Progressions: Success in the Music Industry

Today’s guest is mixing and mastering engineer Nicholas Di Lorenzo. Nicholas is the owner and operator of Panorama Mastering in Melbourne, Australia. Since opening the studio 6 years ago Panorama has been involved in over 3000 projects, including artists such as Tentendo, Ava King, and Dugong Jr. As well as labels and publishing companies like Universal Music Group and Sony ATV. We have a great chat about loudness target myths, how to build a client roster, the importance of mental health awareness in the music industry.In this episode we'll dig in on...Mastering in Pro ToolsNon-Traditional studio modelsThe future of file deliveryBuilding a team that facilitates a great experience for clientsHow to build a new client roster3 am gym sessionsFrictionless content creationClient feedbackThe Melbourne studio sceneLogic vs Pro Tools for editing and mixingRecognizing the reality of the music industrySocial media as a creative outletLearn More About ...Website: https://www.panoramamastering.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PanoramamasteringAustralia/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panorama_mastering/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@panorama_mastering📢 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: Nicholas Di LorenzoHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

This week’s guest is Los Angeles based producer, engineer, and mixer Stephen Kaye. Stephen splits his time between film & TV projects and record projects. His credits include Fitz and the Tantrums, Lucius, Salem Ilese, Inara George, Hepcat, and Ziggy Marley. As well as movies and shows such as Bridesmaids, Green Book, Bridgerton, Dear White People, and most recently King Richard. We chat about the FOMO of balancing projects, reading music, and working with orchestral instruments in less than ideal circumstances.In this episode we'll dig in on...Working SmarterDealing with not being creditedRecording Beatles sound-a-likes in high school for funUsing Vienne Ensemble MIR to recreate space around solo stringsRunning Pro Tools for score tracking sessionsConsidering back stepping and working as a runner to learn moreWorking in studios since age 16Doing one-man string arrangements for early 2000s pop RnBBalancing record work and film & TV workPreviewing movies with test audiencesFilm deadlines vs TV deadlinesLearn More About ...Website: https://www.sunkingstudios.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunkingstudios/📢 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: Stephen KayeHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today's guest is musician, producer, mixer, and songwriter Casey Cavaliere. Casey is the guitarist and a founding member of the band The Wonder Years. Over the past 15 years they have toured around world and released six full length albums and two EPs. When he's not on tour or recording with his band, Casey is producing records for other artists, hosting his podcast “The Record Process” and working with artists as a development coach, helping them find their voice and steer their careers. We chat about record deals, always providing value, and the importance of knowing yourself as an artist.In this episode we'll dig in on...The founding years of The Wonder YearsTouring post-pandemicSetting the click to the band, not the band to the clickNavigating record dealsPunk and DIY community supportRefining your tasteBringing the energy of a live show to the recordProviding value in every situationImpacting 1 million peopleStarting on trombone and then discovering guitarTraits of a great record labelWhen niching and specializing works and when it doesn'tTravis' Intro: Providing Value and "The Go Giver"Learn More About Casey Cavaliere...Website: http://www.caseycavaliere.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/case_rock/True Level Studio Website: https://www.truelevelstudio.com/True Level Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truelevelstudio/The Record Process Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therecordprocess/Listen to The Wonder Years 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/spotifyCheck out "The Go Giver"Credits:Guest: Casey CavaliereHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is award winning filmmaker, composer, and entrepreneur Gabe Cowan. Gabe has produced over 20 films, many of which have premiered at the major festivals. Some of his films include SXSW Audience Award winner "Cheap Thrills" as well as "Bad Milo" and "They Call Us Monsters." Before producing movies, Gabe was a multiplatinum recording artist, played in several bands and was signed to Geffen Records. His current focus is as the CEO of Audio Design Desk, where he is working to solve audio for video by creating a streamlined solution to quickly and easily match music and effects with picture in a manner that sparks creativity. We chat about making movies, democratizing cinema quality audio, the challenges of creating a DAW from scratch.In this episode we'll dig in on...How Audio Design Desk revolutionizes audio for pictureCreating a DAW that inspires youSigning to Geffen Records in the mid 90s at age 19How to pitch your ideasAI as a musical assistantCreating a product roadmapMusic as a part of a filmmakers identityMajor label life vs independent lifeEncountering people that prioritize money over artThe allure of HollywoodHow scoring a Roger Corman film lead to producing moviesShooting the first independent film done on a RED CameraMeeting consumer expectationsCue sheetsThe musical gymnastics of the 80s and early 90sTravis' Intro: Enjoy the JourneyLearn More About Gabe Cowan and Audio Design Desk...Website: https://add.app/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audio.design.desk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audiodesigndesk📢 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: Gabe CowanHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s guest is musician, songwriter, author and criminal justice reformer Jason Mendelson. Jason currently releases music under the artist name Jace Allen, with all proceeds of his musical career going to benefit various organizations in the criminal justice reform ecosystem. Jason has co-founded two different organizations that help people transition from prison to home with the goal of drastically reducing recidivism rates. Prior to this latest season of his life, Jason has had careers as a start up founder, venture capitalist, lawyer, and professor. We chat about the changes needed in the criminal justice system, how music builds confidence, and why the entrepreneurial mindset applies to much more than just business.In this episode we'll dig in on...Recognizing and taking advantage of "luck"Life as an improveThe best model to increase successful returns to home for formerly incarcerated individualsThe United States is the most incarcerated country in the worldBeing an underdog guyWorking in criminal justice reform since 2015Flipping the hierarchyThe importance of resiliencyLeaning on the visible success of others to inspire change in people Entrepreneurs vs MusiciansTraining people in the prison system and how that transforms youBeing thankful for adversity and learning from your failuresLearn More About Jason Mendelson...Website: https://jaceallenmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaceallen_musicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaceallenmusic/Jace Allen on Spotify📢 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: Jason MendelsonHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceAudio Restoration: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

This week’s guest is Los Angeles based producer, engineer, and mixer Paul Fig. Paul is known for being a go to tracking engineer, especially in world of hard rock with credits including AFI, Jerry Cantrell, Slipknot, Rush, Alice in Chains, Bush, and Deftones. He also currently owns and operates the studio Dave’s Room in North Hollywood. We go deep on recording techniques for guitars and vocals, as well as chat about his journey from Sound City to freelancing and the importance of staying two steps ahead of everybody.In this episode we'll dig in on...Engineering records that you are producingMaintaining phase coherence in multi mic guitar recordingsStarting as a runner at Sound City at 32Working with Jerry Cantrell and Alice in ChainsSongwriting demos in the rock worldTransitioning from being in a band to working in a recording studio"Riff Mining"Taking over Dave's Room studioSM57 secretsRecording vocals with two mics at onceHaving music in Sonic HighwaysDesert island guitarsBeing part of a studio familyMaking records and making library musicIntonation and guitar doublingTravis' Intro: Planning TomorrowLearn More About Paul Fig and Dave's Room...Website: https://paulfigmusic.com/Dave's Room: http://www.davesroom.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulfigmusic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulFigMusic/📢 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: Paul FigHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference

This week’s guest is Nashville based mixing engineer Billy Decker. Billy is most known for mixing a lot of hits, and mixing them fast. His credits include 16 Billboard #1's and artists such as Sam Hunt, Chris Young, Rodney Atkins, and Cassadee Pope. In the studio he works very quickly, finishing mixes in about an hour. He’s written a book about his process called "Template Mixing and Mastering" and has also done a course for Pro Mix Academy on the same topic. We chat about the “how” and “why” of working fast, the importance of superior customer service, and the advantages of specializing.In this episode, we'll dig in on...The "Why" for working fastMixing with TemplatesHow specializing can work in your favorUnderstanding your pricing and your hourlyBeing a signed songwriter and then becoming an engineerChoosing a "great hang" or superior customer service over raw engineering abilityNashville songwriting demo studiosProducers now vs producer 20 years agoDelivering quality from home studiosUsing drum samplesWork-Life BalanceThe importance of having interests outside the studioTaking the time to save templates for everything you doLearn More About Billy Decker...Check out his book "Template Mixing and Mastering" HERECheck out the Pro Mix Academy course HEREWebsite: http://www.billydecker.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deckerboards/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billy.decker.353📢 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: Billy DeckerHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Jannick Frampton & Travis FerenceAudio Restoration: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is engineer, mixer, producer, and professor Dr. Susan Rogers. Susan is a professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston where she is also the acting Director of the Berklee Music Perception and Cognition Laboratory. Prior to her academic career she worked for 22 years as an in demand engineer and producer with artists such as David Byrne, Barenaked Ladies, Rusted Root, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and also spent four years as Prince's personal staff engineer. We have a great conversation about how the brain reacts to music, analog vs digital, and why success should be defined by what you believe could be possible, not by what is obvious.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Working with PrinceListening and how music triggers the brainModern uses for analog tapeThe art and craft of mixingUS Army electronics manualsMusic Cognition and PsychoacousticsLeaving the music industry to work in scienceTeaching at Berklee College of MusicTaking your toys apartWriting a bookHow to find an audienceCheck out Susan's book! "This is What it Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You"📢 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: Dr. Susan RogersHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

This week’s guest is producer and mixer Carl Bahner. Carl has mastered the art of working remotely, having worked with artists in 16 countries. His credits include artists such as Transviolet, St Lucia, Joywave, and Hippo Campus. Prior to working full time behind the glass Carl toured all over North America and the UK playing drums for the band Cheerleader. In addition to all that, he coaches fellow engineers and producers on how to build client rosters full of music they are passionate about and hosts a music business podcast that promotes self-reflection and proactivity. We have a great chat about input vs output goals, narrowing your target audience, and the importance of making decision based on passion.In this episode, we'll dig in on...Work ethic and determinationAsking yourself "Why is this important to me" before taking a gigThe musician hustle: Gigs, sessions, lessonsBuilding a studioCaring why you press a button, not what the button doesKnowing when to use your music theory and when to notPositioning yourself for successSetting aside time for client outreachLearning to do remixes by passing time on the tour busRemote assistants and delegationEarning and deserving word of mouthLearn More About Carl Bahner...Website: https://www.carlbahner.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Listen to Carl's "Thanks for Thinking" podcast 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: Carl BahnerHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

This week's guest is producer, mixer, podcaster, and musician Ben Wallick. Ben is currently based out of Jerusalem, Israel where he has worked with an array of talented acts in both the studio and on the stage. Before the pandemic, Ben was most recently handling bass duties on tour for artist Alex Clare in Israel and throughout Eastern Europe. Ben is also the creator and host of Secret Sonics, a podcast where he interviews a wide range of producers and audio engineers. We have a great chat about embracing delegation, fighting perfectionism, and how starting our podcasts plays into our music careers. In this episode, we'll dig in on...Embracing delegationTake aways from talk to over 100 producers and engineers on Secret SonicsBass playing as a bridge between harmony rhythmAvoiding a perfectionism mindset as you charge more for a jobBuilding community in the digital realmBeing a self-taught producer and engineerEssentialismGrowing up in New York City and moving to IsraelStarting and managing a successful wedding bandBranching out from a smaller music scene and out into the broader worldLearn More About ...Website: https://www.benwallick.com/Instagram: https://www.benwallick.com/podcastSecret Sonics: https://www.benwallick.com/podcastSecret Sonics Instagram: https://www.benwallick.com/podcastSecret Sonics on Apple Podcasts 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: Ben WallickHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Travis FerenceTheme Music: inter.ference