Tommy Zee - Stop Drinking from the Infinite Well
Music Production Podcast
Tommy Zee runs Tommy Zee and Co., a music production company that creates music for some of the world’s largest brands like Nike, Adidas, Google, Sony, and more. He also runs Making Music for Brands, a platform where he teaches producers how to build careers creating music for commercial projects. This is the fourth time I’ve had Tommy on the podcast, and every time we talk, I walk away feeling inspired and energized. In this episode, we talk about the evolving role of artists in a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation. We explore how commercial work shaped Tommy’s...
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Tom Cosm - Telepathic Instruments Co-Founder and Ableton Certified Trainer
Music Production Podcast
Tom Cosm is an electronic musician, Ableton Certified Trainer, and the technical co-founder of Telepathic Instruments. Widely known for his early Ableton Live tutorials and inventive use of hacked gear, Tom has built a reputation as a true audio mad scientist—transforming data, brainwaves, and even bugs into expressive sound. In this conversation, Tom shares his journey from early YouTube educator to the co-creator of Orchid, a new instrument, dreamt up by Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, built to spark musical ideas with immediacy and joy. We explore the evolution of his creative philosophy, how...
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Plug-in Development and Live Performance with Soap Audio's Tom Carpenter
Music Production Podcast
Tom Carpenter is a musician, producer, and plug-in developer. He is currently on tour with his 3-piece indie electronic band, Moon Tower. Tom is a co-founder of Soap Audio, who recently released Soap Voice Cleaner, a plug-in designed to easily clean up spoke word audio. I spoke with Tom about his tour, Moon Tower, and Soap Voice Cleaner. Tom shared his thoughts on creativity and collaboration in both a band setting and as a programmer. We also explored how Tom has found multiple avenues to build a career in the music industry. This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their new plug-in...
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#410: Your Best Music is Dying: 10 Habits of Prolific Music Producers
Music Production Podcast
Is your best music not getting made? Do you struggle through the process? This video contains 10 habits of prolific music producers. Adopt them into your music making and let your best music come to life! Every time we make music is a unique and special experience. We will never be in exactly the same place again. We have to take advantage of each moment we get otherwise, that music will never get made. Listen on , , Takeaways: Every music creation moment is unique and special. Prolific music production requires consistent practice. Don't wait for the perfect...
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Ableton Certified Trainer Side Brain
Music Production Podcast
Yeuda Ben Atar, aka Side Brain, is one of the most knowledgable and prolific Ableton Certified Trainers out there. He recently released his 100th weekly episode of his music production Study Group. He’s got some exciting new Ableton Live tools, such as his Push Trigger FX, MIDI Bounce, and Flin for Push. We spoke about his teaching and work and his liberating position on releasing music. We discussed some of the challenges and benefits of AI in music production and technology. Check out Side Brain’s Live 12.3 new features Free online workshop RSVP here: Side Brain is hosting...
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Sarah Belle Reid - Learning Sound and Synthesis
Music Production Podcast
Sarah Belle Reid is a trumpet player, composer, educator, and sonic explorer whose work combines classical performance, experimental electronics, and modular synthesis. With a background in conservatory training and a fearless embrace of improvisation and technology, Sarah’s music blurs boundaries—merging extended trumpet techniques, custom-built software, and handcrafted synth patches into deeply expressive, often otherworldly performances. It's great to have Sarah back on the Music Production Podcast! We talk about music as a practice, the joys of unpredictability in modular synthesis,...
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Mixerman and the Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music, and Songs
Music Production Podcast
Mixerman (Eric Sarafin) is a gold and platinum-selling producer, mixer, engineer, and author whose credits include The Pharcyde, Ben Harper, Spearhead, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, and Foreigner. Known for his no-nonsense approach and razor-sharp insights, Mixerman has spent decades working at the highest levels of the industry—both in iconic L.A. studios and now from his mountain home studio in Asheville, NC. In this episode, Mixerman and I dive deep into the role of the producer—what it really means, how it differs from mixing and engineering, and why musical vision always trumps...
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The ONLY Secret to Making Music...
Music Production Podcast
There's really only one secret I can tell you that will help you make more music, have more fun making it, and leave you more satisfied with what you make. Work Fast. Listen on , , Links: Adam Rokhsar on the Music Production Podcast - Some Good Evil The Master Plan EP - Brian Funk Website - Music Production Club - 5-Minute Music Producer - Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - Music Production Podcast - Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your...
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The Art of Mastering with Oscar Zambrano
Music Production Podcast
Oscar Zambrano is a mastering engineer and the founder of Zampol Productions, a New York City studio known for mastering an impressive range of records—from Spotify Singles to avant-garde jazz to Broadway cast albums. With 20 years in the industry, Oscar has become a go-to name for artists who want their music treated with care, precision, and a deep understanding of both the technical and artistic sides of mastering. In this episode, Oscar and I explore the art and philosophy of mastering—from quality control and loudness wars to the vinyl revival and the evolving role of mastering in the...
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Aqeel Aadam - Making Plug-ins for the Curious and Open-Minded
Music Production Podcast
Aqeel Aadam is a musician, sound designer, and plugin developer blending modular synthesis with a love of nature and organic textures. Through his company, Aqeel Aadam Sound, he creates audio plugins for the curious and open-minded. He creates tools that spark inspiration rather than dictate outcomes. Aqeel and I explore the connection between nature and synthesis, the power of limitations in creativity, and how modular gear shapes his sonic world. We talk about learning through struggle, designing plugins that encourage play over perfection, and finding joy in the unpredictable. Aqeel shares...
info_outlineBen Levin is a musician, visual artist, and educator. He runs the Ben Levin Music School where he hosts courses that help artists find their voice, finish music, and maintain and cultivate their love of music-making. Ben's YouTube Channel hosts his art, music, and educational content. His new album Heaven Heaven Heaven features indie, alternative rock music with 2 Fender Bass VIs at its core.
Ben and I explore the complexities of artistic identity, the challenges of navigating platforms like YouTube, and the importance of creativity in education. Ben explains the challenges of being artistically honest and following our passions while trying to create a consistent online presence that cooperates with the algorithms so we can actually make a living artistically. Ben even brings out his Fender Bass VI to demonstrate how he uses it on his new album Heaven Heaven Heaven.
This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
Takeaways:
- Ben Levin discusses the duality of being a multifaceted artist.
- Navigating the YouTube landscape requires balancing creativity and marketability.
- Batch production of content can help manage audience expectations.
- The importance of creating space for endings in artistic work.
- Teaching creativity in schools can enhance student engagement.
- Understanding modes in music requires contextual learning.
- The arts provide essential emotional support during difficult times.
- Artistic expression can be a powerful healing tool.
- Personal growth in music production often involves collaboration and community.
- The creative process is often nonlinear and requires patience.
- The Fender Bass VI offers a unique sound that bridges bass and guitar.
- Authenticity in vocal performance resonates more than technical perfection.
- Finding one's voice is a journey that requires exploration and practice.
- The creative process is often more rewarding than the final product.
- Vulnerability in music can create a deeper connection with listeners.
- Teenage experiences and emotions can be effectively expressed through music.
- Balancing humor and seriousness in art can enhance emotional impact.
Links:
- Ben Levin Music School - https://benlevinmusicschool.com
- Ben's Courses - https://benlevinmusicschool.com/p/courses
- Heaven Heaven Heaven by Ben Levin - https://benlevingroup.bandcamp.com/album/heaven-heaven-heaven
- Ben's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenLevin
- Ben's Art - https://benshow.horse
- Ben on the Fender Bass VI - https://youtu.be/G1DLpdFWrdM?si=gEvXLlRG6QzCKYIt
- 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!
Brian Funk