Welcome to The Savvy Producer Podcast! - A show all about productivity, efficiency and keeping your clients happy in the world of music production!
Free Mastering Sample - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/free...What actually is mastering? It's a question that comes up all time and it can be hard to find a definitive answer for it. In this video, I want to cover a few of the things that can go into mastering a record, so that you have a clearer picture of what mastering can entail and where a mastering engineer like myself might be able to help you.Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Free Mastering Sample - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/freemasteringsampleThinking about listing your music production services on freelancer marketplace? If your goal is to build a full-time career in music production, that might not be the best idea. In this video I want to go over a few reasons why and what I think you should do instead.Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
Free Mastering Sample - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/freemasteringsampleMastering can be a daunting process and there's a lot to consider when it comes to sending a project off for mastering, both on the technical side and the creative side.In this video, I want to give you 5 things that your mastering engineer will love you for doing, so that the process is a breeze for you, easy for them too and you get the best possible results out of it.Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
Free Mastering Sample - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/free...Do you ever listen to commercial releases and wonder how they get their tracks to sound so loud, but still so full of life and apparent dynamics?In this video I explore how you can create loud sounding records, that still maintain a feeling of dynamics, punch and excitement.Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
Free Mastering Sample - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/freemasteringsampleEar fatigue holding you back? In this video I share four things that have helped me to combat ear fatigue as a mastering engineer so that I can stay creative, work on more music and always deliver my best in the studio.Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
Struggling to find work in the music industry? Through 7 years of building my client base to where it is now, I've been in the trenches with this stuff. In this episode, I share the three core traits that you need to have (or learn) in order to make it in this industry.Free Mastering Sample - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/freemasteringsampleMarsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
Struggling with self-doubt in the music industry? In this episode, I share some practical strategies to help you crush imposter syndrome and feel more confident in your work. Whether you're a producer, mixer, or mastering engineer, these tips will help you stay grounded and focused on your growth. Free Mastering Sample - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/freemasteringsample Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
When we think about being more efficient in the studio we often jump to creating complex automation systems, making macros and learning new keyboard shortcuts. This is all great, but sometimes, it can cause more problems than it solves and might not get to the heart of the issue. In this episode I explore why I believe that simplicity is the real key to being efficient and gaining back more time for creativity, freedom and rest. Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
As it's the new year, I thought I'd share the best piece of advice I've ever heard when it comes to achieving your goals in life and business! This simple saying has brought me so much growth over the past 5 years in mastering, so I thought it deserved an episode! Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
This week I have a wonderful interview with Kayla Pichichero. Kayla Pichichero is a music producer from Long Island, NY currently living in LA. With a unique background in vocal harmony, Kayla produces intricate songs that emphasize lush vocals, ear-catchy rhythms, and unconventional sound design. Kayla regularly writes and produces indie pop, alternative, and singer-songwriter music with and for artists from LA to NY. Her collaborations have made a big splash, receiving recognition all the way from the big screen in Times Square to Rolling Stone India. We chatted about our approach to content, running an efficient and inspiring production session and why community is always better than competition. Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/ Connect with Kayla: Instagram Website
We're coming up to December which is typically a slower month for most people in audio, so I thought this was the perfect time to share three things I do when business is slower, to make sure that I'm making the most of the extra time available and making sure the calendar is filling up moving forwards. Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
This week I have a fantastic interview to share with Lucas Fournier! Lucas is a multi-instrumentalist music producer from Toronto, Canada. Currently working remotely from his home studio in Tiny, Ontario, he specializes in producing and arranging emotional indie tracks for artists all around the world, often featuring lush emotive strings, atmosphere, and vocal layers. We chatted about how Lucas is leveraging YouTube to build his client base, avoiding nightmare clients and how he tackles the challenges of remote production projects. Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/ Connect with Lucas: YouTube Instagram Website
As well as being a good excuse to ramble on about studio stuff, this podcast is all about sharing my experiences, observations, mistakes made and lessons learned throughout my years as a freelance studio pro. I've definitely made my fair share of mistakes since I started doing this, so I thought I'd share three of the biggest ones I've made on my journey so that you can identify them, avoid them or overcome them yourself! Marsden Mastering - https://www.marsdenmastering.com/
We love talking about what DAW we use and what plugins are popular right now, but what about the other pieces of software that allow a studio to run efficiently day to day? In this episode, I wanted to share 4 pieces of software that help me to run my mastering business as efficiently as possible and let me put as much energy as possible into being creative. I think every studio could benefit from implementing these four pieces of software, or at least similar alternatives. Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Let's talk about Spike AI then... Spike Stent caused quite a stir amongst the community this week when he announced his new AI Mixing tool. The comments were full of anger and fear from mixers around world, but is it really going to replace you? As a mastering engineer, who's job has been put into question by AI tools and all-in-one master buss processors for the past few years now, I wanted to share my opinion and delve into some of the pros and cons of a world with AI Mixing. Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
As somebody with a very minimal studio setup, people are often curious about my workflow, so I thought it was about time I shared a deep dive into why I love working in the box with two big takeaways for anybody in a similar position. I talk about: - Why I prefer the sound of digital - How following a conventional path may be stifling your creativity - Letting go of imposter syndrome when it comes to gear Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
This week I have a wonderful interview to share with LA based producer, Kara Greskovic. We chatted about how being in a music city has impacted Kara's career as an up and coming producer, her move from Nashville to LA, how Kara stays productive, creative and inspired in the studio and why building a sense of camaraderie with your clients is so important. Connect with Kara - https://www.karagreskovic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/karagreskovic/ Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
This week I have an amazing interview to share with UK based mix engineer, Charles-Henry Volk. We had a great chat about how fostering community has positively impacted Charles' career and growth as a mixer, his journey with monitoring and how he's landed on a minimal, laptop and headphones set up and how he enables creativity and experimentation as much as possible with his artists. Connect with Charles - https://www.instagram.com/charleshenryvolk/ Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Does your mastering engineer care? Or are you better off using AI at this point? In this episode I wanted to talk about a theme that I've seen with some engineers in the industry and why I think there's always a better option. There are also two key take aways that will help you to build a happier career in music for yourself and for your clients. Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
How much do you charge for your services? Based on what most audio professionals are charging, probably not enough. In today's episode, I wanted to talk about strategies for pricing your skills, making sure that you're able to earn a comfortable living and building a business that lasts long into the future. Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
This week I have a wonderful interview to share with UK based, award winning producer and songwriter, Benjamin Wilson-Scott. Benjamin has worked with Indie heavyweights like Half Moon Run, Shura, Benjamin Francis-Leftwich, Fickle Friends, Jon Bryant and many more. In our interview we chatted about Benjamin's approach to starting a fresh production and nailing the artist's vision, his approach to social media and his recent journey converting a derelict garage, into a purpose built production and songwriting space. Connect with Ben: Website - https://www.benjaminwilsonscott.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/benjaminwilsonscott YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@benjaminwilsonscott Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Ever feel like you've taken on too many projects? In today's episode I wanted to share some advice that I apply every day to avoid feeling overwhelmed and snowed under when the workload is heavy. Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
I'm always getting asked what's made the difference when comes to being full-time in audio. A running theme in mastering (and music production in general), is that it's the things you have the discipline not to do that really make the difference - and I think that's true in the bigger picture too. So in this episode, I wanted to share 3 things that I never do as a full-time audio professional. Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
When you're nearing the end of a project it's so easy to overthink, keep tweaking in the pursuit of something "better", doubt yourself or get anxious about finally sending your hard work to your clients. In this episode I wanted to share 3 things that will help you when it comes to calling your projects done and getting them over the finish line. I discuss: - The big mistake engineers are making around deadlines - How to prevent your clients from dragging projects out for too long - Tactics to avoid overthinking and imposter syndrome when you're mixing Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Let me tell you about the time I got caught up in a scam... This episode is all about something that happened early on in my career and the two big lessons you can take away from it. I talk about: - How my name was used on work that had never touched my studio - Why transparency will make or break your music career - The right way to handle an unhappy client Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
The music industry is in a bad place... artists are barely getting paid from streaming, the monetary value of music is plummeting and venues/promotors aren't exactly helping either. There's no hiding from this, but in this episode I wanted to share some silver linings and positives about working in music right now. I talk about - Why there's never been a better time for audience building - How industry gatekeepers have been pushed aside - How music discovery is in a better place than ever - Why I couldn't have built my mastering business 20 years ago Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
So how do you actually build a client base? I'm asked about this almost daily and it's something I love nerding out about, so I figured it was probably time I recorded an episode about it. I cover: - The 5 things that haven't worked for me - The lead generation method that my mastering business is built on - Why social media doesn't have to be stressful www.marsdenmastering.com
Lower income, long hours, no free time and unhappy clients - These are all risks of spending too long on your mixes. In this episode I wanted to share my advice when comes to speeding up your workflow, so that you can boost your hourly pay, take on more projects and get better mixes while you're at it! I explore: - The two biggest factors in speeding up your mixing - Why mixing faster delivers better results - How to be more instinctive when you're mixing Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Are you sabotaging perfectly good mixes? This episode was inspired by an Instagram post I made last week that good some really good conversations going about the things that can ruin a great mix. I talk about: - Why you should use limiters with care - The one opinion that matters more than anybody else's when it comes to a great mix - Why you might be ruining your low-end Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Things change a lot when you've been working on your craft for years and years and sometimes, you wish you'd learned those lessons sooner in your career. In this episode I wanted to share three big differences in the way I work now vs when I was just starting out. I talk about - Why I love working on headphones - Why you should go against the grain and be different - How trying to desperately prove your worth could be holding you back - The biggest factor in being decisive in the studio Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
This week we have Boston-based producer and mixer Owen Korzec on the show. We deep dive into Owen's unique approach to communicating with artists and getting the best out of their project, his studio workflows as a multi-instrumentalist and what he feels makes a great finished production. Follow Owen: Instagram Website TikTok Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
If you're like most engineers, you probably can't stand the tedious, non-creative tasks like mix prep, editing and file organisation. They sap your creative energy and waste time that could have been spent actually producing or mixing! But what if you never had to do them again? Automating them with something like Keyboard Maestro could be the answer. In this episode I talk about: - How macros can allow more time for creativity - Why automating non-creative tasks increases your hourly pay - My plan for implementing more macros into my workflow over the next few weeks Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
This week I want to tell you about a mastering session that wasn't quite going to plan and the realisation that turned the whole track around. I learned a massive lesson from this that can apply to every part of music production or freelancing in general. In this episode, I cover: - The mastering session from hell - How the biggest results come from the things you have the discipline not to do - How to get out of a creative rut and produce your best work Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
If you only take one piece of advice into 2024, make it this. In this episode I talk about: - The mistake that holds producers back the most - How you might be promising too much to potential clients - How you can make sure you're going above and beyond on every project Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
This week we have Nashville based, award winning mix engineer Brent Hendrich on the podcast chatting about how he niched down into mixing pop music, his approach to efficiency, templates and how he balances that with creativity, and some thoughts on the future of the industry when it comes to Atmos. Follow Brent: Instagram Website Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
The final episode of the year! We're all in the midst of wrapping up projects before the holidays and thinking ahead to 2024, so I though I'd take this episode to share what I do before every new year, to make sure my goals are clear I know how to reach them. In this episode I talk about: - The importance of celebrating your wins - How to find areas for improvement in your music production business - The key to setting goals and actually achieving them Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
This week we have Harley Eblen on the podcast chatting about how one Instagram post changed his business forever (and allowed him to double his rates), why he uses a light phone and how he's dialled in his recording process and studio so that he can get from idea to recording in seconds. With a lifelong obsession for understanding what makes music so impactful, Harley arranges and records strings from his home studio nestled in the trees of Ashland, Oregon. His approach to string arranging combines his abilities as a cellist, songwriter, and a producer. He's recorded strings on dozens of albums, worked with artists like Cayson Renshaw, Haley and Michaels, Jim Brickman, Laurie Lewis, Thomas LaVine, Vintz Desert, Genesis Ritchoot, Joel Iglesias, Matt and Savanna Shaw, and Jordan Hart. His work is regularly featured on AlexRainbird, Indie Folk Central, and Indie Music Center, Spotify, and Apple editorial playlists. Follow Harley: Website Instagram TikTok Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Black Friday has just gone by and I'm sure many of picked up some nice new plugins. It's a time of year that seems to be especially hyped up in the audio industry - we're bombarded with sales emails and ads from plugin companies trying to make us feel some sort of FOMO if we don't buy what they're selling. If you've listened before, you'll know I like to keep my plugin library lean, but this year I've actually made some additions, so I thought I'd share the questions I ask myself before every plugin purchase to make sure it's a good move both for business and creatively! I talk about: - Staying on top the curve with new technology - Breaking a "stale" period and sparking new creativity - The importance of demoing plugins (most people don't do this properly) Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Understanding your client's creative vision - This is more important than any of the skills you learn in audio school. It's more important than any piece of gear, instrument, or plugin in your studio. And if you can't get this right, you're simply not going to be able to keep your clients happy, give them a product that they love and keep them coming back to you. In this episode I talk about: - Why working with the right artists is key - The questions you need to ask before every project - The secrets to easy revisions - Why you should probably raise your rates Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
Last week I put an ask me anything up on Instagram and had some great questions, so I thought I'd answer them in more detail on the show! In this episode I talk about: - Lessons you can learn from the most experience producers and mixers I work with - How I combat ear fatigue when mastering full time - How I use automation in mastering - Balancing efficiency with creativity Marsden Mastering - https://marsdenmastering.com/
If you have any of these four toxic mindsets, you could be massively hurting your music production journey without even realising. In this episode, I address the worst mindsets you can have in the music industry and give you the alternative beliefs that will help you to crush it moving forwards. I talk about:- Why nobody is your competition - How you can stop the comparison game on social media - Why the belief that artists have no budget couldn't be further from the truth - Why you should tell everybody your production secrets Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/39
Always trying to convince your clients to get their music professionally mastered? This episode is for you! I've lost count of the amount of producers and mixers I've spoken to who say they'd love more of their artists to go to a specialist mastering engineer and they're always trying to convince them, but 9 times out of 10, they end up having to master their own projects. I have a really simple solution for this that makes the whole production process run more smoothly, ensures your artists are getting the best possible final result and lets them avoid the overwhelm they often feel around mastering. Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/38
This week we have an interview with Manchester based mixing engineer, Joshua Riley. In our chat, we covered everything from why Joshua keeps a minimal plugin library, how he mixes quickly and still delivers his absolute best work every time and what he thinks is the key to keeping a happy client base. Follow Joshua Riley on Instagram. Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/37
Ever have those days where you're just not motivated? Me too! In this episode I wanted share four things (plus a little bonus tip) that help me to stay productive, even if I'm not feeling up to it at first. I talk about: - How you can automate the boring, repetitive studio tasks that get in the way of your creativity - Why you should try only working in one place - The advantages of a simple, minimal studio space - Time blocking to crush your day Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/36
This week we have a really exciting interview with recording and mixing engineer, Joe Marsh. In our chat, we covered everything from how Joe runs recording sessions efficiently and makes sure everyone's staying productive in the studio, how he uses keyboard maestro to save hours and hours every single week and how he makes sure that his clients and his bands are really happy with his work and want to come back to him again and again. Follow Joe: www.joemarshrecording.com Instagram TikTok Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/35
Are you getting the most out of your portfolio? If you're like most other producers, it probably sits on your website or in your bio, waiting to be listened to in hope that somebody likes it and hires you, but there's so much more it can do for you and in this episode I wanted to unpack that. I talk about: - How you can easily repurpose every project to generate more interest in what you do - Leveraging credits and connections to expand your circle and bring in more of the work you love - Why you should celebrate wins with your artists Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/34
When you start out in the music industry, people will tell you that you need to "hustle", meaning you need to work around the clock, as much as you can, sacrificing your weekends and even your sleep. This is the way that a lot of really experienced producers I know still do things and it's massively hurting their growth. In this episode I wanted to share my experience with this and how I built my mastering business without working over 7 hours a day or losing my weekends. I talk about: - Why working these long days isn't going to help you progress - What happened when I shifted my mindset around this - What you should actually focus on if you want a more sustainable, enjoyable music production career Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/33
The music production world is one of the most saturated creative industries. If you want to hit your goals, you're going to have to make sure you stand out amongst the crowd, so in this episode I wanted to share 3 things that are certain to do that for you. The great thing is, they're easier than you think. I talk about: - The stereotype that you have to avoid if you want success - Why gear isn't the answer - How you can find your people in the music industry Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/32
Ever have those months where your studio is quieter than normal? I think that's natural for most freelancers, so I wanted to share the three things I think every studio owner should do when business is slow. In this episode I talk about: - Not letting a slow month affect your motivation and determination - Ways you can actively find more work and rebuild the momentum - Why you should maximise this time by working on your business - Making sure you're recharging during slow times Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/31
This week I want to share four tiny tips that will take you virtually no time to apply to your production workflow and will make a massive difference to your client base, your productivity and your efficiency in the studio. In this episode I talk about: - The one important question you should ask clients after every project - Why Loom videos are so great for remote studio owners - How to set boundaries without scaring clients away - The best way to solve FAQs from your clients (and potential clients) Freebie - How busy music producers can crush their schedule and keep their clients happier, without stress or overwhelm - marsdenmastering.com/trello Full show notes - https://marsdenmastering.com/thesavvyproducer/30
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