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A song can be a product, or it can be a place you go to tell the truth. We head off campus into Hudson Valley songwriter Michele Gedney’s home studio and talk about the moments that changed her creative life: writing alone for years, walking into an open mic, and suddenly finding the kind of community that makes your work sharper and your voice clearer. Michele breaks down what actually improves a song: listening, arrangement choices, dynamics, and the hard skill of getting out of each other’s way so the core message can land. 

We also dig into her retreat work with Dar Williams, Writing A Song That Matters, where the goal is not a hit but a process you can return to. We talk about why beginners often bring the most surprising insights, how “being witnessed” helps artists stop second guessing, and what a healthy workshop culture sounds like when everyone listens with care. Then we take on the question hanging over modern songwriting: AI in music. Where can it help, where does it flatten meaning, and why connection is still the point. 

The conversation turns intimate as Michele shares songs written after the death of her husband and musical partner Rick, and how grief reshaped her writing, her performances, and her sense of purpose. We also look at remote recording during the pandemic, trust-based collaboration, and how one song can become a legacy others recognize years later. Subscribe for more conversations about songwriting, recording, and mastering, then share this episode with a friend and leave a review. What helps you know when a song is truly honest?

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Masterdisk's Scott Hull talks with Vetren Disk Cutting and mastering engineer Kevin Gray.   Keven is well know for decades of work in mastering some of  vinyl-s best sounding LPs and re-issues.   This episode was recored for Making Vinyl - an industry conference. 

Making a record of your own? Your music deserves the best.
Learn more about Masterdisk here.


Mentioned :

People
 

• Kevin Gray
• Scott Hull
• Chad Cassim
• Don Was (Blue Note)
• Patricia Barber
• Prince
• John Prine
• Bernie Grundman

Studios / Companies
 

• Coherent Audio (coherentaudio.com)
• Masterdisk (masterdisk.com)
• Apollo (lacquer factory fire)
• MDC ( Lacquer Manufacture) 
• Blue Note (Universal)
• Warner Brothers Records
• Concord Records
• Fantasy (catalog)
• Riverside (catalog)
• Fania Records
• Sheffield (direct-to-disc)

Podcast/Show
 

• Making Vinyl (the conference)
• Making Vinyl at Masterdisk (Scott's podcast)

Albums/Projects referenced
 

• Blue Note reissue catalog
• Van Halen catalog (remaster, )
• Prince's albums 
• John Prine remasters
• Patricia Barber project

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In this episode, Scott talks with Dave O'donnell. A well known producer, mixer, engineer who is known for his work with James Taylor, Keith Richards, John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, and many more.

Scott and Dave discuss Dave's early days at The Power Station, current work life, business, industry insider stories from epic recording sessions and much more. 

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Scott talks to Witek Wolny about his song "Fran" and the production of the song as well as the making of the music video.



Links to Witek and the song "Fran":

https://www.linkedin.com/in/witold-wolny-56256415 - Witek Wolny

https://youtu.be/KghAZiEM5TE?si=v2upAVjNVHXTxoyt - Fran (International Version)

https://youtu.be/6z6EP258eAY?si=-VQU0cic1iVyVOe6 - Fran (Special Version)

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Groove Oddities - Show Notes

 
Making Vinyl @ Masterdisk Podcast
 
Host: Scott Hull, Chief Engineer at Masterdisk


Episode Overview

In this fascinating episode, Scott Hull explores the weird and wonderful world of vinyl oddities and special pressing techniques. From games of chance embedded in records to concentric grooves and multiple performances on a single side, this episode dives into the creative and technical possibilities that make vinyl records truly unique physical artifacts.


Episode Description

Discover the playful and innovative side of vinyl record manufacturing as Scott Hull examines unusual groove configurations and special pressings that turn records into interactive experiences. This episode showcases how vinyl's physical format allows for creative experiments impossible in digital media.


Key Topics Covered

Groove Oddities & Special Techniques
 

• Games of chance on vinyl records
• Concentric grooves that create random playback experiences
• Multiple performances of the same song on a single side
• The technical challenges of creating these special pressings
• Historical examples of creative vinyl innovations

Featured Record
 

• MIRACLE DERBY Horse Race Betting Record - A unique example of interactive vinyl that combines music with gaming elements

 
Music Featured
 
Artist: Los Vega
Song: "El Buscapiés"
Listen on Spotify
 
 

Resources & Links
 

• Make Your Own Record: Learn more about Masterdisk's services
• Support the Show: The Oddysy

 
About the Host
 
Scott Hull is the Chief Engineer at Masterdisk with 30 years of vinyl cutting and mastering experience. His impressive client list includes Sting, Steely Dan, Dave Matthews, and John Mayer. Scott brings expert technical knowledge and industry insights to every episode.
 
 
Episode Release Date
 
December 19, 2024
 
 
Why Listen?
 
This episode is perfect for:
 

• Vinyl enthusiasts curious about the format's creative possibilities
• Musicians and producers considering special pressings
• Audio engineers interested in technical innovations
• Anyone fascinated by the intersection of music and interactive media

 
Contact Masterdisk
 
Masterdisk Studios
1245 Park Street, Suite 2A
Peekskill, NY 10566
Phone: +1 (212) 541-5022 ext. 2


Making Vinyl @ Masterdisk is your go-to podcast for expert opinions on all things vinyl, hosted by one of the industry's most experienced mastering engineers.

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Interview with Jamie Saft Part 2

Making Vinyl @ Masterdisk Podcast

Episode: Season 2, Episode 2 | Runtime: 28:13 | Released: December 19, 2024
Host: Scott Hull, Chief Engineer at Masterdisk

About This Episode

The conversation with Jamie Saft continues! This episode picks up right where Part 1 ended. Scott and Jamie dive deeper into the creative process, exploring unique recording projects and innovative approaches to music production. Topics include games of chance in music, concentric grooves, and recording two performances of the same song on the same vinyl side.

Jamie Saft is a renowned pianist, keyboardist, composer, and producer known for his work across jazz, avant-garde, experimental, and rock music, including collaborations with John Zorn, Bad Brains, and the downtown New York experimental music scene.

Topics Covered

• Experimental recording techniques and vinyl innovations
• The MIRACLE DERBY Horse Race Betting Record project
• Concentric grooves and their creative applications
• Recording multiple performances on a single vinyl side
• Games of chance in music composition and production
• Jamie's ongoing projects and creative philosophy

Special Mention

MIRACLE DERBY Horse Race Betting Record - A unique experimental project discussed in detail during this episode.

Music Featured

Artist: The New Standard

Connect with Jamie Saft

Music: https://jamiesaft.bandcamp.com | https://vealrecords.bandcamp.com
Website: https://jamiesaft.com
Social: @jamiesaft on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Resources Mentioned

• RareNoise Records: https://www.rarenoiserecords.com
• Tzadik (John Zorn): https://www.tzadik.com
• Purple Audio: https://purpleaudio.com
• Bobby Previte: https://www.bobbyprevite.com
• Joe Morris: https://www.joe-morris.com

About Masterdisk

Learn more about mastering and vinyl cutting services at www.Masterdisk.com

Host: Scott Hull has over 30 years of vinyl cutting and mastering experience, working with artists including Sting, Steely Dan, Dave Matthews, and John Mayer.

Making Vinyl @ Masterdisk brings you expert insights into the vinyl-making process with guests from across the record-making industry.

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Interview with Jamie Saft Part 1

Making Vinyl @ Masterdisk Podcast

Episode: Season 2, Episode 1 | Runtime: 57:28 | Released: December 18, 2024
Host: Scott Hull, Chief Engineer at Masterdisk

About This Episode

Scott Hull welcomes renowned pianist, keyboardist, composer, and producer Jamie Saft for an intimate conversation about creating music, performing, and the influences that shaped his career. Known for his work across jazz, avant-garde, experimental, and rock music, Jamie discusses his approach to composition, his mentors, and his extensive collaborations including work with John Zorn, Bad Brains, and the downtown New York experimental music scene.

This is Part 1 of a two-part interview. Part 2 continues right where this episode ends.

Topics Covered

• Jamie's creative process and approach to composing
• Influential mentors and figures in his musical development
• Career highlights and diverse projects as performer and producer
• Collaborations across multiple genres
• The mastering and vinyl cutting process with Masterdisk

Music Featured

Artist: The New Standard 

Connect with Jamie Saft

Music: https://jamiesaft.bandcamp.com | https://vealrecords.bandcamp.com
Website: https://jamiesaft.com
Social: @jamiesaft on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Resources Mentioned

• RareNoise Records: https://www.rarenoiserecords.com
• Tzadik (John Zorn): https://www.tzadik.com
• Purple Audio: https://purpleaudio.com
• Bobby Previte: https://www.bobbyprevite.com
• Joe Morris: https://www.joe-morris.com

About Masterdisk

Learn more about mastering and vinyl cutting services at www.Masterdisk.com

Host: Scott Hull has over 30 years of vinyl cutting and mastering experience, working with artists including Sting, Steely Dan, Dave Matthews, and John Mayer.

Making Vinyl @ Masterdisk brings you expert insights into the vinyl-making process with guests from across the record-making industry.

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Interview with Tom Gordon

Producer/Engineer (Whitesnake, Mike Love...)

Making Vinyl @ Masterdisk Podcast

Released: December 17, 2024
Host: Scott Hull, Chief Engineer at Masterdisk

About This Episode

Scott interviews colleague Tom Gordon for a lively conversation between two audio experts. Tom is a recording studio owner/operator in Reno, Nevada, Chief Engineer for All Things Whitesnake, and holds a full-time teaching position in audio production. The two share stories from their many years working together on diverse projects.

Topics Covered

• The Black Potato(e) Music Festival
• Using AI to remix and remaster the Whitesnake project
• Working with Mike Love
• The Milli Vanilli story
• Stories and insights from years in professional audio
• Recording studio operations and audio education
• Modern audio technology and AI applications

Guest Bio

Tom Gordon is a veteran producer/engineer, recording studio owner in Reno, Nevada, and the Chief Engineer for Whitesnake. He also teaches audio production at the University of Nevada, Reno, bringing decades of professional experience to the next generation of audio engineers.

Links & Resources

• Tom Gordon: https://inspired-amateur.com
• Whitesnake: https://whitesnake.com
• University of Nevada, Reno: https://www.unr.edu
• Matt Angus: http://angusmusic.com
• Black Potatoe Festival: https://blackpotatoe.com
• WETA Digital: https://vitrina.ai/blog/weta-digital-leading-innovation-in-visual-effects
• Paris Smaragdis: https://paris.cs.illinois.edu
• Audioshake: https://www.audioshake.ai
• Mike Love: https://mikelove.com

About Masterdisk

Learn more at www.Masterdisk.com

Host: Scott Hull has 30+ years of vinyl cutting and mastering experience, working with Sting, Steely Dan, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, and more.

Making Vinyl @ Masterdisk: Expert insights into vinyl-making from industry professionals.

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Mark Hoover is the creator of Ziggy Records.  A new vinyl record label offering unique and interesting vinyl media for "Everyone else"...   

To kick off this new label, Mark has created two new cover versions of David Bowie songs.   This interesting and cutting-edge discussion with Scott Hull of Masterdisk - goes deep into how these songs were created - and as expected the conversation turns to " Is this ethical?  is this legal?  is the good for music?   ...  Tune in for a good time.  !  

Ziggy records
David Bowie on Spotify 
Masterdisk 

Ziggy Stardust ...  Link to the song on this episode.    (used by permission ) 

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Making a record of your own? Your music deserves the best.
Learn more about Masterdisk here.

Support The Oddysy here.

Mentioned :


Music heard :
Artist - 
Song - 

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Have you heard? The audio compact cassette is marching back to join the classic audio formats category. Scott and KJ cover every vantage point of the new, old compact cassette with help from excerpts of the 2019 Making Vinyl Conference panel on the return of cassettes.

Making a record of your own? Your music deserves the best.
Learn more about Masterdisk here.

Support The Oddysy here.

Mentioned :
Making Vinyl Conference

Music heard :
Artist - Snarky Puppy
Song - GØ
Listen on Spotify