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Toru - Host of the ProducerHead Podcast

Release Date: 06/16/2025

Better Than Ezra's Kevin Griffin on Songwriting and Ethical AI

Music Production Podcast

Kevin Griffin is the frontman of Better Than Ezra, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, and Co-founder of a new artist-built AI music platform Soundbreak. Better Than Ezra contributed to the soundtrack of the 90’s with hits like “Good” and “In the Blood.” Kevin’s music has been performed and recorded by artists like Meatloaf, Taylor Swift, and Blondie. Kevin and I spoke in depth about the art and magic of songwriting , collaborating, and touching peoples’ lives with music. We discussed the future of AI music and how his company Soundbreak is helping artists license their musical...

Developing an Authentic Sound with David Paul Newell

Music Production Podcast

David Paul Newell is a musician, producer, and one half of the electronic music duo Midnight Mystery Club. David worked as an audio engineer in Nashville for Brantley Sound Associates. He’s been a ghost writer in European House music. Midnight Mystery Club’s has a new single “I Only Have Eyes for You” coming out April 3rd. David and I talked about his experience in music production and developing an authentic, interesting sound. In this episode, you’ll hear Midnight Mystery Club’s new single and learned about its creation. Listen on , , Links: Midnight Mystery...

Creative Enthusiasm and Staying Inspired with Amani Roberts

Music Production Podcast

Amani Roberts is a DJ, Professor, Author, and Artist Coach. Amani teaches music business at Cal State Fullerton and helps artists reach their creative dreams. Amani is the author of DJs Mean Business and The Quiet Storm, a historical look at R&B Groups. Amani and I discussed the challenges artists face from creating music to releasing and sharing it with the world. Amani has powerful insights that can help musicians develop a strong body of work, while making constant progress and enthusiasm in their craft. Listen on , , Links: Amani's Website - Amani's Coaching - ...

My 5 Biggest Music Production Problems and Their Solutions

Music Production Podcast

Have you ever felt like the more you learn about music production, the harder it actually gets to finish a song? You aren't alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 biggest mental blocks I’ve faced, from "tutorial paralysis" to the crushing weight of trying to be a "Great Artist," and the practical shifts I used to break through them. After 6 years of the Jamuary challenge, I’ve learned that the secret to finishing more music isn't a new plugin or more music theory; it’s about moving from a romanticized "Artist" identity to a prolific "Maker" mindset. In this episode, we...

Matt Tinkler - The Path to Creative Independence

Music Production Podcast

Matt Tinkler is a musician, educator, and Ableton Certified Trainer. He runs a the Aspect Music Academy and makes music as Chronitect. Matt’s YouTube channel is a great resource for learning music production and creative workflows. Matt and I spoke in depth about the creative process and how he makes music. He shared his 5 I’s of Ideation workflow, as well as how he helps students turn their ideas into finished tracks. I’ve been following Matt’s work for a long time and it was a lot of fun speaking with him. Enrollments for Matt's Aspect Music Academy's 24-week structured...

Blankfor.ms and Aqeel Aadam - Collaborating, Production, Plug-in Making

Music Production Podcast

Aqeel Aadam is the founder of Aqeel Aadam Sound plug-ins and Tyler Gilmore makes music as Blankfor.ms. Aqeel and Tyler have just released Outgrowth, a sample-based plug-in and iOS app. Outgrowth allows you to manipulate and reimagine samples in playful and unique way. Aqeel and Tyler spoke to me about their collaboration on the new plug-in, and how they came to work together. We covered the creative process of developing plug-ins and some of the artistic choices and sacrifices made to help create a device that is inspiring and deep without being overwhelming. Tyler discussed the inspiration...

Brad Barr on Songwriting, Human Imperfections, and Minimalism

Music Production Podcast

Brad Barr is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and, along with his brother Andrew, is half of the Americana, folk-rock group the Barr Brothers. The Barr Brothers just released their new album, Let it Hiss, which has a more vulnerable, stripped-down sound that embraces human imperfection and spirit. Brad and I had a great conversation about songwriting and the production of the Barr Brothers’ new album Let it Hiss. Brad shared how a minimalist approach, including a 4-string guitar, helped guide the songwriting and production of the new record. Brad even demonstrated his polyester...

7 Tips for a Successful #Jamuary2026

Music Production Podcast

It's time for Jamuary, a challenge to create music and share it each day during the month of January. Jamuary is a powerful way to start your year with a creative bang! In this episode, I share 7 tips that will help you make the most of Jamuary and maximize your productivity and creativity! Listen on , , Links: Join the Music Production Club! - My free #jamuary2026 Prompts - My #Jamuary2026 Playlist - Music Production Club #Jamuary2026 Playlist - 31x Your Creativity with Jamuary 2025 - Don't Lose Twice and 3 Book Recommendations - Jamuary Lessons - ...

How to Keep Creating When Life Gets Busy with Joshua Blum

Music Production Podcast

Joshua Blum is the host of The Thirteenth Hour Podcast, a show about the creative process as it relates to writing, music, and imagination. He’s also the author of The Thirteenth Hour, a fantasy adventure novel, and the creator of Once Upon a Dream—an 80’s-inspired synth soundtrack to accompany the book. Josh builds a rich creative world around his stories, blending music, writing, and visual art to tell bigger, immersive narratives. In this conversation, we talk about the routines, strategies, and mindset shifts that help Josh stay creative while managing the demands of everyday life....

Snakes of Russia - Emotion Over Perfection

Music Production Podcast

Joseph Holiday, who releases music as Snakes of Russia, returns to the podcast to talk about his latest album, Swallowed Whole Through the Mouth of Eternity. Joseph’s music blends modular textures to create dark, moody, cinematic soundscapes. In this episode, we talk about how Joseph’s approach has evolved since our last conversation, why limitations fuel his creativity, and how visual storytelling influences his sound design. We get into his production workflow, how he finishes music quickly without overthinking, and why his favorite creative moments often come from accidents. We...

More Episodes

Julian Astri, aka Toru, is a music producer, educator, and the host of the ProducerHead Podcast, a show dedicated to amplifying the voices of beatmakers, producers, and creatives at every stage of their journey. Through his work, Toru fosters a culture of consistency, curiosity, and community in music production—offering motivation and real-world insight through interviews, daily posts, and personal reflection.

In this conversation, Toru and I explore the power of creative discipline, the value of sharing imperfect work, and how building in public can lead to deep personal growth and meaningful connection. We talk about the origins of ProducerHead, the importance of community for producers working in isolation, and how showing up consistently—even with low expectations—can create long-term momentum. It’s an inspiring and down-to-earth look at what it means to be a modern music maker.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

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Takeaways

• ProducerHead’s Origin Story – Julian shares how a need for community and consistency led to the launch of his podcast and beatmaking platform.

• Post Imperfect, Grow Anyway – Publishing unfinished or imperfect ideas helps develop confidence and invites authentic connection.

• Small Moves, Big Impact – Showing up daily in small ways can be more powerful than rare moments of brilliance.

• Build the Community You Need – Julian talks about intentionally creating a space for like-minded producers who want to share, grow, and stay accountable.

• Creative Momentum Is Built, Not Found – Progress comes from doing, not waiting for inspiration to strike.

• The Power of Consistency – From Instagram beat snippets to podcast episodes, repetition builds clarity, skill, and confidence.

• Social Media as Practice Space – Instead of chasing perfection, Julian treats social platforms as a rehearsal room for sharing ideas and learning out loud.

• No One Is Paying as Much Attention as You Think – Letting go of perfectionism frees you to take more creative risks and build resilience.

• Making Music Is a Long Game – Julian encourages artists to detach from quick results and focus on process and community over metrics.

• Sharing the Process Is the Art – ProducerHead is not just about final products—it’s about showing the journey of making music and staying creative.

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