Music Production Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Think Like a Synth with Anthony Marinelli Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Anthony Marinelli is a legendary composer, performer, and synthesist. He worked with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones on Thriller, James Brown, Kenny Loggins, Van Halen, and many more. He worked on the scores for over 90 original film score soundtracks including War Games, Stand by Me, and one of my favorites Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. He shares his knowledge on his YouTube channels and his in-depth courses Think Like a Synth and Bass DNA.

I spoke with Anthony about how he breaks down sounds for synthesis and visualizes his sounds in his imagination rather than in technical terms. Anthony spoke about getting his start working as a synthesizer player and programmer as a teenage, and what it was like working with legends Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Anthony's Website - https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/
Think Like a Synth course - https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/products/think-like-a-synth
Bass DNA course - https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/collections/courses/products/bass-dna
Anthony's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@anthonymarinellimusic
Anthony on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthonymarinellimusic/
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Writing a Song in 2 Hours with Ben Burnes Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Ben Burnes is a musician, producer, and game developer. He is the author of the new book How to Write a Song in Two Hours, based off his experience writing over 400 songs in weekly two-hour sprints.

Ben is back for his fifth conversation! We spoke about his new book and some of the wisdom he picked up writing songs in two hours. We covered practical techniques and philosophical approaches, and we also got to meet a few of his five cats.

Get How to Write a Song in Two Hours by Ben Burnes:

Payhip - https://payhip.com/b/FfV4x
Itch - https://tallbeard.itch.io/write-a-song-in-two-hours
Gumroad - https://ben-burnes.gumroad.com/l/write-a-song-in-two-hours

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Ben's Website - https://www.abstractionmusic.com
"If I Had a Hi-Fi" by Ben Burnes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=764uUMKuHTE
Artifacts - Sunset Frequencies by Ben Burnes - https://abstractionmusic.bandcamp.com/album/artifacts-sunset-frequencies
"Back at it Again" by Ben Burnes and Devin Henderson - https://abstractionmusic.bandcamp.com/album/back-at-it-again
Frozen - Two Hour Track Challenge Album - https://2hac.bandcamp.com/album/frozen-2hac-volume-35
SoopurKul - https://www.twitch.tv/soopurkul
On Writing Well by William Zinsser - https://amzn.to/46F0gfP
Getting Things Done by David Allen - https://amzn.to/46F0gfP
The Four Agreements - https://amzn.to/3Vqqhga
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://amzn.to/4cI8AyN
Elastic Stage Vinyl Pressing - https://elasticstage.com
Struthless - https://www.youtube.com/struthless
The Troubadeck by Charlie McCarron - https://troubadeck.com
Charlie McCarron on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/charlie-mccarron
Ben's First Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2017/3/28/9-ben-burnes
Ben's Second Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2019/10/9/ben-burnes-wisdom-on-200-2-hour-track-challenges-music-production-podcast-131
Ben's Third Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ben-burnes-3
Ben's Fourth Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ben-burnes-4
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Song and Vocal First with Howard Benson Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

Howard Benson is a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum producer. With 15 platinum records, 10 gold records, and over 150 billion streams, Howard has shaped the sound of modern rock and alternative music. Howard has worked with Hoobastank, POD, My Chemical Romance, The All-American Rejects, Daughtry, and many more. He is also the co-founder of Judge and Jury Records.

Howard spoke to me about his work with some of the biggest names in modern rock, and the importance of songwriting and vocal performance and production.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Howard's Website - https://www.howardbenson.com
Howard's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hbenson
Howard's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howardbenson/
Judge & Jury Records - https://judgeandjuryrecords.com
Howard Benson Vocal Plug-in - https://joeysturgistones.com/products/howard-benson-vocals
Howard Benson Vocal Multiplier Plug-in - https://joeysturgistones.com/collections/vocal-plugins/products/howard-benson-vocal-multiplier
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Modern Music Education & Overcoming Creative Challenges w/Dennis DeSantis Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Dennis DeSantis is a composer, percussionist, sound designer, author, and educator. He is a professor of Music and Technology at Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where he is developing an all new BM in Music Creation and Technology. Dennis worked as Head of Music Learning at Ableton, and wrote Making Music 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers.

Dennis and I spoke in depth about his work at Eastman School of Music. We shared thoughts on finishing projects and overcoming creative challenges. Dennis reflected on his work at Ableton and how it has prepared him for his newest chapter in cutting edge music education.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Dennis's Website - https://dennisdesantis.com
University of Rochester's Music Creation and Technology Program - https://www.esm.rochester.edu/go/soundarts/music-technology/
Making Music 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producters by Dennis DeSantis - https://makingmusic.ableton.com
Learning Music - https://learningmusic.ableton.com
Learning Synths - https://learningsynths.ableton.com
Dennis's Max for Live Devices - https://dennisdesantis.com/max-for-live-devices
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

The Power of Mastering with Jeff Graves Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Jeff Graves is the founder and creator of LuvLang Studios, an online mastering service. LuvLang gives users interactive control and feedback over the mastering process.

Jeff and I spoke about how mastering can transform a mix. Jeff shared his story of his experience working in studios and learning about mastering, and how LuvLang Studios was created.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

LuvLang Studios - https://luvlang.studio
LuvLang on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/luvlang.studio/
The State of Loudness in 2026 - https://luvlang.studio/research/loudness-2026
Free Online LUFS Measurement Tool - https://luvlang.studio/free-lufs-check
Sterling Sound - https://www.sterling-sound.com
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Grammy-winning Songwriter Tim Atlas on Serving the Song Jul 26, 2026

Show notes

Tim Atlas is a musician, producer, and Grammy-winning songwriter in Los Angeles. His new EP, Reverso, was recorded in his home studio and combines Indie and Psych rock with RnB and Soul.

Tim spoke to me about the production of Reverso. We touched on songwriting, arranging, and collaboration. Tim shared how he likes to move fast and commit to his sounds by printing them with outboard gear and effects. We covered a lot of ground from practical techniques to philosophical approaches.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Reverso album by Tim Atlas - https://timatlas.ffm.to/reverso
"Reverso" Music Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhrC6PP8g9c
Tim Atlas Website - https://www.timatlas.co
Tim's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@timatlas
Tim's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/timothyatlas/
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Xylo Aria - Founder of Music Production for Women Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Xylo Aria is a singer, producer, and entrepreneur. Xylo founded Music Production for Women to help empower and educate women music-makers. Her new album Dream will be released summer 2026.

I've been following Xylo's work for some time now and it was great to speak to her about her work. We discussed building community and the creation of her new album. Xylo has collected a lot of wisdom in her journey and shares it with us today.

Music Production for Women is running SoundLab, a virtual event on July 14th and 21st, 2026 to help attendees unlock the skills of producing and mixing music. Sign up here: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/soundlab2026

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Xylo Aria - https://www.xyloaria.com
Music Production for Women - https://musicproductionforwomen.com
MPW Podcast - https://musicproductionforwomen.com/#section-2gUK_YLsXV
Free Intro to Music Production Class by MPW - https://musicproductionforwomen.com/music-production-masterclass-1535-155985
Xylo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xyloaria/
MPW on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen
MPW on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/musicproductionforwomen
MPW on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@musicproductionforwomen
Xylo on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@XyloAria/videos
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Creating Music That Breathes with OVERSEA Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

Sebastien Heintz makes electro-acoustic music under the name OVERSEA. His new album BEYOND is a modern ceremonial album made for transcendental experiences.

Sebastien and I spoke about his work as OVERSEA and how has been using music for meditation and healing.

Sebastien explained how he uses Ableton Live as a live performance instrument. We also discussed finding the creative flow in activities such as surfing, meditation, and music-making.

Sebastien put together a download Ableton Live effects and sounds he used on the new album!

Get the OVERSEA BEYOND Free Ableton Live Instrument Pack here: https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kvvvijh

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

OVERSEA - https://www.h-music.ch/oversea
BEYOND by OVERSEA - https://www.intellijend.com/l/beyond
H-Music - https://www.h-music.ch
OVERSEA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oversea.music/
OVERSEA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@overseamusic
OVERSEA Free Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kvvvijh
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer book - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Turning Nature into Music with Lomotor Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Lomotor is a musician and producer who makes nature-inspired electronic music on a small farm in Massachusetts. His new album ABCAPSILAHAD combines electronic and acoustic instruments with field recordings and the sounds of leaves, trees, and birds.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Special Gifts from Lomotor:

Lomotor's Creative Tips to Live By - https://lomotor.net/lomotor-s-creative-tips-to-live-by
Free Download - Lomotor Trees and Stones Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/bafcvt

Links:

Lomotor ABCAPSILAHAD - https://lomotor.net/home
ABCAPSILAHAD on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/6etLmyY65SBB0guypbhFRL
Lomotor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lomotormusic/
Lomotor on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lomotormusic/videos
"Bee in a Bag" by Lomotor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZSm1hjDHYo
Lomotor on Bandcamp - https://lomotor.bandcamp.com
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/
Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Permission to Be Imperfect with Nick Culbertson Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Nick Culbertson is a musician and app developer who runs Moby Pixel, a mobile app creation studio. The Moby Pixel YouTube channel covers the latest in iOS music apps and his journey in his own app development. Nick just released Mighty Synth Sampler, a fully featured synth and sampler for iOS and Mac.

In Nick's return to the Music Production Podcast, we discuss his new Mighty Synth Sampler and the journey to create it. We get into how to avoid perfectionism by learning to enjoy the process. There's also a lot of talk about the creative workflow and avoiding burnout.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Moby Pixel - http://www.mobypixel.com/
Mighty Synth Sampler - http://www.mobypixel.com/mightysynthsampler
The Story Behind Mighty Synth Sampler - https://youtu.be/3kW4RovVoEY?si=KuCDjysv2btNOUdB
Nick's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/mobypixel/featured
Overdrive Synth - http://www.mobypixel.com/overdrivesynth
Koala Sampler - https://www.koalasampler.com
Dexed FM Synthesizer - https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/
Nick's 1st Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/nick-culbertson
Matthew Fecher on the Music Production Podcast - https://www.brianfunk.com/blog/2018/6/30/66-matthew-fecher
Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

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