podcast Archives - Recording Studio Rockstars

RSR552 – Tim Easton – Songwriting, Shortcuts, and the Sound of Real Life

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of staying creative - even when life gets messy. Tim and I talk about recording at home, the beauty of imperfection, Logic shortcuts, AI tools, Costa Rica inspiration, punk rock sound gigs, and songwriting prompts that dig into the soul.

We also laugh a lot about “Spanish Inquisition Part 2,” fart algorithms, “The Wrong Burrito” in Nashville, and how to survive creative burnout by reconnecting with nature. Whether he’s building Logic sessions in his home studio or drumming for meditation, Tim’s philosophy always circles back to one idea: just make something today.

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts May 11, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills.
Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

Unlock the full potential of your mixes and masters with Ozone 12 - the complete mixing and mastering suite featuring new Bass Control, Unlimiter, Stem EQ, and the IRC 5 Maximizer. This will be a game-changer for you!
Get 10% off with code ROCK10 at iZotope.com

Take your music further with Native Instruments 360 - over 150 plugins and 24,000 loops and sounds, giving you everything you need to turn ideas into release-ready tracks. Explore sampled instruments, powerful synths, creative effects, and more, all in one place!
Get 10% off at Native-Instruments.com with code ROCK10

Check the Spectra1964 website for factory direct pricing. Spectra1964.com. The STX 600, 100, 100D, and BBDI direct box are available on the site at budget saving prices! US made, high quality professional recording gear made in house in Ogden Utah, since 1964. Get ready to rock!
Discover more at Spectra1964.com

Make your next record with me at the newly remodeled RSR headquarters and experience the ability to hear your music in holographic detail with the Phantom Focus System PFS HD1000 monitors. TheToyBoxStudio.com

The Grace Design M701 audio interface delivers pristine sound quality with exceptional headroom and ultra-low noise performance. Designed for all types of recording facilities, it offers transparent conversion and powerful monitoring in a compact, elegant form. A studio essential you can count on. GraceDesign.com

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MixMasterBundle.com
Take your music from sounding like a basement demo to professional radio-ready mixes with my free introductory mixing course using stock and free plugins at MixMasterBundle.com!

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RSR551 – Meghan Gohil – Future-Proof Your Music with Atmos, Hybrid Chains, and Indie Strategy

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Meghan Gohil is a producer, mixer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. He runs Hollywood Recording Studio and GoHill Records, where he helps artists make professional-sounding records with smart workflows, hybrid mixing, and practical indie-release strategies.

In this episode, Meghan and I talk about the process of building a modern home-studio setup that competes with commercial rooms, how to blend analog gear with digital tools, and the best ways to keep your music career moving forward without getting bogged down in perfectionism or industry red tape.

We dive into his hybrid mix chain, using iZotope Ozone, Atmos mixing, AI-powered tools, Chartmetric analytics, and how to handle copyrights, PRO registration, and releases so your music actually earns and keeps growing.

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts May 11, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

Fuel your creativity with Komplete 15 - 165 instruments and over 150,000 sounds, including Kontakt 8, Massive X, Battery, and Guitar Rig 7 Pro. Pair it with NI Kontrol keyboards and Maschine for seamless integration, making music fun, fast, and fantastic! Get 10% off at Native-Instruments.com with code ROCK10

Hear your music come alive with Adam Audio’s H200 Headphones and D3V Desktop Monitors. Delivering stunning clarity and accurate mix translation, Adam Audio lets you create with confidence. Explore at Adam-Audio.com

Bring classic analog power to your studio with Spectra 1964 and the STX 600 Complimiter Mic Pre. Combining a world-class microphone preamp with a musical, fully analog compressor/limiter, the STX 600 delivers bold tone, control, and punch in a single unit. A unique and powerful tool for capturing inspiring performances. Discover more at Spectra1964.com

This episode is brought to you by Pickr, the app for musicians and bands who want to get projects finished. Pickr connects artists with studios, engineers, and session musicians so you can find the right fit and book sessions fast and affordably. If you’re done chasing emails and DMs, download Pickr on the Apple App Store or Google Play, or head to Pickr.com

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Website Links:

hollywoodrecordingstudio.com
Instagram: @gohil.records

RSR065 – Meghan Gohil – From Live Sound to Studio, Recording with Lij Shaw

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

The post RSR551 – Meghan Gohil – Future-Proof Your Music with Atmos, Hybrid Chains, and Indie Strategy appeared first on Recording Studio Rockstars.

RSR550 – Laura Crapo – Making Records, Films, and Music Videos for MTV [Steve Albini, Sebadoh]

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered how embracing chaos and intuition can transform your creative process?

In this episode, Laura Crapo shares her journey through music, film, healing, and the importance of staying authentic to your unique voice. We explore the parallels between art forms, the influence of environments, and how trusting your inner voice can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Laura discusses her experiences with analog sound, filmmaking experiments, spiritual practices like Reiki, and how they all interconnect in her artistic life. Whether you're a musician, filmmaker, or creative soul, her insights invite you to step into your true self and let the process guide you.

In this candid conversation, Laura reveals how her background growing up around art and music shaped her approach to creativity, her adventures in guerrilla filmmaking, and the importance of honoring imperfections. We talk about balancing the critic and intuition within, the impact of environments on artistic expression, and how life's unpredictable moments can be opportunities in disguise.

She also emphasizes the role of self-love and trusting in your own process as essential elements for making authentic art and music.This episode is packed with reflections on the spiritual dimension of creativity, the value of live performance, and making peace with the messy, imperfect moments.

Laura’s stories about her experiences in Montreal, Chicago, and even her inside knowledge of legendary figures like Steve Albini add depth to a discussion about trusting your instincts and staying true to your art.

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts May 11, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

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Website Links:

www.lauracrapo.com
Instagram: @lauracrapo

Laura Crapo "I love you"

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

The post RSR550 – Laura Crapo – Making Records, Films, and Music Videos for MTV [Steve Albini, Sebadoh] appeared first on Recording Studio Rockstars.

RSR549 – Brad Jones – Capturing Authentic Performances in the Studio [Jill Sobule, Robyn Hitchcock]

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered how seasoned producers handle low-end management, creative sampling, or guiding musicians without spooking them? Join me as I chat with Nashville’s own Brad Jones to uncover practical studio techniques, legendary stories, and lessons learned over decades of making records.

In this episode, Brad shares insights from his experiences working with artists like Jill Sobule and Robyn Hitchcock, as well as legendary musicians like Buddy Emmons and Rosco Gordon. We discuss the art of capturing authentic performances, creative sampling tricks, and how to create emotionally resonant songs without overcomplicating the process. Brad also dives into the importance of spontaneity, the value of analog sensibilities in a digital world, and lessons on leading sessions with confidence and kindness.

Whether you're at home recording, mixing in a professional studio, or just passionate about the nuts and bolts of record-making, Brad’s stories and tips will help you approach your projects with a fresh perspective and grounded practice.

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts May 11, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

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Website Links:

alexthegreatrecording.com

RSR461 – Brad Jones – How To Produce and Finish a Great Record
RSR034 – Brad Jones – Alex The Great

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

The post RSR549 – Brad Jones – Capturing Authentic Performances in the Studio [Jill Sobule, Robyn Hitchcock] appeared first on Recording Studio Rockstars.

RSR548 – Roger Alan Nichols – Drum Tuning, Microphone Choices & Getting the Sound Right

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Ever wonder how the chaos of remote recording setups and complex signals can actually come together in a studio environment?

My guest today is Roger Alan Nichols, a Nashville-based producer, engineer, and songwriter with a résumé including Grammy-nominated projects, work with Hayley Williams, Steven Tyler, and the band Dreaming in English. He's also been a guest on the podcast multiple times, sharing detailed insights into studio workflows and production challenges.

In this episode, Roger and I get into the nitty-gritty of managing complex signal chains, especially when remote elements are involved. We discuss how he navigates the technical maze of audio routing via apps like Audio Hijack and virtual devices, as well as practical strategies for recording drums and vocals in unpredictable environments.

Roger shares stories about tuning drums, tracking with unconventional microphones, and how his experience with different gear influences decision-making in real time. We also explore the evolving role of gear and technology in Nashville’s music business, including the impact of internet-based collaborations and sample libraries.

Throughout, Roger emphasizes the importance of listening carefully, trusting your instincts, and simplifying setups to keep projects moving efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts March 9, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

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Website Links:

www.rogeralannichols.com
Instagram:
@belltonerecording
Facebook:
@Bell Tone Recording

RSR467 – Roger Alan Nichols – Guitars, Amps, Studios, Songwriting and Rock & Roll
RSR286 – Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown With Roger Alan Nichols – the Making of the New Album Pressure
RSR045 – Roger Alan Nichols – Recording Vocals With Steven Tyler

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

The post RSR548 – Roger Alan Nichols – Drum Tuning, Microphone Choices & Getting the Sound Right appeared first on Recording Studio Rockstars.

RSR547 – Jon Estes – Simplicity and Communication Make Better Records [Béla Fleck, Robyn Hitchcock]

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:58:16 +0000

What does it really take to make a record that feels authentic, timeless, and even fun to make, without getting caught up in hype or hype-y gear?

My guest today is Jon Estes, a Nashville-born multi-instrumentalist, producer, and engineer with a diverse background working with artists like Béla Fleck, Robyn Hitchcock, Kacey Musgraves, and Rodney Crowell. He's known for blending vintage gear with modern tools and for his thoughtful approach to studio work, including his own home setup.

In this episode, Jon and I discuss his journey from self-taught bassist playing in church to working at some of Nashville’s iconic studios. We explore how his early experiences with the Wooten family and studying jazz at the University of Miami shaped his musical and production sensibilities. Jon shares insights into making records with a minimal, efficient setup, emphasizing the importance of being prepared, organized, and communicative. We also get into the details of his studio design, his approach to recording instruments - especially bass and vocals - and how he uses creative tricks like headphone mics and tape techniques to achieve unique sounds.

Throughout, Jon emphasizes that authenticity, clear communication, and keeping things simple often lead to better results than chasing gear or complex workflows.

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts March 9, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

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Website Links:

jonestes.com
Instagram:
@estesbass

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

The post RSR547 – Jon Estes – Simplicity and Communication Make Better Records [Béla Fleck, Robyn Hitchcock] appeared first on Recording Studio Rockstars.

RSR546 – Ronnie & Tiffany Notch – Bring Hip-Hop, AI, VR, Microsoft and Music-Learning to 40 Million Kids

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

What happens when you mix turntables with virtual reality to reach 4 million students and 20,000 educators worldwide?

My guests today are Ronnie and Tiffany Notch, the creative forces behind Breach, a company that blends music, technology, and education in groundbreaking ways. They share their journey from a chance meeting in a recording studio to building Breach, highlighting the role of Asymbli, their entertainment division. The discussion covers their extensive educational outreach, which has impacted millions of students globally, and their collaborations with major brands like Microsoft.

They delve into the delicate balance between passion and business, the power of intuition in creativity, and the innovative use of storyboarding in music production. They also explore the importance of selecting the right artists and maintaining a playful approach to creativity, all while balancing work and family life. The episode underscores music's role as a universal language and its potential in education.

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts March 9, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

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Website Links:

thisisbreach.com
Instagram:
@ronnienotch
@tynotch

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

The post RSR546 – Ronnie & Tiffany Notch – Bring Hip-Hop, AI, VR, Microsoft and Music-Learning to 40 Million Kids appeared first on Recording Studio Rockstars.

RSR545 – Josh Frigo – The Art of Atmos Mixing and Creative Collaboration in the Nashville Scene

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

My guest today is Josh Frigo, a producer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, and artist based in Nashville, Tennessee, who believes in putting artists and their ideas first. After several years as a touring utility player, Josh shifted his focus full-time to production and mixing, building a creative career shaped by self-learning, collaboration, and curiosity.

Working across pop, singer-songwriter, and alternative genres, he’s produced and developed indie artists such as MisterMoon, Sparkbird, and Phùng Khanh Linh, and co-mixed Atmos projects for Niall Horan, NF, Bo Staloch, and more with his mixing partner Alex Dobbert at Movement Mixing.

A big thank-you to Andy Freeman for making today’s introduction!

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts March 9, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

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LISTEN TO DISCOGRAPHY ON SPOTIFY

Website Links:

www.joshfrigo.com
Instagram:@junior.frigo

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

The post RSR545 – Josh Frigo – The Art of Atmos Mixing and Creative Collaboration in the Nashville Scene appeared first on Recording Studio Rockstars.

RSR544 – Eric Sarafin – Mixerman’s Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music & Songs.

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

What actually makes a mix feel musical before you ever touch an EQ?

My guest today is Eric Sarafin, better known as Mixerman - a gold- and platinum-selling producer, mixer, and engineer with credits ranging from The Pharcyde and Tone-Lōc to Ben Harper, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, Foreigner, and Pete Murray. He’s also the author of Zen and the Art of Mixing, Zen and the Art of Producing, Zen and the Art of Recording, and his newest book, Mixerman’s Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music & Songs.

In this episode, Eric and I get straight into what really makes mixes work - not plugins, presets, or loudness targets, but arrangement, balance, and the way instruments naturally interact. We talk about masking as something musical rather than something to eliminate, why most of the “music” lives in the midrange, and how perceived loudness comes from balance, not hype at the top or bottom.

We also dig into how listening quietly can reveal problems faster, why speed and familiarity with your tools matter more than features, and how motion and distortion bring life to otherwise static tracks. Eric shares his perspective on working fast, stepping away to regain objectivity, and making decisions that serve the song instead of the tech.

Along the way, we cover practical mic strategies for home studios, why placement matters more than price, and how knowing why you’re choosing a tool is more important than following trends. This one is about thinking musically first - and letting the mix follow.

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts March 9, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

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LISTEN TO DISCOGRAPHY ON Muso

Website Links:

mixerman.net
Instagram:@_mixerman_
X: @Mixerman
Facebook: @Mixerman
YouTube: @MixermanPublishes

RSR169 – Eric Sarafin aka Mixerman – Musician’s Survival Guide To A Killer Record

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

The post RSR544 – Eric Sarafin – Mixerman’s Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music & Songs. appeared first on Recording Studio Rockstars.

RSR543 – Travis Harrison – Recording Guided By Voices, Built To Spill, The Men, and Tons of Garage and Punk Rock in Brooklyn, NY

Vladlens Vasilcenko — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

What actually happens when you stop isolating everything and just let a band play together in the room?

My guest today is Travis Harrison, founder of Serious Business Music, a Brooklyn-based studio known for capturing raw, honest performances from real bands. Travis joined me to talk about how his studio and workflow evolved over time - from early audio-only recordings to embracing video, hybrid setups, and modern tools - while still staying rooted in classic recording approaches.

We talked about recording bands live in the room, why Travis embraces bleed instead of fighting it, and how capturing the energy of a performance often matters more than perfect isolation. He shared how he’ll use simple setups like a single M 160 ribbon mic on drums, how preparation and adaptability become critical when recording larger bands, and why letting musicians interact naturally can shape the sound of a record in ways plugins never will.

Travis also broke down his hybrid workflow, using tape as a tone-shaping tool rather than a rigid format - running tracks through a tape machine for color before moving into Pro Tools for editing and mixing. We discussed mic choices like using an SM57 on bass cabinets for midrange growl, routing and flexibility with a Soundcraft Ghost console, and how his Brooklyn studio has been shaped by real-world challenges like soundproofing, space limitations, and evolving technology. Throughout the conversation, we kept coming back to the balance between tradition and innovation - and why great records still come down to musicians, rooms, and decisions made in the moment.

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

Get hands-on training and launch your music career at SAE Institute Nashville! Learn studio production, live sound, and audio for film using industry-standard gear, taught by experienced pros. The next program starts March 9, 2026 - don’t wait! With diploma, associate, and bachelor’s programs, SAE helps you build real-world skills. Visit nashville.sae.edu to fill out an inquiry form and schedule your personal campus tour today!

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LISTEN TO DISCOGRAPHY ON SPOTIFY

Website Links:

seriousbusinessmusic.com
Instagram: @seriousbizrec
X: @Travis Harrison
Facebook: @Serious Business Music Recording Studio

Additional podcast editing and production by:
Vlad Vasilcenko
Daria Tupesis

The post RSR543 – Travis Harrison – Recording Guided By Voices, Built To Spill, The Men, and Tons of Garage and Punk Rock in Brooklyn, NY appeared first on Recording Studio Rockstars.