Music Production Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#324: End Procrastination - 3 SIMPLE Steps to WIN the FIGHT! May 28, 2023

Show notes

Even though I spend most of my days wishing I had more time to make music, when that time arrives, I find myself avoiding the task.

Why do we Procrastinate? What can we do to end procrastination and get to work?

In this episode of the Music Production Podcast, I share 3 techniques that have worked for me over the years.

Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/XYhsBdo__80

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

Seth Godin on Chores - https://seths.blog/2023/05/chores/
Produce Music Like Jerry Seinfeld - Music Production Podcast #172 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/seinfeld
Storytelling and Creative Productivity with Matthew Dicks - Music Production Podcast #314 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/matthew-dicks
Matthew Dicks on Incrementalism - https://matthewdicks.com/incrementalism-may-save-your-life-or-at-least-prolong-it/
What to do to Finish More Music - Music Production Podcast #322 - https://youtu.be/4acXs-kNbVI
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

#323: Navigating the Evolving Music Industry with Zack Zarrillo May 22, 2023

Show notes

Zack Zarrillo is co-founder of Alternate Side, a full-service music company that represents over 30 artists in the alternative/rock/pop/electronic/metal genres. He also co-founded Bad Timing Records, and he began writing his popular music blog "PropertyOfZack" when he was just 16 years old. In addition to helping artists build their careers, Zack is co-owner of Hello Donuts + Coffee in Philadelphia, PA.

Zack spoke about the ways the music industry has evolved over the last 15 years and the strategies his artists have used to grow their careers. We covered everything from Tik Tok to Spotify and Patreon. Zack also drew parallels between building a community of fans with artists to building a real-world community at his Philadelphia donut shop.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

Zack's Website - http://zzarrillo.com/
Alternate Side - http://alternatesi.de/
Bad Timing Records - https://www.badtimingrecords.com/
PropertyOfZack - https://propertyofzack.com/
Allergic Reactions - http://zzarrillo.com/allergic-reactions
Kevin Devine - https://www.kevindevine.net/home
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

#322: What You Need To Do To Finish More Music May 15, 2023

Show notes

Making Music is hard. Even when we have attained all of the skills and knowledge to create music, it's still extremely difficult to finish music. Along the way, there are thousands of tiny decisions that need to be made. At each decision lies the risk of running into self-doubt and a crippling inner critic.

In this episode of the Music Production Podcast, we explore the importance of almost recklessly making decisions and committing to them.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

Bounce in Place Ableton Live Tutorial - https://youtu.be/tCEdipLbarw
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

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

#321: Boom Bap Hip Hop Production and Collaboration with Amadeus360 May 09, 2023

Show notes

Amadeus360 started his career as a DJ and came up under the mentorship of the legendary Kid Capri. He's also produced records for Rap legends like Kool G Rap, Busta Rhymes, Paul Wall, Sheek Louch of The LOX, etc. His new album The MPC Jedi releases on May 12

Amadeus and I spoke about his work as a boom bap hip hop producer. He shared his experiences collaborating with a wide range of artists and how his work ethic and dedication to quality and authenticity have served him during his impressive career.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

The MPC Jedi - https://soulspazm.bandcamp.com/album/the-mpc-jedi-1
Amadeus on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amadeus360thebeatking/
Amadeus YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@knos360
"Still World Famous" featuring M.O.P - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6piUOSIUE4
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

#320: Finding Flow and Work-Life Balance with Paul Laski May 03, 2023

Show notes

Paul Laski is a music producer, sound designer, and Ableton Certified Trainer. He designs sounds in the factory preset bank of XFER Records Serum and sample and preset packs for Sample Magic, Splice, and Sonic Academy. Paul teaches computer music production, sound design, and live performance with ICON Collective in Los Angeles.

I had a great conversation with Paul about how he has carved out a career in music via producing, teaching, and sound design. Paul went into detail about the challenges of work-life balance, especially as a new father. We went deep into the philosophy around creativity and productivity, and how we can find satisfaction and fulfillment in our work and the unexpected paths that present themselves along the way.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

Paul's Official Site - https://www.p-lask.com/
ICON Collective - https://iconcollective.edu/music-production-programs/
Tape Hiss and Vinyl Crackle Free Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2012/07/19/free-ableton-pack-60-tape-hiss-vinyl-crackle
War of Art by Steven Pressfield - https://amzn.to/415Q4HD
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell - https://amzn.to/41XRFAx
Ben Burnes on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ben-burnes-4
The Power of Now - https://amzn.to/3Lptkgd
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

#319: It Doesn't Happen to You, It Happens For You with Ariane Paras Apr 28, 2023

Show notes

Ariane Paras helps artists define their vision, build confidence, and find the strength to reach their goals. She runs Olympia Coaching and has 15 years of experience in the music industry and has been coaching artists along their journey for 8 years.

In our second conversation on the podcast, Ariane and I spoke about fears and struggles artists face. Ariane shared how we can pay close attention to our mindset and thoughts to reframe challenges and criticisms into learning and growth experiences. She offered valuable tips and techniques for creating art and how to keep our careers moving even when we feel stagnant.

Sign up for Ariane's May 2nd and 9th, 2023 FREE 2-part workshop: Just do it! Stop Procrastinating And Build Consistency In Your Music Career. You'll discover why you procrastinate, get practical tools to overcome this and get the motivation and accountability you need to follow through with something that will move your music career forward. You'll walk away feeling accomplished and one step closer to where you want to be. Find out the details and register here: https://mailchi.mp/c2d30631a626/just-do-it-workshop

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

Olympia Coaching - https://olympiacoaching.com
Free Consultation with Ariane - https://olympiacoaching.as.me/schedule.php
Thrive Program - https://olympiacoaching.com/thrive-artists
Ariane's Blog - https://olympiacoaching.com/blog
Ariane's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/olympiacoaching/
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin - https://amzn.to/3ZznbTx
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

#318: Songwriting Secrets with Keppie and Benny of How to Write Songs Apr 23, 2023

Show notes

Keppie Coutts and Benny Romalis are professional songwriters who run the website and YouTube Channel How to Write Songs. Both have released numerous albums, written songs for many artists, and teach songwriting. Their YouTube channel is one of my personal favorites and their courses have helped thousands of songwriters.

Keppie, Benny, and I had a great discussion about writing music and their new course on Udemy: The 5 Most Powerful Songwriting Exercises... Revealed. Keppie and Bennie generously shared 2 of those exercises, complete with music demonstrations and performances.

Edit: Keppie mentioned "The River" by Bruce Springsteen but she said afterwards that she meant "Devils and Dust."

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

How to Write Songs - https://howtowritesongs.org/
How to Write Songs YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@htws
The 5 Most Powerful Songwriting Exercises... Revealed - https://www.udemy.com/course/the-5-most-powerful-songwriting-exercises-revealed/
How to Write Songs Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howtowrite.songs/
Keppie's First Appearance on the podcast #248 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/keppie-coutts
Keppie's Second Appearance on the podcast #262 -https://brianfunk.com/blog/keppie-coutts-2
Matthew Dicks on the Music Production Podcast #314 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/matthew-dicks
"The River" by Bruce Springsteen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7BUXRsTbvI
"Devils and Dust" by Bruce Springsteen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm-DcnhrMkY
Jeff Tweedy's How to Write One Song - https://amzn.to/41S5i3S
Bayles and Orland's Art and Fear - https://amzn.to/41Oz8WX
Song Exploder Podcast - https://songexploder.net/
And the Writer Is... Podcast - https://www.andthewriteris.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

#317: Throwing Yourself into the Deep-End with Matthew Patrei Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

Matthew Patrei is a music producer and teacher who releases music under the name Yasei Mare, which means "Wild Ocean." Matt just released his new album, EP Two. He teaches music at the Steeple Street Music Academy in Massachusetts.

Matt and I had a great conversation about the creation of his new Yasei Mare album, EP Two. We discussed his songwriting methods, vocal production, and sound design. Matt shared how he manages to overcome creative challenges in himself and his students.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

Yasei Mare - https://yaseimaremusic.com/
EP Two by Yasei Mare - https://yaseimare.bandcamp.com/album/ep-two
Matt's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matthewsounds/?hl=en
Steeple Street Music Academy - https://steeplestreetmusic.com/
Matt's Other Musical Projects - https://matthewpatrei.bandcamp.com/
Adam Rokhsar - https://www.instagram.com/aesthetic_candy/
Brain Candy Max for Live Device - https://aestheticcandyshop.gumroad.com/l/braincandy
Jeff Tweedy How to Write One Song - https://amzn.to/3UoywVv
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

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

#316: Composing Video Game Soundtracks with Rob Kovacs - 88-Bit Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

Rob Kovacs is a classical trained pianist, singer/songwriter, and composer. He recently released the soundtrack for the game Straylight. Rob performs classic video game soundtracks on piano as 88-Bit, and he also writes and records indie rock music under his own name.

I met Rob at the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo last summer where he performed as 88-Bit, playing piano renditions of classic video game soundtracks. On this episode, we had a great conversation about his work as 88-bit, his indie rock music, and his new soundtrack for the game Straylight. Rob spoke about composing for video games and how the limitations of the early sound chips resulted in inventive and creative approaches to composition.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

Rob Kovacs - https://www.robkovacsmusic.com/
Straylight Soundtrack - https://lnk.to/straylight
88-Bit - https://88bitmusic.com/
Rob's Bandcamp - https://robkovacs.bandcamp.com/
Rob YouTube's - https://www.youtube.com/@robkovacsmusic/videos
Rob's Twitch - https://twitch.tv/robkovacs
Famictracker - http://famitracker.com/
Megaran Insane in the Rain - https://insaneintherainmusic.bandcamp.com/album/insane-in-the-rain
Long Island Retro Gaming Expo - https://liretro.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

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

#315: Be an Artist All the Time with Ben Burnes Mar 27, 2023

Show notes

Ben Burnes is a musician, producer, and game developer. Every week for years, and nearly 400 times, Ben has live streamed his production of a new song in two hours. He is a prolific creator and also has a large collection of sample packs to help fellow producers create their music.

This is my fourth conversation with Ben on the podcast! We covered a wide range of topics, including how to finish songs, creating a discipline around music production, and how to find a artistic balance that is right for you.

Be part of Ben's next Two Hour Album Challenge, April 12-16, 2023! Go to Two Hour Album Challenge for more information.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes: