Unstoppable Recording Machine Podcast

Welcome to #Mixcritmonday, the show where we critique YOUR mixes. Your mixes of A Day To Remember’s “Right Back At It Again” are on the chopping block. Gird yourselves for the love. #Mixragemonday “We’re not here to ‘yes’ you; we’re here to tell you the truth.” - Eyal Levi THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Things to watch out for on this mix - What happens when you don’t get your balances right - Mixing for pop punk rather than a genre like metal - How to make sure your mix doesn’t cause ear fatigue - The importance of low end monitoring accuracy - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Wanasek has the answers you need to make sure you stay #nosmalltime. Want Joel to answer your questions? Send them to eyal@urm.academy with the subject line “Dear Joel.” The more detailed the better! “You’ve got to lead people, but you can’t tell them what to do.” - Joel Wanasek THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - How to maintain your passion for music - Helping polish a band’s songwriting and when you shouldn’t bother - Making the decision about whether to go to college or jump into starting a studio - Joel’s philosophy for balancing low end - Setting goals - How to unleash your inner social butterfly - The benefits of analog summing - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Wade returns to the podcast to discuss an insanely long studio build, audio career development, and what it’s like working with A Day To Remember. That’s only the beginning. On this episode we dive deep. From discussion about room treatment to being an effective producer no matter your level of notoriety to compressor talk. You know that there’s going to be tons of info to take away from this with Andrew Wade on board. “No one’s going to care about what you’re doing until you’ve done something that people care about.” - Andrew Wade THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - The thought process behind how Andrew designed his studio - How he grew his craft and business over time - Why failures are actually invaluable tools for growth - Details about recording A Day to Remember’s “Right Back at it Again” - Andrew’s favorite vocal chain - How to charge when you’re first starting out - Boutique guitar amps Andrew loves - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad

You guys have questions, Eyal Levi’s got your answers. Want Eyal to answer your questions? Send them to eyal@urm.academy with the subject line “Dear Eyal.” The more detailed the better! “Now that you’ve got those clients, what are you going to do with them?” - Eyal Levi THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Ways to find clients as you build your reputation - How to handle a band or manager asking for your mixing sessions - Eyal’s approach to adding synth tracks to mixes - How to balance EQing soloed and in context - The story behind how Nail the Mix got started - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World renowned vocal coach Mary Zimmer talks to us about how to get the most out of a vocalist in the studio. Whether you’re a vocalist yourself or a producer that works with singers it’s beneficial to know the ins and outs of singing to get results without destroying vocal chords. If you want to ensure that you’re not going to be out of commission after a couple hours of vocal sessions you’re going to want to check out Mary Zimmer’s advice. “If you don’t understand what’s going on with [vocals] you’ll have a really hard time getting the guy or girl on the other end of the microphone to do what you’re trying to get them to do.” - Mary Zimmer THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Why it’s important for producers to understand the mechanics of singing - Correct breathing technique - How to deal with vocalists without a background in proper singing technique - Tips for vocal health - What to do if a vocalist isn’t managing to scream enough - Working with different vocal ranges - And much, much more Thanks for listeni

We spoke to Grammy winning producer, Diego Farias of Volumes. Diego Farias is an accomplished musician and producer. Not only has he been integral in productions for Volumes, but he’s also worked on a number of productions in various genres. A lot of people would have trouble keeping their head on straight with all that work; Diego has plenty of insight into how to effectively manage it. “No one can hand you talent.” - Diego Farias THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Diego and Eyal’s approaches to amp modelers - Succeeding as a producer in multiple genres - How and why Volumes ended up working with Kyle Black - The difficulties of mixing metal - Diego’s approach to producing hip hop - Software synth recommendations - How to maintain good relations with artists when composing for them - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Wanasek has the answers you need to make sure you stay #nosmalltime. Want Joel to answer your questions? Send them to eyal@urm.academy with the subject line “Dear Joel.” The more detailed the better! “Being able to get a mix that’s competitive with the best of the best and do it in a few hours, and do it consistently, now that’s what separates the big-time guys from everybody else.” - Joel Wanasek THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - How to overcome feeling like you’re not progressing in your craft - The importance of focusing on fundamental principles rather than waiting for “AH HA!” moments - Why you shouldn’t believe everything you read in forums - How to compare and choose converters - How to deal with friends that are made of 4k - Expanding your client base - Joel’s advice for his 19-year-old self - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to #Mixcritmonday, the show where we critique YOUR mixes. On this episode Joel’s flying solo and going over three mix submissions of “Fragments” by Jason Richardson for this month’s Nail the Mix. “A buss compressor can be the glue… it can also be your worst enemy.” - Joel Wanasek THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - The importance of being able to take criticism - Getting drum levels dialed in - Keeping the needs of the song in mind - Not overdoing EQ - Making sure you get your compression settings right - Why the midrange of your mixes needs to be spot on - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best known for being the guitarist of Periphery, Misha Mansoor is also a successful entrepreneur and known in the industry for his killer business sense. He joins us to touch on all of the above, shining a light on the importance of doing what you love, doing it well, and using your knowledge as a tool and a weapon. This episode is packed with solid info about a variety of topics: creativity, business advice, nerdy gear talk, and even personal skills. “If we’re going to do a deal, let’s do it right.” - Misha Mansoor THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - Creating music because you want to, rather than succumbing to guilt - How Periphery navigated getting signed to a label - Misha’s approach to becoming involved in Horizon Devices - His tips for writing and recording midi instrument parts - Why Misha doesn’t practice guitar - Periphery’s live in ear setup - The guitar tone on Periphery 3, and pedals he keeps coming back to - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about you

Joel Wanasek has the answers you need to make sure you stay #nosmalltime. Want Joel to answer your questions? Send them to eyal@urm.academy with the subject line “Dear Joel.” The more detailed the better! “I am a capitalist. Fight me.” - Joel Wanasek THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - What exactly #nosmalltime means - Joel’s actual opinion on Summit Audio gear - Some of Joel’s “must read” books - Why you should travel more - How to balance life and work - The surprising artists that would be on Joel’s “Dream projects” list - Joel’s thoughts on building control rooms - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Tsurif of Mercenary Management knows what it takes to be successful in the music business, and he’s here to share his expertise. This episode is really a twofer. Not only do we have Dan Tsurif on board, but Finn McKenty is also back to help co-host. Want to make a living in the music industry? Want to know what your act needs to focus on at each stage of its growth? What NOT to do when approaching record labels? Listen up; we’re going to tell you. “Everything we’ve ever put out sounds awesome, why are you sending me something that sounds like it was recorded in a toilet?” - Dan Tsurif THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - The importance of diversifying your income as an artist - Why marketing won’t mean a thing if you don’t value your craft - Dan’s stance on when you really want to get a manager - Finn’s 3 part formula for becoming involved in a business venture - Pitfalls for up and coming bands - How to approach (and not approach) record labels and media outlets - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Le

You guys have questions, Eyal Levi’s got your answers. Want Eyal to answer your questions? Send them to eyal@urm.academy with the subject line “Dear Eyal.” The more detailed the better! “I have no hobbies. I’ve never understood what it’s like to do something just for fun. I’m in it to win.” - Eyal Levi THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - How to make sure lightning doesn’t cause your studio to burn down - Eyal’s method for recording acoustic guitar - Tips for getting a job at a studio - The potential for new Daath - How fast you should be at mixing - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You guys have questions, Eyal Levi’s got your answers. Eyal answers your questions about managing deadlines, DIY acoustic treatment, and the power of networking done right. “Look, if they’re not going to like it, what’s the worst that could happen?” - Eyal Levi THIS WEEK, YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: - Overcoming self doubt - Dealing with deadlines - Acoustic treatment strategies ie, to DIY or buy? - Should you use acoustic foam? - Eyal’s approach to networking - What a pro extreme metal band looks like - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guitar mastermind and Nail the Mix winner Andy James stops in for a great discussion about his progression in mixing. Andy dishes about what he zeroed in on for his Nail the Mix win. The same focus that Andy used to become a guitar god, and then a successful internet entrepreneur, he used to learn how to mix. If you’ve ever felt discouraged from taking on new endeavors, this episode is for you. “If you’re doing the things that made money in 2005 or 1995 you might think that there’s no money; you need to figure out what makes money in 2016 and 2017.” - Eyal Levi THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: - The things that Andy focused on for his Nail the Mix win - How to stand out when it comes to guitar - Setting crazy goals, and making them a reality - How listening to different genres can improve your songwriting - Effectively mixing when you’re coming from a musician background - The ever-present importance of effective networking - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more abo

On this #Mixcritmonday episode we’re checking out three subscriber mixes of Gojira’s Toxic Garbage Island. It’s gut-check time, guys. How are your mixes coming along? Are they sounding godly yet? Are you not quite sure? Listen to this episode for some guidance on how to get into top 20 territory. “Do you prefer to have an all-natural mix that nobody hears because it wasn’t picked or one that has samples in it that people hear?” - Eyal Levi THIS WEEK, YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: - The elements that make Logan Mader’s mix a reference quality mix - Making sure your ambiances match - Why you need to make sure you’re not piling on too many plugins - Not getting stuck in the guitar tunnel - Being realistic about the natural drums vs. sample debate - Insight into what it takes to make a top 20 mix - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Logan Mader joins us to discuss producing Gojira’s “The Way of All Flesh,” getting slamming and huge mixes, scoring movie soundtracks, and nailing clear but brutal guitar tones. Working with bands like Gojira, Fear Factory, Soulfly, and Devildriver, Logan has demonstrated that he’s an absolute monster when it comes to production. We go back to the beginning and find out how he got there, and how he’s reinvented his career every step of the way. You’re in for some valuable insight into the technical side of those monstrous productions, as well as the mindsets needed for long term success in the music industry. “You can’t just show up and say ‘I want to do this. Here I am. Pay me.’” - Logan Mader THIS WEEK, YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: - Logan’s process for producing Gojira’s The Way of All Flesh - The importance of the hustle - Transitioning from musician to production - The ins and outs of scoring films and video games - Why it’s essential to treat people well and be able to build quality relationships in the industry

Jordan Valeriote of Hardcore Music Studio joins us for a discussion about what it takes to be a successful mixer and entrepreneur. Jordan is truly a kindred spirit. If you’re interested in managing your time better, growing your brand, and avoiding the numerous pitfalls that we face as audio professionals, then this episode is for you. “To me, finished is better than perfect.” - Jordan Valeriote THIS WEEK, YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: - The hot potato principle - Recognizing opportunity cost - Managing your time and minimizing distractions - Jordan’s philosophy for his educational efforts - Avoiding BS mixing myths - Methods for effective gain staging - Marketing and growing a brand - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this mixcritmonday episode we’re changing things up and critiquing 3 of your mix submissions for this month’s Nail the Mix competition. Wondering what it takes to have us pick your mix for our top 20? Pay attention, because we’re going to explain the attention to detail you should strive for. Also, it’s time we sat down and had a serious talk about whether you’re mixing for the song and artist or for yourself. This is info that will serve you well for all your mixes, not just Nail the Mix entries. “When you have really good post production sounds you shouldn’t need anything more than a clipper and a limiter to get them to really cut through.” - Joel Wanasek THIS WEEK, YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: - What it takes to make A level mixes - The importance of mixing for the artist, rather than yourself - Understanding the competitive nature of radio - Getting ambiences to gel in your mixes - Mixing with genre in mind - Making sure a song’s intro doesn’t eclipse the rest of the song - Balancing guitar tracks - Making ele

Nashville mixing legend Billy Decker is here to provide insight into what it takes to mix #1 singles consistently and at a breakneck pace. Pouring over your mix for hours on end in order to get that snare hit at 2:47 into that song just right? You could do that. You’ll probably end up doing it with 100 other things before you finish that mix though. Billy Decker is here to talk about a better way to work. We’re not sure if all the producers in Nashville have it down to this much of a science, but Billy certainly has some amazing ideas that you need to pay attention to. “You find a good balance, and all of a sudden you’re happier. You get better at engineering because you keep that passion for it, and all of a sudden the money starts rolling in.” - Billy Decker THIS WEEK, YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: - Why you should learn to get great results fast - The value of templates - What it’s like to work as a mixer in Nashville - The importance of customer service - Incorporating elements from multiple genres - Chris Lord Alg

Producer Josh Schroeder talks about what it means to discover and produce an artist’s core artistic message. It’s easy to get swept up in the technical side of audio production. We all know it. We all geek out over fun things like preamps and and compressors, but are we losing sight of the fact that music is an artform? On this episode Josh Schroeder discusses crafting great sounding songs that have something to say. If you want to make your productions truly connect on a human level, this one’s for you. “Why are you screaming?” - Josh Schroeder THIS WEEK, YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: - Working with King 810 to craft an artistic statement - The value of cinematic influence on audio production - Maintaining a balance between technical and human elements - Being a trendsetter - Using the tool that’s best for the song - How to get peak performance from musicians - And much, much more Thanks for listening! Leave us a comment or review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices