foreign & Swae Lee Producer on How Placements Really Happen | Teo Domani

    Teo Domani is the Toronto producer and sample maker behind "Could It Be" by Fivio Foreign and Swae Lee. On episode 32 of The Pinnacle he breaks down how that placement actually happened. He sent a sample out, it moved through a chain of producers he had never met, and eight months later it was a major record. We get into snippet purgatory and the records that never come out, the 20 minute timer method behind his output, why he thinks consistency beats talent, where producers should actually be sending their loops, the paid collab debate, what it took to score short films including one that screened at TIFF Lightbox, and why he believes an unknown artist is just as likely to change your career as a placement with a name. Teo Domani: https://www.instagram.com/teodomani/ The Pinnacle: https://www.instagram.com/pinnacleatthetop/ Beats, samples, limited-run producer tools: https://zenith.gallery/ THE BLUEPRINT: 00:00 - The Text: "Swae Lee Just Cut This One" 00:31 - Meet Teo Domani: Producer, Sample Maker, Film Scorer 05:11 - Googling "What Software Does Joji Use" and Downloading Ableton 09:21 - Why 20 Is Not Too Old to Start Making Beats 10:29 - The Chain Begins: Sending Loops to Kierney 12:00 - A Random Tuesday in June: The Screen Recording 14:03 - The One Year Rule 14:41 - Snippet Purgatory: Records That Never Come Out 19:56 - Telegram Over Discord: Where Producers Actually Trade 20:25 - When Someone Posts an Email, Send It 23:13 - What Working Hard Actually Means 23:36 - "Talent Almost Is Irrelevant. Consistency Beats Everything." 24:13 - The 20 Minute Timer Method 27:21 - Nobody Wants to Be a Content Creator 28:34 - To Be Seen Is to Be Heard 29:14 - How Opportunities Actually Compound 30:29 - Reaching Out When You Think You Have No Reason To 32:06 - The Paid Collab Debate 34:16 - In the Session: Be Malleable, Be Coachable 35:22 - The Producers He Works With Most 39:01 - Scoring a Film That Screened at TIFF Lightbox 40:36 - The Dream Placement 45:13 - There Is Not One Linear Way to Do This 47:08 - The Hundred Record Goal 47:47 - An Unknown Artist Could Change Everything 50:53 - Advice Tweets Are Self Reminders 51:20 - Where to Find Teo

  2. Jul 10

    #31: Zero Theory, One Grammy & the Bad Bunny DM That Changed Everything | FORTHENIGHT (SZA, Don Toliver, Latto)

    He knows zero music theory. He deleted Instagram at his lowest and the first DM waiting for him became a Grammy. FORTHENIGHT has produced for Bad Bunny, SZA, Summer Walker, Don Toliver, Lil Uzi Vert, Mariah the Scientist, Latto & more. In episode 31 of The Pinnacle, he breaks down how those massive placements actually happened, the studio habits that get producers invited back, why he refuses to make beats specifically for placements, and the story behind the credit he almost didn't see. THE BLUEPRINT 00:00 - The Hook: Terrible Moments Before Massive Wins 00:11 - From Toronto DJ to Global Placements 00:30 - Bypassing the Noise: Turning to Samples in 2018 01:09 - Branding With the Moon: Scoring Scary Movie Soundtracks 02:20 - Pure Networking: Relationships Over Opportunity 03:45 - The 50-Beat-a-Day Trap vs. Intentional Value Packs 05:13 - Meeting Yoko Gold & The 20-Minute Blind Test 06:00 - Executive Producing From Niagara Falls 08:51 - Bypassing the Game: The Lotto & Mariah The Scientist Track 09:39 - Going to LA: Linking Up with Calvin Valentine 10:39 - The Last-Minute Reality of Major Record Placements 11:20 - Inside the Executive Bag vs. Rapper Beat Cycling 12:13 - 0 Music Theory: Training the Ear to Recognize Pattern Scales 13:40 - Managing ADHD, Lawyers, and the Business Routine 15:46 - The #1 Rule: Don't Make Music For Placements 17:36 - Sync Placements: Direct Bags & Bypassing Paperwork Stress 18:24 - Studio Etiquette: Read the Mood, Stop Just Pressing Play 20:10 - Handling Failed Sessions & Overcoming Writer's Block 21:25 - The Incompatibility Reality: There Are Trillions of Artists 22:20 - Releasing Plugins and Mentoring the Producer Community 23:00 - The Full Grammy Story: Bad Bunny & The Instagram DM 24:54 - Bouncing Back From the Latin Grammy Loss 25:50 - The Diamond Mining Meme: Mindset in the Rough Patches 27:02 - The Harsh Truth About "Waiting For Inspiration" 28:35 - Paying It Forward: Balancing Faith & Ethics in the Industry 31:21 - Sound Evolution: Transitioning From Pure Dark Textures 32:01 - Why Catchy Melodies Will Forever Defeat AI 33:33 - The Boy Wonder Secret: Making Complex Sound Simple 34:10 - Why Content Creation Burns Out Full-Time Beatmakers 35:39 - Philip Glass & Candyman: Finding Composition Angles 36:11 - Essential Gear of 2026: Why You Must Cop a Furman Power Block 38:22 - Digging the 60s & 70s Archives for Pure Creativity 38:52 - Outro: The Next Big Thing from Toronto FORTHENIGHT Instagram: https://instagram.com/forthenightmusic THE PINNACLE Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepinnacleshow PINNACLE (Host) Instagram: https://instagram.com/pinnacleatthetop

  3. Jun 11

    #30: 200M Streams, Bad Deals, & Who Really Controls Music | Nick Nash

    Nick Nash (producer for Connor Price, Sleepy Hallow, Kid G) on surviving a bad publishing deal, his 200M-stream record, leaving LA for Nashville, and why 1M TikTok views converted to less than 1,000 streams. In our fourth episode with Nick, we get into who actually controls what blows up in music right now. The Pinnacle is back with new episodes every week. Catch it live: https://www.youtube.com/@thepinnacleshow Nick Nash: https://www.instagram.com/nicknashmusicPinnacle: https://www.instagram.com/pinnacleatthetop/Beats & samples, curated, limited-run producer tools: https://zenith.gallery/ 🎁 Stick around to the end of the episode there's something for you. (Code: NICKNASH75)

  4. 08/13/2023

    #29: Quavo and Future Producer Reveals His SECRET VSTs | Macshooter49

    Quavo and Future producer Macshooter49 joins The Pinnacle to reveal the VSTs, effects and Kontakt libraries he actually uses to design drums and make beats. Macshooter49 breaks down his secret Chop Suey drum-design technique, his favourite plugins from Arturia, Soundtoys, UAD, Teletone Audio, Slate + Ash and Spitfire Audio, and why the real “sauce” comes from processing and combining sounds, not simply owning rare plugins. He also discusses learning from producers like Nick Mira and BNYX, building a drum-kit business, staying consistent without burning out and dedicating most of his life to music while still in his teens. Macshooter: https://www.instagram.com/macshooter49 Pinnacle: https://www.instagram.com/pinnacleatthetop/ THE PINNACLE Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iuuuie1skJOOAtLxg3Ie5?si=27de84daf09d4e37 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GIP58l BLUEPRINT 00:00 – Macshooter49 Introduction 02:42 – Starting With Ableton and Switching to FL Studio 06:30 – Learning From BNYX Streams Instead of Tutorials 08:00 – Why Producers Should Learn Multiple DAWs 10:10 – Copying Your Influences to Improve 14:20 – Planning Drum-Kit Releases and Rollouts 17:00 – Building Products for Long-Term Success 20:00 – Improving One Thing With Every Upload 23:10 – His Secret VST for Designing Drum Sounds 25:30 – Learning From Other Producers and Sound Designers 28:00 – Inspiration, Copying and Giving Credit 32:00 – Discipline, Consistency and Avoiding Wasted Time 33:00 – Outgrowing People Who Don’t Share Your Vision 37:00 – Basketball and the NBA 39:45 – Muay Thai and Boxing 40:40 – Diet and Self-Improvement 45:00 – Habit Stacking 47:00 – Reading and Creativity 50:00 – His Favourite Processing Plugins 52:30 – Switching to a 96GB MacBook 58:00 – Kontakt Libraries and More Favourite VSTs 1:03:00 – Prophet and Affordable Hardware Synthesizers 1:07:30 – Macshooter49’s Message to Producers

  5. 06/21/2023

    #28: The Future of A.I. and Music | Dave Edwards

    In today's episode, Dave and Pinnacle discuss the future of A.I. and it's role and effect on the music industry. They also discuss Dave's role as Head of Revenue at Audiomack, and his experiences and lessons derived from there as it pertains to A.I. and the future of music. Producers serious about their craft, if you're looking for FIRE, LIMITED copy samples, look no further: https://zenith.gallery/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/daveedwards/ Pinnacle: https://www.instagram.com/pinnacleatthetop/ Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iuuuie1skJOOAtLxg3Ie5?si=27de84daf09d4e37 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GIP58l Timestamps: 00:00 - Dave Edwards Introduction 01:30 - Audiomack and How it Helps Artists 08:30 - A.I. and the AMOUNT of Music Being Released 10:34 - A.I. is Already Here 14:00 - Artist Intellectual Property 17:00 - What Being The Head of Revenue at Audiomack Looks Like 19:00 - Starting and Making an App 23:00 - The Speed of Innovation in the A.I. Space 29:30 - A.I. Fear and Uses Depending on the Industry 36:00 - A.I. Regulations 36:30 - Helping Software Engineers 38:00 - Having the Best Session Guitarist in The World in Your Studio 40:15 - Record Labels Dealing With Piracy in the early 2000's

  6. 05/15/2023

    #27: Producing for Kanye and Dua Lipa | Rayan

    Producers serious about their craft, if you're looking for FIRE, LIMITED copy samples, look no further: https://zenith.gallery/ In today's episode, Rayan and Pinnacle discuss his creative process and how he draws inspiration from his experiences and emotions. Rayan also talks about his use of layers and how he likes to add subtle details to his beats to make them more interesting. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks when working on a beat and coming back with fresh ears. Rayan also talks about the importance of staying true to oneself and not chasing trends in the industry. He advises upcoming producers to stay consistent and keep putting out quality work. Guest: https://www.instagram.com/rayanxnami Pinnacle: https://www.instagram.com/pinnacleatthetop/ Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iuuuie1skJOOAtLxg3Ie5?si=27de84daf09d4e37 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GIP58l Timestamps: 00:00 - Rayan Intro 01:15 - Moving to the US and making moves 01:40 - Getting Credits in Norway by Networking 03:00 - Building Networking Skills and Being Less Introverted 04:00 - Starting Making Beats and Being Hooked Since 06:00 - Getting 10,000 Views on FIRST YouTube Type Beat 09:00 - Being Naturally Good and Experimenting 11:52 - Quality over Quantity, Taking His Time on Samples 14:50 - Producing for Will Power / Most Exciting Placement 17:15 - Sending Out Smaller Packs Now 18:40 - Sending The Same Pack to Everyone 22:30 - Having a Song With Kanye 25:31 - Keeping a Minimalistic Studio Set-Up 27:30 - Learn to Manipulate Sounds to Get the Sound You Want 30:40 - Being Genuine is THE MOST Important Quality 32:22 - Showing His Face More, Branding Better 34:00 - Signing Management and Finding The Right People 37:30 - Almost Signing to TM88 Crash Dummy Records 40:40 - Balancing School with Music 42:25 - Keeping Healthy as a Producer 43:27 - Rayan's Advice to Creatives and Music Producers

  7. 05/02/2023

    #26: Multi-Platinum Billboard #1 Producer from Canada | Txpski

    In today's episode, Multi-Platinum Producer Txpski and Pinnacle discuss his work with Chris Brown, Ye Ali and MIKExANGEL. They talk about shifting roles in the industry and building a good network and support system. Txpski discusses his future trajectory and what he has in store for 2023. Producers serious about their craft, if you're looking for FIRE, LIMITED copy samples, look no further: https://zenith.gallery/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/txpski Pinnacle: https://www.instagram.com/pinnacleatthetop/ Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iuuuie1skJOOAtLxg3Ie5?si=27de84daf09d4e37 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GIP58l Timestamps: 00:00 - Txpski Intro 03:15 - Changing Between Producing and Songwriting 05:10 - First Major Placements with Chris Brown on Heartbreak on a Full Moon 08:00 - Using Opportunities to Leverage Other Opportunities 13:00 - Goals of Being Billboard #1 and Changing Goals 16:00 - Biggest Challenges Coming Up / Access to Studios 17:15 - Not Using VSTs for 3 Years / Using Soundfonts 20:00 - How Txpski Learns New Skills 22:30 - Txpski's Day 24:00 - The Process of Sending Out Demos for Artists 28:00 - Music Not Sticking Around Long Anymore / Favourite Projects 30:00 - Protecting Your Ears / Having a Good Support System 35:00 - Modelling Your Beat after a Billboard Hit 37:00 - Being Financially Aware When Going to L.A. etc 40:00 - A.I in Music 41:00 - Releasing His Own Music 42:00 - First Sync Placement

  8. 04/28/2023

    #25: Producing Bank Account for Baby Keem and Lil Uzi | Soldado

    In today's episode, Soldado and Pinnacle discuss his music production and his collaborations with artists such as Baby Keem, Lil Uzi, ASAP Ferg, and Migos, noting his preference for using one shots and emphasizing the importance of unique sound design and FX. Pinnacle and him provide advice for new producers, including the value of consistency and the importance of having fun and being creative. Additionally, they stress the importance of networking and building relationships with collaborators and professionals in the music industry. Producers serious about their craft, if you're looking for FIRE, LIMITED copy samples, look no further: https://zenith.gallery/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/soldadoaudio Pinnacle: https://www.instagram.com/pinnacleatthetop/ Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Iuuuie1skJOOAtLxg3Ie5?si=27de84daf09d4e37 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3GIP58l Timestamps: 00:00 - Soldado Intro 02:00 - Sharing Personal Life Online 05:10 - Sending Out Smaller Packs Because They're Received Better 07:30 - Arranging Samples for Listening or Creativity 08:45 - Making Beats for The First Time 09:45 - Trying and Failing Multiple Times 12:00 - From a Creative Outlet to a Career Pursuit / First Placement with ILoveMakonnen 14:30 - Ryan Bevolo, Making Beats on the Bus 16:00 - Future Astronaut Status / Jordan Diddy 18:00 - Sound Selection 19:35 - One Shots Over VSTs 22:00 - Best Plugins 24:00 - Using Hidden Gems instead of Popular VSTs and Banks 27:00 - Producing Back Hurt for A$AP Ferg and Migos 28:00 - Larry June 31:00 - Regular Work Day / Schedule / Daily Goals 33:00 - Using Starters (Cubeatz) 35:00 - Reverse Engineer Songs 36:00 - NOW is the Best Time to Get Started 37:00 - Using Inspiration Liberally 40:00 - Show Your Personality / Be a Human 41:00 - Burning Bridges After One Placement 43:30 - Balancing University and Music (Really Good Advice Here) 47:00 - A.I. and How to Approach the Industry with This New Technology 50:44 - Linking With Jackson Romain 53:00 - Sending Things Back on Time 54:00 - Kearney and Main.Key 57:30 - Manager and A&R Role

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5
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About

Exploring the world of music, art and business together 🎻 Hosted by Pinnacle 🕺🏽

Information

  • Creator
    Pinnacle
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Pinnacle
  • Show Website
    The Pinnacle