Music Production Podcast

Andrea Stolpe is a renowned, multi-platinum creative consultant whose methodology for songwriters and music artists has been taught worldwide. A writer with 20+ years of experience in the music industry, Andrea has written for such artists as Faith Hill, Julianne Hough, and Jimmy Wayne. She has turned her experience into award-winning online courses and live events as well as numerous articles, books, and resources.

As one who has followed and learned from her for years, I really enjoyed speaking with Andrea. She shared lots of practical songwriting advice musicians from any genre can use. Andrea shared her story and how she continues to hone her songwriting craft. We spoke about the vulnerability and openness songwriting requires, as well as how to grow by working with collaborators.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Simplicity is key in songwriting, focusing on the core elements of melody, lyrics, rhythm, and chords.
• Focus on expressing yourself authentically.
• Write songs that have substance and meaning, rather than relying on cliches or low-hanging fruit.
• Collaboration and production can enhance a song's message and impact.
• Take the time to reflect on your songs and identify areas where they may need improvement or refinement.
• Feedback from others can be useful, but it is important for songwriters to stay true to their own instincts and not try to wear other people's ideas as their own.
• Specific details in lyrics can create a vivid and relatable experience for listeners, but it is important to find the right balance between specificity and universality.
• Songwriting retreats provide a supportive and collaborative environment for songwriters to connect with others, overcome creative blocks, and make progress in their writing.
• The creative process is a journey of exploration and reaction, and it is important to embrace both the creative and critical aspects of songwriting.
• Having the right tools and techniques can help songwriters overcome challenges and make their creative process more efficient and effective.

Links:

• Andrea's Website - https://www.andreastolpe.com
• Andrea's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andreastolpeofficial/
• Andrea's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@andreastolpe
• Download the 5 Songwriting Tools That Change Everything - Free PDF Guide: https://bit.ly/fivesongwritingtools
• Join Andrea Live at a Songwriting Retreat - (California dates still available for November 2024): https://bit.ly/4e4EvHA
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Anton Zytnik is a producer and musician from Australia, living in Berlin, who makes music as Orphan Train Project. He has been producing music for the last 30 years and has maintained a quite prolific output.

Anton and I had a great conversation about our strikingly similar musical backgrounds and surrounding philosophies. Anton shared some very practical tips and approaches that allow him to stay focused and consistently finish music. It was a lot of fun getting to know Anton and learning from his experience.

Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play or Spotify; watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

• Orphan Train Project - Anton's musical work.
• It's a Pixies Podcast - The Pixies document the creation of their album Beneath the Eyrie.
• Getting Things Done - David Allen's masterpiece on self organization.
• Perfect Keyboard - Tool for stringing together key commands with the push of a button.
• FreeSound.org - collaborative database of Creative Commons Licensed sounds.
• What Bob Ross Teaches Us About Music Production - My new book that translates the wisdom of Bob Ross to making music.
• Music Production Club - My subscription service that brings you new music production tools every month.

Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at My Store with the code: PODCAST

Thank you for listening. Please consider giving the Music Production Podcast a review on your favorite podcast provider. And don’t forget to visit my site BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Tim Smolens is a musician, composer, and recording engineer. He teaches music theory on his YouTube channel and at High Castle Music Conservatory. Tim has toured and plays in the bands ISS and High Castle Teleorkestra.

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

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Tim's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/timsmolens
• Tim's YouTube playlists page - https://www.youtube.com/@TimSmolens/playlists
• Tim's Conservatory on Patreon: High Castle Conservatory - https://www.patreon.com/hccmusic
• Tim's official website - https://timsmolens.com/
• Tim's Bandcamp - https://timsmolens.bandcamp.com/
• Tim's genre-defying, sci-fi progressive band High Castle Teleorkestra - https://highcastleteleorkestra.com/
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Takeaways:

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

Even though I spend most of my days wishing I had more time to make music, when that time arrives, I find myself avoiding the task.

Why do we Procrastinate? What can we do to end procrastination and get to work?

In this episode of the Music Production Podcast, I share 3 techniques that have worked for me over the years.

Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/XYhsBdo__80

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or watch on YouTube

Show Notes:

• Seth Godin on Chores - https://seths.blog/2023/05/chores/
• Produce Music Like Jerry Seinfeld - Music Production Podcast #172 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/seinfeld
• Storytelling and Creative Productivity with Matthew Dicks - Music Production Podcast #314 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/matthew-dicks
• Matthew Dicks on Incrementalism - https://matthewdicks.com/incrementalism-may-save-your-life-or-at-least-prolong-it/
• What to do to Finish More Music - Music Production Podcast #322 - https://youtu.be/4acXs-kNbVI
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Will Hatton is a music producer and educator. He runs the popular Inspired By... YouTube Channel and has taught music for over a decade. Will releases music under the name Hush Child.

Will and I had a great time talking about a wide range of topics. We discussed his work and success with his YouTube Channel. Will shared some insights about how he carved his own path in the music industry. We spent quite a bit of time discussing philosophical principles of creativity and productivity.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube

Show Notes:

• Will Hatton's Website - https://www.willhattonmusic.com/
• Will Hatton's Music Hush Child- https://www.willhattonmusic.com/streams
• Will Hatton's YouTube Inspired By... https://www.youtube.com/@WillHatton/videos
• 4 Simple Rules for Writing Catchy Melodies - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RGfF_lpQrM
• This Rhythm Hack Will Change How You Make Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP6I3rTPcm8
• Dr. Bob's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BobbyHuff
• Patmac QC YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries
• James Hoffmann Coffee YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jameshoffmann
• Venus Theory on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/venus-theory
• Dr. Bob on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/bobby-huff
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Music Production Club Live Meeting Music

• "Aurora" by Trevphonic - https://soundcloud.com/trevb111/aurora
• "231030 MPC Jam" by Psychotronic Squirt Gun - https://on.soundcloud.com/3Drmq
• "Project 202 for MPC" by Siqn - https://subnoiseky.bandcamp.com/track/project-202-for-mpc
• Animus Invidious - https://animusinvidious.bandcamp.com/
• "Mysteriously Creepy" by Brian Funk - https://on.soundcloud.com/hkdJC
• Join the Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk