Ben Burnes is a musician, producer, and game developer. He is the author of the new book How to Write a Song in Two Hours, based off his experience writing over 400 songs in weekly two-hour sprints.

Ben is back for his fifth conversation! We spoke about his new book and some of the wisdom he picked up writing songs in two hours. We covered practical techniques and philosophical approaches, and we also got to meet a few of his five cats.

Get How to Write a Song in Two Hours by Ben Burnes:

• Payhip - https://payhip.com/b/FfV4x
• Itch - https://tallbeard.itch.io/write-a-song-in-two-hours
• Gumroad - https://ben-burnes.gumroad.com/l/write-a-song-in-two-hours

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Ben's Website - https://www.abstractionmusic.com
• "If I Had a Hi-Fi" by Ben Burnes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=764uUMKuHTE
• Artifacts - Sunset Frequencies by Ben Burnes - https://abstractionmusic.bandcamp.com/album/artifacts-sunset-frequencies
• "Back at it Again" by Ben Burnes and Devin Henderson - https://abstractionmusic.bandcamp.com/album/back-at-it-again
• Frozen - Two Hour Track Challenge Album - https://2hac.bandcamp.com/album/frozen-2hac-volume-35
• SoopurKul - https://www.twitch.tv/soopurkul
• On Writing Well by William Zinsser - https://amzn.to/46F0gfP
• Getting Things Done by David Allen - https://amzn.to/46F0gfP
• The Four Agreements - https://amzn.to/3Vqqhga
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://amzn.to/4cI8AyN
• Elastic Stage Vinyl Pressing - https://elasticstage.com
• Struthless - https://www.youtube.com/struthless
• The Troubadeck by Charlie McCarron - https://troubadeck.com
• Charlie McCarron on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/charlie-mccarron
• Ben's First Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2017/3/28/9-ben-burnes
• Ben's Second Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2019/10/9/ben-burnes-wisdom-on-200-2-hour-track-challenges-music-production-podcast-131
• Ben's Third Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ben-burnes-3
• Ben's Fourth Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ben-burnes-4
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Howard Benson is a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum producer. With 15 platinum records, 10 gold records, and over 150 billion streams, Howard has shaped the sound of modern rock and alternative music. Howard has worked with Hoobastank, POD, My Chemical Romance, The All-American Rejects, Daughtry, and many more. He is also the co-founder of Judge and Jury Records.

Howard spoke to me about his work with some of the biggest names in modern rock, and the importance of songwriting and vocal performance and production.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Howard's Website - https://www.howardbenson.com
• Howard's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hbenson
• Howard's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howardbenson/
• Judge & Jury Records - https://judgeandjuryrecords.com
• Howard Benson Vocal Plug-in - https://joeysturgistones.com/products/howard-benson-vocals
• Howard Benson Vocal Multiplier Plug-in - https://joeysturgistones.com/collections/vocal-plugins/products/howard-benson-vocal-multiplier
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Dennis DeSantis is a composer, percussionist, sound designer, author, and educator. He is a professor of Music and Technology at Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where he is developing an all new BM in Music Creation and Technology. Dennis worked as Head of Music Learning at Ableton, and wrote Making Music 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers.

Dennis and I spoke in depth about his work at Eastman School of Music. We shared thoughts on finishing projects and overcoming creative challenges. Dennis reflected on his work at Ableton and how it has prepared him for his newest chapter in cutting edge music education.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Dennis's Website - https://dennisdesantis.com
• University of Rochester's Music Creation and Technology Program - https://www.esm.rochester.edu/go/soundarts/music-technology/
• Making Music 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producters by Dennis DeSantis - https://makingmusic.ableton.com
• Learning Music - https://learningmusic.ableton.com
• Learning Synths - https://learningsynths.ableton.com
• Dennis's Max for Live Devices - https://dennisdesantis.com/max-for-live-devices
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Jeff Graves is the founder and creator of LuvLang Studios, an online mastering service. LuvLang gives users interactive control and feedback over the mastering process.

Jeff and I spoke about how mastering can transform a mix. Jeff shared his story of his experience working in studios and learning about mastering, and how LuvLang Studios was created.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• LuvLang Studios - https://luvlang.studio
• LuvLang on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/luvlang.studio/
• The State of Loudness in 2026 - https://luvlang.studio/research/loudness-2026
• Free Online LUFS Measurement Tool - https://luvlang.studio/free-lufs-check
• Sterling Sound - https://www.sterling-sound.com
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Tim Atlas is a musician, producer, and Grammy-winning songwriter in Los Angeles. His new EP, Reverso, was recorded in his home studio and combines Indie and Psych rock with RnB and Soul.

Tim spoke to me about the production of Reverso. We touched on songwriting, arranging, and collaboration. Tim shared how he likes to move fast and commit to his sounds by printing them with outboard gear and effects. We covered a lot of ground from practical techniques to philosophical approaches.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Reverso album by Tim Atlas - https://timatlas.ffm.to/reverso
• "Reverso" Music Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhrC6PP8g9c
• Tim Atlas Website - https://www.timatlas.co
• Tim's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@timatlas
• Tim's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/timothyatlas/
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Xylo Aria is a singer, producer, and entrepreneur. Xylo founded Music Production for Women to help empower and educate women music-makers. Her new album Dream will be released summer 2026.

I've been following Xylo's work for some time now and it was great to speak to her about her work. We discussed building community and the creation of her new album. Xylo has collected a lot of wisdom in her journey and shares it with us today.

Music Production for Women is running SoundLab, a virtual event on July 14th and 21st, 2026 to help attendees unlock the skills of producing and mixing music. Sign up here: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/soundlab2026

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Xylo Aria - https://www.xyloaria.com
• Music Production for Women - https://musicproductionforwomen.com
• MPW Podcast - https://musicproductionforwomen.com/#section-2gUK_YLsXV
• Free Intro to Music Production Class by MPW - https://musicproductionforwomen.com/music-production-masterclass-1535-155985
• Xylo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xyloaria/
• MPW on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen
• MPW on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/musicproductionforwomen
• MPW on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@musicproductionforwomen
• Xylo on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@XyloAria/videos
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Sebastien Heintz makes electro-acoustic music under the name OVERSEA. His new album BEYOND is a modern ceremonial album made for transcendental experiences.

Sebastien and I spoke about his work as OVERSEA and how has been using music for meditation and healing.

Sebastien explained how he uses Ableton Live as a live performance instrument. We also discussed finding the creative flow in activities such as surfing, meditation, and music-making.

Sebastien put together a download Ableton Live effects and sounds he used on the new album!

Get the OVERSEA BEYOND Free Ableton Live Instrument Pack here: https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kvvvijh

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• OVERSEA - https://www.h-music.ch/oversea
• BEYOND by OVERSEA - https://www.intellijend.com/l/beyond
• H-Music - https://www.h-music.ch
• OVERSEA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oversea.music/
• OVERSEA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@overseamusic
• OVERSEA Free Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kvvvijh
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer book - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Lomotor is a musician and producer who makes nature-inspired electronic music on a small farm in Massachusetts. His new album ABCAPSILAHAD combines electronic and acoustic instruments with field recordings and the sounds of leaves, trees, and birds.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Special Gifts from Lomotor:

• Lomotor's Creative Tips to Live By - https://lomotor.net/lomotor-s-creative-tips-to-live-by
• Free Download - Lomotor Trees and Stones Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/bafcvt

Links:

• Lomotor ABCAPSILAHAD - https://lomotor.net/home
• ABCAPSILAHAD on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/6etLmyY65SBB0guypbhFRL
• Lomotor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lomotormusic/
• Lomotor on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lomotormusic/videos
• "Bee in a Bag" by Lomotor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZSm1hjDHYo
• Lomotor on Bandcamp - https://lomotor.bandcamp.com
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/
• Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Nick Culbertson is a musician and app developer who runs Moby Pixel, a mobile app creation studio. The Moby Pixel YouTube channel covers the latest in iOS music apps and his journey in his own app development. Nick just released Mighty Synth Sampler, a fully featured synth and sampler for iOS and Mac.

In Nick's return to the Music Production Podcast, we discuss his new Mighty Synth Sampler and the journey to create it. We get into how to avoid perfectionism by learning to enjoy the process. There's also a lot of talk about the creative workflow and avoiding burnout.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Moby Pixel - http://www.mobypixel.com/
• Mighty Synth Sampler - http://www.mobypixel.com/mightysynthsampler
• The Story Behind Mighty Synth Sampler - https://youtu.be/3kW4RovVoEY?si=KuCDjysv2btNOUdB
• Nick's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/mobypixel/featured
• Overdrive Synth - http://www.mobypixel.com/overdrivesynth
• Koala Sampler - https://www.koalasampler.com
• Dexed FM Synthesizer - https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/
• Nick's 1st Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/nick-culbertson
• Matthew Fecher on the Music Production Podcast - https://www.brianfunk.com/blog/2018/6/30/66-matthew-fecher
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

Mike Nikou is the owner of Mic Nix Productions, a studio based in Adelaide, South Australia. He specialises in mixing, mastering, and full song production. Mike and I discussed how he began playing in rock bands and found his love of recording and production. We discussed how music making has changed and continues to evolve. Mike spoke in-depth about his mixing and mastering workflow and philosophy.

This episode comes with a free download courtesy of Mike! Click here to get Mikes Mixing and Mastering Checklists, as well as his own presets for the Slate Virtual Mixing Rack plug-in.

This episode is dedicated to (not sponsored by!) Darwin Audio and his awesome vintage soda/beer can microphones: https://darwinaudio.net

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Mic Nix Productions - https://mnproductions.com.au
• Mike's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWr4L6nQq1YGU1-JK9XLnQ
• Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/micnixpro/
• Free Download - Mike's Mixing and Mastering Checklists plus Slate VMR Presets - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/ycmpj
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Kevin Griffin is the frontman of Better Than Ezra, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, and Co-founder of a new artist-built AI music platform Soundbreak. Better Than Ezra contributed to the soundtrack of the 90's with hits like "Good" and "In the Blood." Kevin's music has been performed and recorded by artists like Meatloaf, Taylor Swift, and Blondie.

Kevin and I spoke in depth about the art and magic of songwriting , collaborating, and touching peoples' lives with music. We discussed the future of AI music and how his company Soundbreak is helping artists license their musical styles for generative AI music.

This episode is dedicated to (not sponsored by!) Darwin Audio and his awesome vintage soda/beer can microphones: https://darwinaudio.net

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Kevin Griffin's Website - https://www.kevingriffinmusic.com
• Soundbreak AI - https://www.soundbreak.ai
• Better Than Ezra - https://www.betterthanezra.com
• Kevin's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kevinmgriffin/
• SoundBreak AI's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soundbreak.ai/
• Better Than Ezra's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthanezra/
• The Greatest Song by Kevin Griffin - https://amzn.to/4vqYERG
• Do Schools Kill Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson - https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk