

Progressions: Success in the Music Industry
Travis Ference
Conversations exploring creativity, productivity, and career growth in the music industry. Join in each week as Travis sits down with some of the industry’s best and brightest to discuss the mindsets and strategies that they use in their careers every day.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 11min
Venus Theory: The Problem with Your Creative Career
Venus Theory is a sound designer, musician and content creator. His sound design work can be found in products from companies like UVI, Lunacy Audio, Arturia, and Spitfire Audio. On YouTube, his videos have inspired hundreds of thousands of creators and given them the tools and mindsets they need to a build their careers.In this episode, you’ll learn about:The Power of Practice and Why You Have to Start BadWhat it Takes to Sustain a Creative CareerWhy More Musicians Should Identify as CreatorsThe Importance of Being Clear of the Goal of What You’re Doing IsThe Root of Creative EnvyHow to Quantify What Makes a Gig Worth DoingWhy Doing What You’re Passionate About is the Way to SuccessConnect with Venus Theory🌐 Website: https://www.venustheory.com/links📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VenusTheory⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Venus TheoryHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Mar 6, 2024 • 23min
The Music AI is Coming For Us! ...and other News from February 2024
Travis reviews his take aways from February and shares his thoughts on the current state of AI in the music industry and how we can prepare for it. Mentioned in the Episode:Suno AIYouTube Dream TracksGET YOUR FREE RATE WORKSHEET ⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Feb 28, 2024 • 13min
Streamline Your Mixing: A Guided Workflow Audit
In this episode,Travis Ference, a Grammy nominated recording engineer, examines his own mixing process through a detailed workflow audit. Follow along and analyze your own process in what is meant to be an interactive guide to optimize music production and mixing workflows for audio professionals.In this episode, you'll learn about:Travis' System from Initial Client Contact to Final Mix DeliveryHow to Analyze and Improve your WorkflowAutomations to Speed Up WorkflowHow Travis Plans to Improve His System⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Feb 21, 2024 • 1h 16min
Capturing Hit Record Moments: Vocal Production Tips with Dana Nielsen
Dana Nielsen is a Grammy nominated recording engineer, mixer, and producer who's worked with artists such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, SZA, Bob Dylan, Adele, and Post Malone.In this episode, you'll learn about:Vocal Production TechniquesThe Importance of Headphone MixesThe Art of Editing MusicallyMelodyne Vocal Tuning TipsWorking with Rick RubinUnderstanding Production is about the People, Not the ToolsRunning a 2nd Record Rig at All TimesTranslating Your Taste to Your Production ChoicesConnect with Dana Nielsen🌐 Website: https://www.dananielsen.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danafrio/🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danaproducer🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDanaNielsen⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Dana NielsenHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Feb 14, 2024 • 9min
How to Set Your Rate: Defining Your Value as a Music Freelancer
Knowing what to charge is one of the hardest parts of working as a freelancer. In this episode Travis discusses how tracking his time for the last five years has helped him confidently define his rates and shares tips for how you can best determine what to charge for your services as a music production professional.In this episode, you'll learn about:How to determine your average hourly wageWhy you need to understand your expensesHow to make more money without directly raising your rateGET YOUR FREE RATE WORKSHEET ⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Feb 7, 2024 • 54min
Exploring the Wild Side of Plug-Ins with Noam Levinberg
Noam Levinberg is a veteran mastering engineer and the founder of Safari Pedals, which has quickly become one of the most talked about new plug-in companies in recent times.In this episode, you'll learn about:How a plug-in designers' sonic preferences shape a plug-inThe parallels of releasing plug-ins and releasing musicHow JUCE Framework has opened the door for a lot of new plug in companiesThe importance of moving forward quickly to learn what resonates with peopleHow the passing down of audio knowledge has changedThe overwhelm of solo music entrepreneurshipNoam and Travis's experiences in commercial studiosConnect with Noam:🌐 Website: https://safaripedals.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safaripedals⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Noam LevinbergHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Feb 2, 2024 • 16min
Show Relaunch, NAMM, and My Top Plug-Ins of 2023: January 2024 a Month In Review
Today is the first unscripted, off the cuff episode of Progressions. I've decided to do monthly reflections on the podcast and my career as well as whatever other random thoughts come to me while recording.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Progressions Relaunch and YouTube GrowthEpisode ReflectionsNAMM ConventionMy Favorite Plug-Ins of 2023Why Engineers Should Stop Being Consumers⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Host: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Jan 31, 2024 • 9min
Spotify Royalty Outrage: What it ACTUALLY Tell Us About the Music Industry
This week we talk about how Spotify's royalty changes will affect artists in 2024 and what the resulting outrage says about the false narrative much of the industry is living.In this episode, you'll learn about:Spotify's Royalty ChangesMonetization RequirementsThe Dangers of Focusing on Public Facing MetricsWhat to Do about the Royalty ChangesWhy the Story You Believe About Yourself May Be Holding You Back⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

Jan 24, 2024 • 49min
Epic Studio Interview: a Conversation about Gear, Workflow, and Vibe with Andrew Masters
Andrew Masters is a recording engineer and musician who’s YouTube channel defined the “Epic Studio Tour” genre. His channel features some of the most amazing studio setups you’ll find on the internet as well as insights on music production and engineering. Prior to his YouTube success Andrew was on staff at East West Studios in Los Angeles where he worked with artists such as Weezer, John Legend, and Sum 41 and producers such as Billy Bush and Blake Mills.In this episode, you'll learn about:How to plan for setting up a new studioHow starting YouTube changed Andrew’s LifeWhat to prioritize when you build a studioHow to train an assistant to help grow your businessCan old school traditional studios survive in the home studio eraWhy more music professionals should have a YouTube channelHow social media builds trust with potential clientsUsing time blocking and goal setting to get more doneWatch this episode on YouTube here!Connect with Andrew:📺 Andrew Masters: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrewMasters📺 Studio Time: https://www.youtube.com/@itsstudiotime📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmastersmusic🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewmastersmusic🌐 Website: https://www.andrewmastersmusic.com/⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: Andrew MastersHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Jan 17, 2024 • 6min
The Super Mario Effect: Level Up Your Music Career with Science
In this episode we’re exploring the “Super Mario Effect” and how it can be used to level up in the music industry. Drawing from former NASA engineer Mark Rober’s experiment, we discover how reframing our approach to failure can lead to a gamified approach to career growth.Mark Rober - https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRoberReferences and Video Clips from Mark’s Ted X Talk - https://youtu.be/9vJRopau0g0?si=fWzaBVFRwZ2ku2Ij⬇️ 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📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!Credits:Guest: N/AHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference


