Recording Studio Rockstars

Lij Shaw
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  • MUSIC
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Recording Studio Rockstars

Lij Shaw Interviews music producers, engineers, studio owners, and other professionals to bring you inspiring stories, tricks, and insights from the recording studio. So that you can take your recordings to the next level and become a rockstar of the recording studio yourself! - Guests: Vance Powell, Michael Beinhorn, Russell Wolff, Graham Cochrane, Joe Gilder, Björgvin Benediktsson, and many more...

  1. RSR511 - Chris Shaw - From Analog to Pro Tools: Public Enemy, Weezer, and Dylan!

    1D AGO

    RSR511 - Chris Shaw - From Analog to Pro Tools: Public Enemy, Weezer, and Dylan!

    Rockstars, in this episode, I’m hanging with four-time Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Chris Shaw for a deep dive into the craft of recording and mixing. We talk about his journey in the industry, his unique mixing setup, and the balance between analog and digital workflows. Chris shares insights on managing plugins, keeping a solid recording system, and the nuances of working with tape—covering everything from compression and dynamic range to how MIDI triggers fit into a mix. We also dig into the challenges of mixing live recordings, working on Bob Dylan’s archival material, and the evolution of recording technology. Chris breaks down workflow efficiency, the importance of pre-production, and how tools like iZotope RX help clean up tracks. Plus, we touch on the role of machine learning in music production and the art of capturing a performance’s true feel in the final mix. Chris shares stories from working with legends like Ice Cube and Public Enemy, techniques for dialing in signature guitar tones, and how looping has changed over the years. Whether you’re in a pro studio or working from home, this episode is packed with tips and insights to level up your mixes! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Chris Shaw, a four-time Grammy-winning producer, engineer, mixer, and musician. Starting at Greene Street Recording, he quickly rose from an NYU intern to staff engineer, working with hip-hop legends like Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J. In 1991, he played bass with LL Cool J on MTV Unplugged. Going independent, he’s since worked with artists like Weezer, Wilco, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley, Sheryl Crow, Death Cab for Cutie, and more. His work appears on six of Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Originally from New York, Chris relocated to Austin in 2014. Chris Shaw has been a guest on the podcast in RSR246 episode. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ngTJOUT3IqRLJVm3FWKKQ?si=f6cb25639e3b4199 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/511

    2h 8m
  2. RSR510 - Bob Bullock - Collaboration: The Key to Successful Music Projects

    JUN 13

    RSR510 - Bob Bullock - Collaboration: The Key to Successful Music Projects

    Bob Bullock’s mixed more hits than a jukebox, with 40+ years in the biz and 50+ gold & platinum credits. He’s redesigned his studio three times with Carl Tatz, teaches at Belmont & SAE, and knows the magic of great acoustics, collaboration, and staying ahead of the mix! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Bob Bullock, an acclaimed engineer and producer who began his career in Los Angeles training under legends like Humberto Gatica, Reggie Dozier, and Roger Nichols. He quickly worked with top acts such as The Tubes, Art Garfunkel, REO Speedwagon, and Chick Corea before moving to Nashville, where he earned over 50 gold and platinum credits with artists like Shania Twain, George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Hank Williams Jr. With a 40-year career spanning engineering, producing, and artist development, Bob has worked with legends like Kenny Chesney, Loretta Lynn, and Keith Urban while also focusing on independent artists worldwide. He now shares his expertise through teaching at Belmont University, SAE, and other institutions. Bob has been a guest on the podcast on episodes RSR055 and RSR369. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/62mgdopY5MN7Gvta4TAeUK?si=ed9ccbe6500d4529 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/510

    2h 3m
  3. RSR509 - Justin Gray - Composing and Mixing for Immersive Atmos, and Sony 360

    JUN 6

    RSR509 - Justin Gray - Composing and Mixing for Immersive Atmos, and Sony 360

    Get ready to rock the world of immersive audio with award-winning producer and mixing engineer Justin Gray! In this episode, we explore his journey from bassist to pioneer in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360, uncovering spatial sound's creative and technical magic. Justin shares his innovative recording techniques, the importance of capturing music in 3D space, and the evolving role of musicians in the process. We also discuss the challenges of funding music in Canada, how to get started with Atmos in a home studio, and the power of remote collaboration. Plus, Justin drops some golden advice for aspiring producers on embracing their creative identity. Don't miss this one, Rockstars! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Justin Gray, an award-winning producer, mixing, and mastering engineer based in Toronto, Canada. Justin is a leader in immersive audio music production, working with artists, producers, and labels worldwide to bring their music to life in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio. He has worked across a wide range of musical styles with artists like Snoop Dogg, Olivia Rodrigo, Brandy, Carlos Santana, Arkells, The Sheepdogs, Valley, Mother Mother, Jann Arden, Blackbear, Christina Perri, Orville Peck, and many more. Justin runs his own studio, Justin Gray Sound & Immersive Mastering, one of the first Dolby Atmos and Sony 360RA-certified music studios in Canada. He’s also a faculty member at Humber College, where he teaches audio production, composition, and music performance. Thank you to Matt Boudreau for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Apple Podcasts: https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/justin-gray-dolby-atmos-mixes/pl.u-kv9lRk5TW6eJev If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/509

    1h 59m
  4. RSR508 - Ben Sabin - Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Studio & Trace Audio

    MAY 30

    RSR508 - Ben Sabin - Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Studio & Trace Audio

    In this episode, Lij Shaw chats with Ben Sabin, founder of Trace Audio, about his journey from Shangri-La Studio with Rick Rubin to wiring up some of the best studios in the biz. They dive deep into the mystical world of cables, the magic of patch bays, and why good studio wiring is like rock ‘n’ roll feng shui — get it right, and everything just flows! Ben shares cool stories from his intern days, working with legends like Neil Young, and the hard-earned lessons of studio troubleshooting. They break down balanced vs. unbalanced audio, why your patch bay might be sabotaging your creativity, and how to future-proof your studio setup. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered how to avoid a spaghetti mess of cables, this episode is for you! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Ben Sabin. He got his start at Shangri-La with Rick Rubin, where he saw top artists and engineers work at the highest level. He then split time between Shangri-La and Groove Masters, helping rewire tie lines, patchbays, and converters—sparking his passion for cabling and studio workflow. He also worked alongside legendary studio tech Pat Schneider on servicing and repairs. In 2018, he helped LA producer Colin Cunningham set up patchbays and streamline his growing outboard gear collection. He then worked in live sound, gaining hands-on troubleshooting experience. In 2019, he founded Trace Audio, focusing on CAPI gear and custom cabling, relocating to Nashville, where it’s now a full-time business serving top industry clients. Ben also rewired my studio, The Toy Box Studio, and I quickly saw how much we could learn from him—so I had to invite him on the podcast to talk about creatin the best setup for your studio. In fact, you’re hearing our voices right now through Trace Audio cables! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Please check out the list of Trace Audio clients! https://traceaudio.com/pages/clients If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/508

    2h 9m
  5. RSR507 - Adam Krinsky - Balancing Studio and FOH at Bellows Studio in St Paul MN

    MAY 23

    RSR507 - Adam Krinsky - Balancing Studio and FOH at Bellows Studio in St Paul MN

    Rockstars, get ready to crank it up! This episode, I’m hanging with Adam Krinsky of Bellows Studio, diving into touring, studio life, and keeping that work-life balance tight. We talk studio humidity (yep, it matters!), live recording chaos, and dream studio setups! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Adam Krinsky, starting his music career in Minneapolis, at the Institute of Production and Recording. While still a student, he recorded and mixed an album for The Alarmists, gaining local recognition. After graduating, he worked as an assistant engineer at Master Mix Studios under Grammy-winning Tom Tucker and later started teaching at the Minneapolis Media Institute and touring as a FOH mixer for artists like Mason Jennings, Iris Dement, and Dave Simonett. Today, he runs Bellows Studio in St. Paul and mixes live for Trampled by Turtles. Whether in the studio or on the road, he’s always mixing. Adam Krinsky has been a guest of the podcast on RSR307 where you can hear his backstory. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71uDzwTG14iEN7SrrGGEdo?si=838b90172e3241fd If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/507

    2h 13m
  6. RSR506 - Tim Lauer - Synth Pop, Rock Strings, and AI (Cheap Trick, Smashing Pumpkins, Nashville)

    MAY 16

    RSR506 - Tim Lauer - Synth Pop, Rock Strings, and AI (Cheap Trick, Smashing Pumpkins, Nashville)

    "AI will never touch live musicians." Tim Lauer shares his journey working on a variety of albums and TV shows, highlighting how feedback from music supervisors shapes the final sound. He talks about his innovative use of reverb, effects, guitar pedals, and real-time processing to enhance recordings, emphasizing the collaborative nature of music creation. Tim also dives into how sampling and synthesizers are essential tools in modern music production, and discusses the intricate art of arrangement and orchestration, especially the roles musicians play in the studio. He explores the evolving landscape of music with AI and the future of live performances, all while stressing the importance of personal fulfillment and joy in making music. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Tim Lauer, a versatile musician, producer, and arranger. He has played on albums by Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars, Cheap Trick, Joan Baez, and more, and arranged strings for Dolly Parton, Smashing Pumpkins, and Shawn Mendes. Tim has produced cast recordings for shows like Nashville, Greenleaf, Big Sky, and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Recently, he worked on Amazon’s The Bondsman, Sony’s Patsy and Loretta, and Netflix’s Country Comfort. He’s also part of the dream pop band Bien, with millions of streams and 1.5 million monthly listeners, and serves as musical director for NPR’s No Small Endeavor. Tim first joined us on RSR172. Thank you to Glenn Rosenstein and Loren Francis for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7vbOMZzOi478USUr54FPtL?si=db2b0060b6fe4d5c If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/506

    2h 22m
  7. RSR505 - Chuck Zwicky - AI and Philosophy of Recording Music

    MAY 9

    RSR505 - Chuck Zwicky - AI and Philosophy of Recording Music

    "AI can't produce anything we haven't already heard." Chuck Zwicky and Lij Shaw discuss how AI is changing music production and songwriting, highlighting the importance of human elements and collaboration in the creative process while exploring the balance between technology and artistic expression. Chuck offers insights on mixing, emphasizing the value of interaction and the significance of live feedback in crafting music. The conversation also includes personal anecdotes and advice for aspiring producers. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Chuck Zwicky, a Manhattan-based engineer, writer, and producer with a diverse discography. Chuck has worked with iconic artists like The Rembrandts, Reggie Watts, Soul Asylum, Prince, and Information Society, as well as emerging talents. His sun-soaked mixing HQ reflects his unique approach to mixing, from the gear he uses to the plugins he designs himself. Chuck likes to bring together the audio artist and scientist through his techniques. This is Chuck’s second time on the show — he first joined us in episode RSR260. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6m08mI58QrvO8e97BrilPi?si=f0ab12ca4019468d If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/505

    1h 52m
  8. RSR504 - Bill Podolak - Q&A with iZotope

    MAY 2

    RSR504 - Bill Podolak - Q&A with iZotope

    "Metaphors are essential in plugin design!" Bill talked about Native Instruments, managing new products at iZotope, the importance of good speakers in the studio, how AI will help your sonic perspective, and using Ozone, RX, and the Catalyst plugins. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Bill Podolak, a Senior Product Manager at iZotope by Native Instruments. Bill has had the privilege of managing the past two versions of Ozone 10 and 11 along with RX 11 and their new Catalyst Series - Plasma, Aurora, and Cascadia. He is also a musician and music producer and makes tracks in his spare time. His wife is also a singer-songwriter, and they make music together. Thank you to Dave Godowsky for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.phantomfocus.com/category-s/149.htm https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4zUBC1bygkBypno6yiYcEU?si=3f4deed105b94924 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/504

    2h 35m
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4.8
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502 Ratings

About

Lij Shaw Interviews music producers, engineers, studio owners, and other professionals to bring you inspiring stories, tricks, and insights from the recording studio. So that you can take your recordings to the next level and become a rockstar of the recording studio yourself! - Guests: Vance Powell, Michael Beinhorn, Russell Wolff, Graham Cochrane, Joe Gilder, Björgvin Benediktsson, and many more...

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