Sound Oracle is a music producer and sound designer. He has worked with the heavy hitters in the hip-hop world, and his sounds have been used in Grammy-winning songs by Timbaland, Jay-Z, Drake, and more. His latest packs Golden Era Hip Hop Drums and Trap Drums are featured packs in the new Ableton Live 12 update.

Sound Oracle and I had an inspiring conversation about his work as a producer and sound designer. He shared how he broke into the music scene when Timbaland discovered his sounds.  This episode is littered with tips about organization, workflow, and maintaining healthy working relationships. Sound Oracle also shared some of his favorite tools he uses in his productions.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Sound Oracle - https://soundoracle.net/
• Sound Oracle Packs - https://soundoracle.net/collections/all-sound-kits-soundoracle-net
• Sound Oracle Courses - https://soundoracle.net/collections/courses
• Sound Oracle on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soundoracle/
• Sound Oracle YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@soundoracle6651
• Golden Era Hip-Hop Drums - https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/golden-era-hip-hop-drums/
• Trap Drums - https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/trap-drums/
• Volume Buddy - https://www.noirlabs.co
• Clip Gain - https://valiumdupeuple.gumroad.com/l/wmAPD?a=530757747
• Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger - https://amzn.to/3PLU0e1
• 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

The Him is a music producer, DJ, and plug-in designer with over 500 million streams on Spotify. He's toured some of the largest festival stages and done remixes for artists like Tiesto, The Chainsmokers, and Miley Cyrus. The Him just released his first plug-in, Sub Ninja, which allows producers to get an accurate understanding of the bass frequencies in a mix.

The Him and I spoke about his career and Sub Ninja. We discussed the creative process and how he stays enthusiastic by balancing different projects with rest. The Him generously shared lots of useful insights we can all use in our own music production.

You can get 10% off Sub Ninja with the code: MPPODCAST - https://dsp.thehim.com

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• The Him Website - https://www.thehim.com
• Sub Ninja - https://dsp.thehim.com
• The Him Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehim
• The Him YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehim
• The Him Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/thehim
• The Him Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5WdqBAQhGFCrZvBKXiPIu7
• How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy - https://amzn.to/3vuqClB
• World Within a Song by Jeff Tweedy - https://amzn.to/3TOAaBk
• The War of Art by Steve Pressfield - https://amzn.to/43zJpZ7
• Effortless by Gregg McKeown - https://amzn.to/3VvYfhm
• 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

Johan Ransby is an artist, coach, and producer. He shares tips and techniques that help artists finish more music and reach their career goals. His website is loaded with helpful creative tools and his social media accounts contain priceless advice.

Johan and I had a great conversation about how he approaches making music and teaching his students. He emphasized the importance of seeking challenges and chasing excitement. We talked about creativity, live performance, and being enthusiastic about our work. The episode ends with Johan's impromptu critique of my song "I'm Looking for You" from my album Rectangles.

This episode is sponsored by Audimee "Ulimited Vocals, Unlimited Freedom" - https://audimee.com 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Johan's Website - https://ransby.biz
• Johan's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ransby.biz/
• Creative Prompts - https://ransby.ck.page/05b3dac21b
• Johan's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RansbyJohan
• Rectangles by Brian Funk - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/brianfunk/rectangles
• 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

Michaela Shiloh and Andre Mullens run the community-based record label HRDRV, which helps artists develop their careers. Their combined decades of experience in the music industry include writing music for top artists like Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez and working for Bad Boy Records. 

Michaela and Andre discuss the importance of camaraderie and collaboration in running their company, HRDRV. The conversation also delves into the challenges of wearing multiple hats as a musician and the need for a toolbox in the music industry. Michaela and Andre share stories from their journeys in the music business and how they led to the development of HRDRV.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• HRDRV - https://hrdrv.com
• Michaela's Website - https://www.itsmichaela.com
• Michaela's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mickeyshiloh/
• Andre's Website - https://www.andremullen.me
• 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

Carlos Sosa is a musician, producer, composer, and music director. Sosa formed Grooveline Horns, a 1970s funk and R&B influenced brass group. Carlos tours and records with Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Zac Brown Band, and Hanson.

Carlos and I spoke in-depth about his music career recording and touring with some of music's largest acts. He spoke about how his never-ending desire to learn had him remote-recording since 2004, meeting new people, and landing dream gig after dream gig. Carlos' energy and enthusiasm fuels this great conversation, loaded with insight and wisdom.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Grooveline Horns Splice Pack - https://splice.com/sounds/packs/jammcard-samples/carlos-sosa-grooveline-horns/samples
• Carlos' Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/groovelinesosa/
• Music for Tiny People by Coy Bowles - https://open.spotify.com/album/0cP8IU5D80tom9vR5ZQ3j1
• Evolution Of... by Intergalactix - https://open.spotify.com/album/5uEIDKgtEKeaSid61XdFYJ
• Kill Tony - https://www.youtube.com/@KillTony
• 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

Philip Röder is a music producer who runs the Copilco professional mixing and mastering studio in Berlin. Philip's YouTube Channel, Pick Yourself, helps music producers hone their craft and tap into their own personal style. 

Philip and I had a great conversation about his work and his underpinning philosophies. We went into detail about how he encourages musicians to invest in themselves and "pick yourself." Philip explains how he employs the Go-Giver mindset to his work and how it has brought him success in many aspects of his life.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Pick Yourself - https://pickyourself.com
• Free "Finisher Framework" PDF - https://pickyourself.com/framework/
• Pick Yourself YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pickyourselfofficial
• Copilco Productions - https://copilco-productions.com
• Seth Godin - https://seths.blog
• Go Giver - https://amzn.to/49Lefjw
• Derek Sivers on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2020/1/23/derek-sivers-on-the-creative-process-and-making-music-music-production-podcast-149
• 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 Smolens is a musician, composer, and recording engineer. He teaches music theory on his YouTube channel and at High Castle Music Conservatory. Tim has toured and plays in the bands ISS and High Castle Teleorkestra.

Tim and I had an inspiring conversation about his work and appreciation of music and chord theory. Throughout the episode, Tim demonstrates the principles on his piano. We discussed the chord theory of the Beach Boys and Soundgarden, the evolution of recording technology, and much more.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Tim's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/timsmolens
• Tim's YouTube playlists page - https://www.youtube.com/@TimSmolens/playlists
• Tim's Conservatory on Patreon: High Castle Conservatory - https://www.patreon.com/hccmusic
• Tim's official website - https://timsmolens.com/
• Tim's Bandcamp - https://timsmolens.bandcamp.com/
• Tim's genre-defying, sci-fi progressive band High Castle Teleorkestra - https://highcastleteleorkestra.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/

Takeaways:

• Tim Smolens' YouTube channel focuses on analyzing the chord progressions and music theory behind the Beach Boys' music.
• The Beach Boys' music is known for its complexity and intricate production techniques.
• Tim Smolens incorporates interesting chord progressions and extensions in his own music, drawing inspiration from various genres.
• Home recording has evolved significantly, allowing musicians to create complex and layered compositions.
• The way music is consumed and appreciated has changed, with a diminished passion for music in society. Music has a profound influence on philosophy and can be explored as a subject of study.
• Learning to play an instrument can be challenging, but the struggle and resilience required can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding of music.
• Technology has revolutionized music production, allowing for greater control and experimentation in creating music.
• The production of music plays a significant role in creating feelings, moods, and atmospheres.
• The aesthetics of music, including tone production and composition, can greatly impact the emotional impact of a piece.
• The studio itself can be considered an instrument, with its unique capabilities and effects on the music.
• Different musical instruments offer unique challenges and opportunities for expression.
• Timing and groove are essential elements in music, creating a sense of feel and energy.
• Studio musicians have played a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of music throughout history.
• The science of music and tuning, including the harmonic series, can provide a deeper understanding of the relationships between notes and harmonies.
• Harmonic science is often overlooked in music education, but understanding it can enhance musical compositions and performances.
• The cultural context in which music is created and perceived can influence the perception and appreciation of different musical elements. Balancing music with a busy life can be challenging, but it is possible to find time for creativity.
• Creating a dedicated space for music and setting aside specific times for practice and composition can help prioritize musical pursuits.
• Joining platforms like Patreon and music conservatories can provide valuable resources and support for musicians.
• Embracing tangential conversations can lead to unexpected insights and creative ideas.

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

Alexkid is a music producer and plug-in designer. He's been releasing house music for decades and designing Max for Live devices for Ableton and Isotonik Studios. Alex now runs 510k Arts, where he releases his powerful sequencers, including the new VST/AU plug-in Seqund. 

Alexkid and I spoke about his work, music, and experience designing sequencers. He went into great detail about the subtle art of humanization and how groove and feel are an integral part of his sound and sequencer design. He shared his philosophies about having a playful mindset and the importance of moving fast while creating. 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• 510K Arts - https://510k.myshopify.com
• Seqund Sequencer - https://510k.myshopify.com/products/seqund-au-vst-vst3-sequencer
• Alexkid Bandcamp - https://alexkidofficial.bandcamp.com
• Instant Haus - https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/instant-haus/
• 510K Arts Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/510k_arts/
• 510k Arts YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@510k_plugins/videos
• Alexkid's Isotonik Studios Page - https://isotonikstudios.com/product-category/isotonik-collective/alexkid/
• Digitails Plug-in - https://aberrantdsp.com/plugins/digitalis/
• Life by XLN Audio - https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/life
• 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

Alex Akimov is the founder of Simple Social, a music digital marketing agency, and Sound.Me, an AI-powered artist and creator platform. He has worked as an artist manager, promoter, and touring guitarist. Alex explores ways to help artists reach their career goals.

On this episode, Alex discusses his experience in the music industry and his current focus on Simple Social and Sound.Me. He shares strategies about releasing music and building a career in the music industry.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Sound.Me - https://sound.me
• Sound.Me Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sound.me/
• Simple Social - https://advertising.me
• Alex's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexfeather/
• 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

Charlie McCarron is a film composer, songwriter, and game designer. He is currently running a Kickstarter campaign for his Troubadeck songwriting cards. Charlie ran the Composer Quest Podcast, where he interviewed songwriters and discussed their creative process.

It was great to catch up with Charlie, who was the 2nd guest on this podcast! Charlie showed us his new Troubadeck, which is a fantastic tool for songwriting and jamming with others. We spoke about Charlie's work in film composing and game design. Throughout the episode, Charlie shared insightful wisdom about the connections between film composing, songwriting, and game design. 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Charlie's Web Site - https://www.charliemccarron.com
• The Troubadeck - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/charliemccarron/the-troubadeck-cards-to-inspire-songwriting
• Charlie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/charlie.mccarron
• Charlie's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CharlieMcCarron
• Troubadeck Ableton Live Accompaniments - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avmd4b5lixg
• Charlie's SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/charliemccarron
• Charlie's Games - https://www.charliemccarron.com/games/
• Composer Quest Podcast - https://www.charliemccarron.com/composer-quest/
• Charlie's 1st Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://www.brianfunk.com/blog/2017/4/2/charlie-mccarron
• Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo - https://www.litabletop.com
• Hook Theory - https://www.hooktheory.com
• Game Maker's Toolkit - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqJ-Xo29CKyLTjn6z2XwYAw
• Tim Smolens (Beach Boys Videos) YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TimSmolens
• ANCIENT Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ancient
• 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

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

Thad Cockrell is a musician, songwriter, and producer in Nashville, TN. His new album, THE KID, comes out January 26th and is available on vinyl for $100. Thad appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon after Fallon discovered his song "Swingin'" at a hardware store.

In this episode, Thad discusses the evolution of his musical style and the importance of creating from a place of authenticity. He explains how he is challenging the current state of the music industry and the devaluation of music by selling his new record for $100. We had a great conversation about the power of music and songwriting, and the enjoyment of the craft.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Purchase Thad's album, THE KID: https://www.thadcockrell.com/the-kid
• Thad's Website - https://www.thadcockrell.com
• Thad's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thad_cockrell
• Thad's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thadcockrell435
• Jimmy Fallon's Story About Thad's Song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y28Qz27fGNg
• Thad's Tonight Show Performance - https://www.facebook.com/ThadCockrellMusic/videos/255791442600265/
• Dissect Radiohead In Rainbows Podcast - https://www.theringer.com/2023/9/26/23890613/dissect-podcast-radiohead-in-rainbows-breakdown
• 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