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 167 - Martin Cooke - Engaging with the Record

Martin Cooke is a music producer and mixing engineer based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation Martin shares his story; studying at Berklee college of music, moving to LA, working at Henson, and later for Rich Costey, and eventually going freelance and doing his own thing. We chat about the producing vs the mixing mindset, getting clients, outboard gear, how he gets guitar and drum tones, preserving dynamics, monitoring, Rush, making sure to be engaged in the work you do and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Martin at https://www.mcooke.net/

You can follow Martin on Social Media

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

***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

You can listen to the “Sauce” segment song here - https://youtu.be/pS6PiY84Ms0/

References:

Travis Ference - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/9/26/secret-sonics-114-travis-ference-redefining-success-in-music
Rich Costey - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_CosteyShadow Hills Equinox Summing Mixer - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Equinox--shadow-hills-industries-equinox
Magic Death Eye - http://magicdeatheye.com/
AudioThing Wires - https://www.audiothing.net/effects/wires/
AudioThing Springs - https://www.audiothing.net/effects/springs/

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 159 - Justin LaPointe - Tracking the Magic in the Room

Justin LaPointe is an audio engineer, music producer, mixing engineer, and the owner of Barnhouse Sound on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada! In our chat, Justin talks about his journey in audio; from interning at a large facility to building a destination recording studio. He goes deep on creating an environment that fosters creativity, capturing live bands, and getting great drum sounds. We also chat about mixing, mastering, staying inspired, not being afraid to reach out to artists you love, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Justin at https://www.barnhousesoundproductions.com/

You can follow Justin on Social Media

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

***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: "Banquets" by Fast Hatchet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp5VwjKLn6Q&ab_channel=FastHatchet-Topic

References:

Electric City Sound - http://electriccitysound.com/
Vance Powell - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/4/11/secret-sonics-092-vance-powell-capturing-the-magic
Glyn Johns - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glyn_Johns
AKG 451B - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C451B--akg-c-451-b-small-diaphragm-condenser-microphone
Soundtoys - https://www.soundtoys.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 158 - Tim O'Sullivan - Fostering Inspiration in the Studio

Tim O'Sullivan is a music producer, audio engineer, and mixing engineer based out of LA, CA, USA! In our second chat on the podcast, Tim brings us up to date and shares what he's done since our last conversation; the closing of Barefoot Recording, setting up an Atmos room for Greg Wells, touring with Chicano Batman, and setting up his own studio in Frogtown. He goes deep on working on the latest Rayland Baxter record, using weird gear and instruments to inspire artists, and focusing the build of his new studio to cater to creative work flows. We also chat about commiting to sounds, new deliverables for mixers, getting stems to add up, having a manager, figuring out what to eliminate to do the work you want to do, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Tim at http://osullivanaudio.com/

You can follow Tim on Social Media

IG - https://www.instagram.com/timomusic86/

***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: "If I Were a Butterfly" by Rayland Baxter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-roMRDJKic&ab_channel=RaylandBaxter-Topic

References:

Tim's first episode - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/7/5/secret-sonics-053-tim-osullivan

Barefoot Recording - https://www.instagram.com/barefoot_recording/
Money Mark - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money_Mark
Chicano Batman - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicano_Batman
Greg Wells - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Wells
Dan Silberman - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/3/6/secret-sonics-135-daniel-silberman-driving-the-stereo-bus
Ian Sefchick (Magic Death Eye) - https://www.instagram.com/magicdeatheye/

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 157 - Shachar Boussani - Going All In with Mixing

Shachar "Shak" Boussani is a mixing and recording engineer based out of LA, CA, USA! In our chat, Shachar shares his journey; being inspired to move to a big music city on a trip to London, moving to Los Angeles, working in post production, eventually opening a recording studio, and most recently working for big-time mixer, Bob Horn. He goes deep on his approach to recording and mixing including separating the elements of a mix, using his competitive drive, focusing on the low end, and getting great drum tones. We also chat about lessons learned from Bob Horn, the importance of finding a mentor, making music for fun, bouncing stems, going all in on what you love, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Shachar at https://www.hummingbirdstudiosla.com/shachar-boussani

You can follow Shachar on Social Media

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

***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: "Humpty" by Triple D (Feat. Sugi Dakks) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S1Eyt2OOFU&ab_channel=TripleDDrums

References:

John Greenham - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/8/6/secret-sonics-155-john-greenham-a-musical-approach-to-mastering

Bob Horn - https://www.bobhornmixing.com/bio
David “Triple D” Diaz - https://www.instagram.com/_tripsies_/
Nicholas Di Lorenzo - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/10/17/secret-sonics-117-nicholas-di-lorenzo-pushing-boundaries-beyond-mastering

Dee Kei Waddell - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/4/17/secret-sonics-141-dee-kei-waddell-the-way-of-the-mixer
Locomotive Audio - https://www.locomotiveaudio.com/
Rogue Amoeba - https://rogueamoeba.com/
Can Opener Studio by Goodhertz - https://goodhertz.com/canopener-studio/
Nacho Molino - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/6/19/secret-sonics-150-nacho-molino-fearless-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!

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 155 - John Greenham - A Musical Approach to Mastering

John Greenham is a mastering engineer based out of LA, CA, USA! In our chat, John shares his journey - from musician to mastering engineer. He talks about his philosophy when it comes to mastering; approaching it from a musician's mindset, working fast, shaping a song with EQ to maximize energy, and focusing on the vocals. We chat about why being in LA is so important, working with Billie Eilish and Finneas, loudness, Atmos, working with your friends and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about John at http://www.johngreenham.com/

You can follow John on Social Media

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

***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

References:

Paul Stubblebine - http://www.paulstubblebine.com/home/email.html
Pete Lyman - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/7/11/secret-sonics-103-pete-lyman-how-to-cut-a-record
Eric Valentine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Valentine
Rob Kinelski - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Kinelski
Oxford Inflator - https://www.sonnox.com/plugin/oxford-inflator-v4
Michelle Mancini - https://www.instagram.com/demifuguemastering/
Glenn Schick - https://www.gsmastering.com/
Manny Marroquin - http://www.mannymarroquin.com/
Kii Audio BXT - https://www.kiiaudio.com/bxt.php

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 154 - Stephen Kerrison - Instinctive Mastering

Stephen Kerrison is a mastering engineer based out of Liverpool, England, UK! In our chat, Stephen shares his journey from a touring musician to studio as a mastering engineer. He talks about the Weird Jungle mastering collective, instilling confidence in the artists he works with, working in the box, tools of the trade, and using his instincts to master. We also chat about Seth Godin marketing tactics, vinyl, loudness, feeling grateful, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Stephen at https://talltreesaudiomastering.com/

You can follow Stephen on Social MediaIG - https://www.instagram.com/stephen_kerrison/

***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

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here - "Lorn" by
Modern Technology - https://modern-technology.bandcamp.com/album/lorn

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

References:

Katie Tavini - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/1/24/secret-sonics-081-katie-tavini-mastering-music-with-intent
Glenn Schick - https://www.gsmastering.com/
Bobby Owsinski - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/7/5/secret-sonics-151-bobby-owsinski-birds-eye-view-of-the-audio-industry
Pete Lyman - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/7/11/secret-sonics-103-pete-lyman-how-to-cut-a-record
Weird Jungle - https://www.weirdjungle.com/
Seth Godin - https://seths.blog/2008/07/the-long-tail-t/
Carl Bahner - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/10/10/secret-sonics-116-carl-bahner-serving-and-nurturing-artists
Human Worth Records - https://humanworth.bandcamp.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 153 - Josh Bonanno - Minimalist Mixing

Josh Bonanno is a mixing engineer based out of Nashville, TN, USA! In our second conversation on the podcast, Josh catches us up to date and we talk about so much, including how he tries to spread knowledge and build community on the internet, the weird state of the social media platforms, and the real life community in Nashville. We chat about having patience, quantity leading to quality, trusting your room and speakers, using the rough mix as a bible, and how deliverables are changing the way people mix. We also go deep on his minimalist approach to mixing, surprising his clients with some artistic touches, getting over a hustle mindset and taking the time to rest, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Josh at https://joshbonanno.com/

You can follow Josh on Social Media

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

***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 

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"Sad Girl Thing" by Zoie X: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsKfipR5D6w&ab_channel=Z%C3%B8ieX-Topic

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

References:

Josh's first episode - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/4/21/secret-sonics-033-josh-bonanno

Brian Bender - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/4/3/secret-sonics-139-brian-bender-leaning-in-to-authenticity
Brent Hendrich - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/5/22/secret-sonics-146-brent-hendrich-working-on-what-matters-in-audio
Lossy by Goodhertz - https://goodhertz.com/lossy/
Sam Moses - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/1/30/secret-sonics-130-sam-moses-finishing-records
Damian Taylor - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/11/28/secret-sonics-123-damian-taylor-music-productions-deep-thinker

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 152 - Ramera Abraham - Bringing Vocals to Life

Ramera Abraham is a vocal producer and sound engineer based out of London, England, UK! In our conversation, Ramera tells her story - studying at the Abbey Road Institute, building relationships, and hitting the ground running as a vocal producer. She goes deep on her approach to working with artists - using emotional intelligence in a session, extensive session prep, microphone preferences, choosing a space for a vocal to live in, and Melodyning. We also get into client acquisition, branding, mixing with her gut, having confidence, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Ramera at https://ramera.co.uk/

You can follow Ramera on Social Media

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

***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 

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"no matter what i say" by Matt Taylor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOb4Ab9OhXE&ab_channel=MattTaylor-Topic

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

References:

Xylo Aria - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/2/20/secret-sonics-133-xylo-aria-empowering-women-in-audio
Abbey Road Institute - https://abbeyroadinstitute.co.uk/
Valhalla - https://valhalladsp.com/
Native Instruments Replika XT - https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/effects/replika-xt/

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 151 - Bobby Owsinski - Bird's-Eye View of the Audio Industry

Bobby Owsinski is a music producer, mixer, author, and podcaster based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation, Bobby tells his story - from the stage to the studio and eventually writing books and hosting his podcast. He talks about meeting former Beatles, and lessons from two of their engineers - Ken Scott and Geoff Emerick. He goes deep on keeping his hand on the pulse of the industry, tracking killer brass players, and thoughts on saturation in mixing, Atmos, and NFTs. We also talk about the latest edition of his book, "The Mixing Engineer's Handbook," and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Bobby at https://bobbyowsinski.com/

You can follow Bobby on Social Media

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

Twitter - https://twitter.com/bobbyowsinski

***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 

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" by Adrianna Marie and Her Groovecutters: https://www.adriannamariemusic.com/store

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

References:

Mixing Engineer’s Handbook (5th Edition) - https://amzn.to/3yihopM

Bobby's Podcast - https://bobbyoinnercircle.com/
Benny Faccone - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Faccone
Ed Cherney - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Cherney
Audio Nowcast - https://www.nowcastnetwork.com/
Ken Scott - https://amzn.to/3bKsBbc
Geoff Emerick - https://amzn.to/3OKb9SS

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 150 - Nacho Molino - Fearless Mixing

Nacho (Ignacio) Molino is a 3x Grammy-winning and 5x Latin Grammy-winning mixing engineer based outside of Rochester, NY, USA! In our conversation, Nacho tells his story - moving from Panama to the USA after nearly 2 decades in the business, sleeping in the studio, and making things work. He talks about how getting good at recording informs the mixing process and vice versa, the difference between the mixing mindset and the mastering mindset, and how working on so many genres has helped him in all areas of mixing. He goes deep on his approach to mixing - how he creates space in a mix, and how he sets the tone (not dynamics) from the stereo bus. He also emphasizes leaning into what you do well, having patience, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Nacho at https://nachomolino.com/

You can follow Nacho on Social Media

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

***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 

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"Bam Ba Ram (Remix)" by Flama, Kafu Banton, & Dynasty The King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcSeKf79Qlc&ab_channel=Flama-Topic

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

References:

Sam Sherbin - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/5/8/secret-sonics-144-sam-sherbin-betting-on-himself
Sam Moses - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/1/30/secret-sonics-130-sam-moses-finishing-records
Blackbox HG2 - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/black_box_analog_design_hg-2.html
Waves SSL Compressor - https://www.waves.com/plugins/ssl-g-master-buss-compressor
Fernando Lodeiro - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2022/1/1/secret-sonics-126-fernando-lodeiro-nurturing-relationships-in-the-studio
CLA - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Lord-Alge

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 149 - Kevin McCloskey - Perseverance in Audio

Kevin "Black Pearl" McCloskey is a mixing engineer and the owner of Black Pearl Studios and Bigger Mixes based out of Charlotte, NC, USA! In our conversation, Kevin tells his story - from playing drumline in marching band to studying audio, persevering and eventually opening a recording studio and working with the likes of DaBaby. He talks about getting efficient in the studio, what major labels really want from mixers, and how he's able to mix on headphones. He goes deep on his approach to mixing, taking care of himself, having goals outside of music, and so much more! Check it out!

You can learn more about Kevin at https://www.biggermixes.com/

You can follow Kevin on Social Media

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

***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

You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"Fallin' Off" by Tyler Loyal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMduD4qYCs&ab_channel=TylerLoyal-Topic

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

References:

Mark Eckert - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/5/31/secret-sonics-048-mark-eckert
DaBaby - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DaBaby
Beyerdynamic DT770s - https://amzn.to/3zOvO3F
Chris Graham - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/5/2/secret-sonics-095-chris-graham-helping-audio-people-in-his-own-unique-way
Knif EQ - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/knif_audio_soma.html
Ozone Maximizer - https://www.izotope.com/en/products/ozone/features/maximizer.html/
SSL Fusion Vintage Drive - https://store.solidstatelogic.com/plug-ins/ssl-fusion-vintage-drive-plug-in
Class A Mastering from Shadow Hills - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/shadow_hills_class_a_mastering_comp.html
Avid Lofi - https://www.avid.com/plugins/d-fi
Blackbox - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/black_box_analog_design_hg-2.html
Waves Smack Attack - https://www.waves.com/plugins/smack-attack-transient-shaper#drum-mixing-tricks-manipulate-pitch-and-attack

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 148 - Mark Abrams - In Pursuit of Excellence in Audio

Mark Abrams is a record producer, mixing engineer, and the content manager for pureMix! Mark is based out of Columbus, OH, USA! In our conversation, Mark tells his story - studying audio and getting an internship only to find his way back to his parents' basement. He talks about how a masterclass with Vance Powell changed the game for him and enabled him to make more intentional decisions as a producer. That class introduced him to the world of learning from the best engineers in the business, and eventually doing all the work he does with pureMix. He goes deep on his approach to producing with intent, setting the soundstage in a mix, and how he implements systems and automation to cut his workload in half! Check it out!

You can learn more about Mark at https://www.markabramsmixing.com/

You can follow Mark on Social Media

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

***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

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

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

References:

Vaughan Music Studios - https://vaughanmusicstudios.com/record/
pureMix - https://www.puremix.net/
Pensado’s Place - https://www.pensadosplace.tv/
Andrew Scheps - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Scheps
Vance Powell - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/4/11/secret-sonics-092-vance-powell-capturing-the-magic
Fab Dupont - https://www.fabulousfab.com/
Zapier - https://zapier.com/
Soundflow video with Mark and Andrew Scheps - https://youtu.be/PTbt1cmYzsI
Brauer Motion - https://www.waves.com/plugins/brauer-motion#presenting-brauer-motion-spherical-auto-panner
Cory Wong Victor Wooten interview - https://youtu.be/UkAowtHSEMA?t=1261

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