MPW Podcast

Have you gone shopping for a pair of studio monitors and been wondering where to start with all the options, from near-field to far-field to ported or unported? In this episode Xylo chats to Danny Greet, a product specialist at Yamaha on all the different things to consider when purchasing a pair of monitors for your setup whether that's a large studio or a smaller home set up. You will need a...

If you're an independent artist, chances are that you are also your own PR manager. In this episode, Xylo Aria chats with the Managing Editor of The Brag Media, Poppy Reid on the best ways for an artist to pitch their music to journalists and also what to avoid. So have a listen before you go out to press for your next release to improve your chances of success! Follow Poppy Reid: https://www....

Artificial Intelligence is becoming a bigger part of lives in a number of fields including music creation. In the field of mastering, artificial intelligence can be used in multiple ways but maybe not everyone sees it as a good thing! In this episode, Xylo chats with expert mastering engineer Jonathan Wyner on his take on the topic, how new advances in technology will impact engineers going forwar...

In a day where you really don't need other people to make music, musicians can often get stuck in the trap of making the creation and releasing of music a very solitary process. Industry professionals however will often tell you that there could not have gotten to where they are today without investing in building and nurturing a network around them. In this episode, Xylo chat to platinum sell...

Ever wondered why the imbalances in power in the music industry seem to be so severe compared to other industries? In this episode, Xylo chats with Dr Jeff Crabtree on his thoughts on this very issue. Together they dig into the causes of misogyny, imbalances of power, specific case studies and potential ways in which we can together make improvements in the industry. The discussion is largely in r...

If you find the topic of music copyright, royalties, and song-splits extremely confusing, you're not alone! In this episode Xylo chats to music royalties expert and Head of Creative & Partnerships at Songtrust to demystify the different types of royalties, who is entitled to them and how to make sure that you collect everything you're entitled to as a songwriter, performer and a produc...

There are LOADS of mental strains that creatives, especially musicians, deal with such as perfectionism, fear of failure, comparison to others, imposter syndrome and more. In this episode Xylo chats with Ariane Paras from Olympia coaching on each of these topics and ways to keep ahead or overcome them.  Follow Ariane Paras & Olympia Coaching: https://www.instagram.com/olympiacoaching/ Become a...

Want to know what you need to create a home studio setup that inspires you with consideration of budget, space and longevity? In this episode, Xylo Aria chats to Ableton Certified trainer Dan Giffin on what you need to create a great home studio set up depending on your needs and what you are trying to achieve. They go through gear recommendations, things to consider when choosing gear and a few t...

Being a musician often means being able to pivot and finding a way to make what you love, work for you. In this episode Xylo chats to Nina Las Vegas who has worn multiple hats over the last few years from radio present to DJ, to artist, to music label owner. Nina talks about how to manage all these aspects of music and some tips on ways to keep moving forward. Follow Nina Las Vegas: https://www.in...

Have you ever heard of re-recording engineering? In this episode, Xylo chats with experienced re-recording engineer Sherry Klein who has worked on shows such as Arrested Development, Sons of Anarchy, Burn Notice etc. on her job, how she got involved in her post-production role and tips for people looking to work in this field. Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership...

In this episode, host Xylo Aria uncovers the fascinating story of a UK based song-writer Charlotte Wilson and how she began writing for the biggest K-Pop artists in the world sick as ITZY, EXO, Khang Daniel and Astro. Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership Learn to produce music with MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/free-trial

What does a music editor for film do exactly? Great question! In this episode, Xylo Aria chats to Emmy nominated Music Editor Poppy Kavanaugh on the job of a music editor, what is involved and how to get into it if you're starting out. Get 30% off the first year's subscription for Distrokid: https://distrokid.com/vip/mpw   Support us by becoming a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwome...

Transitioning from a career in other parts of the music industry into music production can be daunting and feel like starting from scratch. In this episode, Xylo chats to Songwriter, Jazz Pianist and Music Producer Hannah V about her journey from being a world-touring jazz pianist for pop artists such as Rihannah, Jessie J, Jay Sean and more, to a music producer who has now worked with artists suc...

The lines between mixing and production seem to get more and more blurred of late. In this episode, Xylo invites producer and mixer Charlie Andrew to chat through his process of mixing his own productions and what he looks out for. Follow Charlie Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/charlie.andrew.12/ Check out the newly released Infiltrator Plugin by Devious machines through which you can turn a sim...

The entry point into a music studio for producers and engineers can often be through the job of a studio runner. In this episode, Xylo chats with assistant engineer Ramera Abraham about her time as a runner at the world-renowned Metropilos Studios, and they cover applying for running positions, how to prepare for them, succeed in them, and a few other bits and pieces! Ramera Abraham: https://www.i...

When starting out in the music production or mixing journey, it can be often tempting to keep adding where sometimes taking away may be the right solutions. In this episode, Xylo chat with producer and mixer Nick Mills about his production and mixing process and specifically, the tricks he has to not overdo it! Follow Nick Mills: https://www.instagram.com/_nickmills_/ Become a member of MPW: https...

In this episode, Xylo chats with LA based producer and composer Drum & Lace on producing for film and visuals, how she got her breaks in the industry and also how to deal with rejection in the industry. Follow Drum & Lace: https://www.instagram.com/drumandlace/ Get 30% off the first year's subscription for Distrokid: https://distrokid.com/vip/mpw Support us by becoming a member of MPW:...

The job of a playback engineer can sometimes be misunderstood. In this episode Xylo chat with experienced playback engineer Rayna Zemel on what the job of a playback engineer entails, her tips to get into it, and also some insightful stories of her time on tour with many world-renowned artists. Follow Rayna Zemel: https://www.instagram.com/rayzemel/ Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionf...

The issue of underrepresentation is sometimes spoken about within silos of men or women but not often between men and women on an equal playing field. In this episode, Xylo chats with guest artist and song-writer Benn Jordan on his take on why there are so few female producers. The episode was inspired by Benn's Youtube video exploring this very issue. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Have you ever sat down to write a song and your brain feels like jelly and tells you that you have no more creativity left if you? Lucky for you, seasoned songwriter Lizzy McAvoy has been in this situations and overcome it countess times, proven by her Gold and Silver Certified song credits aswell as writing for some of the biggest publishing labels in the world.  Follow Lizzy McAvoy: https://www....

The term Sound Design can cover a huge number of things including creating sounds from scratch, to recording environmental noises to manipulating samples. In this episode Xylo chats with sound designer Dom Smart on his various experiences in the field and all the different career paths that sound design can lead into. Follow Dom Smart: https://www.instagram.com/neurodriveruk/ Get 30% off the first...

When creating music, an artist's focus can often be on just that, creating music! While that's great, the importance of giving time and thought to a release strategy and PR can be forgotten. In this episode, Whitney Asher, CEO of The Marketing Mixtape shares her best time for DIY tips for when they're approaching self-marketing and where to get startet. Follow The Marketing Mixtape: ht...

Vocals are often the most important element of a track and need some attention during the mix stage to ensure they have the desired presence and feel. In this episode, Xylo Aria discusses the process of mixing vocals, different vocal mixing techniques and favourite plugins with renowned producer and engineer Damien Lewis.  Follow Damien Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/damienpagelewis/ Support us...

When we think heavy metal, we think a lot of sounds that are really big! Sometimes when we have many sounds fighting for an area of space, it can be a challenge to give each the clarity and space it needs. In this episode Xylo chats with multi-platinum award-winning producer and mixer, Ulrich Wild about working with rock and heavy metal music and his best tips on producing and mixing this genre. F...

Often when we think production, we think the technical aspects of production and how to create better sounding sounds using the tools available. In this episode however, we chat to producer Maria Elisa Ayerbe about the all important human connection of the producer with the music and the artist. Listen for Maria's tips on how to get the best from the artist during sessions by understanding the...