Music Production Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Snakes of Russia - Emotion Over Perfection Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Joseph Holiday, who releases music as Snakes of Russia, returns to the podcast to talk about his latest album, Swallowed Whole Through the Mouth of Eternity. Joseph's music blends modular textures to create dark, moody, cinematic soundscapes.

In this episode, we talk about how Joseph's approach has evolved since our last conversation, why limitations fuel his creativity, and how visual storytelling influences his sound design. We get into his production workflow, how he finishes music quickly without overthinking, and why his favorite creative moments often come from accidents. We also touch on how the music industry's changing landscape impacts independent artists and why Joseph is focusing more on physical formats and direct fan connection.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Snakes of Russia Official Site - https://snakesofrussia.com/
Swallowed Whole Through the Mouth of Eternity by Snakes of Russia - https://snakesofrussia.bandcamp.com/album/swallowed-whole-through-the-mouth-of-eternity
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/snakesofrussia/
Snakes of Russia Soundpacks on Gumroad - https://snakesofrussia.gumroad.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SnakesofRussia
See Machine art by Morgan Sorensen- https://www.instagram.com/see_machine/?hl=en
Evan Frankfort on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/evan-frankfort
Joseph on episode 341 of the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/snakes-of-russia-2
Joseph on episode 175 of the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/snakes-of-russia
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!

Tommy Zee - Stop Drinking from the Infinite Well Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Tommy Zee runs Tommy Zee and Co., a music production company that creates music for some of the world's largest brands like Nike, Adidas, Google, Sony, and more. He also runs Making Music for Brands, a platform where he teaches producers how to build careers creating music for commercial projects.

This is the fourth time I've had Tommy on the podcast, and every time we talk, I walk away feeling inspired and energized. In this episode, we talk about the evolving role of artists in a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation. We explore how commercial work shaped Tommy's discipline, why he's now leaning more into slower, more intentional creativity, and how important it is to stay connected to what truly matters to you as an artist. Toward the end, things get philosophical—and I think that's where some of the richest moments come through.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, who are running a huge Black Friday sale until December 8, 2025. Save an additional 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Making Music For Brands- https://www.makingmusicforbrands.com
Tommy's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@studiozeeandco
KMRU on Ableton's Blog - https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/kmru-on-the-art-of-sharing-music/
Tommy on the 307th Episode of this podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/tommy-zee-3
Tommy on the 188th Episode - https://brianfunk.com/blog/tommy-zee-2-music-production-podcast-188
Tommy on the 122nd Episode - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2019/8/15/tommy-zee-making-music-for-brands-music-production-podcast-122
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

Tom Cosm - Telepathic Instruments Co-Founder and Ableton Certified Trainer Nov 02, 2025

Show notes

Tom Cosm is an electronic musician, Ableton Certified Trainer, and the technical co-founder of Telepathic Instruments. Widely known for his early Ableton Live tutorials and inventive use of hacked gear, Tom has built a reputation as a true audio mad scientist—transforming data, brainwaves, and even bugs into expressive sound.

In this conversation, Tom shares his journey from early YouTube educator to the co-creator of Orchid, a new instrument, dreamt up by Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, built to spark musical ideas with immediacy and joy. We explore the evolution of his creative philosophy, how tools can invite spontaneity, and what he's learned about music (and life) by building instruments from scratch.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

From YouTube to Orchid - Tom's journey started with early Ableton tutorials on YouTube and led to co-creating Orchid—a creative "ideas machine" that helps musicians quickly generate complex chord progressions.
Music in Everything - Whether converting brainwaves, weather data, or the movement of a spider into sound, Tom finds musicality in everyday patterns and natural systems.
Designing for Play - Tom emphasizes having fun while making music. Orchid was intentionally built without a screen to encourage tactile exploration and playful interactions.
Community-Driven Development - Community has been a constant factor in Tom's work and continues through community-feedback on Orchid.
Making Time for Music Again - After years focused on building hardware, Tom is excited to return to making music—starting with 80 unfinished tracks and a fresh wave of curiosity.

Links:

Telepathic Instruments - https://telepathicinstruments.com
Telepathic Instruments on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/telepathic.instruments/
Telepathic Instruments on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@telepathic.instruments
Tom Cosm Website - https://www.cosm.co.nz
Tom's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/cosmcosm
Tom's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tomcosm/
Tame Impala - https://www.tameimpala.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

Plug-in Development and Live Performance with Soap Audio's Tom Carpenter Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Tom Carpenter is a musician, producer, and plug-in developer. He is currently on tour with his 3-piece indie electronic band, Moon Tower. Tom is a co-founder of Soap Audio, who recently released Soap Voice Cleaner, a plug-in designed to easily clean up spoke word audio. I spoke with Tom about his tour, Moon Tower, and Soap Voice Cleaner. Tom shared his thoughts on creativity and collaboration in both a band setting and as a programmer. We also explored how Tom has found multiple avenues to build a career in the music industry.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their new plug-in Tekno! Save 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io/tekno

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Soap Voice Cleaner - https://www.musehub.com/plugin/soap-voice-cleaner
Moon Tower - https://thisismoontower.com
Muse Hub - https://www.musehub.com
Audacity - https://www.musehub.com/app/audacity
Abberant DSP - https://aberrantdsp.com
Beat Link Trigger - https://github.com/Deep-Symmetry/beat-link-trigger
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/

*Edit - in the show I mistakenly mentioned Sony's involvement in Audacity. I was confusing Audacity with Acid, which was at one time owned by Sony.

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

#410: Your Best Music is Dying: 10 Habits of Prolific Music Producers Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

https://brianfunk.comIs your best music not getting made?

Do you struggle through the process?

This video contains 10 habits of prolific music producers. Adopt them into your music making and let your best music come to life!

Every time we make music is a unique and special experience. We will never be in exactly the same place again. We have to take advantage of each moment we get otherwise, that music will never get made.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

Every music creation moment is unique and special.
Prolific music production requires consistent practice.
Don't wait for the perfect moment to start creating.
It's okay to borrow ideas from other artists.
Create what you want to hear, not just for others.
Establish a routine to make music regularly.
Embrace constraints to enhance creativity.
Explore side projects to find new inspiration.
Immerse yourself in a creative environment.
Share your work to build a community and grow as an artist.

Links:

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

Ableton Certified Trainer Side Brain Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Yeuda Ben Atar, aka Side Brain, is one of the most knowledgable and prolific Ableton Certified Trainers out there. He recently released his 100th weekly episode of his music production Study Group. He's got some exciting new Ableton Live tools, such as his Push Trigger FX, MIDI Bounce, and Flin for Push.

We spoke about his teaching and work and his liberating position on releasing music. We discussed some of the challenges and benefits of AI in music production and technology.

Check out Side Brain's Live 12.3 new features Free online workshop RSVP here:

https://forms.gle/439ZeDmANMFNhphk8

Side Brain is hosting and event at the Grammy museum about music technology and there Sonic Playground exhibit with Moldover:

https://grammymuseum.org/event/ableton-live-lab-inside-sonic-playground/

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their new plug-in Tekno! Save 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io/tekno

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

Music Education Thrives on Community – Yeuda highlights how workshops, meetups, and collaborative spaces create more meaningful and lasting learning experiences than isolated online content.
Technology Should Serve Expression – Whether using Ableton Live or experimenting with AI, Yeuda emphasizes that tools are only valuable if they help artists communicate something human.
The Importance of Tempo and Feel – Musical tempo is emotional and essential to how people connect with rhythm and groove.
Creativity Through Constraints – From limiting gear to setting personal rules, Yeuda believes creative boundaries often lead to more original and inspired results.
Teaching Is Sharing Tools, Not Rules – Rather than telling students what's "right," Yeuda focuses on showing possibilities and letting each person develop their own approach.

Links:

Side Brain's Website - https://sidebrain.net
Side Brain's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SideBrain
Side Brain's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sidebrain/
Side Brain's Live Stream Course Vault - https://sidebrain.net/vault/
MIDI Bounce Max for Live Device - https://sidebrain.net/midi-bounce/
Side Brain's Compositional Power Tools - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/xyAAD
Ableton Push Live FX Triggers - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/RNOxFW
Play Ableton Live with Video Game Controllers - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/rqxoh
Side Brain on Music Production Podcast #346 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/yeuda
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!

Sarah Belle Reid - Learning Sound and Synthesis Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Sarah Belle Reid is a trumpet player, composer, educator, and sonic explorer whose work combines classical performance, experimental electronics, and modular synthesis. With a background in conservatory training and a fearless embrace of improvisation and technology, Sarah's music blurs boundaries—merging extended trumpet techniques, custom-built software, and handcrafted synth patches into deeply expressive, often otherworldly performances.

It's great to have Sarah back on the Music Production Podcast! We talk about music as a practice, the joys of unpredictability in modular synthesis, and how constraints lead to creativity. We explore her educational approach and the value of creative curiosity. Sarah reminds us that music-making should be fun and playful!

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Sarah's Upcoming Workshops and Courses:

Sign up for Sarah's FREE Live Workshops: How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG

Sarah is about to open enrollment for her very limited and highly-praised Learning Sound and Synthesis Course. Sign up for the priority notification list to get early access and exclusive early-bird bonuses! Learn more here: https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG

Takeaways:

Modular as Playground – She uses modular synths not to replicate traditional instruments, but to build interactive environments for sonic exploration.
Start with Curiosity – Whether teaching or performing, Sarah emphasizes the power of asking "What happens if…?" rather than chasing specific outcomes.
Constraints Create Freedom – Limiting one's tools or techniques can paradoxically unlock deeper creativity and more personal expression.
Improvisation as Listening – Sarah sees improvisation not as random playing, but as a form of deep listening—responding to yourself, your tools, and your environment in real time.
Bridging Tradition and Tech – With a conservatory background and a DIY ethos, Sarah integrates academic rigor with playful experimentation.
Teaching the Inner Artist – Her courses focus on helping students reconnect with joy, experimentation, and the "why" of making music—not just the "how."
Sound as Emotional Language – Sarah uses synthesis to explore emotion and identity, encouraging others to find their own voice through abstract sound.
Every Patch is a Performance – Even small synth patches hold potential for deep expression. You don't need complexity to create something meaningful.

Links:

Sarah's Official Site - https://www.sarahbellereid.com/
Learning Sound and Synthesis Course - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG
Live Workshop - How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG
How to Design Your First Modular Synth Patch Free Course - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028330/2H9xLyBG
Sarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbellereid/
Sarah's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@sarahbellereid
Sarah and Andrew Huang "No Listening" Collaboration - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWPg2Sb1Zas
Support Sarah on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/sarahbellereid
Sarah on Music Production Podcast #334 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/sarah-belle-reid
Eventide MixerLink - https://amzn.to/4fGgLvv
Onward Chase Bliss - https://www.chasebliss.com/onward
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

Mixerman and the Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music, and Songs Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Mixerman (Eric Sarafin) is a gold and platinum-selling producer, mixer, engineer, and author whose credits include The Pharcyde, Ben Harper, Spearhead, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, and Foreigner. Known for his no-nonsense approach and razor-sharp insights, Mixerman has spent decades working at the highest levels of the industry—both in iconic L.A. studios and now from his mountain home studio in Asheville, NC.

In this episode, Mixerman and I dive deep into the role of the producer—what it really means, how it differs from mixing and engineering, and why musical vision always trumps technical perfection. We talk about his new book, Mixerman's Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs, and explore everything from the psychology of studio performance to the pitfalls of overthinking and the dangers of letting the gear drive the session. Whether you're just starting out or you've been producing for years, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, sharp humor, and hard-won truths.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

Producing ≠ Mixing ≠ Engineering – Mixerman breaks down the distinct roles and responsibilities of a producer, mixer, and engineer, and why blurring the lines can derail a project if you're not careful.
The Producer Is the Artist's Advocate – A great producer champions the artist's vision, not their own. It's not about control—it's about making the best possible record with the artist.
Don't Be a Gear-Driven Producer – Focusing on tools over results leads to decision paralysis. Gear doesn't make records—people do.
Performance Over Perfection – A technically flawless take is worthless if it lacks feel. Great records are built on compelling performances, not clean edits.
Producing Is Emotional Management – Producers aren't just sonic decision-makers—they're emotional barometers. Reading the room and managing personalities is part of the gig.
Capture the Spark, Then Get Out of the Way – Sometimes the best thing a producer can do is not intervene. Let the magic happen, then shape it later.
The Role of Arrangement – Great production often comes down to arrangement: understanding how to leave space, when to add tension, and how to support the song's emotional arc.
Don't Chase a Sound—Chase the Song – Trying to copy other artists' sounds can lead you away from authenticity. The song should dictate the production—not trends or references.
Learn to Say "That's the Take" – Knowing when a performance is done (even if it's not "perfect") is part of a producer's superpower.
Everything You Need Is Already in the Room – Fancy studios and high-end gear are nice, but great records have been made with far less. What matters is the intention behind the tools.

Links:

Mixerman's Website – https://mixerman.net
Mixerman's Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs by Mixerman - https://mixerman.net/books/mm-ultimate-producing/
Mixerman's YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@MixermanPublishes
Mixerman on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/_mixerman_/
Brian Funk Website – https://brianfunk.com
Music Production Club – https://brianfunk.com/mpc
5-Minute Music Producer Book – https://brianfunk.com/book
Music Production Podcast Archive – https://brianfunk.com/podcast
Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs with 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 ONLY Secret to Making Music... Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

There's really only one secret I can tell you that will help you make more music, have more fun making it, and leave you more satisfied with what you make.

Work Fast.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

Adam Rokhsar on the Music Production Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xsm_PGb9vM
Some Good Evil The Master Plan EP - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/somegoodevil/the-master-plan
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

The Art of Mastering with Oscar Zambrano Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Oscar Zambrano is a mastering engineer and the founder of Zampol Productions, a New York City studio known for mastering an impressive range of records—from Spotify Singles to avant-garde jazz to Broadway cast albums. With 20 years in the industry, Oscar has become a go-to name for artists who want their music treated with care, precision, and a deep understanding of both the technical and artistic sides of mastering.

In this episode, Oscar and I explore the art and philosophy of mastering—from quality control and loudness wars to the vinyl revival and the evolving role of mastering in the digital age. We talk about Oscar's unique path through the music world, the importance of saying yes to opportunities (even when you're terrified), and why a mastering engineer's job is often more about understanding intent than making things louder.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links: