Recording Studio Rockstars

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of staying creative - even when life gets messy. Tim and I talk about recording at home, the beauty of imperfection, Logic shortcuts, AI tools, Costa Rica inspiration, punk rock sound gigs, and songwriting prompts that dig into the soul.We also laugh a lot about “Spanish Inquisition Part 2,” fart algorithms, “The Wrong Burrito” in Nashville, and how to survive creative burnout by reconnecting with nature. Whether he’s building Logic sessions in his home studio or drumming for meditation, Tim’s philosophy always circles back to one idea: just make something today.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 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.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2TGTuwEoVXoRwf9W5lFpLk?si=IgQaLRT0RF2RR1AMUPR8DgIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/552

Meghan Gohil, LA producer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist and studio owner, shares how to build a pro home studio and blend analog gear with digital tools. He discusses hybrid mix chains, Atmos adoption and archiving stems, indie single-release strategy and using analytics like Chartmetric. Practical tips on copyrights, PROs, sync licensing, AI tools, and keeping a music career moving forward.

Have you ever wondered how embracing chaos and intuition can transform your creative process? Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comIn this episode, Laura Crapo shares her journey through music, film, healing, and the importance of staying authentic to your unique voice. We explore the parallels between art forms, the influence of environments, and how trusting your inner voice can lead to unexpected opportunities.Laura discusses her experiences with analog sound, filmmaking experiments, spiritual practices like Reiki, and how they all interconnect in her artistic life. Whether you're a musician, filmmaker, or creative soul, her insights invite you to step into your true self and let the process guide you.In this candid conversation, Laura reveals how her background growing up around art and music shaped her approach to creativity, her adventures in guerrilla filmmaking, and the importance of honoring imperfections. We talk about balancing the critic and intuition within, the impact of environments on artistic expression, and how life's unpredictable moments can be opportunities in disguise.She also emphasizes the role of self-love and trusting in your own process as essential elements for making authentic art and music.This episode is packed with reflections on the spiritual dimension of creativity, the value of live performance, and making peace with the messy, imperfect moments.Laura's stories about her experiences in Montreal, Chicago, and even her inside knowledge of legendary figures like Steve Albini add depth to a discussion about trusting your instincts and staying true to your art.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 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.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cvvqYC1O24b2xxI02IEzq?si=0t_MlY1pQg2X9p0ue7MePQ&pi=G_gWFsKlTrCPOIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/550

Ever wondered how seasoned producers handle low-end management, creative sampling, or guiding musicians without spooking them? Join me as I chat with Nashville's own Brad Jones to uncover practical studio techniques, legendary stories, and lessons learned over decades of making records. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comIn this episode, Brad shares insights from his experiences working with artists like Jill Sobule and Robyn Hitchcock, as well as legendary musicians like Buddy Emmons and Rosco Gordon. We discuss the art of capturing authentic performances, creative sampling tricks, and how to create emotionally resonant songs without overcomplicating the process. Brad also dives into the importance of spontaneity, the value of analog sensibilities in a digital world, and lessons on leading sessions with confidence and kindness. Whether you're at home recording, mixing in a professional studio, or just passionate about the nuts and bolts of record-making, Brad's stories and tips will help you approach your projects with a fresh perspective and grounded practice.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 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.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/25kbwjeFyfcEu48J5Z7Rot?si=rFqkhyidQm-eOmv4P1C6aAIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/549

Ever wonder how the chaos of remote recording setups and complex signals can actually come together in a studio environment? Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Roger Alan Nichols, a Nashville-based producer, engineer, and songwriter with a résumé including Grammy-nominated projects, work with Hayley Williams, Steven Tyler, and the band Dreaming in English. He's also been a guest on the podcast multiple times, sharing detailed insights into studio workflows and production challenges. In this episode, Roger and I get into the nitty-gritty of managing complex signal chains, especially when remote elements are involved. We discuss how he navigates the technical maze of audio routing via apps like Audio Hijack and virtual devices, as well as practical strategies for recording drums and vocals in unpredictable environments. Roger shares stories about tuning drums, tracking with unconventional microphones, and how his experience with different gear influences decision-making in real time. We also explore the evolving role of gear and technology in Nashville's music business, including the impact of internet-based collaborations and sample libraries. Throughout, Roger emphasizes the importance of listening carefully, trusting your instincts, and simplifying setups to keep projects moving efficiently without sacrificing quality.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026https://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.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qqAZ9cV1No9nPb2rq1rvW?si=pPiHijK6Rd66e-EYISwNLgIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/548

Jon Estes, Nashville-born multi-instrumentalist, producer and engineer who blends vintage gear with modern tools. He talks about keeping sessions simple and communicative. He describes his home studio design, analog tricks like tape and headphone mics, and practical setups for fast, authentic tracking. Conversations cover bass and vocal recording approaches and working with singer-songwriters and notable collaborators.

What happens when you mix turntables with virtual reality to reach 4 million students and 20,000 educators worldwide? Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guests today are Ronnie and Tiffany Notch, the creative forces behind Breach, a company that blends music, technology, and education in groundbreaking ways. They share their journey from a chance meeting in a recording studio to building Breach, highlighting the role of Asymbli, their entertainment division. The discussion covers their extensive educational outreach, which has impacted millions of students globally, and their collaborations with major brands like Microsoft. They delve into the delicate balance between passion and business, the power of intuition in creativity, and the innovative use of storyboarding in music production. They also explore the importance of selecting the right artists and maintaining a playful approach to creativity, all while balancing work and family life. The episode underscores music's role as a universal language and its potential in education.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 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.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6fiKZzesbRtVM0DNe2DrN0?si=LTIlr3aBSOCWUAyXQgV9cQIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/546

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Josh Frigo, a producer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, and artist based in Nashville, Tennessee, who believes in putting artists and their ideas first. After several years as a touring utility player, Josh shifted his focus full-time to production and mixing, building a creative career shaped by self-learning, collaboration, and curiosity.Working across pop, singer-songwriter, and alternative genres, he's produced and developed indie artists such as MisterMoon, Sparkbird, and Phùng Khanh Linh, and co-mixed Atmos projects for Niall Horan, NF, Bo Staloch, and more with his mixing partner Alex Dobbert at Movement Mixing.A big thank-you to Andy Freeman for making today's introduction!THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 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.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0zdLhYe0iPNqdcuZULMsAQ?si=d1884ff0b2ef454aIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/545

What actually makes a mix feel musical before you ever touch an EQ?Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Eric Sarafin, better known as Mixerman - a gold- and platinum-selling producer, mixer, and engineer with credits ranging from The Pharcyde and Tone-Lōc to Ben Harper, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, Foreigner, and Pete Murray. He's also the author of Zen and the Art of Mixing, Zen and the Art of Producing, Zen and the Art of Recording, and his newest book, Mixerman's Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music & Songs. In this episode, Eric and I get straight into what really makes mixes work - not plugins, presets, or loudness targets, but arrangement, balance, and the way instruments naturally interact. We talk about masking as something musical rather than something to eliminate, why most of the "music" lives in the midrange, and how perceived loudness comes from balance, not hype at the top or bottom. We also dig into how listening quietly can reveal problems faster, why speed and familiarity with your tools matter more than features, and how motion and distortion bring life to otherwise static tracks. Eric shares his perspective on working fast, stepping away to regain objectivity, and making decisions that serve the song instead of the tech. Along the way, we cover practical mic strategies for home studios, why placement matters more than price, and how knowing why you're choosing a tool is more important than following trends. This one is about thinking musically first - and letting the mix follow.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 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.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Muso:https://credits.muso.ai/profile/925b8031-48bb-40d5-af32-c289cd7663a7If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/544

What actually happens when you stop isolating everything and just let a band play together in the room?Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Travis Harrison, founder of Serious Business Music, a Brooklyn-based studio known for capturing raw, honest performances from real bands. Travis joined me to talk about how his studio and workflow evolved over time - from early audio-only recordings to embracing video, hybrid setups, and modern tools - while still staying rooted in classic recording approaches.We talked about recording bands live in the room, why Travis embraces bleed instead of fighting it, and how capturing the energy of a performance often matters more than perfect isolation. He shared how he'll use simple setups like a single M 160 ribbon mic on drums, how preparation and adaptability become critical when recording larger bands, and why letting musicians interact naturally can shape the sound of a record in ways plugins never will.Travis also broke down his hybrid workflow, using tape as a tone-shaping tool rather than a rigid format - running tracks through a tape machine for color before moving into Pro Tools for editing and mixing. We discussed mic choices like using an SM57 on bass cabinets for midrange growl, routing and flexibility with a Soundcraft Ghost console, and how his Brooklyn studio has been shaped by real-world challenges like soundproofing, space limitations, and evolving technology. Throughout the conversation, we kept coming back to the balance between tradition and innovation - and why great records still come down to musicians, rooms, and decisions made in the moment.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 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.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0RdFM4aImmogaEJBwV5pla?si=8b285a72dca7478aIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/543