Making a Scene Presents

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Doc Bowling Doc Bowling & His Blues Professors are the real deal—a powerhouse blues band built on grit, soul, and musical scholarship. Led by Doc Bowling, a seasoned vocalist and guitarist with decades of performing under his belt, the band brings together a lineup of master musicians who deliver authentic blues with fire, finesse, and heart. http://www.ma...

Making a Scene - Ozone 12: How iZotope’s New Mastering Plugin Is Changing the Game Introduction If you’ve ever finished mixing a song and thought, “Why doesn’t this sound like the tracks on Spotify or the radio?”—you’re not alone. That final polish you’re missing is called mastering, and it’s the step that takes a track from good to professional. For years, mastering was expensive, mysterious, and...

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Michael Allman Michael Allman, the eldest son of Southern rock legend Gregg Allman, has carved out his own place in the world of blues and rock with a voice and presence that carry forward his family’s iconic legacy. Based in Port Richey, Florida, Michael blends the raw soul of Southern rock with the grit of modern blues, creating a sound that i...

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Lord Bolt Lord Bolt is a Swedish musician, drummer, singer, and songwriter who refuses to follow the rules. His sound cuts across blues, rockabilly, jazz, swing, country, and roots rock—always raw, honest, and full of emotion. At the heart of his music is a deep love for the blues, powered by the drive of rock ’n’ roll and the soul of jazz and country. He...

PreSonus Studio One 7.2: A Deep Dive Review The provided text offers an in-depth review of PreSonus Studio One 7.2, highlighting its strengths as a fast, flexible, and professional Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) suitable for various music production roles. It traces the DAW's history, emphasizing its modern, clean-slate design compared to older software and how it evolved into an all-in-one solut...

AI Mastering for Indie Artists: A Practical Guide This document provides a comprehensive guide to audio mastering for indie artists, specifically focusing on the growing role of AI-powered tools. It begins by defining mastering and its importance in achieving a "radio-ready" sound for various listening environments and streaming platforms. The text then explains how modern AI mastering works, noti...

AI Marketing for Independent Musicians: A Simple Guide The provided text, "AI Marketing for Indie Musicians," explores how artificial intelligence can empower independent artists to grow their fanbase and manage their careers more efficiently. It emphasizes that AI acts as a smart assistant, not a replacement for creativity, by handling tasks such as personalizing fan communications, repurposing c...

Breaking Free: Decentralized Music for Indie Artists "Breaking Free: Indie Musicians and Decentralization," explores how Web3 technology and decentralization are empowering independent musicians to escape the limitations of the traditional music industry. It highlights how major record labels and streaming platforms operate like restrictive gatekeepers, offering artists meager earnings and limited...

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for indie artists looking to build a home recording studio on a budget, emphasizing that expensive equipment isn't necessary for professional-sounding music. It outlines essential gear categories, including audio interfaces, microphones, headphones, and digital audio workstations (DAWs), offering specific, affordable product recommendations in each. The...

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mary Strand I never dreamed of being a writer as a kid. Nope. I had bigger plans—like joining the Harlem Globetrotters, skating with the Ice Follies, or becoming a U.S. Senator. While other little girls fantasized about being princesses, I wanted to be king. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Johnny Iguana Johnny Iguana, along with his longtime songwriting and producing partner JQ, is the composer behind the original score for the hit FX/Hulu series The Bear. Though Chicago has been his home for decades, Johnny still carries his East Coast roots proudly. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Brings you an interview with Brad "Guitar" Wilson Brad “Guitar” Wilson is quickly becoming a standout name in the modern blues rock scene, known for his fiery guitar work, soulful vocals, and magnetic stage presence. With a sound that blends classic influences and contemporary energy, Wilson continues to build a loyal fanbase across the U.S. and beyond. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - What is a Music DAO? How to Start or Join One and Take Control of Your Career If you’re an independent musician, chances are you’ve felt that nagging frustration: the music industry is built to keep power in the hands of labels, managers, and big platforms. They control the money, the exposure, and too often, the rights to your music. For decades, artists have been left f...

Making a Scene - How AI Can Build Your Music Marketing Plan in Minutes Being an indie musician today means wearing a lot of hats. You’re not just the songwriter and performer—you’re also the marketer, designer, and promoter. In the old days, record labels had entire departments handling those jobs. Now it often falls on your shoulders, and that can feel overwhelming. Luckily, AI is stepping in to...

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Yates McKendree Producer Kevin McKendree puts it best: “Because of Yates’s lifelong dedication to blues and roots music, he’s developed a direct line from his soul to whatever instrument he picks up. When he sings and plays, you don’t just hear it—you feel it. On these recordings, you’ll hear him on guitar, drums, bass, upright bass, and organ. Beyond all...

Making a Scene - AI in Mixing – The Rise of Smart Mix Assistants Mixing music has always been a blend of science, art, and gut feeling. For indie musicians working on tight budgets without access to high-end studios or pro engineers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. How do you know where to set your EQ? Should the vocals sit louder, or should the drums punch harder? This is where artificial int...

Making a Scene - AI for Merch & Fan Product Design: Turning Ideas into Unique Fan Experiences Merch has always been one of the most powerful tools indie artists have. Not only does it bring in money, but it also builds identity. A shirt, a vinyl sleeve, or even a sticker isn’t just an object—it’s a way for fans to carry your music into the world. The problem for many artists has always been cost....

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's interview with Slyder Smith UK rock artist Slyder Smith returns with a powerful new single, “Nobody’s Listening,” out 15th August 2025. Raw, melodic, and unflinchingly honest, the track captures the frustration of trying to be heard in a world drowning in noise. “It’s about screaming for attention while everyone’s too distracted to notice,” Slyder explains. “W...

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Blind Lemon Pledge In 2021, Blind Lemon Pledge (aka Bay Area bluesman James Byfield) released “A Satchel Full of Blues”, an eclectic and wide ranging collection of original American Roots based songs set to a stripped down combo sound with drums, bass, guitar and harmonica. Garnering a slew of rave reviews, the album went to the top of the Blues charts, la...

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-wor...

If you’ve ever recorded a song at home and then compared it to something on Spotify, you’ve probably asked yourself: Why doesn’t my track sound as big, clear, or balanced as theirs? You might have a great performance, good songwriting, and even solid mixing, but something still feels off. That “something” often comes down to EQ—short for equalization. EQ controls how loud or quiet different parts...

The music industry has always been tough on independent artists. You spend hours in the studio, pouring your energy and creativity into your songs, only to find that the money side of things feels like an endless maze. Streaming platforms pay very little, royalty checks take months—or even years—to arrive, and by the time everyone in the chain has taken their cut, there’s often barely anything lef...

If you’re an independent musician in 2025, your online footprint is your career.  Not your latest gig. Not your new single. Not even your merch table. It’s how people find you, remember you, and decide whether to care about you. But here’s the problem: most indie artists are flying blind. They’re throwing songs into the void of Spotify, posting random updates on Instagram, and hoping something sti...

If you’re an independent musician, you’ve probably heard this advice more than once: “Post more on social media!” And sure, it’s good advice. But here’s the problem—coming up with fresh, creative ideas every single day while also writing songs, booking gigs, recording music, and, you know, living your life can feel impossible. You want to keep your fans engaged, grow your audience, and show the wo...

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Matt Schofield British-born and now based in the United States, Matt Schofield has spent his career redefining and expanding the boundaries of British Blues. A multi-award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, and bandleader, Schofield has been performing for more than 30 years, with over 20 years dedicated to his solo career. Widely recognized...