MPW Podcast

Ever wondered what it would be like to capture recordings for producing music in Antarctica? In this episode Xylo chats with artist and climate change activist Madame Gandhi about her work and the experience of creating sound packs from expeditions in Antarctica and also the Arctic Circle. Gandhi also discusses music's place in the climate change conversation and the impact it can have on our acti...

Ever wondered what it takes to create a #1 hit song as a songwriter and what you need to do to get there? In this episode Xylo chats with experienced Music Executive LeAnn Phelan who has worked with Grammy Award winning songwriters on what sets apart the songwriters who succeed and what songwriters can do to improve their skills. She also talks about what music publishers look for when signing son...

Gain is an extremely important step in the mixing process but what do you actually need to think about to use it most effectively in your mixes? In this episode Xylo chats to Mixer, Producer and Founder of The Academy of Audio, Simon Moro about how to use Gain in various stages in the mix process to increase clarity and enhace your track overall. Free Tickets to the MPW Women in Music Tech Summit...

Are you feeling a worried about what the future looks like for musicians in the age of AI? If so things may not be as scary as you initially thought! In this episode Xylo chats with Head of Insight at Music Ally, Stuart Dredge about the pros and cons of AI in the music industry, how artists are currenty using AI tools and what the future may potentially look like with this technology. Free tickets...

Have you wondered if the mastering process is different depending on the genre of the song being mastered? In this episode, mastering engineer Natalie Bibby talks through her process when mastering different genres, what to consider and her favourite tools to use to master different kinds of music. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual sub...

Would you love to record some violin, cellos, harp or guitar and are not sure where to start? In this episode we chat to award winning engineer Fiona Cruickshank on her suggestions on which mics to use, recording techniques, recording environment etc. to to the best sound for these instruments. Join a community of female artists and producers around the world by becoming a member of MPW: https://w...

To get a great master on a track from our mastering engineer, we need to ensure that we are giving them the best possibile mix as a starting point! In this episode Xylo Aria chats to Grammy Nominated mastering engineer Joseph Carra on the top things to consider when preparing your mix before sending it off for mastering. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first y...

It is quite a challenge in staying true to oneself amidst the pressures and expectations of the music world, but have you ever wondered what it truly means to be your authentic self while aiming to achieve remarkable success in the music industry? In this episode, Xylo chats with Nashville-based award-winning songwriter and producer, Bonnie Baker, about discovering your truth and worth, and being...

In many areas where men have been in control, women are now stepping up and making their presence known, but what challenges do they face and what keeps them going as they claim their space? In this episode, Xylo chats with professor, sound engineer, and record producer, Susan Rogers, about overcoming doubts & driving towards success, and tips and advice for women in the workplace. Grab your F...

Dance music has a unique way of electrifying the atmosphere, but what is it about those beats and pulsing rhythms that makes it so catchy? In this episode, Xylo chats with producer, singer-songwriter & educator, Kerry Leva, about dance music and the important elements and techniques in producing one. Grab your FREE tickets to our EmpowHer Sound US Tour at https://musicproductionforwomen.com/ev...

It is such an amazing thing how mental healing and therapy can transform lives, but how does music therapy really work to foster emotional well-being and mental health? In this episode, Xylo chats with Certified Music Therapist, Neurologic Music Therapist, and Holistic Wellness Advocate Kimberly Dolan about music therapy, the work done in the field, and the skills you need to pursue a career as a...

Getting your creative juices flowing can sometimes be draining and requires a lot of inspiration and hard work, especially if you are a creative who practices daily. In this episode, Xylo chats with psychologist, writer, and designer Ash King about embracing creativity, and shares tips on how to integrate innovative thinking and practices into everyday activities. Distrokid has kindly offered all...

Songwriters play a big role in the music industry by writing songs that fit the styles and genres of different artists. But have you ever wondered how their musical ideas successfully get produced and released by top-performing artists? In this episode, Xylo chats with London-based, platinum-selling songwriter, artist, vocal producer, and DJ, Dani Senior, about writing for other artists and tips o...

Watching sports on TV or other multimedia is not just about the action and in-game content, it is also about sound design in audio production which involves carefully arranging elements to make the game's soundscape immersive and exciting. In this episode, Xylo chats with Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Sound Designer and Engineer, Maria Mora, about sports production and how to elevate sports...

Songwriting isn't just about inspiration; it's also about understanding the basics, piece by piece, fitting all elements together to create the song we love. In this episode, Xylo chats with ICMP Songwriting Professor, Sophie Daniels, about the creative process of songwriting and understanding the basic structures in creating a song. Follow Sophie Daniels & ICMP Instagram: https://www....

Producers have their own way to really be creative and make detailed music arrangements exactly how they want, but have you ever wondered how they dynamically control various aspects of a mix to enhance the overall sound? In this episode, Xylo chats with Grammy-nominated and MOBO award-winning mixer and engineer, Clinton McCreery, about automation and the important things and tips to note on how t...

In today's music industry, boundaries have been continuously pushed to move traditional music expression to a whole new level. But have you ever wondered how artistry and engineering have been seamlessly merged to achieve this? In this episode, Xylo chats with pioneering inventor-producer-performer, Lia Mice, on the creative process of instrument making, innovating more sustainable instrument...

It is no secret that musicians face numerous challenges within the industry, but how deeply do we truly understand these shortcomings, especially the changes required to instigate meaningful progress and envision a future where inclusivity, respect, and protection prevail? In this episode, Xylo chats with ISM Senior Policy & Campaigns Officer, Naomi McCarthy, on the realities of discrimination...

3D sound nowadays has been offering a more open and dynamic sonic experience to listeners, but have you ever wondered how this sound that envelops you from all directions has been transformed? In this episode, Xylo chats with multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer, Jacob 'Biz' Morris, about the essence of spatial audio, the unique aspects of its mixing process, and how it...

Cultivating inspiration and adapting to different perspectives is always necessary in the ever-expanding world of music, but what really is the relationship between creativity and psychology in terms of music production, engineering, and composition? In this episode, Xylo chats with Grammy Award-winning audio engineer, music producer, and arranger/composer, Natalia Milanesi, about collaborating wi...

Let's celebrate 100 episodes together! In this special edition episode, Xylo Aria chats about where the podcast and MPW started 4 years ago and the journey to getting where it is today. Numerous audience questions were submitted for the episode which Xylo also answers during the episode. We want to say a huge thanks to our listeners for sticking with us for the journey :) Enter the 100th Episo...

The trend of infusing compositions with familiar tunes has already become popular nowadays but how do you really navigate the complexities of collaboration and credit that comes with it? In this episode, Xylo chats with multifaceted artist and producer, Raphaella, about how interpolations work and how exactly are splits negotiated in this creative process. Follow Raphaella: https://www.instagram.c...

Achieving an exceptional sound in your mixes begins with selecting the right microphone for each instrument but how do you really capture the true brilliance of every note in your music. In this episode, Xylo chats with award-winning audio engineer and Shure Incorporated Product Specialist, Paul Mc Whirter, on the different microphone techniques in recording and the secret to achieving real great...

It is always a key factor in getting your low-frequency mixes right especially when your music is on different platforms, but have you ever thought about how to determine, control, and harmonize these foundational tones? In this episode, Xylo chats with award-winning Canadian mix engineer, composer, audio engineer, and Izotope's video team manager, Geoff Manchester, about how to determine low...

Musical landscapes have continuously evolved with the rhythm of technological advancements, but have you ever wondered how these profound changes revolutionized music from across different eras, from the early days of recording to today's digital age? In this episode, Xylo chats with five-time Grammy Award-nominated Electronic Music pioneer dubbed as "America’s First Female Synth Hero&quo...