Insights In Sound: Recent Episodes
Daniel Liston Keller
Conversations with people behind the scenes, behind the technology, and behind the music. People you may not know, but you should.
She's part of the DNA of the legendary Capitol Records studios, as well as a legend in her own right. A rare pleasure to dig deep with the inimitable Paula Salvatore.
It takes a special kind of person to keep the tech behind the creativity running. Joe Vezzetti has been the guy behind the scenes for decades. We met up at Cherokee Studios, home of one of the few remaining legendary Trident A Range consoles.
Ace came up as a live mixer in the '90s at some of L.A.'s legendary clubs, honing his chops on up and coming bands like Rage Against the Machine, Incubus, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, and worked his way up to touring with legends like Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Dream Theater, and Three Doors Down.
He told me he'd be happy to do the show but, "I don't want to sit around in some boring studio. Let's go for a drive." So we went for a drive past some of the old L.A. club haunts and talked about everything and nothing. Buckle up.
He's got an old school production ethos planted firmly in the 21st century, a stellar multi-room studio, and awards for his work with artists ranging from Ozzy and Disturbed to Shania Twain. We got into some deep conversation with The Hideout Studio's Kevin Churko.
Though the influence of his famous father helped to shape his musical development, Thaddeus Corea is a true original in his own right. We get into it and talk about his early influences, his artistic path, and his production ethos.
Part two of our conversation with Chris Cox. He's been the force behind hundreds of club remixes, including 64 number one tracks in the Billboard Dance Music charts, and has revved up the crowds on multiple continents. We sat down for a deep dive in his Las Vegas studio. THIS IS PART TWO OF TWO PARTS.
He's been the force behind hundreds of club remixes, including 64 number one tracks in the Billboard Dance Music charts, and has revved up the crowds on multiple continents. We sat down for a deep dive in his Las Vegas studio. THIS IS PART ONE OF TWO PARTS.
Recorded live at NAMM 2025, in this TEC Tracks panel we talk about getting in over your head, feeling like an imposter, and how we're all just learning as we go. Whether you're a n00b or a seasoned professional, we all share the same challenges.
Our panel (L-R): Daniel Liston Keller - moderator Rafa Sardina - producer/engineer Ross Hogarth - producer/engineer Rick Allen - sound designer David Morgan - live sound professional Ken Caillat - producer/engineer
He's been behind the faders for everyone from McCartney and AC/DC to Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, and so many more. We caught up with Pab during rehearsals for Macca's South America tour in the fall of 2024.
He's one of the founding fathers of electronic instruments, a legendary name in synthesizer history, and a most humble and unassuming genius. We sat down with Tom Oberheim to learn about his personal history, and that of the company that bears his name. Part One of our two-part interview.
He cut his teeth doing landmark recordings for artists including Dead Kennedys and Joe Satriani, designed multiple Bay Area recording studios, created the art of reamping, and has captured multiple artists with his One Mic series. We finally got to sit down for a chat with the mad genius himself.
Part two of our conversation with Blackbird Studio and Blackbird Academy founder/director John McBride.
From live sound to studio recording, John McBride has probably done every job in pro audio at least twice. He's a non-stop bundle of energy with an unwavering love for every aspect of music and the creative process. In this two-part interview, we cover everything from his roots in music and production to his dedication to helping shape the next generation of music and recording.
With a legacy of more than 30 years of timeless recordings, Cherokee Studios is among a handful of legendary studios that built the L.A. recording scene. We caught up with Bruce Robb to talk about the past, present, and future of professional recording.
From the Automatt to Capitol to Skywalker Sound, Leslie Ann Jones has engineered some of the most epic recordings while blazing a trail for women in the audio industry. We take a dive into her illustrious career.
His resume is as stellar as he is humble and pragmatic: Toto, Don Henley, Neil Young, The Mavericks, Miles Davis, and so many more. He's also one of the funniest guys in the biz. We got together at his Surf Shack studio to talk about pretty much whatever came up.
Mid-Side mic placement is one of my favorite techniques for recording stereo sources. It's often overlooked, and it's easy to implement. We got together with Dusty Wakeman over at Mojave Audio's HQ studio and put together a short demo. Use headphones or earbuds to really hear the effect.
From James Bond to Transformers, action films through documentaries, Jeff Fair has spent decades deeply immersed in music for film, TV, and video games. We buckled in for a wild ride through his musical career.
From Academy Award-winning films like "U-517" and "Letters from Iwo Jima" to shows like "Gettysburg" and "Seal Team," Charles Maynes has been behind memorable and impactful sounds in modern film and TV. We sat down for a wild and wide-ranging chat about music, sound, and life in general.
Few people can come close to Tom Rhea's first-hand history with music technology and synthesis. We do a deep dive into his work with Moog, ARP, and other early innovators, and his unique perspective on the science and the craft.
For our 150th episode, we chat with Bob Margouleff, legendary producer/synthesist behind landmark recordings from Stevie Wonder, as well as Devo, Oingo Boingo, Isley Brothers, Depeche Mode, and many more.
His bass chops and production sensibility have earned him a place with artists as diverse as Warren Zevon, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Rickie Lee Jones, Ben Harper, and Shelby Lynne, to name just a few. Despite the challenges of advancing MS, he's still cranking out great music and very much in demand.
From his pioneering work in vector synthesis with Sequential Circuits and beyond to his sonic endeavors with modular synths, Chris Meyer has been a major force in the evolution of electronic music. We caught up with him at his home in New Mexico.
Insights In Sound - Robert Scovill, Live Sound Pro - S15, E7
He's fingered the faders for artists as diverse as Rush, Tom Petty, Kenny Chesney, Prince, Toto, Jackson Browne, Alice Cooper, Matchbox Twenty, and the Go Gos, consulted on technologies from Avid, EAW, and more, written articles and blog posts, and inspired a generation of up and coming audio experts. We finally managed to schedule a date to catch up with Robert Scovill in his home office before he hit the road again with Kenny Chesney's band.
Aside from his five Grammys, 14 Latin Grammys, and a vast and diverse discography, it's Rafa Sardina's deep connection with the music and the artists he has worked with that makes him truly one of a kind.
A true renaissance woman, polymath, and big picture thinker, Dr. Kelly Snook is a music producer, technologist, NASA scientist, inventor, educator, and researcher whose work truly places her at the axis of art, science, and technology.
His early fascination with synthesis led to touring and recording with legendary musicians including Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, and Foreigner, as well as his own highly-acclaimed Synergy series of recordings. We do a deep dive into Larry Fast's musical and creative journey.
Dominic Milano's work as Editor of Keyboard Magazine put him at the forefront of documenting a new era in synthesis and music creation. We cover his work reporting and being a part of the growth of an industry, as well as his work in digital video and the multimedia revolution.
Healthy Touring - Maintaining a Healthy Headspace on the Road
Music Industry Therapists Collective psychotherapists Jodi Milstein and Whitney O’Malley are joined by veteran tour director David “51” Norman and live sound engineer Wayne Pauley for an exploration into common challenges faced by touring professionals, and how individuals can bolster their own welfare, as well as that of their colleagues.
Expect insights into circadian rhythm, group dynamics, and the impact of chronic stress, as well as some tried-and-tested strategies for improving living and working conditions and fostering positive mental health on the road.
Daniel Keller (moderator)
Wayne Pauley, live sound pro
Jodi Milstein, MA, LMFT, LPCC
David “51” Norman, tour manager
Whitney O’Malley, LMFT, LPCC
One of a handful of attorneys who manage to balance the legal and creative complexities of our industry, David Helfant has represented both the artists and the companies behind some of the biggest songs, movies, and more.
He's been behind classic tracks from artists like James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Kim Karnes, and Neil Diamond, with a career stretching from 3-track tape to Pro Tools. We talk about what's changed and what remains the same.
We do a deep dive into Denny's early career and development as a filmmaker, his learning curve in creating "Wrecking Crew," and his subsequent work on "Immediate Family," as well as his current projects.
How can the music industry create more accessibility for the blind and visually impaired? We take up the conversation with advocates Joey Stuckey and Jay Pocknell. Taped live at the NAMMShow 2024.
It takes years of work and dedication to become an overnight success, and Mark Parfitt's journey is a case in point. Time in the trenches in school and in the studio prepared him to make the most of opportunity, and his recent work with Justin Bieber has brought him well-deserved recognition.
Despite being the "new kid" in the Immediate Family, Steve Postell's career has been a long and winding road, replete with songwriting, production, jingles, touring, and a whole lot more. He fills us in on a truly multi-faceted career.
Thanks to Jackson Browne and Groove Masters Studios for the time and space.
Adam Moseley began his career at Trident Studios in London as a chef and construction worker, working his way through the ranks to engineer and produce recordings with U2, Lenny Kravitz, Rush, Kiss, and many more. We talk about his approach to production, the creative process, and the lessons he brings to his classes at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
Insights In Sound - Brian Kehew, Producer/Engineer - Season 14, Episode 1 (131)
Calling Brian Kehew's career diverse is something of an understatement. He's an accomplished engineer, producer, author, educator, musician, technologist, restoration expert, remixer, and so much more, with a breadth of understanding and a near endless trove of anecdotes and perspectives. We met in his Los Angeles-area studio for a wide-ranging conversation that could have easily spanned several hours.
From Electric Lady to Capitol Studios, Michael Frondelli has brought his "A-game" to a long and eclectic career as recording engineer, producer, label owner, activist, and entrepreneur. We take a deep dive into his fascinating journey.
Few people have been at the helm of more classic recordings than Bill Schnee. His discography encompasses some of the most memorable albums and artists of the late 20th century, and his book "Chairman at the Board" is a testament to the music and technology of the era. We met up in Nashville for a fun and informative chat.
John Jennings' career has been anything but ordinary, from musician to tech guy to ribbon mic evangelist. We get into the long and winding road that led him to Royer Labs.
Jim Messina's musical journey is remarkable in its length and versatility. He's been a successful songwriter, producer, engineer, publisher, and of course, artist. He played bass with Buffalo Springfield and co-founded Poco, but he's best known for his work with Kenny Loggins, with Loggins & Messina ultimately selling more than 20 million albums before going on to successful solo careers. He continues to record, perform, produce, and mentor younger artists.
In an industry filled with unique career paths, Gil Griffith has forged his own, combining a love of music and technology with a keen grasp of business and a passion for connecting with other creatives. We hung out for a wide-ranging chat on career, technology, music, and discovering what you're good at.
Insights In Sound - Mixing In ATMOS - Season 13, Episode 3 (#123)
We got together with two of our favorite producers, Matt Wallace and Will Kennedy, to delve into the ever-evolving conversation about immersive audio and mixing in ATMOS. With a growing catalog of mixes under their collective belts, they bring a breath of clarity to a murky and over-analyzed topic.
Insights In Sound - Happy Accidents - Season 12, Episode 10 (#120)
While pre-production and preparation are always important aspects of a recording, often the best and most memorable parts of a recording are completely unplanned. We sat down with engineer/producer Ross Hogarth and musician/producer CJ Vanston to share some anecdotes about the unexpected.
Insights In Sound - So You (Don't) Want to Be a Rock & Roll Star - Season 12, Episode 9 (#119)
Not everyone dreams of being a rock star, and not all rock stars are on stage. The music industry is a vast community of interesting and creative people with career paths that are anything but typical. We chat with Simon Jones (Yamaha Guitar Group) and Sean Halley (Strymon) about what a "day job" looks like in today's music industry.
Recorded live at the NAMM Show 2023.
Insights In Sound - Livestreaming for Musicians - Season 12, Episode 8 (#118)
Live from the NAMM Show, here's our panel on "Livestreaming for Musicians" with William Golde from PTZOptics, a company that's been disrupting the DIY video space with great cameras and awesome educational content to get you going. If you're curious about live-streaming and just dipping a toe in, or already podcasting and looking to up your game, these folks will get you on the right track.
Insights In Sound - Steven Miller, Producer/Engineer - Season 12, Episode 7 (#117)
Steven Miller is a bit of a music industry Zelig. His productions run the gamut from Windham Hill and Dave Matthews to Pink and Jonas Brothers. He helped Steve Jobs introduce the Apple Macintosh, and created the ubiquitous Ocean Way Drums library. We met up with him at the legendary East West Studios in Hollywood.
Insights In Sound - Sound Design: Your Brain's the Best Plug-In - Season 12, Episode 6 (#116)
In today’s world of nearly unlimited audio processing power and options, the sonic possibilities for sound design are greater than ever before. But despite a nearly unlimited array of plug-ins and processors, inspiration still comes from the individual. We hear from veteran sound designers Drew Schlesinger, Rick Allen, and Charles Maynes on having a focused and purpose-driven approach to creating a sonic canvas for the most challenging projects.
Recorded live at the NAMM Show 2023.
Insights In Sound - Michael Beinhorn on the Making of "Rockit" - Season 12, Episode 5 (#115)
In the early 1980s, the music industry was caught in the midst of a cultural upheaval. The slick, heavily-produced sounds of progressive and corporate rock were running headfirst into the raw power of punk and HipHop, with upstart artists creating their own scene in major cities across the globe, and the birth of MTV bringing it to living rooms everywhere. New York was one of the epicenters of this cultural melting pot, with an underground music scene that was rife with experimentation and inspiration. With then-partner Bill Laswell, Michael Beinhorn was one half of the production team Material, whose music was increasingly impacted by the burgeoning cultural shift. In 1982, a chance meeting led to collaborating on Herbie Hancock’s epic recording Rockit! and the album Future Shock. We met at the NAMM Show to chat about the birth of that recording and the impact of the music, culture, and the MTV era.
Insights In Sound - So You (Don't) Want to be a Rock & Roll Star - Season 12, Episode 4 (#114)
With change being the only constant in today's music industry, pursuing a diverse career path is more essential than ever. There are jobs out there you never knew existed, and if it doesn’t exist, it’s up to you to create it. Continuing our conversation on unusual career paths, we chat with engineer/producer Lenise Bent and entrepreneur KC Mancebo about following the road less traveled.
Recorded live at the NAMM Show 2023.
Insights In Sound - Building the Bridge between Education & Manufacturing - Season 12 Episode 3 (#113)
The education sector is the input channel of the pro audio community - thousands of students each year, getting their first look at the technology they will use and influence. We chat with former AES presidents John Krivit and Jonathan Wyner, and MusicFirst founder Dr. Jim Frankel about the symbiotic relationship between manufacturers and educators, and how bringing the camps together has impacted both.
Recorded live at the NAMM Show 2023
Recorded live at the 2023 #NAMMShow, - We sat down with award-winning producers Michael Beinhorn and Frank Filipetti to talk about how musicians can navigate the changed landscape of today's music industry.
ICYMI, Join us for a live recording of our TEC Tracks panel at the #nammshow, "If I Knew Then (What I Know Now)," with the brain trust of Chuck Ainlay, Frank Filipetti, Sylvia Massy, and Ross Hogarth. It's a thoughtful, enlightening, and hilarious conversation.
He's been awarded two Latin Grammys, taught engineering in Mexico, Venezuela, and elsewhere, and is the author of "The Human Side of Audio." We chat with Darío Peñaloza about the technical and the non-technical.
A pioneer of synthesis and a godfather of the drum machine, Roger Linn has woven a legacy of innovative instruments and technological breakthroughs. From his early days working with Leon Russell to his current passion, the Linnstrument, we cover a lot of ground.
Insights In Sound - Chuck Ainlay, EngineerProducer - Season 11, Episode8 (#108)
He's been working in the studio since he was knee-high to a two-track, and it shows. We chat with Chuck Ainlay about his early exposure to recording, his work with Mark Knopfler and his philosophy of how less can be more.
Insights In Sound - Vance Powell, Engineer/Producer - Season 11, Episode 7 (#107)
From Chris Stapleton and Jack White to Phish and Arctic Monkeys, Vance Powell has cut his own path and his own unique sound with artists as individual as he is. He's as outspoken and pragmatic as he is hilarious and entertaining. Buckle up for a wide-ranging conversation.
Insights In Sound - Marcus Ryle, Inventor - Season 11, Episode 6 (#106)
He's made a career of pushing the envelope, contributing to technologies that have shifted the paradigms of creative tools. We chat with Marcus Ryle about his early days with Oberheim, the development of the ADAT, the birth of Line6, and his ongoing fascination with technology.
Insights In Sound - David Mash, Technologist/Educator - Season 11, Episode 5 (#105)
His years at Berklee College of Music saw the institution through an almost revolutionary evolution in education. We chat with David Mash about teaching, learning, and the creative process.
Insights In Sound - Jerry Kovarsky, Musician/Educator - Season 11, Episode 4 (#104)
Jerry Kovarsky's career has been an elegant balance of music, technology, and education. He's been deeply involved in the development of some landmark synthesizers, written countless articles and books, and come full circle as a musician.
He designed the legendary Electric Ladyland Studios at the age of 22, and is still going strong nearly 4000 venues later. We sat down with John Storyk for a wide-ranging chat about life, work, universal truths, and the great philosophers Socrates and Yogi Berra.
Insights In Sound - Glenn Jordan, Film/TV Composer - Season 11, Episode 2 (#102)
From Shari Lewis to PeeWee's Playhouse and dozens more, Glenn Jordan has provided the soundtrack to countless movies and TV series. We caught up with him at Synthplex 2022 for some perspective on what it takes to build and keep a career in scoring.
Multitasking, shifting gears, wearing many hats...whatever you want to call it, Todd Urban does it, from performance to engineering and production, education, and video production, Todd is a master of mixing it up and making it work.
Insights In Sound - Dan Goldstein, Cherry Audio - Season 10, Episode 8 (#98)
Few companies have disrupted the software synthesizer world to the extent that Cherry Audio has, with their stunningly accurate emulations of rare vintage synths and effects. We caught up with Cherry Audio CTO Dan Goldstein at Synthplex 2022.
Insights In Sound - Lee Brenkman, Live Sound Engineer - Season 10, Episode 6 (#96)
From his early days at San Francisco's Family Dog Ballroom through his decades with the Great American Music Hall and the California Jazz Conservatory, Lee Brenkman has racked up more than half a century of audio wisdom, and maybe a few good stories along the way.
Insights In Sound - Starr Parodi, Musician/Composer - Season 10, Episode 5 (#95)
She's played to millions of late-night living rooms on the Arsenio Hall Show, and scored dozens of film and TV works. Starr Parodi chats with us about a life in music.
Insights In Sound - Drew Schlesinger, Sound Designer - Season 10, Episode 4 (#94)
He's built sounds for the CZ-101 and other legendary synths from Casio, Korg, Roland and more. You've heard his creations in movies, music, and more. We sat down with Drew Schlesinger at Synthplex 2022 for an impromptu chat.
He's worked on the stage, in front of the stage, and at the side of the stage, and it's given him a unique perspective on music and live performance. He's done FOH and monitors for Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Machine Head, Third Eye Blind, Hillary Duff, and many more. We met up at Hideout Studios in Las Vegas for a great chat.
Insights In Sound - Paul Wolff, Engineer/Inventor - Season 10, Episode 2 (#92)
Paul Wolff has been at the heart of some of the most innovative companies in professional audio, including API, Tonelux, and Slate Digital. As with most visionaries, he's got strong opinions and great stories. We shot the breeze in his workshop; join us for this largely unfiltered chat.
His career is a prime example of the road less traveled, with work in corporate audio, education, and live shows ranging from local street fairs to popes and presidents. We get the skinny from Steve Savanyu on doing a little bit of everything.
Co-founder of Mix Magazine, TEC Tracks, and the TEC Awards, David Schwartz's career has been a study in the evolving landscape of the pro audio industry, and he's got the stories to go with it. We met up for a great chat at his home in Santa Fe.
One more from our live streams at the #nanmmshow: we chat with award-winning film/TV composer Amin Bhatia ("Interstellar Suite," "Anne with an E"), who shares some great anecdotes on his own career and the biz overall.
He's been the secret sauce behind some of the finest preamps, EQs, and compressors you'll ever see in a studio rack. We chat with Doug Fearn, the sultan of high-end tubular pro audio.
ICYMI, here's one more from our live sessions at #nammshow 2022. We braved the levels on the show floor and sat down with David Royer and Dusty Wakeman at the show to get the skinny on Mojave's methods, and why all large-diaphragm condensers are not created equal.
He's an acclaimed engineer with a love for not just the technology, but for the creative process behind the artistry. And he's dedicated to passing that wisdom on to the next generation. We caught up with Mark Rubel at his home away from home, the legendary Blackbird Studios and Blackbird Academy in Nashville, Tennessee.
Insights In Sound - Erik Zobler, Live from NAMM (Episode 85)
ICYMI, another live-streamed NAMM+ session from the NAMM Show. Audio engineer Erik Zobler has fingered faders in the studio and on the road, and shared his perspective on the differences, the commonalities, and useful strategies for transitioning between live and studio engineering.
ICYMI, here's our NAMM+ conversation with Izotope's Director of Education, Jonathan Wyner, recorded live at the #nammshow 2022.
ICYMI: This episode features a rebroadcast of our TEC Tracks panel, live from NAMM 2022. Join me and Sylvia Massy, Ed Stasium, and Matt Wallace for a fun conversation on the role of the producer and the creative process.
From Bob Dylan and Richie Havens to Super Session and Miles Davis, Harvey Brooks has been behind some of the most iconic basslines of the 1960s, '70s, and beyond. His is a story of improvisation, intuition, and a life well lived in music.
As an editor, an engineer, an artist, and a writer, George Petersen has seen a lifetime of changes in pro audio and music technology. What a pleasure to catch up with him at the #nammshow and share some of his unique perspective.
How does a small but vibrant non-profit navigate the shutdown, recession, and all the challenges of today's world? With a lot of creative thinking, reports Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. We caught up with her live from the #nammshow 2022.
ICYMI: This episode features a rebroadcast of our livestreamed TEC Tracks panel, live from NAMM 2022. Join me and John Alagia, Tina Morris, Sean Phelan, and Paula Salvatore for an insightful chat on the evolving role of the commercial studio.
When it comes to multi-faceted careers, Reek Havok has been there (and still is). We talked about his work as a drummer, programmer, sound designer, exhibit consultant, immersive artist, and more.
He's an accomplished author, artist, photographer, journalist, and more than anything, a wonderful storyteller. We meet at the hallowed halls of United Recording to share an all-too-brief chat with the illustrious Mr. Bonzai.
Insights In Sound - Eric Boulanger, Mastering Engineer (Episode 74)
For musician and engineer Eric Boulanger, mastering is far more than just polishing the mix. We talk about his career path, his work, and his insights on the creative process. (Link in the comments.)
Production professional, live sound pro, and Signal To Noise podcast co-host are just some of the many hats Kyle Chirnside has worn over his career. We chatted about coming up in the industry, how things have changed (and how they haven't), and what's next.
Getting a great live mix is only one aspect of the gig. We talked with FOH engineer Leo Pisaq about having the artist's trust in your hands, and how that impacts every moment onstage.
He has made a career of meeting and vanquishing the challenges of live sound production and recording. Diablo Digital co-founder Brad Madix shares his well-earned perspective on the gig.
From Gladys Knight and the Pips, through the Ramones, Talking Heads, Living Color, Smithereens, and HooDoo Gurus, Ed Stasium's career has been a roadmap of music history. And he's got the stories to go along with it. Want to know the back story about "Midnight Train to Georgia," or the very unique way the Bee Gees laid down their vocals? Listen in!
Dusty Wakeman has led a colorful and eclectic career. His work with artists like Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Roy Orbison, Michelle Shocked, and Buck Owens helped put him on the map as an engineer and producer. He ran LA's legendary Mad Dog Studios for nearly three decades before joining Mojave Audio as President. Join us for an equally colorful and eclectic chat on everything from being at the right place at the right time and asking the right questions, to imposter syndrome and building the bridge as you walk on it.
Insights In Sound - Michelle Sabolchick Pettinato, Live Sound Engineer (Episode 68)
If you're going to "break the glass fader" you'd better be damn good, damn professional, and damn fearless. Michelle Sabolchick Pettinato is all that, and a damn fun hang as well. We chatted about her long and convoluted career path with everyone from Elvis Costello and Janet Jackson to Melissa Etheridge and Thievery Corp...and of course, the ever-present elephant in the room, diversity in our industry.
His work as a live production expert is just part of what Chris Leonard brings to the table. As co-host of the #SignalToNoisePodcast, he's been a powerful force in helping to grow an inclusive audio community. Check out what happens when you put two hosts together on the same show.
Terms like "visionary" and "renaissance" are tossed around far too indiscriminately, but in the case of Richard Factor they barely scratch the surface. He welcomed us into his home in Sedona and held forth on the company's early days, myriad inventions, and a peek into what makes him tick.
Insights In Sound - David Bottrill, Producer / Engineer (Episode 65)
From Peter Gabriel and Rush to Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, and Silverchair, producer David Bottrill brings an old-school touch to every project. He zoomed in from his studio near Toronto to share his thoughts on his perspective on working with the artist. #musicbiz #proaudio #recordproducer
She's an engineer and an educator, she's whip-smart with a wicked sense of humor. We get with Samantha Potter and put them all together.
Building community is what it's all about, and Michael Lawrence is a master at it. Signal-to-Noise co-host, Smaart guru, Live Sound engineer, mentor, and more, he's one of the good guys.
When it comes to women in pro audio, Leslie Gaston-Bird literally wrote the book. She's been a wealth of knowledge and a powerful force in the industry, as well as an educator and mentor to countless others at all levels of knowledge and experience. We had a fun chat from her home in the UK.
Julie Kathryn is a multi-talented and multi-faceted artist whose #IAmSnowAngel project has been acclaimed for its "fluorescent beats and emotionally charged melodies." She's a prolific producer, a sound designer for companies like Ableton and Cherry Audio, and co‐founder of Female Frequency, a collective dedicated to empowering women in the music industry. If she's not on your radar yet, she should be, so join us for an inside look at this rising star.
Wayne Pauley's no-nonsense, old school approach to mixing live sound has garnered accolades from rock to country to Celtic and beyond. He'll be the first one to tell you, it's not just about the gear, it's about the attitude.
She's played a number of different roles in professional audio and brings a range of mad skills to her current work. We talk about her unlikely path to production sound and why she's having the time of her life doing it. We also get overshadowed by her felines.
Like so many of us in pro audio, Peter Chaikin's multi-faceted career has covered many chapters, and his accomplishments read like a hit list of some of pro audio's legendary technologies. He gives us an inside look into where he's come from, and some key insights into where things might be headed.
Ned Augustenborg spent a decade making "Don Lewis and the Live Electronic Orchestra." We talk about the challenges of that ten-year journey, and the indelible bonds that grew out of it.
She's a prime example of someone who's worked hard and prepared herself to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities. We talk with Jett Galindo about her work, her education, and her career thus far.
In Part 1 we talked about Don's early years and influences. In Part 2 we get into his years of discovery and innovation. From his struggles with the Musicians' Union's old guard to his contributions to some of the music industry's most innovative and iconic synthesizers, here's another hour of fascinating stories from the illustrious Don Lewis.
Few people in the world of electronic music can match the history of Don Lewis. His Live Electronic Orchestra set the stage for MIDI, and he was there at the beginning for groundbreaking synths from Roland, Yamaha, and more. Add to that his infectious laugh and endless supply of amazing tales. If you know of him, you already know you want to hear this one. If you've never heard of him, you'll want to listen and be amazed.
NOTE: since the recording of this interview, the title of Don Lewis' movie has been changed to "Don Lewis and the Live Electronic Orchestra."
We're happy to share this interview, originally broadcast as part of the Soundgirls.org Virtual Forum, with Tana Douglas, author of "LOUD," a brilliant memoir of her experiences as one of the first woman roadies.
His diverse discography ranges from Dolly Parton to Chris Isaak to The Killers and so much more, and his Old School approach is as timeless as his recordings. Producer Mark Needham gives us some insight into his work and career.
Even well before purchasing and helping to resurrect one of the world's most cherished recording studios, Jeff Greenberg has had an amazing career and a near-legendary impact on the music industry. We grab a few moments with the CEO of The Village.
The term "industry veteran" is an overused cliche, but how else can you describe someone who's been flying the faders for pretty much every major artist since the 1970s? Join us for a fun chat with the legendary Buford Jones.
She's a prima ballerina and a consummate shredder, an audio engineer and a solder jockey, equally at home setting up a mix and dropping an engine block. And if that's not enough, she has her finger on the pulse of one of LA's most legendary studios. We get into it with the human dynamo known as Tina Morris.
His first single on Sony debuted to over 18 million Spotify streams, and he hasn't sat still since. Luke Potter opens up about the joys and hazards of writing and producing in today's music industry.
It's sometimes said that 90% of getting the gig is just showing up. But Derek Jones is living proof that showing up prepared and being willing to take a chance is what really tilts the scales. Being a good hang also helps, and Derek is all the above.
A cool head and an eye (and ear) for detail are intrinsic parts of successful artist management. Henry McGroggan has brought those talents, and a great many more, to managing an eclectic roster of artists ranging from Iggy Pop to The Corrs to Skalpel. We chat with the CEO of CEO (Central European Organization) about his decades-long wild ride.
A career in the music industry can take all kinds of twists and turns, and Dino Monoxelos has navigated many. Great conversation about learning to adapt and evolve, the importance of integrity, and the value of relationships. No wonder everyone loves this guy.
He's been a session musician, arranger, composer, engineer, producer, DJ, and roller derby contender, in venues from South Africa to Los Angeles to Australia. And he's still having fun. We talk to Bobby Summerfield about work, play, and everything in between.
He's an intrepid and innovative musical talent who created the soundtrack for "Apocalypse Now," scored multiple seasons of "Knot's Landing," co-founded a major recording studio, and turned Herbie Hancock on to synthesizers. Patrick Gleeson's led an amazing career, and shares some great stories.
His decades-long resume includes titles like engineer, journalist, studio owner, educator, technical editor, author, and plenty of other gigs. Barry Rudolph gives us the skinny on where he's been and what he's been doing.
A passion for learning and a gift for teaching others are just two of the things that motivate Jill Courtney. We caught up with her on the eve of her move from Nashville to Colorado, where she was about to start a new gig with Space Force. (That's Doctor Badass to you.)
Jonathan Wyner has accrued a long and diverse discography over the course of his career. He's also been a powerful advocate for education, bringing a new generation of audio engineers into the fold. We talk about his work and the evolution of his career.
Like so many of us in the professional audio industry, Karl Winkler's career has been a long and winding road. He shares some stories and some perspective gained of many years in music and tech.
She's been a rockstar on both sides of the glass, with no sign of slowing down. Zoe Thrall tells us about her unique career(s) as a performer, engineer, and studio manager.
With a career spanning half a century, Craig Anderton has been an author, educator, innovator, musician, producer, DJ, and probably a dozen more careers. He's been called "the world's oldest kid" for the joy of discovery he still brings to everything he does. We talk about his diverse career, and what inspires him to keep experimenting. NOTE: Apologies for the audio glitches in the last 2 minutes.
From Elvis Costello, Squeeze, and the Flaming Groovies, to Nick Lowe, Rockpile, and The Undertones, producer Roger Bechirian's work played an integral part of the UK New Wave sound of the late ‘70s and ‘80s. His approach to recording is old school clean and unadulterated, and his approach to the creative process is at once both hands off and collaborative. The result has been a collection powerful and memorable recordings that have stood the test of time. Join us for a look at his career, his work ethos, and some great stories.
He's a walking musical lexicon who's toured with everyone from Cyndi Lauper, Ian Hunter, and John Mayer to Rufus and Loudon Wainwright. For most of the past decade he's brought heart, soul, and Hammond to Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. We talk about Andy Burton's musical influences, his diverse palette of colors and styles, and navigating the twists and turns of a unique musical career.
His sonic thumbprint is on dozens of film scores and games, and his groundbreaking work in music technology made him one of the founding fathers of MIDI. Jeff Rona fills us in on the left brain and right brain parts of his career.
It’s often said that success is down to hard work, good timing, and being open to new opportunities, and Eva Reistad is living proof. Even at a relatively young age, she’s already established a track record as an engineer, studio manager, and post mixer, working with the likes of Jed Lieber, Hans Zimmer, and Alan Meyerson. We chatted about her background as a musician, her initiation into L.A. studio life, and the importance of good mentors and knowing what you don’t know.
His 50+ year career began at age 14 and encompasses countless tours, legendary scoring work with David Lynch ("Twin Peaks"), cutting edge studio design, and engineering and producing hundreds of records. John Neff takes us on a timeline of his work and the evolution of recording technology from the 1960s to present day.
Joe Lamond has navigated the NAMM organization through some of the industry’s most tumultuous times, replete with unheralded growth and unimaginable challenges. He opens up about how NAMM is positioning itself to meet the changing landscape of the music and pro audio industries, and the new realities of trade show production in a post-pandemic world.
Like so many of us, Erik Rogers’ life and career was upended by the Covid shutdown. With live music and touring suspended, he found a way to turn a challenge into opportunity. We talk about life in music and pro audio, unexpected career twists, and what it takes to keep going.
From artist management and event production to licensing, fashion design, and running a label, KC Mancebo's career has been an eclectically diverse and winding road marked by surprise and serendipity. She gives us a peek into her journey thus far.
Even if she hadn't broken new ground for women in pro audio, Lenise Bent would have an amazing career, with a discography that includes Steelydan, Blondie, and Supertramp, just to name a few. She's got great stories, and no one tells them better than she can.
She’s a multi-talented, multi-disciplined, and multi-genre artist with deep musical and spiritual roots, killer chops, and a wicked sense of humor. Lili Haydn’s musical and personal journey has been anything but typical, and she gives us a peek into what inspires her and what makes her tick.
He's flown faders for the likes of Sting, Adele, Tony Visconti, Mark Ronson, Phil Spector, and Jeff Beck, and won a Grammy for his work on Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black." We dig into his early days at DEP and Metropolis Studios and his aspirations to be the next Scott Joplin.
If you watched or listened to Part 1 of our conversation, you’ve probably already figured out that there are few people with Howie Schwartz's longevity in the recording studio business, and few with as many great stories to tell. In Part 2 of our ongoing conversation, Howie regales us with more hilarious tales from the golden era of the New York studio biz.
From the huge and heavy sounds of Van Halen to the wistful, laid back blues of Keb' Mo', Ross Hogarth's musical pedigree is all over the proverbial map. We talk about his eclectic influences, getting the gig, and turning challenges into opportunities.
She's old school and high tech, an accidental entrepreneur and a committed innovator. EveAnna Manley's lived a fascinating journey, and our chat barely scratches the surface.
Few people have contributed as much to the evolution of the recording studio biz as Howie Schwartz, whose Howard Schwartz Recording ruled the New York scene for several decades. He's a wealth of knowledge, and the king of kibbitz, so prepare yourself for some of the best stories ever with part one of our chat with Howie Schwartz.
With a long list of credits - Mick Jagger, Boz Scaggs, Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, Stevie Nicks, and dozens more - FOH mixer David Morgan has a ton of great stories. We continue with part two of our conversation.
She's worn a lot of different hats and brings a ton of wisdom and mad skills to everything she takes on. But most importantly, she pays it forward every day, educating and mentoring others in the industry. Join us for some rare insight about her career, life, and what makes Becki Barabas tick.
Karrie Keyes got her start in the 1990s mixing monitors for Pearl Jam and dozens of other artists. As co-founder of SoundGirls, she's been a powerful advocate for women and education. She's also a super-fun hang.
He's been the trusted hand at FOH for artists like James Taylor, Paul Simon, Cher, and Stevie Nicks. He's spent decades on the road, and has the best stories. Join us for part one of a two parter with live sound engineer David Morgan.
Throughout much of the 1980s and '90s, Donnette Thayer had a small but rabidly dedicated following, first as a member of New Wave cult favorites Game Theory, and then as part of Hex, the band she formed with Steve Kilby of The Church. She's also had a relatively unknown alter-ego as a research scientist. Here's a short peek into the work of an artist you may have missed.
A mainstay of the Canadian indie rock scene, Brian Moncarz has flown the faders on productions for Our Lady Peace, the Trews, and Circa Survive, and worked with producers including Bob Ezrin and David Bottrill. Join us for a chat about his career path and studio ethos.
She's an entrepreneur whose Sansamp has become a household name for musicians worldwide. She's also wonderfully down to earth, incredibly funny, and an all-around great human. We chat with Dale Krevens about taking the entrepreneurial plunge, building a brand, and lots of other fun stuff.
Inspired by sound at an early age, Rick Allen has spent a lifetime pursuing the sounds you hear in your head, and many you haven't yet. His award-winning work in sound design has appeared in movie trailers, video games, TV shows, radio spots, music libraries, and plenty of unexpected places. We visited his studio in Scottsdale to talk about the loud and soft of it, and the lengths he's gone to for sonic discovery.
Technology innovator Peter Gorges has long been one of pro audio's well-kept secrets. As co-founder of Wizoo, he helped build the company into a powerhouse that became an essential division of Digidesign (now Avid). A serial entrepreneur, he then co-founded cloud-based music company UJAM. He joined us from his home base in Bremen to talk about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the charge he gets from creating new technologies.
She's helped to launch dozens of cool products, but for Wesley DeVore it's never been just about marketing. She brings a lifetime of musical experience and a passion for the arts to her gig, and it shows. We chatted with Wesley from her office in Baton Rouge about music, studio life, creativity, writing, jobs you never thought about, and the wild ride that's her career thus far.
He spent more than two decades as keyboardist and musical director for Prince's New Power Generation, as well as stints with The Time, George Clinton, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Elton John, and a long list of artists. Morris Hayes is a super-talented and multi-faceted musician who brings a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise, as well as a broad and diverse musical palette to everything he works on. Join us for the in-depth skinny on his musical roots, his years with Prince, and a fun chat about music, technology, and life in general.
He’s cut tracks with an eclectic mix of artists, from the Buzzcocks and UB40 to Cat Stevens, Celine Dion, and Nigel Kennedy. Wes Maebe joins us from RAK Studios in London to talk about coming up through the ranks, seamlessly weaving modern digital and retro analog, and squeezing the very best out of every session.
He's a veritable founding father of rock, having produced early classics by The Who, The Kinks, The Easybeats, and other bands of the 1960s British Invasion. We talk about taking chances - how being a brash American got him his first breaks, about bucking convention to get the sound he wanted, and what's changed since the '60s (and what hasn't).
Best known for writing Bonnie Raitt's multi-platinum "Love Letter" and "Have a Heart," Bonnie Hayes' songs have been recorded by artists like Bette Midler, Cher, Robert Cray, and Adam Ant, to name a few. She's released a wealth of her own material, and produced dozens of albums for other artists. As a musician, she's toured with Billy Idol, Huey Lewis and the News, and Belinda Carlisle, and as an educator, she's helped launch the careers of hundreds of other songwriters and musicians. With someone as multi-faceted and multi-talented as Bonnie Hayes, it's impossible to have anything less than a fabulously fascinating and fun chat.
Producer/engineer Erik Zobler was a part of the legendary George Duke's secret sauce, live and in the studio, for more than 30 years, as well as recordings with Patti LaBelle, Stanley Clarke, James Ingram, Al Jarreau, and more. We talk about what drew him to the studio, his accidental foray into live mixing, and how he approaches his work.
Eva Gardner has been playing bass since she was a teen, touring and recording with P!nk, Gwen Stefani, Cher, Moby, and Mars Volta. The oldest child of Kim Gardner, bassist with The Creation, part of the 1960s British Invasion, she grew up surrounded by his famous friends...artists like John Entwistle, Ron Wood, and George Harrison. We talk about growing up in rock and roll, getting started, and going pro.
He's spent a lifetime on the road with the likes of Dylan, Bowie, Tears for Fears, David Byrne and more, and not surprisingly, he's got some great stories. Wanna hear about the time Dylan had a surprise guest mixing monitors? Join us for a fun chat with legendary live sound engineer Pablo Wheeler.
Jeri Palumbo has played every position there is in live sports broadcasting, not to mention audio production, music, and plenty of other related fields. We get the lowdown on how she got started, and what keeps her going.
At the age of 17, Harmoni Kelley sat down on her living room floor and taught herself to play bass. After honing her chops with artists like Fastball, James McMurtry, Hank Williams Jr., and Radney Foster, in 2014 she landed in Kenny Chesney's band. She joins us from her home in Austin to chat about the work, the play, and what it takes to get and keep the gig.
In this episode of Insights In Sound we welcome Grammy award winning producer Michael Beinhorn. His credits include Soundgarden, Herbie Hancock, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hole, Soul Asylum, Marilyn Manson, Korn, and many more. Want to hear about the interesting tricks he used to coax an amazing vocal from Chris Cornell on “Black Hole Sun” or Herbie’s first reaction to the track for “Rockit”? Join us for Episode 2 of Insights in Sound.
When it comes to music, CJ Vanston is a lifer. After a decade as a top jingle musician in Chicago, he moved to Los Angeles and racked up tours and recordings with the likes of Joe Cocker, Tears for Fears, Ringo Starr, Richard Marx, Celine Dion, Prince, Toto, Spinal Tap, and hundreds more, not to mention scores for dozens of movies and TV shows. On top of all that, he's one of the funniest guys you'll ever meet. Join us for a short chat with CJ Vanston.