Episodes

  • 262: Why Your Song Feels Off: The Truth About Tempo, Timing & Groove
    Apr 30 2025

    Send us a text

    Your next step:

    Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate!

    theselfrecordingband.com

    Our incredible coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

    • Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
    • Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
    • Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

    You have two options to get there:

    1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.

    2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

    If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

    🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

    theselfrecordingband.com

    --

    Episode show notes:


    This is an episode about the importance of choosing the right tempo for your songs and getting the timing and feel right.

    Here's why this matters:

    Way too many artists neglect this during their songwriting and preproduction process. But this affects the overall feel and impact of the song more than any plugin or mixing technique ever could.

    And we're not just talking about the importance of choosing the right tempo. We're also showing you what we mean with timing and feel.


    You'll be hearing different audio examples on the episode:

    • Pulling vs pushing
    • To grid or not to grid
    • Adding a bit of a swing feel


    We're also gonna talk about the difference between genres and styles, how to create tempo maps and a couple of interesting tips and tricks that we've learned over the years.

    Enjoy!

    --

    For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/261

    --

    If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 261: The Ultimate Guide To Kick Drum EQ (With Audio Examples)
    Apr 24 2025

    Send us a text

    🚀 Apply for personal 1-on-1 mentoring by Benedikt and the team (including access to all of our programs): theselfrecordingband.com
    --

    Don't need 1-on-1 coaching (yet)? Here are our individual programs (video courses plus access to group coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate):


    ➡️ Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
    ➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
    ➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
    ➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
    --
    🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
    --
    Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
    theselfrecordingband.com/community

    --

    Episode show notes:

    A while back we did an episode on how we EQ kick drums. Now we're doing it again, but this time even more in-depth and with audio examples.

    So you can actually hear what we're talking about and how it all sounds when applied.

    You're gonna learn how the different frequency ranges sound and feel when it comes to kick drums and how you can then apply this knowledge to make intentional decisions in your next mix.

    You'll be able to:

    • get the low end right
    • shape the midrange and top end to work with the style, genre and context of your song
    • make it cut through a dense mix if necessary
    • identify frequency issues and fix them quickly with EQ

    Enjoy!

    --

    For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/261

    --

    If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 260: AI Update - Are Audio Skills No Longer Needed Now? Have Mixing Engineers Been Replaced?
    Apr 17 2025

    Send us a text

    🚀 Apply for personal 1-on-1 mentoring by Benedikt and the team (including access to all of our programs): theselfrecordingband.com
    --

    Don't need 1-on-1 coaching (yet)? Here are our individual programs (video courses plus access to group coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate):


    ➡️ Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
    ➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
    ➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
    ➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
    --
    🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
    --
    Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
    theselfrecordingband.com/community

    --

    Episode show notes:

    We needed to do another AI episode.


    So many things have happened since the last one. So many new "intelligent" tools came out. AI audio news are posted almost every day now.

    And some of these new products, even the ones made by big established audio brands, are being marketed as "autonomous" mixing tools. That "will do the same things you would do - but faster and better."

    Wow. Pretty bold claim. But is it true?

    And is everything we do here now irrelevant?

    Do we no longer need audio skills, because mixing and mastering are now (or soon) happening fully automatic?

    And if that really works, what do we then focus on?


    Maybe it won't be that different, after all...


    Let's discuss!

    --

    For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/260

    --


    If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

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    54 mins
  • 259: What Self-Recording Artists Are REALLY Struggling With
    Apr 9 2025

    Send us a text

    🚀 Apply for personal 1-on-1 mentoring by Benedikt and the team (including access to all of our programs): theselfrecordingband.com
    --

    Don't need 1-on-1 coaching (yet)? Here are our individual programs (video courses plus access to group coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate):


    ➡️ Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
    ➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
    ➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
    ➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
    --
    🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
    --
    Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
    theselfrecordingband.com/community

    --

    Episode show notes:

    We want to address 2 common things that we get from self-recording artists.

    Whenever they join our Facebook group or when they sign up for our emails that we send out, we ask them what they are struggling with the most.

    Here's what they say (it's almost always one of two things):

    1. I don't have / don't understand the gear (or plugins)
    2. Mixing


    So we wanted to make this episode because both of those things are almost never their real problems. Or at least not their biggest ones.


    A couple of things we cover in this episode:

    • Don't let a lack of money or lack of equipment hold you back. And don't waste money on the wrong things.
    • Understanding the equipment is only a very small part of it.
    • You're struggling with mixing because you are fighting your recordings and because you're focussing on the wrong parts of the process.
    • You haven't developed your ears, taste and vision, yet.


    Enjoy!

    --

    For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/259

    --

    If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

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    50 mins
  • 258: "I'm not a professional musician or producer" - Does this mean your art isn't worth it?
    Apr 2 2025

    Send us a text

    🚀 Apply for personal 1-on-1 mentoring by Benedikt and the team (including access to all of our programs): theselfrecordingband.com
    --

    Don't need 1-on-1 coaching? Here are our individual programs (video courses plus access to group coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate):


    ➡️ Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
    ➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
    ➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
    ➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
    --
    🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
    --
    Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
    theselfrecordingband.com/community

    --

    Episode show notes:

    I get this all the time:

    People reach out or download our resources, listen to the podcast etc. because they want to get better at recording or mixing.

    But then, when I get to talk to them and they find out what it takes to get really good at this they immediately say:

    "I don't want to do this professionally. It's just a hobby."

    As if it was not worth it to put in the effort, time, money or whatever it would take in their situation.


    So I wanted to ask you:

    How many of the artists you worked with are professionals?

    And for those who are not:

    Do they now think it was worth putting in the effort to make it sound awesome?


    I think the fact that it is just a hobby doesn't mean it's not worth it. I think many people will regret that they never made a really great record.

    And on the flip side I think most artists who have made a really great record don't regret it. They are super proud of what they've created and often view it as a bucket list item and something that will still be around when they're gone one day.

    So let's discuss this topic and hopefully help you realize your dreams instead of self-sabotaging by talking yourself out of going after your dreams.


    Enjoy!

    --

    For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/258

    --

    If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

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    27 mins
  • 257: Why you should learn to record yourself (even if you're not making your own records)
    Mar 26 2025

    Send us a text

    🚀 Apply for personal 1-on-1 mentoring by Benedikt and the team (including access to all of our programs): theselfrecordingband.com
    --

    Don't need 1-on-1 coaching? Here are our individual programs (video courses plus access to group coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate):


    ➡️ Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
    ➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
    ➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
    ➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
    --
    🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
    --
    Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
    theselfrecordingband.com/community

    --

    Episode show notes:

    Have you ever been in a situation where you had to replace a band member for a show? If you have, chances are that it was painful to teach someone the songs. This episode will help you with that.


    And not just that. There are countless good reasons for why every musician should learn to record themselves.


    Being able to record yourself well has many benefits. Not just the obvious ones.

    If you are able to capture your songs well and then have multitracks or stems ready for anyone to practice to and learn the songs, it will make finding and training fill-in players that much easier. And it will improve your own performances, as well.


    On this episode we're sharing with you:

    • A simple approach to multitrack recording
    • What matters and what doesn't
    • All the benefits of being able to record yourself
    • Storing and archiving the material
    • Building a rolodex of session players


    Enjoy!

    --

    For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/257

    If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 256: How To Make Unique And Authentic Records - With Ulf Blomberg (Hoborec)
    Mar 19 2025

    Send us a text

    🚀 Apply for personal 1-on-1 mentoring by Benedikt and the team (including access to all of our programs): theselfrecordingband.com
    --

    Don't need 1-on-1 coaching? Here are our individual programs (video courses plus access to group coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate):


    ➡️ Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
    ➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
    ➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
    ➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
    --
    🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
    --
    Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
    theselfrecordingband.com/community

    --

    Ulf's website:

    hoborec.com

    Ulf's course "From MIDI to MAYHEM":

    kohleaudiokult.com/courses/frommiditomayhem

    --

    Episode show notes:

    Our guest today is Ulf Blomberg. He is a producer, engineer and mixer, working out of beautiful studios in the south of Sweden, as well as his own mixing studio.

    Ulf invites bands to "go all in and commit fully", as he is saying on his website and he uses a perfect mix of modern and vintage equipment to create a unique texture and character for every project.

    Ulf always had a strong Do It Yourself attitude, an interest in technical things and he's a musician himself. He's been in a couple of bands, made a lot of records, and toured the majority of Europe.

    You can listen to Ulf's portfolio on his website and you'll find incredibly impactful, gritty, dirty, organic but still modern and powerful sounding examples of what he can do. Mostly in the heavy music world.

    And finally, Ulf is running a YouTube channel, called hoborec recording & mixing that I highly recommend you subscribe to.

    We have a couple of mutual friends in the recording industry and last year we've met at Studioszene in Hamburg, where Ady Parzentny introduced us (another one of Ady's introductions, shout out to you buddy!).

    Now it's time to finally introduce Ulf to our audience and let him share his wisdom, knowledge and experience with you. So without further ado, here is Ulf Blomberg for you.


    Enjoy!

    --

    For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/256

    If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 255: Self-Recording Syndicate Member Fergal Nash on Finding His Sound, Gaining Confidence, and Releasing His Best Work (Case Study Interview)
    Mar 12 2025

    Send us a text

    🚀 Apply for personal 1-on-1 mentoring by Benedikt and the team (including access to all of our programs): theselfrecordingband.com
    --

    Don't need 1-on-1 coaching? Here are our individual programs (video courses plus access to group coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate):


    ➡️ Get Access To "Mix-Ready: The Band-Recording Essentials": theselfrecordingband.com/mixready
    ➡️ Get Access To "Mixes Unpacked": theselfrecordingband.com/mixesunpacked
    ➡️ Get Access To "Dead-On Drums": theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums
    ➡️ Get Access To "Guitar Setup Masterclass - With Diego Casillas": theselfrecordingband.com/guitarsetup
    --
    🎁 Free video guide + checklist "Standout Mixes": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
    --
    Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
    theselfrecordingband.com/community

    --

    Fergal's website:

    fergalnash.com

    --

    Episode show notes:

    I sat down with one of our Self-Recording Syndicate members, Fergal Nash.

    Fergal is a self-recording musician, songwriter and guitar teacher, based in Ireland, who writes and records music as a solo artist and also collaborates with other artists on various projects.

    Since we first met in 2024 a LOT has happened. Fergal has improved his production and mixing skills a lot and seeing him put in the work and make progress has been really impressive.

    He is now not just a guitar teacher but also running his own home recording studio where he offers his audio services to local artists.

    It's been so much fun to be on this journey with Fergal and help him achieve his goals. And it's even better to now see him help others achieve theirs.

    So it’s about time to introduce Fergal to you and tell his story.


    Enjoy!

    --

    For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/255
    --

    If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

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    1 hr and 9 mins
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