Progressions: Success in the Music Industry

This week we're joined by Ben Schmitz and Daniel Fine. Who, along with Ben's cat Jon, make up the audio plug-in company Aberrant DSP. Aberrant's flagship product, Sketch Cassette, has been embraced by producers and mixers around the world. What started as senior project at the University of Rochester has since spiraled to a full time job only a year or so later. We have a great chat about setting project goals, designing unique and exciting plug-ins, and learning to structure and run a small business.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Departing from the accepted standardHow a senior project became a full time jobDesigning an eye catching user interfaceStudying electrical engineeringSelf-motivating as a self-employed personLearning new skills on the flyLo-Fi and cassettesFinding inspiration outside musicCreating a mission statement for yourselfJudging what task to take on by judging your energy levelAtomic HabitsLearn More About Aberrant DSP...Website: https://aberrantdsp.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aberrantdsp/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotify"Atomic Habits" by James Clear: HereCredits:Guest: Aberrant DSP (Ben Schmitz and Daniel Fine)Host: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Today's guest is producer, engineer, and musician Thom Monahan. Thom spent the first 15 years of his career as a touring musician before transitioning to working behind the glass. Since then he has worked with artists such as Neko Case, Fruit Bats, Stevie Nicks, Vetiver, and Medicine. He's also done work as a composer, doing scores for nearly a dozen documentaries, and several podcasts and web-series. Most recently he has taken his passion for music and creative sound design into the podcast world with his work with Treefort. We have a great chat about reducing creative friction, working on projects you are passionate about, and the future of scripted podcasts.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Reducing creative frictionThe new digital nature of collaborationCapturing the magic of a band in the roomMaking microphones out of a boomboxEditing as a form of productionThe future of scripted podcastsLearning from everybody around youUnderstanding the format you are writing music forTape EditsKeeping perspective when doing a "money gig"Committing to yourself and your visionLearn More About Thom Monahan...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thommonahan/Listen to "Killing Hollywood: The Cotton Club Murder" HereTreefort: https://www.treefort.fm/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Thom MonahanHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Today's guest is songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and recording artist, DAVIS. DAVIS combines classic songwriting sensibility with uncategorizable and unabashedly unique musical choices. His music has been placed on various TV shows for networks such as CBS and MTV, featured in video games, used in advertising, racked up millions of streams worldwide. We have a great chat about the Hollywood grind, passing on opportunities, and staying true to your artistic vision.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Finding your musical nicheCreating a visual identity for your musicOrganic YouTube fan growthConsistently releasing musicCarefully choosing who you want to work withPlaying Stevie Wonder's birthdayPublishing deals from the independent artist perspectiveHow limitation can inform artistryNever signing the first dealLearn More About DAVIS...Instagram: www.instagram.com/unofficialdavisWatch on YouTube HereListen on Spotify Here 📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: DAVISHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is Grammy nominated recording engineer and mixer Steve Genewick. Steve has been a staff engineer at the world renowned Capitol Studios since 1994. His credits included names like Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, Beck, Niall Horan, LeAnn Rimes and Elvis Costello just to name a few. Steve is also on the forefront of mixing music for the Dolby Atmos format, being one of the first studio engineers to do so. We have a great chat about being prepared for every session, pushing the limits of what's possible, and the importance of finding a studio community to be a part of.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Working at Capitol StudiosMixing music for Dolby AtmosAlways saying "Yes"Working with Al SchmittSwitching from analog tape to Pro ToolsFinding a studio community to learn fromRecording big bands and orchestrasLearn the basics firstPost-Pandemic recordingBeing prepared for sessionsRemote recording an orchestra at Abbey RoadLearn More About Steve Genewick and Capitol Studios...Website: http://stevegenewick.com/Capitol Studios: https://www.capitolstudios.com/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Steve GenewickHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest, Joseph Thompson, is an executive coach working under the umbrella of Novus Global. While not directly involved in the music industry, his career path is very in line with the concepts of this show. Novus Global is an international coaching firm working with leaders at the forefront of business, athletics, entertainment, and government. Joseph has committed himself to leading others beyond high performance and encouraging them to build out the life and career that they want. We have a great chat about pushing yourself, discovering what you are capable of, and how changing your language can change your perspective.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Being productive vs making progressMeta-PerformanceChanging your language to change your perspectiveSetting goals outside the edge of your comfort zoneDis-empowered vs empoweredLeadershipLimiting beliefsLearn More About Joseph Thompson and Novus Global...Website: www.josephathompson.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseph.a.thompson/Novus Global: https://novus.global/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Joseph ThompsonHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Today's guest, Kavi Halemane, has worked in various parts of the music business. After starting his career in digital marketing and strategy for Interscope Records he moved on to work directly with artists and content creators as VP of Marketing for the Collective Digital Studio and EVP & Head of Digital for The Collective. Currently Kavi is working in music programming as an executive vice president & general manager at iHeartRadio. We have a great chat about all things digital in music, what to look for in a manager, and the importance of relationships.In this episode, we'll dig in on...The digital download to streaming transitionRelationships are the key to your careerHearing your music on the radioStaying ahead of the gameBlockchain and music rights managementWorking for a major labelWhat to look for in a potential managerEarly YouTubeNever getting boredLearn More About Kavi Halemane...Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kavidentTwitter: https://twitter.com/darthkavi📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Kavi HalemaneHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Our guest today is composer, producer, and co-founder of Cinesamples, Mike Patti. Mike started Cinesamples in 2007 when he saw an opportunity to create niche libraries to fill holes in the marketplace. Since then they have grown it to become one of the go to orchestral library developers for composers around the globe. As a composer Mike has done work with Disney Parks and video games such as Starcraft 2 and League of Legends. We have a great chat about composing for media, running a business, anticipating the marketplace, and the importance of defining your own success.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Building inspiring virtual instrumentsComposing for video gamesFinding a mentor, work for your idolsWriting out your goals and review themScore mock-upsGrowing a team and a businessScoring Saturday morning cartoonsThe boring but important idea of retirementLearn More About Mike Patti and Cinesamples...Website: https://cinesamples.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinesamples📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Mike PattiHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Today's guest is producer, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist Julie Kathryn. Julie releases music under the alias I Am Snow Angel, an immersive blend of digital and organic elements, many of which are created from her own voice. In addition to producing and writing her own music Julie also produces for various other artists, does sound design for Ableton, and is a co-founder of Female Frequency, a collective dedicated to empowering women in music. We have a chat about finding your sound, self-producing, and sound design without barriers.In this episode, we'll dig in on...The magic of creating without rulesDon't be afraid of making mistakesMaking music as a new motherEmpowering yourself by learning production toolsBuilding presets for AbletonFinding a mentorFemale FrequencyKeeping perspective through a projectBeing open minded to new soundsSelf-Producing vs producing for for othersLearn More About I Am Snow Angel...Website: https://www.iamsnowangel.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_snowangel/Links: https://linktr.ee/iamsnowangelListen on Spotify HERE📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: I Am Snow Angel (Julie Kathryn)Host: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Today we are joined by two guests. The songwriting, composition, and production duo of John Trivers and Elizabeth Myers. Operating as Trivers Myers Music for over three decades, they have created musical brand identities for clients such as Apple, American Express, Verizon, and United Airlines. The most notable of all their compositions is the CBS Evening News theme, which ran for 19 years. They've also produced performances for commercials with artists such as Sheryl Crow, Herbie Hancock, and Lang Lang. We have a great chat about creating your opportunities, why music must always be fun, and how advertising music has changed over the past 30 years.In this episode, we'll dig in on...The importance of making decisionsWorking with ad agenciesCreating sonic brand identitiesWorking with live musiciansNew York music scene in the 1970sPlaying in Broadway for GreaseEverybody has a clientImprovising in music and in businessLearn More About Trivers Myers Music...Website: https://www.triversmyersmusic.com/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: John Trivers & Elizabeth MyersHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is Grammy nominated mastering engineer and audio equipment designer Ian Sefchick. Ian builds one of the most sought after boutique tube compressors in the audio industry under the unusual company name Magic Death Eye. He has also become a go to vinyl cutting engineer for some of the top producers in the world. We chat about the various hats he's worn in the music industry, the value of having multiple skillsets, and how understanding electronics can empower creativity in the studio.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Critical listeningMastering for vinylOrganically building a brandDiversifying your skills and incomeBuilding your own gearHard work puts you in a position to experience "luck"Learning electronicsLearn More About Ian Sefchick...Website: http://www.magicdeatheye.com/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/magicdeatheyeMagic Death Eye Plug In: https://ddmf.eu/magicdeatheyestereo/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyRoom Measurement Mic: HereRoom EQ Software: HereCredits:Guest: Ian SefchickHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference