Progressions: Success in the Music Industry

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Howard Benson is a Grammy winning rock producer who has made records with My Chemical Romance, Three Days Grace, Daughtry, All American Rejects, POD, and Hoobastank.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why having hits is a "numbers game"How producer royalties have changed over the past three decadesHow DAWs are hurting artistsDisguising pop music as rock musicThe Howard Benson vocal chainHow to find harmony parts, even if you don't singCowriting in RockAI's role in modern songwriting and productionConnect with Howard Benson:

Mat Leffler-Schulman is a mastering engineer who's worked with artists such as Jon Batiste, Blondie, Mary J Blige, Beach House, and many more.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Value of Working with a Human Mastering EngineerThe Ethics of Using Stem Splitting to Alter a Mix in MasteringThe Various Roles AI Could Play for Music Production ProsHow to Address "Width" in a MasterThe Business Side of a Mastering StudioAn Analog One Stop Shop Mastering UnitHow to Setup a Project for Success with CommunicationStaking Multiple Limiters for Louder, Cleaner MastersLearning to Work with SynesthesiaEnjoyed this Episode? Dig deeper on mastering with my interview with Sam FischmannConnect with

Travis shares how mixing and recording knowledge is shared today versus when he started and explains why the abundance of information can be both empowering and limiting.

Andrew Scheps is a Grammy winning engineer and mixer who has worked with Adele, Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, and many more. We chat about the future of audio recording, the implications of AI, the mindsets you need to succeed, and the skills every engineer must have.In this episode, you'll learn about:How AI Will Integrate into Mixing and RecordingWhat Engineering and Mixing Will Look Like in 5 YearsAtmos Lovers vs Atmos HatersNavigating the Ebbs and Flows of a Career in AudioParallel Compression TipsLearning the Fundamentals So You Can Break the RulesLimiting Beliefs that Hold Your Career BackEnjoyed this one? Check out my interview with Tony HofferConnect with Andrew

Following the announcement of Spike AI, Travis discusses his thoughts on the inevitability of the us of AI in mixing and how it might affect the careers of future generations of engineers and mixers.

Brendan Dekora is an engineer and mixer with credits with artists such as Trent Reznor, Foo Fighters, Steven Wilson, and Muse.In this episode, you'll learn about:What You Need to Know as a Freelance Engineer to Align with your ClientsWhy “Vibe” is More Important than SkillsHow Authentic Content can be One of Your Best ToolsTips for Remote Mixing and CollaborationHow to Navigate Moving into the Co-Production RoleDrum Tuning and How to Get Great Drum SoundsHow Being in a Major Music City Can Shape Your CareerConnect with

Sam Fischmann is a cofounder of the audio plugin company Musik Hack. As a software developer and musician he is passionate about demystifying the mastering process and making it accessible to everybody by creating tools that enable musicians to focus more on the creative and less on the technical.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Truth Behind Loudness StandardsWhere the -14LUFS Target Came FromDeveloping and Trusting Your Own TasteHow Machine Learning Can Help Us Build Better Audio ToolsThe Ethics of AI Audio ToolsGrowth through mistakesSeparating Creative Instincts from Technical InstinctsOwning the Role That You Are Best at, Even If It's Not The One You WantConnect with Sam:

Travis discusses the myths that people believe about big credits and how you should actually think of them.

Nick Broste is Chicago based audio engineer and musician who specializes in recording bands in ensembles in both studio and live settings. The spirit of removing the obstacles of artistic expression for artists is the driving force for Nick's approach to recording and always puts the music first.In this episode, you'll learn about:How the Role of the Engineer Changes When There is No ProducerThe Best Way to Record a Vocalist that is Playing Acoustic GuitarMicrophone Polar Patterns and How They Shape the Sound of BleedTips for Recording Brass and WoodwindsThe Importance of Talking About BudgetsBringing Value Outside Your Technical SkillsWhen Songwriting Credit Should Be Given to Session MusiciansConnect with Nick

Travis talks about the year he spent NOT buying plug-ins and how the recording studio culture fuels the audio tech industry into trying to sell engineers everything.

Marc Matthews is a music producer, mastering engineer and the host of the Inside the Mix Podcast.In this episode, you'll learn about:How Social Media and Content Can Be NetworkingThe Value of Having a Strong Core Group of “Music Friends”Making What You Are Passionate AboutIs the Cost of Higher Education Worth it for Music?How Releasing Something Helps You Relate to ArtistsThe Importance of Being a Life Long LearnerWhether AI Mastering Tools Encourage Engineers to Ignore Their Own Sonic TastesConnect with Marc Matthews

Travis discusses why he quit every staff engineering gig he had and how to know that you're ready to go freelance as a recording engineer, mixer, or producer.

In this episode, you'll learn about:Is Our Musical Taste Nature or NurturePracticing Minimalism in ProcessHow to Discover Your Sonic PreferencesIs Our Musical Tastes Nature or NurtureHow to Discover Your Sonic PreferencesWhy A-B Tests are a Sales Psy-OpHow We Are Too Concerned with the Process of Making Records vs The OutcomeHow to Find Your Sound in the World of Internet OpinionsWhat's Worth Worrying AboutConnect with Harper James:

In this episode Travis breaks down the five productivity tips that help him find work life balance and still deliver on a high level for his clients.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Importance of PlanningHow to Beat Task OverwhelmThe Secret to Operating at Your Highest LevelWhy Your Calendar Is Your Super PowerDeep Work

In this episode, you'll learn about:SoundflowKeyboard MaestroHow to Use Automation to Speed up WorkflowWhy Consistent File Naming So ImportantAutomating Complete Session Delivery and Stem PrintingThe Power of Pro Tools Track PresetsCoding and Automation is a Skill just like playing an instrumentHow Making Music for Sync Differs from Making RecordsHow to Hit All the Cuts when Composing for AdsConnect with Raphael

From making coffee and sweeping floors to credits with Taylor Swift, Imagine Dragons, and Ariana Grande... Travis breaks down the mindsets that have helped his career so far.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Engineering Philosophies that Get You HiredHow to ACTUALLY NetworkThe Importance of BusinessAvoiding PerfectionismDefining SuccessWhat He Wishes He Knew Before Starting in Studios

Steve Genewick is a recording engineer and mixer with over 30 years of experience working in some of the biggest studios in the world. In addition to being one of the top call engineers for big band, jazz, and orchestra sessions, Steve was also one of the first music mixers to work in Dolby Atmos. Many of the techniques he pioneered have shaped the people mix in the format today.In this episode, you'll learn about:How Atmos Could Replace StereoHow To Mix Stereo and Atmos at the Same TimeWhy the Binaural Atmos Mix is a Moving TargetFill the Atmos Sound Stage Without Adding ReverbThe Lost Art of Riding a Vocal to TapeBig Bang or Jazz RecordingThe Importance of Preparation for Large Ensemble SessionsWorking at Capitol StudiosThe Biggest Mistakes New Atmos Mixers MakeAlways Supporting the Music, Whether it's Stereo or AtmosConnect with Steve:

Travis breaks down science of how to master any skill based on the research of Daniel Coyle and his book “The Talent Code”In this episode, you'll learn about:Hotbeds of Talent Throughout the WorldHow to Build Skill Like You Build MuscleMyelin and the Role it Plays in Skill MasteringThe Benefits of Deep Practice and How to Do It

Travis reflects on the latest episode's success on YouTube and how overweighting the follow up to a big win can prevent you from building on that momentum.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why we put so much weight on our next move after a big success or failureHow overweighting opportunities have been setbacks for his mix careerHow “Quantity” plays into your career growthWhen to transition into the “Quality” phase of your career.

Travis discusses how the democratization of technology and an oversimplified view of the mastering process is threatening to ruin it all together.In this episode you'll learn,How Technology is Rapidly Changing MasteringA Quick History of MasteringWhat the True Value of Mastering IsShould You Be Paying for Mastering

Travis reflects on the first quarter of 2024 and how he's prioritizing the next three months.In this episode, you'll learn about:Travis Reviews his Goals from Q1 2024How Prioritization Drives ProgressProgressions Website UpdatesTakeaways from the Latest Episodes

Gregg Lehrman is a music composer, producer, technologist, and entrepreneur. As the founder and CEO of Output, Gregg is working to inspire creativity for musicians with their groundbreaking suite of music production tools, which now includes their AI tool, Co-Producer. As a composer his work can be heard in countless feature films, TV shows, and ad campaigns including projects for the Smithsonian, Daily Show, Apple, Avatar, The Avengers, and Saturday Night Live.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Ethics Behind AI Tool DevelopmentThe Difference Between AI as a Creative Tool and AI to Replace PeopleOutput's Ethos to Empower CreativityHow to Approach Starting Your Music Career as an Entrepreneur Starts a BusinessWhy Collaboration is One of the Most Important Tools for SuccessWhy Community Will Become a Central Focus for ArtistsHow He Got His First Job in Music with Hans ZimmerTips for Starting Your Career in MusicConnect with Gregg & Output

Everybody in the music industry expects to overwork and burnout at some point, but what if you didn't have to? What if you could avoid burnout altogether? It took getting to the point of hating every session I did to realize that we've been lied to about where burnout comes from.In this episode, you'll learn about:What Led Travis to BurnoutHow We Should ACTUALLY Be Thinking About BurnoutWhat to Do When It Happens

Matt Rifino is the music mixer for the NBC Today Show where he's mixed over 4000 songs for some of the biggest artists in the world and received 5 Emmy's over the course of his 20 years on staff. He also works with independent artists out of Studio C at the Barbershop Studios.In this episode, you'll learn about:Live Broadcast Mixing vs Studio MixingCalibrating a Hybrid Mix SetupMixing for 5.1 with the Stereo Downmix in MindWorking in NYC Recording Studios in the 90s and Early 2000sWhy He Starts a Mix with the VocalWill Broadcast go to Atmos?Mixing TV in the Morning and Indie Bands in the AfternoonConnect with Matt:

Venus Theory is a sound designer, musician and content creator. His sound design work can be found in products from companies like UVI, Lunacy Audio, Arturia, and Spitfire Audio. On YouTube, his videos have inspired hundreds of thousands of creators and given them the tools and mindsets they need to a build their careers.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Power of Practice and Why You Have to Start BadWhat it Takes to Sustain a Creative CareerWhy More Musicians Should Identify as CreatorsThe Importance of Being Clear of the Goal of What You're Doing IsThe Root of Creative EnvyHow to Quantify What Makes a Gig Worth DoingWhy Doing What You're Passionate About is the Way to SuccessConnect with Venus Theory

Travis reviews his take aways from February and shares his thoughts on the current state of AI in the music industry and how we can prepare for it. Mentioned in the Episode:Suno AIYouTube Dream TracksGET YOUR FREE RATE WORKSHEET

In this episode,Travis Ference, a Grammy nominated recording engineer, examines his own mixing process through a detailed workflow audit. Follow along and analyze your own process in what is meant to be an interactive guide to optimize music production and mixing workflows for audio professionals.In this episode, you'll learn about:Travis' System from Initial Client Contact to Final Mix DeliveryHow to Analyze and Improve your WorkflowAutomations to Speed Up WorkflowHow Travis Plans to Improve His SystemConnect with

Dana Nielsen is a Grammy nominated recording engineer, mixer, and producer who's worked with artists such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, SZA, Bob Dylan, Adele, and Post Malone.In this episode, you'll learn about:Vocal Production TechniquesThe Importance of Headphone MixesThe Art of Editing MusicallyMelodyne Vocal Tuning TipsWorking with Rick RubinUnderstanding Production is about the People, Not the ToolsRunning a 2nd Record Rig at All TimesTranslating Your Taste to Your Production ChoicesConnect with Dana Nielsen

Knowing what to charge is one of the hardest parts of working as a freelancer. In this episode Travis discusses how tracking his time for the last five years has helped him confidently define his rates and shares tips for how you can best determine what to charge for your services as a music production professional.In this episode, you'll learn about:How to determine your average hourly wageWhy you need to understand your expensesHow to make more money without directly raising your rateGET YOUR FREE RATE WORKSHEET

Noam Levinberg is a veteran mastering engineer and the founder of Safari Pedals, which has quickly become one of the most talked about new plug-in companies in recent times.In this episode, you'll learn about:How a plug-in designers' sonic preferences shape a plug-inThe parallels of releasing plug-ins and releasing musicHow JUCE Framework has opened the door for a lot of new plug in companiesThe importance of moving forward quickly to learn what resonates with peopleHow the passing down of audio knowledge has changedThe overwhelm of solo music entrepreneurshipNoam and Travis's experiences in commercial studiosConnect with Noam:

Today is the first unscripted, off the cuff episode of Progressions. I've decided to do monthly reflections on the podcast and my career as well as whatever other random thoughts come to me while recording.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Progressions Relaunch and YouTube GrowthEpisode ReflectionsNAMM ConventionMy Favorite Plug-Ins of 2023Why Engineers Should Stop Being Consumers

This week we talk about how Spotify's royalty changes will affect artists in 2024 and what the resulting outrage says about the false narrative much of the industry is living.In this episode, you'll learn about:Spotify's Royalty ChangesMonetization RequirementsThe Dangers of Focusing on Public Facing MetricsWhat to Do about the Royalty ChangesWhy the Story You Believe About Yourself May Be Holding You Back

Andrew Masters is a recording engineer and musician who's YouTube channel defined the “Epic Studio Tour” genre. His channel features some of the most amazing studio setups you'll find on the internet as well as insights on music production and engineering. Prior to his YouTube success Andrew was on staff at East West Studios in Los Angeles where he worked with artists such as Weezer, John Legend, and Sum 41 and producers such as Billy Bush and Blake Mills.In this episode, you'll learn about:How to plan for setting up a new studioHow starting YouTube changed Andrew's LifeWhat to prioritize when you build a studioHow to train an assistant to help grow your businessCan old school traditional studios survive in the home studio eraWhy more music professionals should have a YouTube channelHow social media builds trust with potential clientsUsing time blocking and goal setting to get more doneWatch this episode on YouTube here!Connect with Andrew:

In this episode we're exploring the “Super Mario Effect” and how it can be used to level up in the music industry. Drawing from former NASA engineer Mark Rober's experiment, we discover how reframing our approach to failure can lead to a gamified approach to career growth.Mark Rober - https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRoberReferences and Video Clips from Mark's Ted X Talk - https://youtu.be/9vJRopau0g0?si=fWzaBVFRwZ2ku2Ij

Tony Hoffer is a 7 time Grammy nominated record producer and mixing engineer. Tony's work includes The Kooks' “Naive”, M83's “Midnight City”, Beck's “Midnight Vultures”, Fitz & the Tantrum's “More the Just a Dream”, and Phoenix “Alphabetical.”In this episode, you'll learn about:Making Beck “Midnight Vultures” and how it changed Tony's careerTony's approach to working with bands in the studioHow Tony crafts a unique sonic identity for every projectWhy vocals get recorded early in the processAdding “grit” during the recording and mixing processBalancing the artist's vision with label expectations (or not)The challenge of setting out to make something newSetting daily targets to maintain momentum in the studioUsing guitar pedals to add character to anythingReaching out to ArtistsConnect with Tony

Progressions: Success in the Music Industry is your home base for career growth. I hope it will inspire you as much as it educates you.Check back every week for interviews featuring some of the most successful people in the industry and solo monologue episodes focusing on topics that will help you build the music career you've dreamed of.You'll find the interviews to be focused and topical than past episodes. My aim is to bring you the most valuable and insightful conversations possible and the result has been many of my personal favorites.When I started the show three years ago I never knew the journey that it would take me on. I never thought it would change me as much as it has. I think it took two years just to learn how to be a host and then a year further to decide how I wanted the show to grow and change.Thank you to all of you that have been listening from the beginning. You've all made this possible.

BEST OF 2023 REISSUE EDITION...Todays guest is Nashville based mix engineer Matt Huber. Matt has become known for his highly competitive pop and indie mixes, racking up credits for artists such as Valley, Betty Who, Nightly, Joan, ELIO, and CRUISR over the last few years. He's also passionate about education and building community within the mix engineer world. We have a great chat about mixing workflows, Dolby Atmos, home studio builds, being excellent every day, and why it takes more than just the best mix to get the gig.

BEST OF 2023 REISSUE EDITION...Today's guest is music sync licensing veteran Ben Morris. Ben is co-owner of the Hauler Music Group and a past employee of EMI and Domino Records. We chat about the art and business of sync, building your brand on your own values, the dos and don'ts of sync licensing, how best to pitch your music, and why artists should be open to doing custom music for brands and agencies.

BEST OF 2023 REISSUE EDITIONToday's guest 10 time Grammy nominated music producer, mixing engineer, and songwriter Damian Taylor. Damian has worked with artists such as Bjork, The Killers, Bomba Estéreo, Odette, The Prodigy, and UNKLE. He's also the founder of The Complete Producer Network, an online hub for people all over the world who are dedicated to improving their ability to create and share extraordinary music. We have a great chat about trusting your creative instincts, recognizing career break points, working with modular templates to boost output, and how music and culture drive human civilization forward.

BEST OF 2023 REISSUE EDITIONToday's guest is recording engineer and mixer Wil “Greazy” Anspach. Wil is a veteran in the Los Angeles recording scene with credits including Killer Mike, Vic Mensa, Imagine Dragons, Frank Ocean, X-Ambassadors, The Greatest Showman, and Ariana Grande. He's also become the defacto “TikTok Engineer” by amassing a following of over 50k people by sharing real world experiences and calling out some of the nonsense on the platform. We have a great chat about what it takes to break into the engineering world, his time coming up at East West Studios, the importance of mentoring and sharing knowledge, where art and psychology meet in the recording process, and why he wants to return to Iraq to help foster music culture there.

After reflecting on three years of podcasts I realized that I was making this show for myself as much as I was for others. In this episode I explore where Progressions came from, the story behind the closing questions, and how the show has changed me.

Great recording studios have always been built on the idea of providing solutions for their clients. Problem solving is a key skill for any engineer, mixer, or music producer. In this episode Travis explores the importance of being a solutions-oriented person in a world that has increasingly become obsessed with focusing on problems.

Ben Wallick, host of Secret Sonics, joins me for this deep dive into the top traits and mindsets that all successful people in the music industry possess. With over 250 interviews between the two of use we each lay out the top 5 mindsets for success that we've seen in our guests.

Want to get the most out of your music school experience? Set yourself up for success this fall (and for the rest of your career) with these five tips.This episode was originally post on the Progressions YouTube Channel. Be sure to subscribe for the latest there!

After you reach 10,000 hours of practice do you magically become the greatest music producer in the world or the most successful songwriter that ever lived? Most likely not. Travis explores the idea that mastering your craft is just the beginning of your music career.Inspired by Jason Jaggard's book "Beyond High Performance" and the "10,000 Hours" concept made famous by Malcom Gladwell.

Today's guest is two time Grammy winning producer, engineer, and mixer Daniel “Vago” Galindo. Born in Mexico, but now based out of Los Angeles Vago has worked on a long list of amazing projects including artists such as Juanes and Elvis Costello, as well as TV and film projects such as La La Land, Beauty and The Beast, and Ni Tu Ni Yo. We have a great chat about finding mentorship in the music industry, what music engineers can learn from post production workflows, tips for recording remotely, and why we should work with people because of their musical taste and not their skills.

Today's guest Melbourne, Australia based mastering engineer, entrepreneur, YouTube creator, and general all round mad scientist Nicholas Di Lorenzo. This his second time on the show, he was last on the show back in episode 64, if you want to learn more about Nick check that one out. We have a great chat about where AI tools can come in to your audio workflow, when to use clippers vs when to use limiters, work life balance and how that fuels being present in every part of your life, and why Nick goes so deep in this YouTube videos.

Today's guest is mixing engineer, music producer, and brand strategist Carl Bahner. Carl has helped countless audio pros and artists from not only the mixing chair, but also as a mentor helping them shape their brands and careers. For Carl's second appearance on the podcast he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in attracting ideal clients and elevating your brand communication skills. Uncover strategies to curate a distinct brand that resonates with your target audience, enhances perception, and leads to working on music you are passionate about with artists that you love.

Today's guest is recording engineer and mixer Wil “Greazy” Anspach. Wil is a veteran in the Los Angeles recording scene with credits including Killer Mike, Vic Mensa, Imagine Dragons, Frank Ocean, X-Ambassadors, The Greatest Showman, and Ariana Grande. He's also become the defacto “TikTok Engineer” by amassing a following of over 50k people by sharing real world experiences and calling out some of the nonsense on the platform. We have a great chat about what it takes to break into the engineering world, his time coming up at East West Studios, the importance of mentoring and sharing knowledge, where art and psychology meet in the recording process, and why he wants to return to Iraq to help foster music culture there.