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Music Production Podcast

Music Production Podcast

By: Brian Funk
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 An exploration of music production through informal discussions about technique, philosophy, gear, and creativity. Hosted by Brian Funk, a musician, songwriter, teacher, and Ableton Certified Trainer. Music
Episodes
  • Ableton Certified Trainer Side Brain

    Ableton Certified Trainer Side Brain
    Sep 3 2025
    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: https://forms.gle/439ZeDmANMFNhphk8 Side Brain is hosting and event at the Grammy museum about music technology and there Sonic Playground exhibit with Moldover: https://grammymuseum.org/event/ableton-live-lab-inside-sonic-playground/ This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their new plug-in Tekno! Save 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io/tekno Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Music Education Thrives on Community – Yeuda highlights how workshops, meetups, and collaborative spaces create more meaningful and lasting learning experiences than isolated online content. Technology Should Serve Expression – Whether using Ableton Live or experimenting with AI, Yeuda emphasizes that tools are only valuable if they help artists communicate something human. The Importance of Tempo and Feel – Musical tempo is emotional and essential to how people connect with rhythm and groove. Creativity Through Constraints – From limiting gear to setting personal rules, Yeuda believes creative boundaries often lead to more original and inspired results. Teaching Is Sharing Tools, Not Rules – Rather than telling students what’s “right,” Yeuda focuses on showing possibilities and letting each person develop their own approach. Links: Side Brain's Website - https://sidebrain.net Side Brain's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SideBrain Side Brain's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sidebrain/ Side Brain's Live Stream Course Vault - https://sidebrain.net/vault/ MIDI Bounce Max for Live Device - https://sidebrain.net/midi-bounce/ Side Brain's Compositional Power Tools - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/xyAAD Ableton Push Live FX Triggers - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/RNOxFW Play Ableton Live with Video Game Controllers - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/rqxoh Side Brain on Music Production Podcast #346 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/yeuda 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!
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Sarah Belle Reid - Learning Sound and Synthesis

    Sarah Belle Reid - Learning Sound and Synthesis
    Aug 20 2025
    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, and how constraints lead to creativity. We explore her educational approach and the value of creative curiosity. Sarah reminds us that music-making should be fun and playful! Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Sarah's Upcoming Workshops and Courses: Sign up for Sarah's FREE Live Workshops: How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG Sarah is about to open enrollment for her very limited and highly-praised Learning Sound and Synthesis Course. Sign up for the priority notification list to get early access and exclusive early-bird bonuses! Learn more here: https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG Takeaways: Modular as Playground – She uses modular synths not to replicate traditional instruments, but to build interactive environments for sonic exploration. Start with Curiosity – Whether teaching or performing, Sarah emphasizes the power of asking “What happens if…?” rather than chasing specific outcomes. Constraints Create Freedom – Limiting one’s tools or techniques can paradoxically unlock deeper creativity and more personal expression. Improvisation as Listening – Sarah sees improvisation not as random playing, but as a form of deep listening—responding to yourself, your tools, and your environment in real time. Bridging Tradition and Tech – With a conservatory background and a DIY ethos, Sarah integrates academic rigor with playful experimentation. Teaching the Inner Artist – Her courses focus on helping students reconnect with joy, experimentation, and the “why” of making music—not just the “how.” Sound as Emotional Language – Sarah uses synthesis to explore emotion and identity, encouraging others to find their own voice through abstract sound. Every Patch is a Performance – Even small synth patches hold potential for deep expression. You don’t need complexity to create something meaningful. Links: Sarah's Official Site - https://www.sarahbellereid.com/Learning Sound and Synthesis Course - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBGLive Workshop - How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBGHow to Design Your First Modular Synth Patch Free Course - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028330/2H9xLyBGSarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbellereid/Sarah's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@sarahbellereidSarah and Andrew Huang "No Listening" Collaboration - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWPg2Sb1ZasSupport Sarah on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/sarahbellereidSarah on Music Production Podcast #334 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/sarah-belle-reidEventide MixerLink - https://amzn.to/4fGgLvvOnward Chase Bliss - https://www.chasebliss.com/onwardBrian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.comMusic Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/bookIntro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bitMusic Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcastSave 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/storeThis 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! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Mixerman and the Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music, and Songs

    Mixerman and the Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music, and Songs
    Aug 8 2025
    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 technical perfection. We talk about his new book, Mixerman’s Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs, and explore everything from the psychology of studio performance to the pitfalls of overthinking and the dangers of letting the gear drive the session. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been producing for years, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, sharp humor, and hard-won truths. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Producing ≠ Mixing ≠ Engineering – Mixerman breaks down the distinct roles and responsibilities of a producer, mixer, and engineer, and why blurring the lines can derail a project if you’re not careful. The Producer Is the Artist’s Advocate – A great producer champions the artist’s vision, not their own. It’s not about control—it’s about making the best possible record with the artist. Don’t Be a Gear-Driven Producer – Focusing on tools over results leads to decision paralysis. Gear doesn’t make records—people do. Performance Over Perfection – A technically flawless take is worthless if it lacks feel. Great records are built on compelling performances, not clean edits. Producing Is Emotional Management – Producers aren’t just sonic decision-makers—they’re emotional barometers. Reading the room and managing personalities is part of the gig. Capture the Spark, Then Get Out of the Way – Sometimes the best thing a producer can do is not intervene. Let the magic happen, then shape it later. The Role of Arrangement – Great production often comes down to arrangement: understanding how to leave space, when to add tension, and how to support the song’s emotional arc. Don’t Chase a Sound—Chase the Song – Trying to copy other artists’ sounds can lead you away from authenticity. The song should dictate the production—not trends or references. Learn to Say “That’s the Take” – Knowing when a performance is done (even if it’s not “perfect”) is part of a producer’s superpower. Everything You Need Is Already in the Room – Fancy studios and high-end gear are nice, but great records have been made with far less. What matters is the intention behind the tools. Links: Mixerman’s Website – https://mixerman.net Mixerman’s Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs by Mixerman - https://mixerman.net/books/mm-ultimate-producing/ Mixerman’s YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@MixermanPublishes Mixerman on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/_mixerman_/ Brian Funk Website – https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club – https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer Book – https://brianfunk.com/book Music Production Podcast Archive – https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs with 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! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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    2 hrs and 10 mins
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