Secret Sonics 190 - John Velasquez - Fostering a Community Around Music

John Velasquez is a music producer, mixer and songwriter based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation John and I go deep on the following:

The importance of humility
How he has built a community of creatives that he collaborates with
Mindfulness
Being real
Patience
Working with a team
Getting artists to deliver great vocal performances
The cry test
Limitations are good
The mix = the arrangement
His new studio
Be yourself

And so much more!

You can learn more about John at https://linearmanagement.com/index.php/john-velasquez/

You can follow John on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisntjohnv/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

Sauce Segment: https://youtu.be/QukinUmMBsk?si=Fuo1DlGS93L6t5Ll

References:

Zella Day - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zella_Day
Local Natives - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Natives
Vacations - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacations_(band)
You Sexy Thing - https://youtu.be/MhRXOOc_p-0?si=s3bbL3JyYzNoozvB
Shawn Everett - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Everett
Dave McNair - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2023/6/11/secret-sonics-185-dave-mcnair-an-audiophiles-approach-to-mastering

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for editing this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 189 - Enoch Yang - Future-Proofing Your Audio Business with Systems

Enoch Yang is a systems and operational management specialist (in addition to being a music producer and artist), based out of Charlotte, NC, USA! In today's episode, Enoch offers a hands-on roadmap for implementing effective systems within your audio business. This approach can help you streamline your business and focus more energy on your core work. In our conversation, Enoch and I go deep on the following topics:

When to start implementing systems and what to focus on
Future-proofing your business
How to leverage your website and social media
AI and the future of tech
Real-world case studies of system implementation 
The benefits of automation

And so much more!

You can learn more about Enoch at http://www.enochyang.com/secretsonics/

You can follow Enoch on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/_enochyang/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

References 

Enoch's previous episode - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/10/31/secret-sonics-119-enoch-yang-forging-an-authentic-path-in-music

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 184 - Noam Levinberg - Manifesting Successful Pivots in Audio

Noam Levinberg is a mastering engineer and the owner of the brand new plugin company, Safari Pedals! He's based out of Tel Aviv, Israel. In our conversation Noam and I go deep on the following:

Lessons from building the audio department at a sync company
You don’t have to smash the dynamics for sync music
Headroom and dynamics
Things are getting quieter
How he built his new plugin company, Safari Pedals
What’s under the hood of his plugins
Why he says no to mixing and only masters music now
Hybrid mastering approaches
When to say yes to everything (and when not to)
Listening to more music helps
Moving studios
Enjoying the journey from point A to point B
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people

And so much more!

You can learn more about Noam at https://www.noamlevinberg.com/

You can follow Noam on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/noamlevinberg/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

References:

Safari Pedals (Promo Code secretsonics20 at checkout) - https://safaripedals.com/collections/all

Noam's first episode - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/11/1/secret-sonics-070-noam-levinberg

Artlist - https://artlist.io/

Crookwood mastering console - https://crookwood.com/audio-mastering/m1-mastering-console/

Sontec EQ - https://gearspace.com/board/high-end/1223319-sontec-432c-eq-holy-grail-mixing.html

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for editing this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 183 - Philip Weinrobe - Music Production's Unorthodox Thinker

Philip Weinrobe is a record producer, mixing engineer, and the owner of Sugar Mountain Recording in Brooklyn, NY, USA. He's worked with talented artists such as Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief), Theo Katzman (Vulfpeck), Alanis Morissette and many others! In our conversation Philip and I go deep on the following:

Accidentally getting into recording by building studios for people including Shahzad Ismaily
How record making is a series of thousands of decisions and how he tries to simplify the process
Why he’s against playback of recorded takes
How he uses short bursts of audio to get a bigger picture of the sonic landscape
Avoiding headphones at all costs
Working within the constraints of the human brain
Recording for bleed
Off-axis mic coloration
Room Treatment
Never referencing other mixes on studio monitors
Never bouncing files pre-mix!
Keeping consistent but limited work hours
Saying yes to opportunities 

And so much more!

You can learn more about Philip at https://www.philipweinrobe.com/

You can follow Philip on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ithinkimphil/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Safari Pedals (Promo Code secretsonics20 at checkout) - https://safaripedals.com/collections/all

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

References:

Theo Katzman - https://open.spotify.com/album/4LsFjd6Se6lEsughB7sXhF?si=whtT3wViTceTxPH0AqhXsQ
Shahzad Ismaily - https://pirecordings.com/artists/shahzad-ismaily/
Figure 8 Recording - https://www.figure8recording.com/
Adrianne Lenker - https://open.spotify.com/album/2Qt8Z1LB3Fsrf6nhBNsvUJ?si=YKYo5ZQ6Q3yWrj8S_PHRaQ
Sugar Mountain - https://sugarmountainrecording.com/
Susan Rogers - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Rogers
Jan Jelinek - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Jelinek
Thinking Fast & Slow - https://amzn.to/3MopPIp
Mixing with Your Mind - https://amzn.to/3Mn7gV0

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for editing this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 182 - Scott Hull - Mastering Stellar Records

Scott Hull is a 40-year veteran Grammy award-winning mastering engineer and the owner of Masterdisk based in Peekskill, NY, USA. In our conversation Scott and I go deep on the following:

Landing a Masterdisk internship and working with Bob Ludwig
Leading an interdisciplinary life
Striving for excellence
The role of the engineer
His approach to mastering
Avoiding overprocessing and doing more with less
Becoming familiar with your monitoring
Human hearing and perception are malleable
Mastering is a perspective
Analog vs. Digital mastering
Mastering and cutting for vinyl
Amazing Steely Dan and John Mayer stories
Rolling with the chaos
Decision-making and having a successful mindset

And so much more!

You can learn more about Scott at https://www.masterdisk.com/scott-hull

You can follow Scott on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/masterdisk_nyc/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Safari Pedals (Promo Code secretsonics20 at checkout) - https://safaripedals.com/collections/all

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

References:

Bob Ludwig - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Ludwig

Masterdisk - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masterdisk

Bobby Owsinski - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/7/5/secret-sonics-151-bobby-owsinski-birds-eye-view-of-the-audio-industry

Sam Moses - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/1/30/secret-sonics-130-sam-moses-finishing-records

Two Against Nature - https://open.spotify.com/album/2MJc2N3eFVT0ZabBN4zc32?si=oTCQgW0nQtGNwdqdxI3J2g

Room for Squares - https://open.spotify.com/album/3yHOaiXecTJVUdn7mApZ48?si=_CJKTf92RGyXDvM2oJE2wg

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for editing this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 181 - Joe Gilder - Setting Yourself Up to Create Music

Joe Gilder is a music producer, mixing engineer, musician and songwriter based out of Nashville, TN, USA! He's also the owner of Home Studio Corner and now the content creator for The Recording Revolution. In our conversation Joe and I go deep on the following:

Getting started at Sweetwater as a sales rep
Creating value for clients
Working efficiently
How he streamlines making great video content
Being fast and in the flow while recording and producing
Getting it right at the source
Stock plugins as guardrails
Top-down mixing
Tracking guitars
Collecting ideas to stem creativity
It’s ok to have imposter syndrome 

We can do hard things

And so much more!

You can learn more about Joe at https://www.homestudiocorner.com/about

You can follow Joe on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/joegilder/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

References:

Home Studio Corner - https://www.homestudiocorner.com/free
Recording revolution - https://www.recordingrevolution.com/
Start by John Acuff - https://amzn.to/41OIhz5
In Rainbows From the Basement - https://youtu.be/DWuAn6C8Mfc
Staredown EP - https://open.spotify.com/album/3oTnYerScs0AK35swgBRvu?si=RGDygQW9THCvWRhhp6JRzQ

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for editing this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 179 - Luke Fiadino - Heavy Approaches to Composition

Luke Fiadino is a music producer, mixing engineer, and composer based out of Philadelphia, PA, USA! In our conversation Luke and I go deep on the following:

Getting work in metal
Writing with artists
Composing guitar parts
Lessons from Alan Shacklock
Programming Drums
Producing vocals
Templates and routing
Avoiding the solo button
How metal is moving online
Writing regularly and putting in the reps
Writing things that make you laugh
Getting management

And so much more!

You can learn more about Luke at https://www.statesidemgmt.com/luke-fiadino

You can follow Luke on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/lukefiadinosound/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

References:

Carl Bahner - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/10/10/secret-sonics-116-carl-bahner-serving-and-nurturing-artists
Alan Shacklock - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Shacklock
Getgood Drums - https://www.getgooddrums.com/
Cape Kong - https://www.instagram.com/capekong_official/
Sam Pura - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/10/30/secret-sonics-164-sam-pura-launching-bands-with-impactful-records
Alex Crescioni - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/8/14/secret-sonics-156-alex-crescioni-bringing-heavy-records-to-life

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 177 - Jennifer Ortiz - Networking and Building Trust in Audio

Jennifer Ortiz is an audio engineer, mixer, and podcaster based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation Jennifer and I go deep on the following:

Freelance engineering in LA
Networking and building relationships

Building Trust
Podcasting
Getting into Atmos
Getting gritty sounds
Using mid-side techniques in mixing
Parallel vocal processing
Getting into the "zone"

Enjoying the journey

And so much more!

You can learn more about Jennifer at https://www.jnymixedit.com/

You can follow Jennifer on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/jny.mixedit/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

References:

True Peak Hour (Jennifer's podcast) - https://www.truepeakhour.com/
Christal Jerez - https://www.christalssoniclab.com/about
Waves Smack Attack - https://www.waves.com/plugins/smack-attack-transient-shaper#drum-mixing-tricks-manipulate-pitch-and-attack
Little Radiator - https://www.soundtoys.com/product/little-radiator/
Waves Sibilance - https://www.waves.com/plugins/sibilance#how-to-fix-harsh-rap-vocals
Dynaudio LYD48 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LYD48BKL--dynaudio-lyd-48-3-way-powered-studio-monitor-left-side-black

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 176 - Matt Boudreau - The Road to Atmos

Matt Boudreau is a stereo and Atmos mixing engineer based out of the Bay Area, CA, USA! He's also the host of the incredible Working Class Audio podcast. In our conversation Matt and I go deep on the following:

His journey getting into Dolby Atmos
Buying speakers, rebuilding and tuning the room
The financials of Atmos and getting work
Podcasting
Having patience with your career
Taking the business side of things seriously
Taking cold showers to supercharge his day
Staying inspired by audio

And so much more!

You can learn more about Matt at https://www.mattboudreau.com/

You can follow Matt on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/matt_boudreau/

WCA IG - https://www.instagram.com/working_class_audio/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

References:

Steve Genewick - http://stevegenewick.com/
Andrew Scheps - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Scheps
Brad Wood - https://www.instagram.com/bradwood_producifer/
Working Class Audio - https://www.workingclassaudio.com/
Tim O’Sullivan - https://youtu.be/qFUEVPIeagQ
Kim Rosen mastering - https://www.knackmastering.com/about/

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 174 - Delegation: The Dos and the Don'ts with Carl Bahner

Carl Bahner is a mixing engineer based out of Lancaster, PA, USA! In today's episode, we discuss the dos and the don'ts of delegation. We go deep on the following topics:

Bottlenecks
Bahner's first pancake principle (LMAO)
Don’t assume the delegatee's experience
Start with a menial task
Insecurity
Fair wages
Deadlines and availability
The team

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listen

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

References 

Carl Bahner's previous episode - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/10/10/secret-sonics-116-carl-bahner-serving-and-nurturing-artists

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 173 - 5 Lessons I'm Applying to My Mixing in 2023

Here's a little Solo-cast I recorded where I go over 5 lessons I learned this year on Secret Sonics that I'm applying to my mixing in 2023. A bit of a departure from the usual interview format but I hope you dig it! 

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/

***BRAND NEW!*** SECRET SONICS PATREON - patreon.com/benwallickmusic

Episodes I referenced:

Bob Horn - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2023/1/1/secret-sonics-172-bob-horn-perceptive-and-adaptive-mixing
Evan Morgan - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/2/6/secret-sonics-131-evan-morgan-manifesting-intent
Daniel Silberman - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/3/6/secret-sonics-135-daniel-silberman-driving-the-stereo-bus
Tim O’Sullivan - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/9/18/secret-sonics-158-tim-osullivan-fostering-inspiration-in-the-studio
Brian Bender - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/4/3/secret-sonics-139-brian-bender-leaning-in-to-authenticity
Mikko Gordon - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/10/23/secret-sonics-163-mikko-gordon-establishing-an-aesthetic
Neenah - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/4/24/secret-sonics-142-neenah-exploring-the-mix
Brent Hendrich - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/5/22/secret-sonics-146-brent-hendrich-working-on-what-matters-in-audio
Josh Bonanno - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/7/24/secret-sonics-153-josh-bonanno-minimalist-mixing

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

 
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 169 - Hill Kourkoutis - A Humanistic Approach to Record Making

Hill Kourkoutis is a Juno Award-winning music producer, mixing engineer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto, ON, Canada! In our conversation Hill and I go deep on the following:

Building trust with artists
Her background as a touring musician
Preproduction
Guitar tone
Hill’s approach to production and mixing
Getting the right drum tones
Nostalgic sounds can bring out certain emotions
Musical authenticity
Embracing imperfections
Remembering that it’s a marathon, not a sprint
Finding creativity in everyday life
Believing in yourself

And so much more!

You can learn more about Hill at http://www.hillkourkoutis.com/

You can follow Hill on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/hillkourkoutis/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

You can listen to the "Sauce" segment in its entirety here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfDXOl3cg1c&ab_channel=Aysanabee-Topic

References:

Josh Bowman - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/2/13/secret-sonics-132-josh-bowman-intentional-living-and-mixing

Vance Powell - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/4/11/secret-sonics-092-vance-powell-capturing-the-magic
Sam Pura - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/10/30/secret-sonics-164-sam-pura-launching-bands-with-impactful-records
Acme Audio - https://acmeaudio.net/
Mikko Gordon - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/10/23/secret-sonics-163-mikko-gordon-establishing-an-aesthetic
Neumann TLM 49 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TLM49--neumann-tlm-49-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone
Aysanabee - https://www.aysanabee.com/

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 168 - Richie Beretta - The Quest for Authenticity

Richie Beretta is a music producer and mixing engineer originally hailing from NYC and currently based out of San Diego, CA, USA! In our conversation Richie and I go deep on the following:

Paul McCartney’s bass tone
Recording on Dad’s tape machine
Recording is stopping to capture a moment in time
The woes of pop culture and discontent over Art becoming content
Richie's quest for authenticity
Listening to music > making music
Mixing vs. producing
Richie's Bass tone + chain
Backing off on compression
What he still gets from analog gear
Being true to your taste in music

And so much more!

You can learn more about Richie at http://www.richieberetta.nyc/

You can follow Richie on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/richieberetta/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Carl Bahner's resources for studio professionals - https://www.carlbahner.com/resources

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

You can listen to the "Sauce" segment in its entirety here - https://orcd.co/d1qpvdd

References:

Hofner Beatle bass - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B6fner_500/1

Serban - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serban_Ghenea

Ex Machina speakers - https://exmachinasound.com/

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 166 - Benny Faccone - Making the Records Shine

Benny Faccone is a 17-time Grammy Award-winning music producer and audio engineer based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation Benny shares his story; studying at Berklee college of music, moving to LA, assisting at A&M, and getting his "in" as an engineer working on Latin records. We chat about working with great producers, Analog vs. Digital sound and stereo width, panning, working with Santana, mixing drums and percussion, getting a big low-end, remembering to enjoy the moments, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Benny at http://bennyfaccone.com/biography/

You can follow Benny on Social Media

Benny IG - https://www.instagram.com/bennyfaccone/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

References:

Bobby Owsinski - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/7/5/secret-sonics-151-bobby-owsinski-birds-eye-view-of-the-audio-industry
Trident Series C - https://reverb.com/item/477386-trident-series-80c
API 550A - https://www.apiaudio.com/product.php?id=106

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 165 - Andrew Maury and Jesse Ray Ernster Answer Your Burning Questions (Recording of Live AMA Event)

Mixing phenoms Andrew Maury and Jesse Ray Ernster return to the podcast in a live AMA event that was recorded last month. In this conversation, Andrew and Jesse answered some of your burning questions and we went deep on so many topics including being overly self-critical, deliverables (what Andrew and Jesse actually provide their clients), Atmos, analog summing (and is it worth it?), saturation, and plugin development. We chat about monitoring, reconnecting with the kid in you, prioritizing elements within the mix, being a friend to the artists you work with, what really went into mixing Burna Boy's latest record, the attack wall, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Andrew at http://andrewmaury.net/

You can learn more about Jesse at https://www.jesseraymix.com/

You can follow them on Social Media

Andrew IG - https://www.instagram.com/aemaury/

Jesse IG - https://www.instagram.com/jesseraymix

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

References:

Andrew's first episode - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/7/18/secret-sonics-104-andrew-maury-mixing-with-intuition
Jesse's first episode - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/8/29/secret-sonics-110-jesse-ray-ernster-going-all-in-on-his-dreams
Damian's Instagram reel - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjghJ1qJdTv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Tchad Blake - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tchad_Blake
Sam Pura - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/10/30/secret-sonics-164-sam-pura-launching-bands-with-impactful-records
Mixland Plugins - https://www.mixland.io/
Nacho Molino - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/6/19/secret-sonics-150-nacho-molino-fearless-mixing
Ken Lewis - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/9/12/secret-sonics-112-ken-lewis-100-gold-records-and-beyond
Notion - https://www.notion.so/
Tube traps - https://www.acousticsciences.com/product/attackwall/

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 164 - Sam Pura - Launching Bands with Impactful Records

Sam Pura is a record producer, audio engineer, and mixing engineer based out of Fremont, CA, USA! In our chat, Sam shares his unique approach to making records; how he reamps guitars, tunes drums, mixes, and edits every single transient on the recording! We chat about making sure the music is excellent before worrying about the business, mixing with impact, caring too much about projects, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Sam at https://www.thepandastudios.com/

You can follow Sam on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/sampura/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Save 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here: "DEATHWESTERN" by SPIRITWORLD - https://youtu.be/4lSSzMZg0oE/

References:

Purified Audio (Sam's Plugins) - https://purafied.com/
Eric Valentine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Valentine
Thomas Pridgen - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Pridgen
Jason Suecof - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Suecof

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 163 - Mikko Gordon - Establishing an Aesthetic

Mikko Gordon is a record producer, audio engineer, and mixing engineer based out of London, England, UK! In our chat, Mikko shares his story; from playing in bands to doubling down on the studio thing, meeting and working with Nigel Godrich, and working with some of today's biggest indie/alternative acts! We chat about finding artists he really wants to work with, establishing an aesthetic on a record, his philosophy on drum sounds, and being fast and fearless in the tracking stage. We also talk about mixing, reverb, working with The Smile, lessons from FOH, transitioning from a local scene to the global music scene, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Mikko at https://www.mikkogordon.com/

You can follow Mikko on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/mikkogordon/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Save 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here: "Octopus" by Island - https://youtu.be/XXYWEAwMwp8

References:

Nigel Godrich - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Godrich

Radiohead - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiohead
Laura Bettinson - https://www.instagram.com/lau.ra.lau.ra.lau.ra/
Ultraista - https://www.instagram.com/ultraistamusic/
Island - https://www.instagram.com/islandislandisland/
Tim O'Sullivan - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/9/18/secret-sonics-158-tim-osullivan-fostering-inspiration-in-the-studio

The Smile - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Smile_(band)
Nigel on Hanging Out with Audiophiles - https://hangingoutwithaudiophiles.libsyn.com/howa-ep-100-nigel-godrich
Hackney Road Studios - http://www.hackney-road.com/
Tchad Blake - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tchad_Blake

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 162 - Mike Indovina - The Power of a Process

Mike Indovina is a mixing and mastering engineer based out of Toronto, On, Canada, and the owner of MasterYourMix.com! In our chat, Mike shares his story; from playing in bands to doing the studio thing to writing a book on mixing! We chat about finding a process that works for you and sticking with it, mixing templates, how he's able to master his own mixes, and working in the box. We also talk about what mastering adds to the mix, monitoring, getting great drum sounds, podcasting, building relationships with people, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Mike at https://mikeindovina.com/ and at https://masteryourmix.com

You can follow Mike on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/mindovina/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Save 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here: "The Crash" by Deeper You - https://youtu.be/Z9xruk6LmA4

References:

Tim O'Sullivan - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/9/18/secret-sonics-158-tim-osullivan-fostering-inspiration-in-the-studio

Billy Decker - http://www.billydecker.com/
Connor Salmoral - https://www.instagram.com/salmoral.studios/
Metric AB Plugin Alliance - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/adptr_metricab.html#:~:text=The%20Metric%20AB%20plugin%20enables,new%20standard%20in%20mix%20referencing.
Dark Glass Bass - https://neuraldsp.com/plugins/darkglass-ultra

Alex Crescioni - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/8/14/secret-sonics-156-alex-crescioni-bringing-heavy-records-to-life

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 161 - Jim Homes - Capturing Bold Sounds

Jim Homes is an audio engineer, music producer, mixing engineer, and one half of Boe Weaver, a production duo based out of the Isle of Wight, UK! In our chat, Jim shares his story; getting signed almost on a whim really young, building a studio with his brother, and remixing for major label artists. We chat about doubling down on your strengths, trying to keep the human elements in a production, the advantages of working as a duo and overcoming its challenges. We also talk about not being afraid to reach out to people for work, run ins with tchad blake, reverb, going bold and not waiting for the mix, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Jim at http://www.boeweaver.com/

You can follow Jim on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/jim_homes/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Save 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here: "Waking Up Without You" by Rhys Lewis - https://youtu.be/Ei3mlmQOkDk

References:

Empire Sound - https://www.instagram.com/empire_sound_/

Alex Clare - https://alexclare.com/

Tchad Blake - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tchad_Blake

Vance Powell - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/4/11/secret-sonics-092-vance-powell-capturing-the-magic

Head - https://stageaudioworks.com/sound-engineer-howard-head-bullivant-talks-deploying-sennheiser-mics-pj-harvey-james-blake-bat-lashes-natasha-khan/

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben

Secret Sonics 160 - Jonathan Friedlander - Working Fast and Supporting Artists

Jonathan Friedlander is an audio engineer, music producer, mixing engineer, and the owner of Quality Sound, based in Jerusalem, Israel! In our second chat on the air, Jon talks about adjusting his studio to the pandemic, always getting better at his craft, and making sure to get credit for his work. He goes deep on his approach to recording vocals, working fast, recording and mixing drums, and his approach to mixing with parallel compression. We also chat about monitoring, capturing dynamics in live recordings, dealing with time management, the benefits of having interned at the beginning of his career, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Jon at https://www.qualitysound.biz/

You can follow Jon on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/mixedbyjon/

***Thanks to our sponsors!***

Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonics

Save 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonics

Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking

***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here: "Closer to You" by Levite - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLEPrV0_cvQ&ab_channel=LEVITE

References:

Jon's first episode - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/4/21/secret-sonics-009-jonathan-friedlander

Yair Elitzur - https://youtu.be/SCn2gNPCRac
Travis Ference - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/9/26/secret-sonics-114-travis-ference-redefining-success-in-music
Rick Ross Maybach IV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afjH1sm6Q5w&ab_channel=RickRoss-Topic
Miguel Scott - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/12/13/secret-sonics-075-miguel-scott-seeking-continued-growth-in-music
John Greenham - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/8/6/secret-sonics-155-john-greenham-a-musical-approach-to-mastering
Israel Portnoy - https://www.israelportnoymusic.com/
My Blues - https://youtu.be/pJmGVm8qc4M
Focal Shape Twin - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ShapeTwin50--focal-shape-twin-dual-5-inch-powered-studio-monitor-with-passive-radiators

Consider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.

Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!

Thanks to Tzvi Gordon for helping edit this episode!

You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co

Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!

-Ben