Recording Studio Rockstars
Lij Shaw interviews music producers, engineers, and studio owners to share inspiring stories and insights from the recording studio. The podcast helps you take your recordings to the next level and become a rockstar of the recording studio yourself. Guests include Vance Powell, Michael Beinhorn, Russell Wolff, Graham Cochrane, Joe Gilder, Björgvin Benediktsson, and many more.
Episodes
RSR579 - Gyasi Heus - Glam Rock Songwriting and Guitar Tones from David Bowie to Django Reinhardt to Alice Cooper
Is “school” ever really out when you’re chasing guitar tone, or are we always learning how to ditch Mr. Nice Guy in the classroom of rock?My guest today is Gyasi Heus, a Nashville-based musician, producer, and guitarist known for his theatrical rock sound, analog recording approach, and work with Alice Cooper. He’s an artist who blends classic influences with modern production, often building his
RSR578 Chris Pandolfi - Badass Banjo and Production Magic with The Infamous Stringdusters
Curious how bluegrass veterans approach recording live in the studio or manage the balance between virtual instruments and raw performances? Join us as Chris Pandolfi from The Infamous Stringdusters shares insights from decades of balancing tradition and innovation in music.My guest today is Chris Pandolfi, a founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters, known for blending traditional bluegrass w
RSR577 - Marc Matthews - How to Build EDM Tracks From Start To Finish
What do happy accidents, deconstructing songs, and tools like stem splitters have to do with leveling up your production skills?My guest today is Marc Matthews, a UK-based producer, mixing and mastering engineer, EDM artist, and host of Inside The Mix podcast. He works with independent artists to craft impactful, clear tracks and shares practical insights from his experience as both an artist and
RSR576 - Nettie Freed - The Granddaughter of Rock 'n' Roll: Embracing Risks and Authenticity
What risks and rebellions in rock and roll history continue to echo in today's music industry?My guest today is Nettie Freed, an artist, songwriter, creative director, and studio owner based near Nashville. With roots in a music industry family and decades of experience in L.A. and Nashville, Nettie shares her journey, her studio Spellbound Recorders, and fascinating stories from her family’s lega
RSR575 - David Amlen - Lessons from Decades of Studio Building and Engineering
What does it really take to design a studio that balances acoustic excellence with practical flow - without losing sight of the human element?My guest today is David Amlin, a veteran producer, engineer, and studio owner with over 35 years of experience across film, music, television, and more. From helping build one of New York’s largest recording facilities to producing deeply personal projects,
RSR574 - JJ Catalyst - The Art of Finishing Award Winning Mixes Fast and Confidently
What does it take to finish a mix quickly without second-guessing your instincts?My guest today is JJ Catalyst, a Los Angeles-based recording engineer and mixer with credits spanning Disney, Showtime, and Billboard number ones. He's Emmy-nominated and known for blending modern pop with broadcast-ready production. We met at NAMM 2026, and he’s here to share his process and philosophy.In this episod
RSR573 - Greg Giorgio - Hybrid Studio: From Deep Snares and Cue Sends to Creative Mixing Techniques
What’s the secret to capturing that deep, punchy snare sound without overdoing it? I asked Greg Giorgio about his approach to drums, and he shared how tuning and subtle miking tricks - like dampening with towels and choosing the right snare - make all the difference. It’s about working with the instrument’s natural voice.My guest today is Greg Giorgio, a producer, engineer, and mixer known for his
RSR572 - BZ Lewis - Unlocking the Emotional Power of Immersive Audio
What insights do immersive audio techniques, like Atmos, offer for emotional storytelling and how do different speaker setups influence our perception of space and emotion in music?My guest today is BZ Lewis, a producer, engineer, and mixer with over 30 years of experience. He’s earned six Emmy Awards and specializes in immersive audio, working with major brands like Apple, Google, and Sony. BZ ha
RSR571 Brian Moncarz - Mixing Rock Drums for Bob Ezrin, Alice Cooper & Our Lady Peace
Have you ever wondered whether a killer drum sound starts with the right mic placement and kit selection, or if it’s something you can still craft in the mix? Or maybe you’re curious about how much room tone, mic choice, and tuning actually influence the final impact of your drums?My guest today is Brian Moncarz, a Toronto-based producer and mixer who’s played a pivotal role in shaping the sound o
RSR570 Jordie Lane - Writing and Producing Great Songs from the Road, Circus, and Joshua Tree
What does it really take to make your best record by embracing limitations and finding creativity in the constraints?My guest today is Jordie Lane, a Nashville-based Australian indie roots artist, songwriter, and producer. With a background that includes performing at the Sydney Opera House, composing for TV comedy, and touring with legends like Billy Bragg and Old Crow Medicine Show, Jordie bring
RSR569 Vance Powell - Baking It In, Atmos Truth, Tiny Amps, and One-Take Magic
What happens when you stop calling it pre-production and just start making the record?My guest today is Vance Powell, multi-Grammy-winning producer, mixer, and engineer from Sputnik Sound in Nashville - and the most frequent guest in RSR history, now returning for his seventh appearance on the show.Vance has been with us since episode RSR002, and once again he brings an incredible combination of b
RSR568 Kevin White - Songs of Apollo, NASA, & Music That Went to Space
What happens when you realize the soundtrack of space travel isn’t science fiction - it’s real music carried aboard real missions?My guest today is Kevin White, Nashville educator, musician, and creator of Songs of Apollo - a documentary project that explores the real relationship between music and space exploration. This isn’t just a story about composers imagining the cosmos. It’s a story about
RSR567 Micah Tawlks - Co-Writing, Mixing, Blackbird Sessions & Capturing Ideas Before They Disappear
What happens when you start writing, producing, and mixing like the forest, not the trees, and you leave your worries behind?My guest today is Micah Tawlks - producer, mixer, songwriter, and artist based in Nashville, working out of his home studio in Whites Creek. Micah first joined us back on RSR324, and he’s back to go even deeper into the intersection of writing, recording, and mixing. He’s kn
RSR566 Toby Suess - Saving Home and Pro Studios from Nashville to Nevada!
What happens when you build a studio in an industrial zone…and still end up in court for making records?My guest today is Toby Suess, drummer, engineer, and owner of Tinroof Recording in Fallon, Nevada - a studio that started as nothing more than a rehearsal space and grew into a full hybrid recording room with a killer drum sound. Toby has recorded everything from punk bands to singer-songwriters
RSR565 - Jason Lehning - Mixing Vocals, Low-End Decisions, Writers’ Rooms & Keeping It Fun
What happens when you finally stop chasing every plugin and build a mix workflow that actually works?My guest today is Grammy-winning mixer, producer, and musician Jason Lehning, returning to the show after RSR074. If the name sounds familiar, it should - we’ve also had his brother Jordan (RSR104) and his dad Kyle (RSR094), the legendary producer behind Randy Travis. Jason grew up in studios and l
RSR 564 - Packy Lundholm - Writing, Producing & Recording Yourself at Home
What happens when a Chicago multi-instrumentalist with power-pop roots, psychedelic instincts, and indie-folk sensitivity lands in Nashville with a home studio, a loop pedal, and a fearless creative streak?What happens when a Chicago multi-instrumentalist with power-pop roots, psychedelic instincts, and indie-folk sensitivity lands in Nashville with a home studio, a loop pedal, and a fearless crea
RSR563 - Bobby Bare Jr - Why Monk Songs Come From a Disco Heart and Other Unicorn Sightings
Why do your deepest, most emotional songs come out better when you stop trying so hard?In this episode, I sit down with Nashville legend Bobby Bare Jr. - fearless songwriter, creative instigator, touring bassist for Guided By Voices, and the son of Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Bare. This conversation is a masterclass in real creativity, free of pretension and full of joy, humor, wisdom, and t
RSR562 - Piper Payne - Crafting Vinyl Records With Care for Indie Artists
What do you actually need to know BEFORE you press your vinyl record… and what mistakes will totally ruin it?In this episode, Piper Payne returns to take us way deeper into the real-world physics, workflows, and decisions behind vinyl mastering and pressing. We dig into how your mixes translate onto a lacquer, why the inside of a record behaves differently from the outside, and what you should nev
RSR 561 - Kortney Grinwis - From Viral Drum Videos to Full-Time Musician Touring The World
What happens when your drumming videos blow up online… and suddenly you’re touring the world behind your own band?Hi Rockstars, it’s your host Lij Shaw.In this episode, I sat down with Nashville drummer and creator Kortney Grinwis, one half of the alt-pop duo Chapel, to talk about her journey from posting drum videos on the internet to building a full-time career on the road. Kortney shared how sh
RSR560 - Mike Meiers - Stop Writing for Your Band - Start Writing for Real Opportunities
What happens when you stop chasing the band dream… and start writing songs that actually work in the real world?Hi Rockstars, it’s your host Lij Shaw.In this episode, I sat down with songwriter, producer, and sync-music mentor Mike Meiers to dig into how he went from traditional band life to building a sustainable career writing music for film, TV, ads, and beyond.We talked about how understanding
RSR559 - Pat Sansone - Playing and Songwriting with Wilco, Autumn Defense, and Big Star Quintet.
Why does the rough mix always feel like the real song - and how the hell do you get that magic back without ruining it?In this episode, Pat Sansone and I go deep into the lifelong puzzle of mixing: why the first tracking rough has all the energy, how chasing it can make you crazy, and why mixing is really more like photography than engineering. Pat walks through how his visual art - Polaroids, sli
RSR558 - Bleu McAuley - Sync, Songs, Survival, & The Future of Making Records
What happens when you sit down with a songwriter who’s done everything from early fan-funded records, to major-label pop, to K-pop, to sync, to teaching songwriting at Berklee - and ask him what really matters in the studio today?Bleu McAuley and I go deep into the intersection of creativity, workflow, sync licensing, AI, and staying inspired at a time when music creation is changing fast. We star
RSR557 - Teresa Knox - Reviving Leon Russell’s Church Studio & the Tulsa Sound
What happens when you rescue a forgotten studio that once shaped American music history - and bring it roaring back to life?This week, I sat down with Teresa Knox, the powerhouse entrepreneur and preservationist behind the rebirth of The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma - the legendary home of Leon Russell, the early Shelter Records family, and the roots of what became known as the Tulsa Sound. Te
RSR556 – Steve Genewick – The Majesty of Turning Spinal Tap Up to Eleven in Atmos
What happens when you finally get to mix Spinal Tap in Dubly Atmos? You turn it up to 11, of course!My guest today is Grammy-nominated engineer and mixer Steve Genewick, joining us from his Atmos room in Los Angeles to walk us through the wild, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt process of capturing and mixing the new "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" soundtrack and album. In this episode, Ste
RSR555 - Matt Boudreau - From Stereo to Atmos: Revolutionizing Audio Mixing
What if your mix engineer secretly backed up every session in triplicate just so your grandkids could remix your demo in 2085?In this episode, I’m joined by my brother from another podcast, Matt Boudreau - veteran mixer, Atmos trailblazer, and the host of Working Class Audio. Matt’s credits include immersive mixes for Green Day, Alanis Morissette, and the theme for Real Time with Bill Maher, plus
RSR554 – Ronan Chris Murphy – Modern Songwriting Knight Writing Medieval Melodies in Ancient Italy
What happens when a tree destroys your home and studio - and it leads you to a new creative life across two continents?In this episode, I talk with Ronan Chris Murphy, the world-traveling producer, engineer, and artist known for his work with King Crimson, Steve Morse, and Tony Levin, and for teaching hundreds of musicians how to finish their records through his Recording Bootcamp and RIPA Festiva
RSR553 - Locke Davis - How to Build Your Community and Content to Grow Your Studio or Music Career - Pickr Music
What happens when you stop chasing shiny gear and start listening more carefully?In this episode, Locke Davis, founder and CEO of the Pickr Music app, shares how his deep dive into Nashville's studio culture and Blackbird Academy shaped his approach to building a platform that connects professionals and democratizes the recording industry. We explore the importance of community, the nuances of stu
RSR552 - Tim Easton - Songwriting, Shortcuts, and the Sound of Real Life
In this episode, we dive deep into the art of staying creative - even when life gets messy. Tim and I talk about recording at home, the beauty of imperfection, Logic shortcuts, AI tools, Costa Rica inspiration, punk rock sound gigs, and songwriting prompts that dig into the soul.We also laugh a lot about “Spanish Inquisition Part 2,” fart algorithms, “The Wrong Burrito” in Nashville, and how to su
RSR551 - Meghan Gohil - Future-Proof Your Music with Atmos, Hybrid Chains, and Indie Strategy
Meghan Gohil is a producer, mixer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. He runs Hollywood Recording Studio and GoHill Records, where he helps artists make professional-sounding records with smart workflows, hybrid mixing, and practical indie-release strategies. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comIn this episode, Meghan and I talk about the process of build
![RSR550 - Laura Crapo - Making Records, Films, and Music Videos for MTV [Steve Albini, Sebadoh]](https://artwork.captivate.fm/1d1da9b9-fdf5-4c2a-ab32-a9e5d1ae05f9/rsr550-laura-crapo-3000x3000.jpg)
RSR550 - Laura Crapo - Making Records, Films, and Music Videos for MTV [Steve Albini, Sebadoh]
Have you ever wondered how embracing chaos and intuition can transform your creative process? Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comIn this episode, Laura Crapo shares her journey through music, film, healing, and the importance of staying authentic to your unique voice. We explore the parallels between art forms, the influence of environments, and how trusting your inn
![RSR549 - Brad Jones - Capturing Authentic Performances in the Studio [Jill Sobule, Robyn Hitchcock]](https://artwork.captivate.fm/353ae38d-da23-4924-a482-1ba8c86b7c77/rsr549-brad-jones-3000x3000.jpg)
RSR549 - Brad Jones - Capturing Authentic Performances in the Studio [Jill Sobule, Robyn Hitchcock]
Ever wondered how seasoned producers handle low-end management, creative sampling, or guiding musicians without spooking them? Join me as I chat with Nashville's own Brad Jones to uncover practical studio techniques, legendary stories, and lessons learned over decades of making records. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comIn this episode, Brad shares insights from his
RSR548 - Roger Alan Nichols - Drum Tuning, Microphone Choices & Getting the Sound Right
Ever wonder how the chaos of remote recording setups and complex signals can actually come together in a studio environment? Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Roger Alan Nichols, a Nashville-based producer, engineer, and songwriter with a résumé including Grammy-nominated projects, work with Hayley Williams, Steven Tyler, and the band Dreaming in E
![RSR547 - Jon Estes - Simplicity and Communication Make Better Records [Béla Fleck, Robyn Hitchcock]](https://artwork.captivate.fm/e454b23b-5bed-43b9-a960-e654c75cc55f/rsr547-jon-estes-3000x3000.jpg)
RSR547 - Jon Estes - Simplicity and Communication Make Better Records [Béla Fleck, Robyn Hitchcock]
What does it really take to make a record that feels authentic, timeless, and even fun to make, without getting caught up in hype or hype-y gear? Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Jon Estes, a Nashville-born multi-instrumentalist, producer, and engineer with a diverse background working with artists like Béla Fleck, Robyn Hitchcock, Kacey Musgraves
RSR546 - Ronnie & Tiffany Notch - Bring Hip-Hop, AI, VR, Microsoft and Music-Learning to 40 Million Kids
What happens when you mix turntables with virtual reality to reach 4 million students and 20,000 educators worldwide? Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guests today are Ronnie and Tiffany Notch, the creative forces behind Breach, a company that blends music, technology, and education in groundbreaking ways. They share their journey from a chance meeting in a reco
RSR545 - Josh Frigo - The Art of Atmos Mixing and Creative Collaboration in the Nashville Scene
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Josh Frigo, a producer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, and artist based in Nashville, Tennessee, who believes in putting artists and their ideas first. After several years as a touring utility player, Josh shifted his focus full-time to production and mixing, building a creative career shaped by self-learning, colla
RSR544 - Eric Sarafin - Mixerman's Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music & Songs.
What actually makes a mix feel musical before you ever touch an EQ?Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Eric Sarafin, better known as Mixerman - a gold- and platinum-selling producer, mixer, and engineer with credits ranging from The Pharcyde and Tone-Lōc to Ben Harper, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, Foreigner, and Pete Murray. He's also the author of Z
RSR543 - Travis Harrison - Recording Guided By Voices, Built To Spill, The Men, and Tons of Garage and Punk Rock in Brooklyn, NY
What actually happens when you stop isolating everything and just let a band play together in the room?Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Travis Harrison, founder of Serious Business Music, a Brooklyn-based studio known for capturing raw, honest performances from real bands. Travis joined me to talk about how his studio and workflow evolved over tim
RSR542 - Ryan Prewett - The Sound of Retro Funk Beats in The Heart of Country: Music City
How do you turn your studio skills into a thriving artist career? Ryan Prewett shares how funk, collaboration, and sync licensing helped him shift from producer-for-hire to full-time artist - and why building assets is the new record deal.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Ryan Prewett, a Nashville-based artist, producer, and mix engineer known for
RSR541 - Bill Cheney - How Missile Tech Created the Sound of Classic Rock at Spectra1964
How Did Michael Jackson's $98,000 Console Inspire the Ultimate Studio Compressor? What happens when missile-grade engineering meets music?Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comBill Cheney of Spectra 1964 joins me to reveal how a company born from aerospace tech became the secret sauce behind Stax, Ardent, and The Record Plant - and how that same precision lives on in Sp
RSR540 – Jimmy Douglass – METAlliance, Atlantic Records, Foreigner, Television, Gang of Four, Timbaland & Snoop Dogg
What happens when you sit down with an engineer who helped define multiple eras of music - from Foreigner to Timbaland - and he tells you the secret is still just listening for what feels good?Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Jimmy Douglass, legendary producer, mixer, and engineer whose career spans more than five decades. Jimmy began as a teenage
RSR539 - Phil Wagner - Advancing Sound Quality From Soundworks to Solid State Logic
What does it take to lead two of the biggest names in pro audio? Phil Wagner shares how he went from NYC engineer to running SSL and Apogee - and why the best technology still starts with listening.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Phil Wagner, a longtime pro-audio industry leader who's helped shape some of the most respected recording technologies
RSR538 - Toby Lloyd - From Punk to Producer - Tiny Triumphs over Mindset, Workflow & Vibe
What does a rooftop studio, a cold plunge, and a punk rock heart have in common? Producer Toby Lloyd shares how surrender, discipline, and creative flow helped him build Tiny Triumph Recordings and rediscover joy in making music.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comHowdy Rockstars, my guest today is Toby Lloyd, a music producer, studio engineer, and mixing engineer who
RSR537 - Rich Bernett - The sound of machines: Contact Mics, The Cassettone, Guitar Pedal Feedback Loops, Oh My!
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comHowdy Rockstars, my guest today is Rich Bernett, aka Sound of Machines, a Richmond, Virginia - based sound artist, builder, and experimental musician. Rich designs and performs with his own DIY instruments like the CassetteTone 2 and Rotary Drone, blending circuit bending, contact mics, and field recordings to create wild, organic,
RSR536 - Ian Fitchuk - Grammy Winner Writer and Producer for Kacey Musgraves, Beyoncé, Chris Stapleton, and Maggie Rogers
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Ian Fitchuk, a two-time Grammy Award–winning musician, songwriter, and producer based in Nashville. You've heard his work on Golden Hour with Kacey Musgraves - a landmark record that helped redefine the sound of modern country and pop. Ian has also collaborated with artists like Maggie Rogers, Joy Oladokun, Chris S
![RSR535 - Ryan Nasci - Mixing Mastery with Ryan Nasci [Harry Styles, Portugal The Man, Young the Giant]](https://artwork.captivate.fm/e0411efc-0412-429a-af64-119f0996c7cc/rsr535-ryan-nasci-3000x3000.jpg)
RSR535 - Ryan Nasci - Mixing Mastery with Ryan Nasci [Harry Styles, Portugal The Man, Young the Giant]
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comWhat does it take to go from Ohio to LA and start mixing records at the highest level? In this episode, I sat down with mixer and engineer Ryan Nasci to trace his journey from the Midwest to Los Angeles, where he worked alongside the legendary Tony Maserati and began mixing artists like Kingfish, Celeste, and more. Ryan breaks down
RSR534 - Derek Bargaehr - The Nerdy Mic Episode You Didn't Know You Needed!
Learn why polar patterns matter more than EQ as Derek Bargaehr of Vanguard Audio Labs breaks down capsules, circuits, self-noise, phase tricks, stereo techniques, and practical mic placement you can use on your next session.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Derek Bargaehr. A lifelong tinkerer, he started out burning himself with a soldering iron an
RSR533 - Chris Selim - Building a Home Studio and a Music Community From Quebec to Calgary
What happens when a French-Canadian music producer trades poutine for prairie skies and builds a new studio in Calgary? Will his acoustic panels survive the move? Tune in as Chris Selim shares his journey, one recycled bass trap at a time.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comMy guest today is Chris Selim, a musician, music producer, and mixing engineer behind Mixdown O
RSR532 - Lincoln Parish - Recording Rock with Cage the Elephant
What happens when you don't cage the elephant—and let creativity run wild in the studio? Lincoln Parish shares how recording live, trusting your gear, and embracing bleed helped shape the sound of a Grammy-nominated band and his work as a producer today. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Lincoln Parish, founding guitarist of the Grammy-nominated r
RSR531 - Justin Francis - Mixing Grammy Winners on AirPods, Producing Records That Feel Great
Ever mix a Grammy-winning track on AirPods? Justin Francis did - and he's back to share killer tips on mixing in the box, vocal stacking, pedalboard tricks, and keeping the studio vibe fun. Get ready to level up your mixes and laugh along the way! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Justin Francis, a Grammy award-winning engineer, mixer, and produce
RSR530 - David Streit - Pro Recording Techniques, Acoustic Music, and Teaching Sound Engineering
What do drum mics, bluegrass, and Pro Tools have in common? Find out as David Streit shares 35+ years of studio wisdom, from Quad Studios to acoustic sessions, and why trusting musicians might be your best mic technique yet. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is David Streit, a recording engineer, producer, mixer, and live sound engineer based in Port
RSR529 - Don Cusic - The Legacy of Chet Atkins and the Evolution of Music Recording in Nashville
Did Chet Atkins invent fingerpicking just to keep other guitarists from catching up? In this episode, I talk with Don Cusic—author of Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar—about Chet's legendary style, Nashville studio secrets, and how the music biz has changed (and stayed weird). Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Don Cusic, the Curb Professor of Music Industry
RSR528 – Nick Bullock – Building A Creative Retreat Studio for Artists Near Nashville: Freda Recording
What does it take to build a dream studio from the ground up? Nick Bullock of Freda Recording shares how he created a retreat for artists on a Nashville farm, blending music, acoustics, and visual storytelling to support independent musicians. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Nick Bullock, Co-Founder and CEO of Freda Recording, a boutique recordi
RSR527 – Dr. Chris Warren – Echo Thief, Reverb, Impulse Responses & the Science of Sound
What does it sound like to record reverb inside a giant dome? Dr. Chris Warren shares how Echo Thief captures real-world impulse responses, the power of Max programming, and why reverb is key to music, game audio, and immersive sound design. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Dr. Chris Warren, a sound designer, digital composer, and creator of imm
RSR526 - Jay Tooke - Finding Creative Flow in the Studio From Nashville to Muscle Shoals
"It's pretty hard to f* it up in Muscle Shoals." Jay Tooke found creative freedom and killer drum sounds after leaving Nashville for the slower pace of Muscle Shoals. We talk studio vibes, live tracking, subtlety in performance, and the magic of first takes. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Jay Tooke, a Canadian-born, award-winning producer, dru
RSR525 - Alan Evans - Why Simplicity Might Be the Secret to Better Records
What if fewer mics could help you make better records? Alan Evans (Soulive) joins me to talk 4-track recording, Iceland sessions, AI in music, and how simplicity, mindset, and health can fuel your best creative work. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Alan Evans, a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer, producer, and musician based in Western M
RSR524 - Mitch Rose - DIY Microphones, Analog Gear, and Home Studio Hacks from Newcastle
Can you really build your own recording studio gear and make it sound amazing? Mitch Rose from Audio Boys says yes—and shows you how. From hand-built microphones to creating reverb chambers in your home, we dive into the heart of DIY recording and why it's the most creative path to finding your signature sound. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Mi
RSR523 - Chris Andrews - From Basement to Atmos Mixing, SSL Sigma, and Building a Studio with Purpose
"Music's too fun not to have fun making music." In this episode, I talk with Chris Andrews, a seasoned producer, mix, and mastering engineer who has worked with artists across the globe. From his Dolby-approved Atmos studio, Monument Sound, nestled at 7,400 feet in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Chris delivers stunning immersive mixes that compete at the highest level of the music industry. His
RSR522 - Brendan Duffey - Mixing and Mastering in Atmos for Kendrick Lamar, Bruce Dickinson, and Sheryl Crow
"Surround yourself with people you admire." In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, I had the pleasure of talking with Brendan Duffey, a multi-Grammy-nominated mix and mastering engineer with nearly 30 years of experience. Brendan has worked with legends like Kendrick Lamar, Sheryl Crow, Milton Nascimento, and Bruce Dickinson—best known as the iconic lead singer of Iron Maiden and a legenda
RSR521 - Felipe De Mari Scalone - Producing In Brazil and Studying with Shawn Everrett
"I always had music around." In this episode, Lij Shaw interviews Felipe de Mari Scalone, a Brazilian producer and musician, about his journey from growing up in a musical family to establishing Junk Mahal Studio in Brazil. Felipe shares insights from his time in London and Amsterdam, his transition from performing in bands to music production, and his experiences attending Mix with the Masters wi
RSR520 - Abbie Griffin - The Next Generation of Songwriting and Recording
Tune in for an episode of Recording Studio Rockstars with host Lij Shaw, featuring the talented musician and recording arts student, Abbie Griffin. Abbie shares her personal journey—from falling in love with music inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell and Taylor Swift, to navigating the challenges of the industry. She opens up about her songwriting process, the influence of her family and life ex
RSR519 - Gabe Dagrezio - Songwriting, Producing, and Mixing From Italy to San Diego
Lij Shaw of Recording Studio Rockstars recently sat down with Gabe Dagrezio to dive into his journey from frontman of The New Story to a highly regarded producer, engineer, and studio owner. With years of experience in the music industry, Gabe has worked with a wide range of artists, helping them craft their sound through both performance and technical mastery. He emphasizes the importance of auth
RSR518 - Trina Shoemaker - From Maid to Grammy as 1st Woman to Win Album of the Year
What does it take to rise from cleaning studios to shaping some of the most iconic records of our time? Trina Shoemaker's story is not just about breaking into the music industry—it's about breaking through it. As the first woman to win a Grammy for Best Engineered Album, Trina paved the way for a generation of female producers and engineers, and she brings her powerful voice and razor-sharp insig
RSR517 - Ulf Blomberg - DIY to Pro Swedish Punk and Black Metal
Ulf Blomberg is a Swedish producer, engineer, and musician known for his deep roots in the DIY scene and his work in punk, death metal, and black metal. He joins Lij to talk about running his own studio, recording techniques, the power of real amps, and why clear communication and artist comfort are critical. Ulf also shares the mission behind his band Agenda, which blends hardcore punk with polit
RSR516 - David Kalmusky - Inside the Ultimate Dream Studio, Addiction Sound, and the Future of Music Production
What does it take to build the ultimate dream studio? Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and guitarist David Kalmusky returns to the show to share his journey of designing Addiction Sound Studios and how it's shaped his approach to music production. Known for his work with John Oates, Journey, Shawn Mendes, and many more, David talks about the importance of studio setups, the magic of drums and mi
RSR515 - Collin Dupuis - Crafting the Perfect Mix Through Microphone Choices and Techniques
What's the secret to crafting a killer mix? Grammy-winning mix engineer Collin Dupuis joins us to share his insights on mixing techniques, room acoustics, and creative chaos. Known for working with The Black Keys, Lana Del Rey, Angel Olsen, he discusses the evolution of music gear, collaboration, experimentation, clarity in mixing, effective file management, and tools like Soundflow and Samply tha
RSR514 - David Bottrill - Grammy Winning Atmos Mixing with Tool, Daniel Lanois, and World Music
In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, I sat down with the legendary David Botrill—Grammy-winning producer and engineer behind iconic albums by Tool, Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Muse, and more. David's journey began in a small Canadian studio run by Bob Lanois, where he learned to be indispensable in the room. From there, he went on to work with Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel, and Real Worl
RSR513 - Bobby Owsinski - AI, Mastering, Songwriting and the Future of Music Production
Is AI changing the future of music production? In this episode, I sit down with Bobby Owsinski, renowned producer, author, and music industry expert, to explore the evolving role of AI, mastering, and the creative process. We dive into the latest edition of Owsinski's Mastering Engineer's Handbook, the importance of reference tracks, and the challenges of self-mastering. Our conversation covers th
RSR512 - Dr Ford - Efficiency vs. Flexibility in the Studio and Jiu-Jitsu
In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Lij Shaw and Dr. Ford explore what really goes into music production—from songwriting and vocal techniques to how social media is shaping the industry. They discuss the importance of staying flexible, much like in jiu-jitsu, and how AI can be a helpful tool while still emphasizing the human touch. Dr. Ford shares stories from his journey, including st
RSR511 - Chris Shaw - From Analog to Pro Tools: Public Enemy, Weezer, and Dylan!
Rockstars, in this episode, I'm hanging with four-time Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Chris Shaw for a deep dive into the craft of recording and mixing. We talk about his journey in the industry, his unique mixing setup, and the balance between analog and digital workflows. Chris shares insights on managing plugins, keeping a solid recording system, and the nuances of working with ta
RSR510 - Bob Bullock - Collaboration: The Key to Successful Music Projects
Bob Bullock's mixed more hits than a jukebox, with 40+ years in the biz and 50+ gold & platinum credits. He's redesigned his studio three times with Carl Tatz, teaches at Belmont & SAE, and knows the magic of great acoustics, collaboration, and staying ahead of the mix! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Bob Bullock, an acclaimed engineer and produ
RSR509 - Justin Gray - Composing and Mixing for Immersive Atmos, and Sony 360
Get ready to rock the world of immersive audio with award-winning producer and mixing engineer Justin Gray! In this episode, we explore his journey from bassist to pioneer in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360, uncovering spatial sound's creative and technical magic. Justin shares his innovative recording techniques, the importance of capturing music in 3D space, and the evolving role of musicians in the pr
RSR508 - Ben Sabin - Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Studio & Trace Audio
In this episode, Lij Shaw chats with Ben Sabin, founder of Trace Audio, about his journey from Shangri-La Studio with Rick Rubin to wiring up some of the best studios in the biz. They dive deep into the mystical world of cables, the magic of patch bays, and why good studio wiring is like rock 'n' roll feng shui — get it right, and everything just flows! Ben shares cool stories from his intern days
RSR507 - Adam Krinsky - Balancing Studio and FOH at Bellows Studio in St Paul MN
Rockstars, get ready to crank it up! This episode, I'm hanging with Adam Krinsky of Bellows Studio, diving into touring, studio life, and keeping that work-life balance tight. We talk studio humidity (yep, it matters!), live recording chaos, and dream studio setups! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Adam Krinsky, starting his music career in Minne
RSR506 - Tim Lauer - Synth Pop, Rock Strings, and AI (Cheap Trick, Smashing Pumpkins, Nashville)
"AI will never touch live musicians." Tim Lauer shares his journey working on a variety of albums and TV shows, highlighting how feedback from music supervisors shapes the final sound. He talks about his innovative use of reverb, effects, guitar pedals, and real-time processing to enhance recordings, emphasizing the collaborative nature of music creation. Tim also dives into how sampling and synth
RSR505 - Chuck Zwicky - AI and Philosophy of Recording Music
"AI can't produce anything we haven't already heard." Chuck Zwicky and Lij Shaw discuss how AI is changing music production and songwriting, highlighting the importance of human elements and collaboration in the creative process while exploring the balance between technology and artistic expression. Chuck offers insights on mixing, emphasizing the value of interaction and the significance of live
RSR504 - Bill Podolak - Q&A with iZotope
"Metaphors are essential in plugin design!" Bill talked about Native Instruments, managing new products at iZotope, the importance of good speakers in the studio, how AI will help your sonic perspective, and using Ozone, RX, and the Catalyst plugins. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Bill Podolak, a Senior Product Manager at iZotope by Native Inst
RSR503 - Alan Douches - Mastering Atmos and Blockchain for Indie Artists
"Artists should be in control of their destiny." Renowned mastering engineer Alan Douches discussed his extensive experience at West Westside Music, offering insights into the significance of immersive audio formats like Atmos and their creative potential for artists. He addressed challenges in archiving both analog and digital formats, the transformative potential of blockchain technology, and ho
RSR502 - Craig Alvin - Recording in Muscle Shoals
"I've never once used MIDI." Craig talked about the evolution of audio engineering, the transition to video podcasting, and the rich musical history of Muscle Shoals. Craig shares insights about his Grammy-winning work and the unique characteristics of his studio, Noble Steed, the unique UA console he acquired, and his current projects, including mixing for country artist Anna Voss. He touches on
RSR501 - Colt Capperrune - Redesigning a Studio: The Atmos Experience
"Atmos mixes are crushing my stereo mixes!" Colt talked about upgrading his mixing studio to Atmos, DIY construction, studio ergonomics, mixing on headphones, huge snare sounds, growing a Youtube channel, and why the new Mac Mini is right for you. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Colt Capperrune, a producer, mix engineer, and mastering engineer w
RSR500 - David Glasser - Mastering Grateful Dead at Airshow Mastering in Boulder CO
Join host Lij Shaw as he dives into the sonic journey of audio engineering with Dave Glasser, founder of Airshow Mastering, revealing the secrets behind mastering timeless records like those of the Grateful Dead. In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Dave shares his rich 35-year experience—from tape transfers using the Plangent Process to his days at NPR—while exploring the delicate balan
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