The Earworm Podcast

Patrick Cloud & Bryan Clark

Earworm is the podcast that gets stuck in your head for all the right reasons. Hosted by Bryan Clark — artist, producer, engineer, music doctorate, and sonic architect to artists around the world — and Patrick Cloud, a New Orleans native whose career spans global music industry sales, directing sales for festival and event video production, podcast direction and production, and ownership of a creative management company, Earworm is where music industry knowledge meets genuine passion for the craft. Every episode, Bryan and Patrick dig into the trends shaping the modern music industry, celebrate the albums that matter, geek out over gear and guitars, and sit down with the producers, engineers, and artists who are actually doing the work. Bryan brings the academic chops and worldwide studio perspective. Patrick brings the New Orleans soul, the industry hustle, and the kind of energy that only comes from a city that treats music like oxygen. Whether you're a working musician trying to find your sound, a music lover who wants to understand what goes on behind the glass, or just someone who wants two guys who actually know what they're talking about to make you laugh and teach you something — Earworm is your show. Informative. Irreverent. Occasionally ridiculous. Always music. https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

  1. 5d ago

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 13 Creating Immersive Music w/ Sony's Doug Battle

    In Episode 13 of The Earworm Podcast, Patrick and Bryan sit down with Sony immersive audio engineer Doug Battle to explore his unconventional journey from podcasting to becoming one of the industry’s sought-after immersive music engineers. Doug shares how self-education, preparation, networking, and recognizing emerging opportunities helped him build a career in a rapidly evolving field. The conversation traces immersive audio’s evolution from stereo through quadraphonic sound and 5.1 surround to Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Virtual Mixing Environment (VME)—technologies designed to move music beyond the traditional left-and-right listening experience. The discussion dives into the creative possibilities of immersive production, why a true Atmos mix should be more than simply placing a stereo recording into a larger space, and how growing demand for stems is changing music production, promotion, and remixing. Doug also explains how Sony VME uses personalized acoustic measurements to create the illusion of mixing in an immersive studio through headphones, while addressing the challenges of cost, scalability, and consumer accessibility. Finally, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence, with Doug offering an optimistic perspective on AI as a tool that can streamline technical work, expand creative possibilities, and give artists more time to focus on what matters most: making music. Support the show Support the page and join the Wormhole!!  Donate to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598511/support to help us do more!! Cool gear giveaways to begin soon! https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 13 Creating Immersive Music w/ Sony's Doug Battle
  2. Jul 7

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 12 The Past, Present, and Future of Recorded Music

    Patrick and Bryan take a journey through the complete history of recorded music—from the first known sound recording in 1860 to the cutting-edge plugin technology shaping modern productions. Along the way, they explore Thomas Edison's phonograph, Emil Berliner's gramophone, a working 1908 Edison Model B, and a century-old Victrola, revealing how each innovation forever changed the way we capture and experience music. The conversation follows the path through magnetic tape, the birth of Ampex, the genius of Les Paul, and the rise of vinyl, cassettes, and early home recording systems that brought professional production within reach of everyday musicians. The episode then fast-forwards into the digital revolution, examining how DAWs, plug-ins, and modern software transformed the recording process while asking an important question: has technology made music better, or simply easier to create? Patrick and Bryan dive into the evolution of classic studio gear into digital recreations, discuss the creative possibilities of today's plugin ecosystem, and spotlight the next generation of audio tools from Briarwave. Whether you're a recording enthusiast, gear nerd, or music history buff, this episode connects more than 160 years of innovation into one fascinating story of how recorded music became what it is today. Support the show Support the page and join the Wormhole!!  Donate to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598511/support to help us do more!! Cool gear giveaways to begin soon! https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 12 The Past, Present, and Future of Recorded Music
  3. Jun 30

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 11 There's a Wal-Mart in my Studio?

    This week for episode 11, Patrick and Bryan take a field trip to the new recording studio inside the Franklin, Tennessee Walmart called Create-It Studio, where they ask the obvious question: just because you can track a record between the garden center and frozen foods, should you? The conversation uses the studio as a springboard into a bigger discussion about how music has shifted from an ownership economy to a streaming economy, why artists increasingly rely on touring and vinyl sales, and whether convenience has come at the expense of craftsmanship. The episode also dives into the rise of algorithm-driven listening, AI-generated music, and why vinyl continues to thrive in a digital world. Patrick and Bryan make the case that music is more than disposable content—it’s an art form worth collecting, supporting, and experiencing intentionally. (And yes, if you're buying socks, mulch, and tracking vocals in the same trip, you've officially embraced modern music.) https://www.create-it-studios.com/ Support the show Support the page and join the Wormhole!!  Donate to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598511/support to help us do more!! Cool gear giveaways to begin soon! https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 11 There's a Wal-Mart in my Studio?
  4. Jun 23

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 10 Amp Stamp! The interview w/ John Capito BLACK TAPE AMPS!

    John Capito joins Patrick and Bryan for a deep dive into the fascinating world of guitar amplifiers, tracing the lineage of iconic amp designs that shaped modern music. From the chime of the AC30 to the roar of the Plexi and the warmth of the Tweed Bassman, John unpacks the sonic DNA behind the sounds that defined generations of players. Along the way, he shares his unlikely path from automotive technician to one of Nashville's most respected amp builders and repair experts, working alongside artists such as Jack White and Moose Brown while developing a reputation for chasing tone at the highest level. The conversation explores the art and science of amplifier design, the mysteries of vintage vacuum tubes, and the challenges facing today's tube amp industry following global supply disruptions. John discusses why great guitar amps are built for inspiration rather than accuracy, how customization often comes down to understanding the individual player, and why some of the best sounds are discovered by accident. Whether you're a gear fanatic, a guitarist searching for your signature tone, or simply curious about the technology behind the music, this episode offers a rare look inside the minds of the people who keep the world's greatest amplifiers singing. Find John's incredible Black Tape Amps at www.blacktapeamps.com Support the show Support the page and join the Wormhole!!  Donate to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598511/support to help us do more!! Cool gear giveaways to begin soon! https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 10 Amp Stamp!  The interview w/ John Capito BLACK TAPE AMPS!
  5. Jun 16

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 9 Can Fender Copyright Cool?

    In Episode 9 of The Earworm Podcast, our hosts Patrick and Bryan explore Fender’s recent legal victory against a Chinese counterfeit manufacturer and use it as a springboard to examine one of the most influential rivalries in music history: Fender versus Gibson. The conversation traces the evolution of the electric guitar, from Leo Fender’s practical, repair-friendly designs to Gibson’s handcrafted approach, highlighting how iconic instruments like the Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Les Paul helped shape modern music. Along the way, Patrick and Bryan discuss the innovators behind these legendary guitars and the technological breakthroughs that changed the industry forever. The episode also takes a closer look at the history of intellectual property disputes in the guitar world and the controversy surrounding Fender’s recent cease-and-desist actions against builders producing Fender-inspired instruments. Through the lens of guitar history, Patrick and Bryan explore the balance between protecting innovation and encouraging creativity, raising thoughtful questions about ownership, competition, and the collaborative evolution of the instruments that continue to define popular music. https://www.npr.org/2010/07/14/128496104/freddie-king-and-the-harsh-business-of-the-blues https://es.pinterest.com/pin/7670261843696013/ https://es.pinterest.com/pin/67905906871157927/ https://guitar.com/features/opinion-analysis/how-les-pauls-log-guitar-changed-everything/ https://www.les-paul.com/mary-ford/ https://flypaper.soundfly.com/discover/truth-lawsuit-era-guitars/ Wire and Wood  Mixdown Magazine https://foundation4schoolmusic.org/lifetime-achievement-award/lifetime-achievement-award-les-paul/ Support the show Support the page and join the Wormhole!!  Donate to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598511/support to help us do more!! Cool gear giveaways to begin soon! https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 9 Can Fender Copyright Cool?
  6. Jun 9

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 8 Audio Sushi at The Murch Table SOUND DESIGN

    In this episode of The Earworm Podcast, Patrick Cloud and Bryan Clark explore the fascinating history of sound design in film, from the era of silent movies and live theater musicians to the invention of Foley artistry and the groundbreaking work of legendary sound designer Walter Murch. Along the way, they examine how humans interpret sound and music through learned “codes,” discussing everything from language and cultural influences to the psychological and emotional connections that shape our musical tastes. The conversation also dives into the revolutionary impact of films like Star Wars, which pushed sound design into new creative territory and forever changed how audiences experience cinema. The episode closes with a deep dive into the relationship between musical influence and creativity, challenging listeners to explore unfamiliar genres and uncover the “source code” behind great art. Featured listening selections include Frank Zappa’s “Night School,” an introduction to the ancient Indian Carnatic tradition of Konnakol, and Kraftwerk’s pioneering electronic classic “Numbers.” Through these examples, the hosts encourage listeners to broaden their musical vocabulary, sharpen their listening skills, and discover how innovative sounds continue to shape modern music and media. https://transom.org/wp-content/uploads/2005/04/200504.review.murch_.pdf https://monoskop.org/images/6/6d/Chion_Michel_Audio-Vision.pdf https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sounds_of_Star_Wars Support the show Support the page and join the Wormhole!!  Donate to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598511/support to help us do more!! Cool gear giveaways to begin soon! https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 8 Audio Sushi at The Murch Table SOUND DESIGN
  7. Jun 2

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 7 BEEP BOOP Synth Happens

    On this episode of The Earworm Podcast, Bryan and Patrick trace the evolution of the synthesizer—from the room-sized Teleharmonium and Hammond B3 organ to the groundbreaking instruments that shaped modern music. Along the way, they explore the pioneers of electronic sound, including Raymond Scott, Bob Moog, and the innovators who transformed experimental technology into musical tools. The conversation dives into iconic synths like the Minimoog, ARP 2600, Yamaha CS-80, Prophet-5, Oberheim OB-X, Jupiter-8, and DX7, breaking down the sounds behind classic recordings from Rush, Vangelis, Cyndi Lauper, and countless others. The hosts also explain the fundamentals of synthesis, discuss the arrival of MIDI and FM synthesis, and examine how today's software and AI-powered instruments continue to build on the innovations that changed music forever.   Refs: https://moogfoundation.org/remembering-synthesizer-innovator-don-buchla-1937-2016/ https://www.moogmusic.com/ https://oberheim.com/ https://sequential.com/ https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/ https://usa.yamaha.com/products/music_production/synthesizers/index.html https://www.digitalmellotron.com/ https://www.facebook.com/BobMoogFoundation/posts/remembering-inventor-thaddeus-cahill-on-his-birthdaythaddeus-is-widely-credited-/10157363651908479/ https://120years.net/the-telharmonium-thaddeus-cahill-usa-1897/ https://120years.net/the-telharmonium-thaddeus-cahill-usa-1897/ https://modularsynthesis.com/hammond/m3/m3.htm https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/synthesizing-tonewheel-organs-part-1 https://www.nwpianogallery.com/?product=hammond-b3-organ-w-leslie-122-tone-cabinet https://variety.com/2024/film/global/ben-burtts-vision-award-ticinomoda-locarno-1236105358/ https://www.kjzz.org/the-show/2025-02-24/meet-the-oscar-winning-sound-designer-behind-iconic-noises-like-the-star-wars-light-saber Support the show Support the page and join the Wormhole!!  Donate to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598511/support to help us do more!! Cool gear giveaways to begin soon! https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 7 BEEP BOOP Synth Happens
  8. May 26

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 6 Pedal Boards w/ Greg Walton Xact Tone Solutions

    On episode six of The Earworm Podcast, Bryan and Patrick sit down with Greg Walton, founder of XTS, to explore the art, science, and obsession behind guitar tone. Greg shares his journey from guitar enthusiast and environmental consultant to building custom pedalboards and effects for some of the world’s top musicians. The conversation dives into the rise of boutique pedals, the founding of LA Sound Design and XTS, and how collaborations with artists helped shape the company into a respected name in the gear world. The episode also breaks down the psychology of tone chasing, the challenges of designing rigs for artists like The Edge and Carrie Underwood, and the creative process behind developing pedals like the Winford Drive. Along the way, the group debates underrated guitarists, dream “desert island” guitars, favorite records, and the evolving guitar community in Nashville. Equal parts gear deep-dive and musician hang, the episode celebrates the endless pursuit of inspiration through sound, creativity, and great playing. Check out www.xacttone.com for Greg and Barry's services and cool pedals! Support the show Support the page and join the Wormhole!!  Donate to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598511/support to help us do more!! Cool gear giveaways to begin soon! https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

    The Earworm Podcast - Episode 6 Pedal Boards w/ Greg Walton Xact Tone Solutions

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Earworm is the podcast that gets stuck in your head for all the right reasons. Hosted by Bryan Clark — artist, producer, engineer, music doctorate, and sonic architect to artists around the world — and Patrick Cloud, a New Orleans native whose career spans global music industry sales, directing sales for festival and event video production, podcast direction and production, and ownership of a creative management company, Earworm is where music industry knowledge meets genuine passion for the craft. Every episode, Bryan and Patrick dig into the trends shaping the modern music industry, celebrate the albums that matter, geek out over gear and guitars, and sit down with the producers, engineers, and artists who are actually doing the work. Bryan brings the academic chops and worldwide studio perspective. Patrick brings the New Orleans soul, the industry hustle, and the kind of energy that only comes from a city that treats music like oxygen. Whether you're a working musician trying to find your sound, a music lover who wants to understand what goes on behind the glass, or just someone who wants two guys who actually know what they're talking about to make you laugh and teach you something — Earworm is your show. Informative. Irreverent. Occasionally ridiculous. Always music. https://www.instagram.com/theearwormpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588628882466 https://www.youtube.com/@the-earworm-podcast https://theearwormpodcast.buzzsprout.com www.bryanclarkmusic.com www.modernmusicmasters.com www.cloudcreativemgmt.com

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