Recording Studio Rockstars

Lij Shaw Interviews music producers, engineers, studio owners, and other professionals to bring you inspiring stories, tricks, and insights from the recording studio. So that you can take your recordings to the next level and become a rockstar of the recording studio yourself! - Vance Powell, Michael Beinhorn, Russell Wolff, Graham Cochrane, Joe Gilder, Björgvin Benediktsson.

RSR538 - Toby Lloyd - From Punk to Producer - Tiny Triumphs over Mindset, Workflow & Vibe 12/26/2025

RSR537 - Rich Bernett - The sound of machines: Contact Mics, The Cassettone, Guitar Pedal Feedback Loops, Oh My! 12/19/2025

RSR536 - Ian Fitchuk - Grammy Winner Writer and Producer for Kacey Musgraves, Beyoncé, Chris Stapleton, and Maggie Rogers 12/12/2025

RSR535 - Ryan Nasci - Mixing Mastery with Ryan Nasci [Harry Styles, Portugal The Man, Young the Giant] 12/05/2025

RSR534 - Derek Bargaehr - The Nerdy Mic Episode You Didn’t Know You Needed! 11/28/2025

RSR533 - Chris Selim - Building a Home Studio and a Music Community From Quebec to Calgary 11/21/2025

RSR532 - Lincoln Parish - Recording Rock with Cage the Elephant 11/14/2025

RSR531 - Justin Francis - Mixing Grammy Winners on AirPods, Producing Records That Feel Great 11/07/2025

RSR530 - David Streit - Pro Recording Techniques, Acoustic Music, and Teaching Sound Engineering 10/31/2025

RSR529 - Don Cusic - The Legacy of Chet Atkins and the Evolution of Music Recording in Nashville 10/24/2025

RSR528 – Nick Bullock – Building A Creative Retreat Studio for Artists Near Nashville: Freda Recording 10/17/2025

RSR527 – Dr. Chris Warren – Echo Thief, Reverb, Impulse Responses & the Science of Sound 10/10/2025

RSR526 - Jay Tooke - Finding Creative Flow in the Studio From Nashville to Muscle Shoals 10/03/2025

RSR525 - Alan Evans - Why Simplicity Might Be the Secret to Better Records 09/26/2025

RSR524 - Mitch Rose - DIY Microphones, Analog Gear, and Home Studio Hacks from Newcastle 09/19/2025

RSR524 - Mitch Rose - DIY Microphones, Analog Gear, and Home Studio Hacks from Newcastle Can you really build your own recording studio gear and make it sound amazing? Mitch Rose from Audio Boys says yes—and shows you how. From hand-built microphones to creating reverb chambers in your home, we dive into the heart of DIY recording and why it’s the most creative path to finding your signature sound. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Mitch Rose, a recording and mixing engineer from Newcastle, Australia. Mitch is passionate about all things DIY—building his own mics, preamps, EQs, compressors, and even studio furniture and acoustic treatment for home studio spaces. He’s been teaching music and audio production for over a decade at technical colleges across Australia, covering everything from recording and live sound to composing in Ableton. Mitch is also a multi-instrumentalist who plays drums, guitar, bass, and all kinds of percussion—especially the Cajon. These days, he spends most of his time recording and mixing other artists from his DIY home studio, and sharing what he learns online. He runs a popular YouTube channel called The DIY Recording Studio, where he teaches other producers and engineers how to start their own DIY studio journey—with hands-on build tutorials for companies like MicParts, DIYRE, CAPI, and Sound Skulptor. Mitch recently flew to the US for NAMM 2025 to work with Z&H Designs and connect with artists, producers, and creators from around the world where I got to shoot a couple of fun videos with him at the booth. Thank you to Nick at Panorama Mastering for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/38237100

RSR523 - Chris Andrews - From Basement to Atmos Mixing, SSL Sigma, and Building a Studio with Purpose 09/12/2025

RSR523 - Chris Andrews - From Basement to Atmos Mixing, SSL Sigma, and Building a Studio with Purpose "Music’s too fun not to have fun making music." In this episode, I talk with Chris Andrews, a seasoned producer, mix, and mastering engineer who has worked with artists across the globe. From his Dolby-approved Atmos studio, Monument Sound, nestled at 7,400 feet in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Chris delivers stunning immersive mixes that compete at the highest level of the music industry. His story begins in a basement studio in Virginia and evolves through years of military service, technical refinement, and relentless creativity. We talk about Chris’s current studio setup, his go-to tools like the SSL Sigma, and how Forte AI and Soundflow are revolutionizing his workflow. He shares advice for audio professionals on avoiding debt, maximizing creativity, and treating music as both an art and a business. This one’s packed with insight and inspiration! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Chris Andrews, a 25-year veteran producer, mix, and mastering engineer based in Monument, Colorado. He got his start running TBR Studio—The Basement Recording Studio—for seven years before moving to Denver in 2007, where he balanced a day job while refining his craft by night. That dedication led to the creation of Monument Sound, a private studio set 7,400 feet up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. In 2022, he leveled up his studio with a Dolby-approved ATMOS mixing room, allowing him to deliver immersive, three-dimensional mixes that help artists compete in today’s evolving audio world. While he’s worked with artists all over the globe across many genres, his heart is in rock, pop, and country. And when he’s not mixing music, he’s lending his post-audio talents to indie film projects. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Apple Music: STEREO: ATMOS: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/38134520

RSR522 - Brendan Duffey - Mixing and Mastering in Atmos for Kendrick Lamar, Bruce Dickinson, and Sheryl Crow 09/05/2025

RSR522 - Brendan Duffey - Mixing and Mastering in Atmos for Kendrick Lamar, Bruce Dickinson, and Sheryl Crow “Surround yourself with people you admire.” In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, I had the pleasure of talking with Brendan Duffey, a multi-Grammy-nominated mix and mastering engineer with nearly 30 years of experience. Brendan has worked with legends like Kendrick Lamar, Sheryl Crow, Milton Nascimento, and Bruce Dickinson—best known as the iconic lead singer of Iron Maiden and a legendary solo artist in his own right. Brendan brings a deep understanding of both the technical and emotional sides of music production. We talked about everything from his early days teaching audio engineering—where he learned how to explain complex concepts in simple ways—to his approach to mixing and mastering across different genres. Brendan shared what it was like to remix and master much of Bruce Dickinson’s solo catalog, how he thinks about low-end in hip-hop, and why sometimes a mistake in the studio can lead to your most exciting creative breakthrough. He also opened up about how vocal production has changed over the years, moving from an auditory process to a more visual one, and why he believes simplicity, emotional connection, and knowing your tools inside and out are what really make a mix come alive. Brendan reminded me that mixing isn’t just about the gear or the plugins—it’s about bringing out the best in the performance and creating something that moves people. This was a killer episode with tons of great insight, whether you're just starting out or deep in your career. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Brendan Duffey, an award-winning mix and mastering engineer with 21 nominations to his name. Based in Jupiter, Florida, Brendan has nearly three decades of experience delivering world-class sound for artists across genres, including Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, Kendrick Lamar, Milton Nascimento, and Sheryl Crow. For 10 years, Brendan owned and operated a major recording facility in São Paulo, Brazil, before relocating to California to focus on mixing and mastering. He later moved to Jupiter in search of a better quality of life for his family. Brendan holds a B.A. in Recording Arts from CSU Chico and a Master’s degree in Music Business from Berklee College of Music. Thank you to Matt Boudreau for the introduction our NAMM meetup! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/38048040

RSR521 - Felipe De Mari Scalone - Producing In Brazil and Studying with Shawn Everrett 08/29/2025

RSR521 - Felipe De Mari Scalone - Producing In Brazil and Studying with Shawn Everrett "I always had music around." In this episode, Lij Shaw interviews Felipe de Mari Scalone, a Brazilian producer and musician, about his journey from growing up in a musical family to establishing Junk Mahal Studio in Brazil. Felipe shares insights from his time in London and Amsterdam, his transition from performing in bands to music production, and his experiences attending Mix with the Masters with Shawn Everett. He discusses his sound experimentation, mixing techniques, and the impact of Brazilian and international music on his work. Felipe also shares his unique approaches to reamping, DIY audio equipment, vintage technology, and the challenges and rewards of working in the music industry. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Felipe De Mari Scalone, a Brazilian producer, musician, and frontman of the shoegaze/grunge band Cyanish. After immersing himself in the music scenes of Amsterdam and London, he returned to Brazil to record his debut EP, Lighthouse (2019), marking the beginning of his journey in music production. In 2021, Felipe founded Junkmahal Studio, collaborating with artists like Vitor Bruno, Catiça, 43duo, De Um Filho, De Um Cego, and Luvbites, helping shape their sound across various genres. In 2022, he attended a Mix With The Masters seminar in France with Shawn Everett, and by the end of 2024, he had earned an honorable mention in Eric Valentine’s mix contest. Shortly after, he moved to Los Angeles for an internship with Chris Sorem at Nest Recorders, continuing to refine his craft. I met Felipe at NAMM during our Recording Studio Rockstars meetup and was impressed by his story, enthusiasm, and the cool sound of his records! Shoutout to Matt Boudreau for the introduction at the bar. Today, we will discuss making records in Brazil, experimenting with sound, and creating super cool short videos for Instagram to create new and unusual instruments in the studio. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/37967035

RSR520 - Abbie Griffin - The Next Generation of Songwriting and Recording 08/22/2025

RSR520 - Abbie Griffin - The Next Generation of Songwriting and Recording Tune in for an episode of Recording Studio Rockstars with host Lij Shaw, featuring the talented musician and recording arts student, Abbie Griffin. Abbie shares her personal journey—from falling in love with music inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell and Taylor Swift, to navigating the challenges of the industry. She opens up about her songwriting process, the influence of her family and life experiences, and how technology is transforming the way we create music. Most importantly, Abbie emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and embracing your individuality. Don’t miss her latest track, "Live from Onie's House," available on Spotify. Join us as we chat about music and creativity on this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Abbie Griffin, an engineer, singer, guitarist, and bassist, and a student of Recording Arts and Production at Montclair State University in NJ, where she studies audio engineering, post-production, and live event audio. At just 22 years old, she’s already been performing for nearly two decades. She loves making music and recently released her first record, Live from Onie’s House, inspired by Joni Mitchell. To quote her greatest inspiration—her musical grandmother—Abbie is “the saddest yet happiest songbird you’ll ever meet, with that smile.” I met Abbie at NAMM when she came to a meetup for Recording Studio Rockstars. The first thing she said to me was that she was a fan of the podcast—and so was her dad! It’s so cool to hear how the podcast is reaching a younger audience and inspiring those just starting out in their music and audio careers. Today, we’re going to find out what it’s like to be a young student of recording aspiring to be a musician and songwriter. We’ll talk about what Abbie’s learning in school, what she thought she needed to learn, and what music really means to her. She shares her thoughts on the rapid changes in music technology with AI, how the definition of a producer is evolving for the next generation, and where she sees the future of music heading. We’ll also dive into her love for vintage gear, DIY instruments, and how strength training plays a surprising role in her creative process. And—one of the coolest parts—Abbie recently had the chance to interview Pat Metheny, one of her musical heroes. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about songwriting, personal growth, and embracing your unique sound! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/37866165

RSR519 - Gabe Dagrezio - Songwriting, Producing, and Mixing From Italy to San Diego 08/15/2025

RSR519 - Gabe Dagrezio - Songwriting, Producing, and Mixing From Italy to San Diego Lij Shaw of Recording Studio Rockstars recently sat down with Gabe Dagrezio to dive into his journey from frontman of The New Story to a highly regarded producer, engineer, and studio owner. With years of experience in the music industry, Gabe has worked with a wide range of artists, helping them craft their sound through both performance and technical mastery. He emphasizes the importance of authentic recordings combined with solid technical skills, often sharing how preparation and understanding the artist’s vision are key to great results. Gabe also talks about his studio setup, his approach to mixing and mastering, and how modern tools like room simulation headphones can elevate home recordings. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the value of community organizations like AES, continual learning, and building genuine relationships—lessons that are crucial for anyone looking to thrive in today’s ever-changing industry. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Gabe Dagrezio. Gabe started as the frontman of The New Story, an Italian touring band signed to EMI/Virgin in the early 2000s. His time in the studio sparked a deep passion for recording, leading him to master performance, engineering, and production. Gabe is a skilled guitarist, songwriter, and singer who has performed thousands of shows worldwide. His background gives him a performer’s sensitivity in the studio, bridging the gap between artistry and technical precision. With a Bachelor of Music in Songwriting, Contemporary Guitar, and Music Technology, he brings a well-rounded approach to recording, mixing, and coaching artists to their best performances. We met a couple years ago and here's a quote from Gabe “NAMM, I walked up to you because I listen to your podcast, and I recognized the voice, then, I looked at your badge :)” THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Soundcloud: Recent productions: Original songs: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/37780670

RSR518 - Trina Shoemaker - From Maid to Grammy as 1st Woman to Win Album of the Year 08/08/2025

RSR518 - Trina Shoemaker - From Maid to Grammy as 1st Woman to Win Album of the Year What does it take to rise from cleaning studios to shaping some of the most iconic records of our time? Trina Shoemaker’s story is not just about breaking into the music industry—it’s about breaking through it. As the first woman to win a Grammy for Best Engineered Album, Trina paved the way for a generation of female producers and engineers, and she brings her powerful voice and razor-sharp insight to this inspiring and unfiltered conversation. In this episode, Trina shares how she went from mopping floors at Capitol Records to earning Grammy wins for her work with artists like Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris. She tells the behind-the-scenes stories of working on Wrecking Ball and how that album helped define the sound of Americana. We explore her years in London learning the art of engineering, her move to New Orleans to join the legendary Kingsway Studio, and the deep musical and personal lessons she learned along the way. Trina also pulls back the curtain on the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated field—how she navigated the industry, demanded respect, and held true to her belief in capturing raw, honest performances. She discusses her approach to vocal production, why she avoids auto-tune, and how crafting backing vocals is one of her secret weapons. Beyond her life in the studio, Trina opens up about her love of writing and her dream of publishing a novel and having actor Will Patton narrate the audiobook. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting out, this episode offers a powerful reminder: authenticity, persistence, and a deep respect for the artist’s process will always rise above the noise. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Trina Shoemaker, who was born in 1965 and raised in Joliet, IL, southwest of Chicago. Over the past three-and-a-half decades, she has produced, recorded and mixed hundreds of records. A four-time Grammy® Award winner and six-time nominee, she is the first woman to win the Grammy® for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. Her credits run the gamut from Queens Of The Stone Age, Rodney Crowell, Charley Crockett and Iggy Pop to Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker. Although audio engineering is a passion, writing songs and playing musical instruments are not. Instead, while her ears are busy in the studio recording music, her imagination is busy creating characters, narratives, plotlines and dialogues as she travels through the hidden workings of songs. These stories have culminated in the creation of her debut novel, Bury Me Alive In Your Sugar. Trina lives on Mobile Bay in Fairhope, Alabama, with her husband, singer-songwriter Grayson Capps. Thank you to Tyler Bryant for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/37667575

RSR517 - Ulf Blomberg - DIY to Pro Swedish Punk and Black Metal 08/01/2025

RSR516 - David Kalmusky - Inside the Ultimate Dream Studio, Addiction Sound, and the Future of Music Production 07/25/2025

RSR516 - David Kalmusky - Inside the Ultimate Dream Studio, Addiction Sound, and the Future of Music Production What does it take to build the ultimate dream studio? Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and guitarist David Kalmusky returns to the show to share his journey of designing Addiction Sound Studios and how it’s shaped his approach to music production. Known for his work with John Oates, Journey, Shawn Mendes, and many more, David talks about the importance of studio setups, the magic of drums and microphones in recording, and how technology has changed the way we make records. We talked about drive-by sessions, archiving sounds for future inspiration, and why it matters to always have gear ready to capture a great performance. David also reflected on Nashville’s rich musical history, the legacy of instruments, and personal connections with legendary artists. In the second half, we talked about quality over quantity when it comes to instruments, the creative use of high-strung guitars, and the process of setting up an Atmos room for immersive mixing. David shared his thoughts on curating a creative space, navigating sound libraries, and how streaming has impacted music careers. We also got into the business side of things—like understanding royalties and publishing—and why internships can be such a valuable path for new producers. It was great to catch up with David and hear what he’s been working on—lots of cool stuff in this episode. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is David Kalmusky, a Multi-Diamond producer, songwriter, guitarist, mixer, and engineer. His credits include Joss Stone, Shawn Mendes, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Keith Urban, Mickey Guyton, Mötley Crüe, Nate Smith, Warren Zeiders, Parmalee, Rita Wilson, K. Michelle, and many more. By 2025, his catalog has amassed over 40 billion streams. Let me know if you’d like any tweaks! Dave has been a guest on the podcast in episodes RSR052 and RSR371. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/37485515

RSR515 - Collin Dupuis - Crafting the Perfect Mix Through Microphone Choices and Techniques 07/18/2025

RSR515 - Collin Dupuis - Crafting the Perfect Mix Through Microphone Choices and Techniques What’s the secret to crafting a killer mix? Grammy-winning mix engineer Collin Dupuis joins us to share his insights on mixing techniques, room acoustics, and creative chaos. Known for working with The Black Keys, Lana Del Rey, Angel Olsen, he discusses the evolution of music gear, collaboration, experimentation, clarity in mixing, effective file management, and tools like Soundflow and Samply that streamline workflow. Collin talks about vintage recording equipment, the revival of classic multitrack tapes, and automation in modern mixing. He shares experiences with in-person learning, challenges working with musicians of varying skill levels, techniques for enhancing drum sounds, the importance of headphone mixes for drummers, microphone choices and design, and the historical impact of Stevens tape machines. From live-to-two-track recording to innovative mixing, Collin offers valuable insights into pushing creative boundaries. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Collin Dupuis, a Detroit-based multi-Grammy nominated and two time Grammy winning mixer, producer, and musician working with artists like Yves Tumor, Angel Olsen, Lawrence Rothman, Special Interest, Boy and Bear, and many others. He also plays drums in his band Zoos of Berlin. In 2024, Collin came to my studio to teach a mixing masterclass that was a ton of fun. We had a full studio of dedicated producers and engineers from near and far. We learned a ton about Collin's sophisticated mixing method, including a better understanding of how a mix template can work in your home studio and a deep dive into RX and how it can improve your mixes. Collin has been a guest on the podcast in episodes RSR252, RSR341 and RSR404. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/37418560

RSR514 - David Bottrill - Grammy Winning Atmos Mixing with Tool, Daniel Lanois, and World Music 07/11/2025

RSR514 - David Bottrill - Grammy Winning Atmos Mixing with Tool, Daniel Lanois, and World Music In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, I sat down with the legendary David Botrill—Grammy-winning producer and engineer behind iconic albums by Tool, Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Muse, and more. David’s journey began in a small Canadian studio run by Bob Lanois, where he learned to be indispensable in the room. From there, he went on to work with Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel, and Real World Studios before stepping out on his own. We talk about: The evolution of his ambient and world music influences Building a custom studio for Atmos mixing Embracing imperfection in music Band dynamics, remote collaboration, and pre-production tips His hands-on carpentry work and how it shapes his approach to sound This episode is packed with wisdom for producers, engineers, and anyone passionate about capturing real emotion in the studio. Don’t miss this conversation with one of the greats! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is David Bottrill, a three time Grammy Award winning Producer/Engineer/Mixer and has had over 15 million copies of his work sold worldwide. He has worked with a diverse spectrum of prolific artists, such as Peter Gabriel, Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, Muse, Silverchair, King Crimson, Godsmack. and Rush. David has also worked with some of the most influential world musicians, noteably Youssou N’dour and Baaba Maal of Senegal, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan of Pakistan. David spent 20 years living in the UK, followed by a term in New York, but has settled back in Canada, where he has a mixing studio. Even still, David still spends much of his time working in the US and abroad. Thanks to Brian Murphree at SoundPorter Mastering for making this happen! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/37323665

RSR513 - Bobby Owsinski - AI, Mastering, Songwriting and the Future of Music Production 07/04/2025

RSR513 - Bobby Owsinski - AI, Mastering, Songwriting and the Future of Music Production Is AI changing the future of music production? In this episode, I sit down with Bobby Owsinski, renowned producer, author, and music industry expert, to explore the evolving role of AI, mastering, and the creative process. We dive into the latest edition of Owsinski’s Mastering Engineer’s Handbook, the importance of reference tracks, and the challenges of self-mastering. Our conversation covers the adaptability of professional songwriters, the resurgence of traditional song structures like bridges, and essential mixing techniques. We also discuss the significance of mono mixing, the roles of engineers and producers, and how the legacy of the music industry continues to shape modern production. Bobby and I explore the fallibility of memory in music history, the evolution of guitar tone and equipment, and the impact of technology on sound. We discuss the future of immersive audio, particularly in theatrical settings, and share insights on discovering new music, staying engaged with diverse sounds, and the importance of content creation and organization. If you’re looking for expert insights on mastering, mixing, and navigating the changing landscape of music production, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is producer and engineer Bobby Owsinski, one of the best-selling authors in the music industry, with 24 books that have become staples in audio recording, music, and music business programs worldwide. His titles include The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook, The Music Business Advice Book, and The Musician’s AI Handbook. A contributor to Forbes as a category expert on the new music business, Bobby’s industry blogs have won numerous awards, and he’s appeared on CNN and ABC News as a music branding and audio expert. His highly-rated Inner Circle podcast is now in its 10th year, with over 500 episodes featuring top guests from across the music industry. Bobby Owsinski was featured in RSR010, RSR395 and RSR458 episodes. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/37225045

RSR512 - Dr Ford - Efficiency vs. Flexibility in the Studio and Jiu-Jitsu 06/27/2025

RSR511 - Chris Shaw - From Analog to Pro Tools: Public Enemy, Weezer, and Dylan! 06/20/2025

RSR511 - Chris Shaw - From Analog to Pro Tools: Public Enemy, Weezer, and Dylan! Rockstars, in this episode, I’m hanging with four-time Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Chris Shaw for a deep dive into the craft of recording and mixing. We talk about his journey in the industry, his unique mixing setup, and the balance between analog and digital workflows. Chris shares insights on managing plugins, keeping a solid recording system, and the nuances of working with tape—covering everything from compression and dynamic range to how MIDI triggers fit into a mix. We also dig into the challenges of mixing live recordings, working on Bob Dylan’s archival material, and the evolution of recording technology. Chris breaks down workflow efficiency, the importance of pre-production, and how tools like iZotope RX help clean up tracks. Plus, we touch on the role of machine learning in music production and the art of capturing a performance’s true feel in the final mix. Chris shares stories from working with legends like Ice Cube and Public Enemy, techniques for dialing in signature guitar tones, and how looping has changed over the years. Whether you’re in a pro studio or working from home, this episode is packed with tips and insights to level up your mixes! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Chris Shaw, a four-time Grammy-winning producer, engineer, mixer, and musician. Starting at Greene Street Recording, he quickly rose from an NYU intern to staff engineer, working with hip-hop legends like Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J. In 1991, he played bass with LL Cool J on MTV Unplugged. Going independent, he’s since worked with artists like Weezer, Wilco, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley, Sheryl Crow, Death Cab for Cutie, and more. His work appears on six of Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Originally from New York, Chris relocated to Austin in 2014. Chris Shaw has been a guest on the podcast in RSR246 episode. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/37029015

RSR510 - Bob Bullock - Collaboration: The Key to Successful Music Projects 06/13/2025

RSR509 - Justin Gray - Composing and Mixing for Immersive Atmos, and Sony 360 06/06/2025

RSR509 - Justin Gray - Composing and Mixing for Immersive Atmos, and Sony 360 Get ready to rock the world of immersive audio with award-winning producer and mixing engineer Justin Gray! In this episode, we explore his journey from bassist to pioneer in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360, uncovering spatial sound's creative and technical magic. Justin shares his innovative recording techniques, the importance of capturing music in 3D space, and the evolving role of musicians in the process. We also discuss the challenges of funding music in Canada, how to get started with Atmos in a home studio, and the power of remote collaboration. Plus, Justin drops some golden advice for aspiring producers on embracing their creative identity. Don't miss this one, Rockstars! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: My guest today is Justin Gray, an award-winning producer, mixing, and mastering engineer based in Toronto, Canada. Justin is a leader in immersive audio music production, working with artists, producers, and labels worldwide to bring their music to life in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio. He has worked across a wide range of musical styles with artists like Snoop Dogg, Olivia Rodrigo, Brandy, Carlos Santana, Arkells, The Sheepdogs, Valley, Mother Mother, Jann Arden, Blackbear, Christina Perri, Orville Peck, and many more. Justin runs his own studio, Justin Gray Sound & Immersive Mastering, one of the first Dolby Atmos and Sony 360RA-certified music studios in Canada. He’s also a faculty member at Humber College, where he teaches audio production, composition, and music performance. Thank you to Matt Boudreau for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! Get your MBSI plugin here! Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” Listen to this guest's discography on Apple Podcasts: If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: /episode/index/show/recordingstudiorockstars/id/36820810

Recording Studio Rockstars

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