TechMuze Academy: Recent Episodes
techmuzepodcast@gmail.com (Dezz Asante)
If you want to learn to make amazing sounding music and grow a massive, loyal fan base as an independent musician, you've found the right podcast!. TechMuze is a show about music production and music marketing in the modern age we live in. We discuss such topics as home recording, music mixing, music production, music marketing, social media for musicians, independent music business, growing your fan base and how to sell music.
Learn about using modern tools to make music at home such as recording software (DAW), audio plugins, basic acoustic treatment, etc.
Learn to market your music both online and offline to grow a loyal fan base and turn those fans into "super fans" (AKA customers) and turn your music hobby into a music business.
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One of the services that is offered here at The TechMuze Academy is Custom MixLessons. This is where you send me your session files, I do a complete mix for you AND I create a custom video walk-through of my entire thought process that resulted in the final mix. Well, today I’ve decided to give […]
So you’ve been playing music for years and you think “Now’s the time to start really taking this seriously.” The next step is to learn what it REALLY takes to move from hobby to business with your music. Today I chat with a cast member of “The Walking Dead”, a member of The BlueMan Group, […]
Today we take a walk through the beginning of a static mix. This is not the final product but I hope that it gives you some insights into the mixing process as a whole. This song is one that I wrote some time ago called “Satisfied”. It is a part of the debut album from […]
As someone who has spent years managing the recording department of Canada’s largest music store, You can imagine that I’ve been asked MANY times “What do I absolutely need to get great sounds in my home studio?” or “How can I get the best bang for my buck within this budget?”. I thought I’d take […]
Check out this fantastic conversation I had with Belgian artist Ozark Henry. His latest album “Paramount” was recorded in 9.1 3D surround giving the listener the experience of actually being on the stage with a massive orchestra surrounding them! I had a great time chatting with him and you can learn more about him and […]
We all know that the music industry has (and continues to) changed. So, how does an indie artist find success in this “direct-to-fan” economy we find ourselves in? Well, I have a theory and an actionable strategy that you may find helpful. I call it “Fan Farming”. When considering the growth of your fan base […]
This week we take a detailed look at 3 dimensional mixing. The concepts discussed here have had by far the biggest affect on my understanding of the mix process! This was recorded during a live Blab.im broadcast. If you would like to join the conversation, follow @TechMuzePodcast on Twitter, Blab and Periscope This […]
Just a short episode today but a good one nonetheless! Again, in an effort to avoid “mixing in circles”, try this method on your next session. Leave a comment to let me know what you think. This episode has been brought to you by MixLessons.com. Get started for free by taking the 3 Simple Steps […]
I just wanted to take a moment to express to you how incredibly thankful I am to have you in the TechMuze community. I started this journey a few years ago as a way to help more DIY musicians like yourself to better understand their craft and to ultimately make better music. You see, I […]
Ever hear people say “There’s no money in music anymore.”? I hear it all the time and I’m calling shenanigans! There are many ways to add revenue to your business as an indie musician! It’s not ALL about the almighty (or not so much) CD. These days you need to think outside the box. Focus […]
Music making is both an artistic endeavour and a technical one. When we learn to play an instrument, we spend many hours developing our technique so that we can better express ourselves artistically. The same can be said of our efforts in the studio. It’s extremely important to remember that as we study and practice […]
Here’s something that may provoke controversy: The worst thing you could be doing online as an indie artist growing your fan base is….. Trying to sell your music! Sound counter-intuitive? Listen to this week’s episode to find out what this crazy talk is all about! This episode of TechMuze is sponsored by The Artist Promotion […]
This week we take a look at the most important thing you can possibly invest in to improve your music productions…and your life in general! Before you go buy that new microphone, pre-amp or plugin consider bridging the knowledge and experience gaps that exist by taking a course or sitting in with a talented engineer […]
Once you’ve decided to turn your musical hobby into a business there will be statistical information that you will need to keep track of. This data is referred to as the metrics of your business and marketing efforts. Things like: how many Facebook fans you have, how many digital downloads you’ve sold, how many people […]
How long does it take you to get your music from your head to your speakers? Do you ever find yourself mixing in circles like a hiker lost in the woods? Developing a strategic workflow and sticking to it is the secret to getting from A to Z in the quickest fashion with the fewest […]
I this episode of the TechMuze Podcast we discuss the dangers of building your fan base on properties that you don’t own and control. It’s important to use social media channels like Facebook and Twitter to get in front of potential fans and to engage with your current fans but your goal should always be […]
Growing you fan email database is perhaps the most important thing we can do as musicians. Check out this fun, easy way to dramatically grow your own email list and get your music heard. Check out our contest here: DezzAndCarol.com/itunes Click Play To Listen... Download Listen in a New Window iTunes Stitcher SoundCloud Leave […]
Do you consider your music to be a hobby or a business? You can take your craft very seriously either way. If you choose to make the shift from artist to artist/entrepreneur there are some new things to pay attention to. In upcoming videos I will be addressing some of these things. Head over to […]
In this episode we take a look at the plugins used to arrive at the final mix of “Paper Pedestals” by Sarah Fazackerley. This was recorded in my living room (with the exception of the drums) and everything was performed by Sarah except the Bass and Drums. The bass was provided by Brock MacArthur. […]
In this episode of the TechMuze Podcast we take a look at a super simple, 2 track mix of a tune called “Come A Little Closer” By Heather Luckhart. This simple session will hopefully make it easier to hear the subtle effects of some of the treatments we use on a regular basis in a […]
In this episode of the TechMuze podcast we wrap up our sneak peek at the artist promotion blueprint by discussing mind games and monetizing your music. How can we increase our chances of success? By understanding the psychology of our fans and implementing strategies to make it easier for them to say yes when we […]
Chapter 4 in our look at the Artist Promotion Blueprint. In this episode we discuss the concept and importance of “Content Marketing” for musicians. Be sure to check out www.ArtistPromotionBlueprint.com to get your own blueprints for a massive, automated music marketing machine. Being a DIY musician has just gotten easier! Link: ArtistPromotionBlueprint.com Click Play […]
In this episode of the TechMuze Podcast we continue our free sneak-peek at the Artist Promotion Blueprint. This is the newest TechMuze Academy Program designed to teach you how to build an automated music marketing machine online to suck in new fans and ultimately turn them into happy customers! Link: ArtistPromotionBlueprint.com Click Play To […]
This is part one of a series where we discuss music marketing for the DIY musician using the Artist Promotion Blueprint. GET THE BLUEPRINT! Click Play To Listen... Download Listen in a New Window iTunes Stitcher SoundCloud Leave a Review Clammr It Subscribe via RSS Subscribe on Android
As promised, here are the videos from my Long & McQuade University clinic. I had a great time! Thanks to all who attended! Part 1 – The Lecture Part 2 – Q&A and Demonstration Click Play To Listen... Download Listen in a New Window iTunes Stitcher SoundCloud Leave a […]
As we travel along the path to mastery in any field there are always many questions that come up. The same can be said about the study of music production. There are however, many questions that I receive that simply cannot be answered! So, what do you do when you encounter a question with no […]
Our first success story! Join us as we talk with Justus Dolleman of the band Dutch Groove about the production of his record and his involvement with the MixLessons.com course and community. Be sure to check out the rest of the album by visiting www.DutchGroove.nl Subscribe for free at MixLessons.com! Click Play To Listen... […]
Yeah, I just said that! In this episode we discuss the importance of deepening your understanding of what makes a great mix and some methods to help with that. We also talk about the futility of some of the questions I hear people asking. Are you backed up? www.StudioBackup.com XXX for audio geeks! www.TechMuze.tv Click […]
How much time do you spend editing your audio files before you start your mix? Whatever your answer, double it! Editing is one of the most important (and overlooked) steps in the production process. It’s also my least favourite part of music making! However, that said, I always love mixing tracks that are as close […]
After a bit of a break… We’re back! In this episode we dig into some more listener questions. We talk keyboard shortcuts, website building and the tips and tricks segment discusses the benifits of using reference mixes in your workflow and the correct way to implement this simple technique. For more info on building your […]
Dave Chick of Inside Home Recording gave me a hard time about my comment that “mono is dead”. (Love you Dave!) Although there are very few mono playback systems these days there are still many mono listening situations to be aware of. Allow me to set the record straight by explaining my approach to ensuring […]
I received a bunch more listener comments and questions so I thought I’d better address those now! Some things we cover: Questions about the MixLessons.com membership course and community How to get that sub low thud on your kick drum Integrating Superior Drummer with Cubase And more! Click PLAY below to listen. Click Play To […]
In this episode we flip the script back to music production techniques. We’ve taken a short break form the artist promotion blueprint series to discuss Listening Techniques. Listen now to learn some simple tricks to help you maintain a fresh perspective on your mixes and to avoid the perils of ear fatigue (also known as […]
In this episode we discuss how to choose your domain names, Who to buy them from and where to host your website. Take the mystery out of it all and get your website up and looking great in no time! Your website is your most valuable asset online and should be approached as such. You […]
Part 1 in a series on how to use the web to promote your band or your music. In this episode we discuss the importance of designing your ideal fan and how to do so. Marketers refer to this as your “Customer Avatar” and the creation of your avatar serves as the basis behind everything you […]
Don’t you wish you could turn your music production hobby into a source of income? Maybe you don’t need a full-time income but at the very least you may want some help paying for that new piece of gear you’ve been eyeballing! Well, the good news is YOU CAN! I want to take some time […]
This week it’s an all Q&A session! You asked… I answered! Topics include: The pros and cons of USB microphones Using e-drums to trigger EZDrummer The freeNAS operating system Firewire vs USB Audio Interfaces. Download Listen in a New Window iTunes Stitcher SoundCloud Leave a Review Clammr It Subscribe via RSS Subscribe on Android
This week we talk all about how to get the most out your computer. I lay out for you some simple steps you can take to maximize the performance of your system through optimizing your start-up or login items. Also, there is a strategy you can use to distribute tasks between multiple hard drives to […]
A little philosophical rant this week on TechMuze! In this Google/Youtube world we live in it’s become increasingly easy to learn almost anything you might ever need to know. My advice is to take advantage of this fact and expand your skill set to encompass every aspect of, not only your personal craft, but everything […]
This week on TechMuze we discuss the importance of gain stages in your signal path. When you add a plugin to a track, it’s important that you adjust it’s output so as not to alter the volume of the track (unless, of course that’s your intention). Also, Listener Mike asks a question about the analogue […]
In this “long awaited” episode of TechMuze we go Inside Home Recording with Dave Chick. Dave and I chatted for a little over an hour on his show. Search “Inside Home Recordoing” in iTunes and subscribe today. Also, MixLessons.com is almost ready to unleash! Sign up for free mixing videos in your in-box! – […]
In episode 12 we have a little chit-chat (and demonstration) about the basics of phase and polarity as it relates to your music productions. What should you listen for? How do you check for phase issues in your recordings? If you have any further thoughts on the topic, leave a comment here or over at […]
In this episode I rant a little on the difference between the HARD SKILLS (technical) and the SOFT SKILLS (creative) of music production. Learning to get beyond the “static mix” and breath life and emotion into your mixes by “mixing to the feature” of each section of the music! Leave a comment! Download Listen in […]
In Episode 10 of TechMuze, I demonstrate a practical use of a psycho-acoustic phenomenon referred to as the HAAS Effect. Learn to play some neat tricks on your own brain by exploiting the way the auditory system determines directionality through the phase relationship between the left and right ears!
Learn the art of 3 Dimensional Mixing! How do we create space for all of the tracks in our mix? The trick is to make use of ALL THREE DIMENSIONS. It's easy to pan something left or right but, did you know you can "pan" a sound up and down? You can also make a track sound near of far. The only way you will be able to find a space for everything in your mix is to strategize where each element should live in your three dimensional soundscape.
- Tech Do's If you don't already, I highly recommend that you spend some time training your ear to become more critical. I mean PRACTICE listening to the subtle nuances, the differences in feel and colour between one plugin and the next. Listen now for some pointers.
- Tech Q's Listener Daniel brings up a great point. Don't get too hung up on gear lust. Learn to use the tools you already have to their fullest potential and MAKE GREAT RECORDS NOW!
Get that analogue sound using saturation plugins. These are designed to emulate the sonic characteristics of the tube and transformer based gear that made the records you love sound so good!
In episode 6, Mixing Aggressively. Inspired by "Zen and the Art of Mixing" by Mixerman I talk about the importance of trusting your ear. Make a decision and move on! If you start second guessing you mix decisions you run the risk of mixing in circles and possibly mixing all the life out of your track.
Continuing our discussion on speeding up your workflow, we discuss the benifits of keyboard shortcuts and macros.
Something a little different this week. This was inspired by Joe Gilder over at The Home Studio Corner. He took us around his home studio and asked that we do the same. Great idea! If you would like to participate, shoot a video or take some pics or your setup (big or small) and post a link in the comments below this post.
Did you know that March 25th 2011 was Dynamic Range Day? How dynamic is your music? Help spread the dynamic goodness by visiting (and sending all your friends to..) Ian Shepherd and joining the conversation.
Welcome back to TechMuze! In episode 2 we discuss the importance of backing up your production machine and it's files. Also, Listener Marty asks about how one might record a full band live-off-the-floor with headphone mixes for the players on a 2 channel interface. Closing the show, we answer the question "What makes a great Mix?"
Thanks for tuning in to the debut episode of TechMuze! This podcast has been incubating in my mind for far too long and now, finally, has become real. I hope you enjoy what you hear. Leave me feedback and let me know what you think. In this episode: 1. Tech -News- – GarageBand for iPad […]