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Lost Cultures: Living Legacies


On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…
#247 - The Drummer's Divide: Two Wildly Different Approaches to Drum Production
Manage episode 480902796 series 2862081
Content provided by Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Think there's only one "right way" to record and mix drums? Think again. In this revealing episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into their completely opposite approaches to drum production. Despite working from opposite ends of the spectrum, they discover they're ultimately chasing the same emotional result. This conversation might just give you permission to try that "crazy" technique you've been hesitant to experiment with.
Discover:
Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e
References:
dxRevive - https://www.accentize.com/dxrevive/
LA Wildfire Relief:
Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief
WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate
Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5
Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/
…
continue reading
Discover:
- Why conventional drum recording approaches might be limiting your creative options and sonic results
- The counterintuitive "songs for the deaf" method of tracking drums one element at a time (and why it creates more flexibility than traditional methods)
- How recording drums last (after vocals!) can dramatically improve how your drum parts support the song
- Why sympathetic snare vibrations are crucial for creating believable drum sounds
- The critical importance of phase alignment when layering kick drums and using samples
- Why cutting frequencies from sample drums often yields better results than boosting
- How focusing on kick and snare can free you from obsessing over every other element in the mix
Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e
References:
dxRevive - https://www.accentize.com/dxrevive/
LA Wildfire Relief:
Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief
WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate
Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5
Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/
278 episodes
Manage episode 480902796 series 2862081
Content provided by Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Think there's only one "right way" to record and mix drums? Think again. In this revealing episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into their completely opposite approaches to drum production. Despite working from opposite ends of the spectrum, they discover they're ultimately chasing the same emotional result. This conversation might just give you permission to try that "crazy" technique you've been hesitant to experiment with.
Discover:
Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e
References:
dxRevive - https://www.accentize.com/dxrevive/
LA Wildfire Relief:
Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief
WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate
Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5
Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/
…
continue reading
Discover:
- Why conventional drum recording approaches might be limiting your creative options and sonic results
- The counterintuitive "songs for the deaf" method of tracking drums one element at a time (and why it creates more flexibility than traditional methods)
- How recording drums last (after vocals!) can dramatically improve how your drum parts support the song
- Why sympathetic snare vibrations are crucial for creating believable drum sounds
- The critical importance of phase alignment when layering kick drums and using samples
- Why cutting frequencies from sample drums often yields better results than boosting
- How focusing on kick and snare can free you from obsessing over every other element in the mix
Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e
References:
dxRevive - https://www.accentize.com/dxrevive/
LA Wildfire Relief:
Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief
WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate
Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5
Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing
Connect with us:
Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/
Learn more:
https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/
This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/
278 episodes
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Secret Sonics

1 #250 - Are We Making Vocals Too Perfect? (Pt1) 24:15
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Two cranky engineers accidentally reveal why your technically perfect vocals sound emotionally dead In this episode, Ben and Carl dive into why the "mistakes" you're fixing might be the only thing keeping your vocals human. From pre-production psychology to multi-de-esser philosophy, they challenge everything you think you know about processing vocals. Discover: How over-rehearsed bands sabotage their own records (and why pop artists need completely different rules) Reading the room and matching your approach to the artist's psychology Why perfect tuning kills emotion and when to leave the "mistakes" in Why using multiple light processors beats one heavy one (and Carl's controversial multi-de-esser approach) How deliberately bad cuts make choruses hit like trucks Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #249 - Are We Hearing the Bass, or Just Feeling It? (Pt2) 26:31
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In this episode, Ben & Carl get into the gritty business of making bass actually work in a mix. Not just technically — but emotionally, musically, and physically. We challenge each other’s instincts, admit when we’re wrong, and debate who should own the sub: the bass or the kick? Spoiler: it depends — but we each have our go-to moves and a few spicy disagreements. Discover: Whether bass should be felt, heard… or both The kick vs. bass power struggle (and how we each resolve it) Why sub-bass and electric bass don’t always play nice Dynamic EQ, sidechaining, and the art of subtle carving What frequencies actually matter most for bass perception “I Used to Be Cool” — and other producer identity crises Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #248 - Our Wildly Different Bass Philosophies (Pt1) 25:43
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We didn’t mean to go this deep—but here we are. This week, we cracked open the bass rabbit hole and just kept falling. What started as a casual chat about tracking techniques quickly turned into a full-on audio archaeology dig. Fingerstyle vs. pick. Flatwounds vs. roundwounds. Phase issues. Amp sims. DI regrets. When to tune your bass like it’s a vocal. And why the right bass might be a $300 violin-shaped Epiphone that makes your P-Bass sound like a string bean. This is Part 1. Next week, we’ll take all this nerdy goodness and show you how it interacts with everything else in the mix—drums, vocals, space, sub, punch, width, grit. Discover: Why we sometimes tune bass like it’s a vocal The $300 Epiphone that destroyed a Fender P-Bass in a shootout How adding chorus to bass can actually make it sound tighter The reason your 808s keep disappearing—and how to fix it Fingerstyle, pick, thumb, palm mute: how your hand technique makes the biggest difference Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #247 - The Drummer's Divide: Two Wildly Different Approaches to Drum Production 45:09
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Think there's only one "right way" to record and mix drums? Think again. In this revealing episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into their completely opposite approaches to drum production. Despite working from opposite ends of the spectrum, they discover they're ultimately chasing the same emotional result. This conversation might just give you permission to try that "crazy" technique you've been hesitant to experiment with. Discover: Why conventional drum recording approaches might be limiting your creative options and sonic results The counterintuitive "songs for the deaf" method of tracking drums one element at a time (and why it creates more flexibility than traditional methods) How recording drums last (after vocals!) can dramatically improve how your drum parts support the song Why sympathetic snare vibrations are crucial for creating believable drum sounds The critical importance of phase alignment when layering kick drums and using samples Why cutting frequencies from sample drums often yields better results than boosting How focusing on kick and snare can free you from obsessing over every other element in the mix Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e References: dxRevive - https://www.accentize.com/dxrevive/ LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #246 - Template Updates: The Unsung Hero of Efficient Mixing 27:47
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In this "nerdy episode," Carl and Ben dive into a topic that affects many producers but rarely gets attention: updating your mixing templates. They explore how these living documents should evolve alongside your workflow, highlighting how small adjustments can lead to significant time savings and creative benefits. Discover: Why templates should evolve rather than remain static for years How to recognize when you're repeatedly making the same changes Why it's so easy to postpone template maintenance despite its benefits Finding balance between template efficiency and creative flexibility The dangers of adding new plugins to templates before properly evaluating them Specific examples of template updates they've found valuable in their own work Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #245 - Why You’re Afraid to Charge More (And What To Do About It) 15:59
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Raising your rates sounds simple… until you actually try to do it. In this special episode, Carl breaks down the real reasons studio pros avoid increasing their prices - and why most of those reasons are based on fear, not facts. Carl pulls from 20+ years of experience helping producers and engineers build sustainable careers outside the traditional music industry hubs. With practical examples and thoughtful analogies, this episode will give you the confidence - and the language - to navigate money conversations without feeling like a sellout. Discover: Why being “affordable” might be hurting your career more than helping it The truth about what scares clients off (hint: it’s not your rate) A simple script you can use to raise your rates with past clients How to stop making assumptions and start making informed decisions Why big credits don’t guarantee clients - and what actually does If you’ve ever felt awkward talking money, this episode is a must-listen. Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #244 - You Don't Need Permission: Why Creatives Hold Back & How to Move Forward 25:00
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In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the psychology of permission-seeking that stops so many creative professionals from taking the next step in their careers. Through the story of an artist hesitant to perform her first solo show, they explore why we often wait for external validation before pursuing our goals – whether that's raising our rates, reaching out to dream clients, or sharing our creative work. Discover: Why we fear judgment for actions that most people won't even notice How taking risks transforms skeptics into supporters The assumptions that prevent us from sending that first message to potential clients Why bold mixing and production choices follow the same psychological pattern How success often comes to those willing to execute without permission Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #243 - Creating Unforgettable Client Experiences 56:18
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How do you create such an amazing client experience that artists wouldn't dream of working with anyone else? Carl unpacks key insights from Will Guidara's "Unreasonable Hospitality" and explores how to apply these principles to studio businesses. Discover practical ways to transform client interactions from transactional to unforgettable, whether you're working remotely or in-person. Discover: How thoughtful, personalized touches (like remembering a client's favorite tea or writing personalized notes) create deeper connections without breaking the bank Specific tactics for making remote clients feel valued and appreciated How to infuse your personal style into your studio environment (physical or virtual) to attract like-minded artists and create an immediate sense of connection that transforms the client experience "Unreasonable Hospitality" - https://amzn.to/4jn4wVo Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

Why do children create fearlessly while professional producers get stuck staring at blank DAW sessions? In this insightful conversation, Ben and Carl explore the counterintuitive truth that creative freedom comes from embracing constraints, not avoiding them. From Sufjan Stevens' state-themed albums to the natural evolution of decision-making throughout the production timeline, they reveal how limitations spark inspiration rather than stifle it. Whether you're battling decision paralysis with 87,000 clap samples or struggling to maintain a social media presence, this episode offers practical approaches to turning constraints into catalysts for your best work. Discover: How constraints unlock creativity rather than limit it Why limitless possibilities lead to decision paralysis Practical constraint methods for both music and business The natural evolution of constraints throughout the production timeline Decision-making confidence across different creative domains The value of deliberate practice in building decisiveness Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #241 - Inspiration: Where to Find It, How to Nurture It, and Why It Matters 33:29
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Ben and Carl tackle the all-too-familiar challenge of creative burnout and share surprisingly effective ways to reignite that creative spark. When you're creatively stuck, listening to new music might be more valuable than trying to create. This episode is all about how rediscovering the joy of being a music fan first can lead to fresh inspiration, and they share their personal strategies for breaking out of creative ruts. Discover: Why "just create something" often fails as advice when you're uninspired The importance of continuing to discover new music throughout your career How to listen like a fan again, not just as a producer or engineer Breaking out of your musical comfort zone Ben and Carl's curated song recommendations Ben and Carl's Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7DRLSwzcUjkbbI7Ji6GQbh?si=3edac29bad6b4398 LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #240 - Forging New Directions: Chasing What Feels Right in Music & Creativity 37:16
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What happens when you finally get an ADHD diagnosis at 39 and start noticing real changes in how you work? Or when you realize you’re craving more human energy in a music world that’s feeling increasingly robotic? In this episode, Carl and Ben unpack the creative shifts they’re making—from Carl’s deep dive into remixing in unexpected ways to Ben’s push for more live, unpolished recordings. Discover: Carl’s approach to remixing Why Ben is moving away from rigid, overly edited music and focusing on live energy The small creative experiments that lead to real breakthrough How AI might actually be pushing musicians back toward imperfection and organic performances Feeling stuck in your creative process? Maybe the next step isn’t as big as you think. LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #239 - Reference Mixes: When They Should (and Shouldn’t) Guide Us 24:51
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In this episode, Ben and Carl dive into that tricky moment we all face: deciding when to follow a reference mix and when to trust your own instincts. Sparked by Carl's current remix project, they get real about the messy balancing act of honoring artist expectations while still trusting your gut. Discover: The challenging balancing act when artists love both their rough mix and reference tracks that sound nothing alike How to have patient conversations with self-producing artists about conflicting references The difference between referencing for skill-building versus creative direction Practical approaches to using reference tracks without becoming overly technical or losing your unique sound LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #238 - Time Management: Why Productivity Advice Fails Music Pros 32:08
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In this candid episode, Ben and Carl tackle the unique time management challenges faced by music professionals - especially ones with ADHD and kids. They explore why many popular productivity techniques fall flat in the real world of constant interruptions, creative flow states, and the unpredictable chaos of family life. Discover: Why the "two-minute rule" can backfire, turning into hours of small tasks while important work gets neglected How the Pomodoro technique can actually destroy creative flow states for mixing engineers and producers The unexpected way having children might be the most effective "time management technique" for creative professionals Why separating your studio from your home can create healthier work-life boundaries Practical strategies for balancing deep creative work with the inevitable interruptions of real life LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #237 - Playlist Psychology: Organizing Your Work to Impress the RIGHT Clients 39:24
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In the competitive world of music production, your portfolio playlist is more than just a collection of tracks - it's a strategic tool for attracting your ideal clients. Join Ben and Carl as they dive deep into the art and science of curating the perfect playlist to showcase your work. From what song to put first to how to organize your entire body of work, this episode covers it all. Discover: Why a single "everything" playlist isn't enough and how to create multiple playlists for different purposes How to use playlists as a personal "memory journal" of your career journey A clever labeling trick that helps listeners self-select the tracks most relevant to their needs Practical advice for showcasing versatility without overwhelming potential clients LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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Secret Sonics

1 #236 - How to Know When Your Song is Finished 37:46
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In this deep-dive episode, Ben and Carl explore the challenging question that plagues every music producer: "How do you know when it's done?" Working backwards through the production chain, they break down the decision-making process at each stage of music creation, from mastering to tracking. Discover: Why comparing your mix to the master might be hurting more than helping The surprising reason Ben and Carl approach limiters differently What doing dishes has to do with better masters Why your physical response matters more than your analytical mind The crucial difference between "missing something" and "looking for problems" How to stop yourself from ruining a perfectly good mix Why casual listening might be your most valuable production tool LA Wildfire Relief: Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5 Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing Connect with us: Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/ Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/ Learn more: https://www.benwallick.com/ https://www.carlbahner.com/ This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/…
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