The Self-Recording Band

Benedikt Hain / Manel Espinosa Berenguer
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Weekly no-bs episodes for self-recording musicians. Brought to you by full-time engineers and producers, working on hundreds of songs every year. No hype, no fluff. Not trying to make brands happy, not being paid for an opinion. Simply sharing what has worked for us and the artists we've worked with. Listen now and approach your next DIY recording project like you're a seasoned pro!

  1. 3d ago

    314: Can Recording Studios Be Sustainable? Why Michael Buschka Is Building His Studio Differently.

    Can recording studios be sustainable? That’s the question we explore in this episode with Michael Buschka, a recording and mixing engineer from Germany who has built his studio around sustainability, conscious decision-making, and genuinely caring for the artists he works with. Michael shares how he applies sustainable principles to every part of his business. From renewable energy and second-hand gear to ethical merch, banking, and the online services he uses. But the conversation quickly expands beyond sustainability. We also talk about: Creating a recording environment where artists feel safe to be vulnerableWhy rushing records almost always leads to disappointmentHow to build a mixing workflow that keeps the creative process funWhy finishing songs is one of the most important skills any producer can develop.Why artists perform better when they feel comfortableWhy great templates improve creativityThe value of mentorship and feedbackBuilding a studio business around your valuesWhether you’re a self-recording artist or an aspiring producer, this episode is full of practical ideas for making better records—and building a creative career you’ll actually enjoy.  -- If this episode helps you, we’d really appreciate it if you left a rating/review or shared it with another self-recording artist. It helps us reach more musicians, invite exciting guests and keep the podcast going. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/314 Michael Buschka: michaelbuschka.com instagram.com/michaelbuschka -- 🚀 Want our personal help applying this to your next project? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to build your confidence and turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    314: Can Recording Studios Be Sustainable? Why Michael Buschka Is Building His Studio Differently.

  2. Jul 16

    313: How Legendary Rock Records Are Made - Kyle Hoffmann (NRG Recording Studios)

    What separates good audio engineers and producers from great ones? In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Hoffmann, Chief Engineer at the legendary NRG Recording Studios in Los Angeles, to talk about the iconic NRG sound and the skills that matter most. Both in the studio and throughout your career. Kyle shares his journey from intern to Chief Engineer, what he learned at Berklee College of Music, and why mentorship, attitude and relationships have shaped his career far more than gear ever could. We also talk about: Why attitude matters more than technical skillThe difference between producing and engineeringBuilding trust with artists in the studioLearning from mentors instead of relying on tutorialsWhat aspiring engineers get wrong about professional studiosWhether audio school is worth itWhy legendary studios like NRG still matterHow to build a long-term career in audioThis conversation is packed with practical lessons that go far beyond equipment and recording techniques. -- If this episode helps you, we’d really appreciate it if you left a rating/review or shared it with another self-recording artist. It helps us reach more musicians, invite exciting guests and keep the podcast going. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/313 NRG / Kyle: nrgrecording.com instagram.com/nrgrecording instagram.com/khoffmannmusic -- 🚀 Want our personal help applying this to your next project? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to build your confidence and turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    313: How Legendary Rock Records Are Made - Kyle Hoffmann (NRG Recording Studios)

  3. Jul 8

    312: "Can We Really Produce Our Own Album Start To Finish?" (Steady Drops Case Study)

    Can you really make a professional-sounding album yourself? Martin Kreuzer from Steady Drops had doubts. He questioned whether he could pull it off. And so did his band mates.  Until they did it. Now he joins us to share how his band recorded, produced and mixed their latest album entirely in-house. And what it actually took to make that happen. We talk about preparation, creating a sonic vision, recording real drums, learning to mix, building confidence as a producer and knowing when to ask for help. We also discuss: Why demos & pre-production are so importantPreparing before you hit RecordRecording authentic performancesMixing your own musicLearning much faster with coaching and feedbackWhy great songs always come firstIf you’re working on your own record, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately. -- If this episode helps you, we’d really appreciate it if you left a rating/review or shared it with another self-recording artist. It helps us reach more musicians, invite exciting guests and keep the podcast going. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/312 -- 🚀 Want our personal help applying this to your next project? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to build your confidence and turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    312: "Can We Really Produce Our Own Album Start To Finish?" (Steady Drops Case Study)

  4. Jul 1

    311: Making Decisions & Serving The Song | How ninnyliver Created Their Debut Album

    What does it actually take to finish a self-produced album you’re genuinely proud of? In this episode, we sit down with Dan and Neil from ninnyliver to talk about the mindset, creative decisions and production process that helped them finally finish and release their debut album after years of writing, learning and refining their craft. We explore what it means to trust your instincts, make decisions that serve the song, avoid perfectionism, and stay true to your artistic vision. Even when you’re not entirely sure you’re getting it right. We also talk about: Why chasing perfection can make your music worseHow to know when a song is finishedMaking production decisions with confidenceRecording authentic performances instead of perfect onesBuilding a unique sound instead of copying other artistsHow better demos transformed their songwriting processWhy finishing music is a skill you can learn-- If this episode helps you, we’d really appreciate it if you left a rating or shared it with another self-recording artist. It helps us reach more musicians, invite exciting guests and keep the podcast going. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/311 -- 🚀 Want Our Personal Help Applying This To Your Own Songs? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    311: Making Decisions & Serving The Song | How ninnyliver Created Their Debut Album

  5. Apr 9

    310: This Podcast Is About To Change - The Beginning Of A New Chapter For TSRB

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: The Self-Recording Band Podcast Is Changing.  We're taking a break and then we'll come back with a rebrand and a new show format.  This episode gives you the why, the what and the how. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/310 Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    310: This Podcast Is About To Change - The Beginning Of A New Chapter For TSRB

  6. Apr 1

    309: From 30 Demo Songs to A Finished Record That Matters - Swallow's Rose

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: This is one of the most honest and valuable conversations we’ve had on the podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Dominik from Swallow's Rose to break down the making of their latest record “The Beginning”.  From the first rough demos all the way to release, promotion, and everything in between. This wasn’t a typical DIY production. But also not fully done at a studio. It was a hybrid approach: Self-recorded guitars and bassStudio-recorded drums and vocalsProduced by the bandProfessionally mixed and mastered into a cohesive recordBut the story goes much deeper than that. We talk about: Why the first batch of songs got rejected (and why that was the turning point)Writing 30 songs to get to 11 great onesHow experimenting (and failing) led to a better soundThe moment the passion for music came backRecording vocals with intention instead of guessworkWhy a second opinion during recording is criticalThe real amount of work that happens AFTER the record is finishedHow they pushed this release to 100k+ streams in 2 weeksWhat working with a label actually looks like in 2026 And we also go into something much more meaningful and personal than just the production and promotion of it: This record is about overcoming real-life challenges. And how turning that into honest music can connect with people in a way nothing else can. If you’re a self-recording artist trying to turn your demos into finished releases, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply immediately. 🚀 Want Our Personal Help Applying This To Your Own Songs? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/309 Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    309: From 30 Demo Songs to A Finished Record That Matters - Swallow's Rose

  7. Mar 18

    308: Two Backing Vocal Approaches Every Self-Recording Artist Needs To Know

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: Most self-recording artists overcomplicate backing vocals, or ignore them completely, because they're having a hard time coming up with something interesting that really helps the song. Both are mistakes. Backing vocals and harmony layers can be the difference between a boring, amateur sounding chorus and one that hits.  They make great lead vocals even stronger and give a chorus the lift that it needs. In this episode, we break down two simple, powerful approaches to backing vocals that can completely transform your songs. And we're using real session examples you can actually hear and apply. If you’ve ever felt like your chorus is missing something, this is probably it. 🚀 Want Our Personal Help Applying This To Your Own Songs? If you want feedback on your vocals, your arrangements, or your mixes… …and a clear plan to turn your demos into finished releases: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/308 Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    308: Two Backing Vocal Approaches Every Self-Recording Artist Needs To Know

  8. Mar 11

    307: 6 Home Studio Mistakes We Made Early On (And What We’d Do Differently Today)

    Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- Episode show notes: Setting up your first home studio is exciting. It’s also very easy to waste time, money, and energy on the wrong things. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel look back at their early recording days and share six lessons they wish someone had told them when they started. Some of these mistakes cost money. Others cost years of slow progress. If you’re building your first recording setup or upgrading your current one, this episode will help you focus on the things that actually matter. The goal is simple: to help you skip the beginner mistakes and make faster progress with your music and recordings. What You’ll Learn In This Episode Why buying cheap gear is not always a god idea and can cause unnecessary headachesThe real reason beginners waste money on too much gearWhat matters more than most studio equipmentThe monitoring mistake that makes mixing almost impossibleThe hidden skill gap most self-recording musicians don’t realize they have If you’re a self-recording musician and want expert feedback on your recordings, full guidance while improving your setup, and the fastest way to getting your songs to sound truly professional - apply for coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate. We’ll analyze your setup, your songs, and your workflow and help you build and implement a clear plan to improve your recordings. Apply here: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/307 Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

    307: 6 Home Studio Mistakes We Made Early On (And What We’d Do Differently Today)
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About

Weekly no-bs episodes for self-recording musicians. Brought to you by full-time engineers and producers, working on hundreds of songs every year. No hype, no fluff. Not trying to make brands happy, not being paid for an opinion. Simply sharing what has worked for us and the artists we've worked with. Listen now and approach your next DIY recording project like you're a seasoned pro!

Information

  • Creator
    Benedikt Hain / Manel Espinosa Berenguer
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    315
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Self-Recording Band
  • Show Website
    The Self-Recording Band

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