Recording Studio Rockstars

What does it take to build the ultimate dream studio? Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and guitarist David Kalmusky returns to the show to share his journey of designing Addiction Sound Studios and how it's shaped his approach to music production. Known for his work with John Oates, Journey, Shawn Mendes, and many more, David talks about the importance of studio setups, the magic of drums and mi...

What's the secret to crafting a killer mix? Grammy-winning mix engineer Collin Dupuis joins us to share his insights on mixing techniques, room acoustics, and creative chaos. Known for working with The Black Keys, Lana Del Rey, Angel Olsen, he discusses the evolution of music gear, collaboration, experimentation, clarity in mixing, effective file management, and tools like Soundflow and Samply tha...

In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, I sat down with the legendary David Botrill—Grammy-winning producer and engineer behind iconic albums by Tool, Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Muse, and more. David's journey began in a small Canadian studio run by Bob Lanois, where he learned to be indispensable in the room. From there, he went on to work with Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel, and Real Worl...

Is AI changing the future of music production? In this episode, I sit down with Bobby Owsinski, renowned producer, author, and music industry expert, to explore the evolving role of AI, mastering, and the creative process. We dive into the latest edition of Owsinski's Mastering Engineer's Handbook, the importance of reference tracks, and the challenges of self-mastering. Our conversation covers th...

In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Lij Shaw and Dr. Ford explore what really goes into music production—from songwriting and vocal techniques to how social media is shaping the industry. They discuss the importance of staying flexible, much like in jiu-jitsu, and how AI can be a helpful tool while still emphasizing the human touch. Dr. Ford shares stories from his journey, including st...

Rockstars, in this episode, I'm hanging with four-time Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and mixer Chris Shaw for a deep dive into the craft of recording and mixing. We talk about his journey in the industry, his unique mixing setup, and the balance between analog and digital workflows. Chris shares insights on managing plugins, keeping a solid recording system, and the nuances of working with ta...

Bob Bullock's mixed more hits than a jukebox, with 40+ years in the biz and 50+ gold & platinum credits. He's redesigned his studio three times with Carl Tatz, teaches at Belmont & SAE, and knows the magic of great acoustics, collaboration, and staying ahead of the mix! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Bob Bullock, an acclaimed engineer and produ...

Get ready to rock the world of immersive audio with award-winning producer and mixing engineer Justin Gray! In this episode, we explore his journey from bassist to pioneer in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360, uncovering spatial sound's creative and technical magic. Justin shares his innovative recording techniques, the importance of capturing music in 3D space, and the evolving role of musicians in the pr...

In this episode, Lij Shaw chats with Ben Sabin, founder of Trace Audio, about his journey from Shangri-La Studio with Rick Rubin to wiring up some of the best studios in the biz. They dive deep into the mystical world of cables, the magic of patch bays, and why good studio wiring is like rock 'n' roll feng shui — get it right, and everything just flows! Ben shares cool stories from his intern days...

Rockstars, get ready to crank it up! This episode, I'm hanging with Adam Krinsky of Bellows Studio, diving into touring, studio life, and keeping that work-life balance tight. We talk studio humidity (yep, it matters!), live recording chaos, and dream studio setups! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Adam Krinsky, starting his music career in Minne...

"AI will never touch live musicians." Tim Lauer shares his journey working on a variety of albums and TV shows, highlighting how feedback from music supervisors shapes the final sound. He talks about his innovative use of reverb, effects, guitar pedals, and real-time processing to enhance recordings, emphasizing the collaborative nature of music creation. Tim also dives into how sampling and synth...

"AI can't produce anything we haven't already heard." Chuck Zwicky and Lij Shaw discuss how AI is changing music production and songwriting, highlighting the importance of human elements and collaboration in the creative process while exploring the balance between technology and artistic expression. Chuck offers insights on mixing, emphasizing the value of interaction and the significance of live...

"Metaphors are essential in plugin design!" Bill talked about Native Instruments, managing new products at iZotope, the importance of good speakers in the studio, how AI will help your sonic perspective, and using Ozone, RX, and the Catalyst plugins. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Bill Podolak, a Senior Product Manager at iZotope by Native Inst...

"Artists should be in control of their destiny." Renowned mastering engineer Alan Douches discussed his extensive experience at West Westside Music, offering insights into the significance of immersive audio formats like Atmos and their creative potential for artists. He addressed challenges in archiving both analog and digital formats, the transformative potential of blockchain technology, and ho...

"I've never once used MIDI." Craig talked about the evolution of audio engineering, the transition to video podcasting, and the rich musical history of Muscle Shoals. Craig shares insights about his Grammy-winning work and the unique characteristics of his studio, Noble Steed, the unique UA console he acquired, and his current projects, including mixing for country artist Anna Voss. He touches on...

"Atmos mixes are crushing my stereo mixes!" Colt talked about upgrading his mixing studio to Atmos, DIY construction, studio ergonomics, mixing on headphones, huge snare sounds, growing a Youtube channel, and why the new Mac Mini is right for you. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Colt Capperrune, a producer, mix engineer, and mastering engineer w...

Join host Lij Shaw as he dives into the sonic journey of audio engineering with Dave Glasser, founder of Airshow Mastering, revealing the secrets behind mastering timeless records like those of the Grateful Dead. In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Dave shares his rich 35-year experience—from tape transfers using the Plangent Process to his days at NPR—while exploring the delicate balan...

"Keep it as simple as possible!" Join Lij Shaw and Shawn Lemon as they dive into the intricacies of mastering technology in the recording studio, sharing expert insights on streamlining workflows and maximizing productivity. From organizing files and navigating cloud storage solutions like Google Drive to leveraging email management techniques, this conversation is packed with essential tips for c...

"I mix in exclamation points!" Join host Lij Shaw as he dives into a vibrant conversation with Grammy and Emmy award-winning engineer Jamie Tate in this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars! With insights from his journey as the owner of The Rukkus Room in Nashville, Jamie offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the evolving landscape of country music and the artistry of mixing. They navigate the...

"Get the main menu music worked out!" In this captivating episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, host Lij Shaw sits down with the talented music director and game audio specialist, Steve Pardo. They dive into Steve's journey from jazz musician to game composer, sharing his insights on the creative process and collaboration in the industry. Steve passionately discusses how to get the main menu musi...

Wanna get a big fat snare drum sound? In this dynamic episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, host Lij Shaw interviews music producer and engineer Charlie Waymire, the visionary behind Ultimate Studios Inc. From his roots as a drummer to mastering studio workflow in Los Angeles, Charlie shares his journey and the challenges he's faced. They delve into achieving that big fat snare drum sound, the in...

"It's all about the spirit, man." In this electrifying episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, host Lij Shaw reunites with the ingenious Brian Murphree, the mastermind behind Sound Porter Mastering. Together, they traverse Brian's remarkable journey from passionate musician to a celebrated mastering engineer, illuminating the vital role of sonic excellence in music production. Their conversation un...

Incremental progress leads to significant achievements! Join Lij Shaw as he interviews audio veteran Alex Ohana, who shares stories from a 35-year career. Alex reveals the power of embracing risk and reinvention, along with the importance of community in the audio world. He discusses his journey, from recording techniques to the evolution of technology, and offers insights into finding success in...

"You can do whatever you want." In this engaging interview, Lij Shaw sits down with Jason Livermore, co-owner of the Blasting Room studio, to explore Jason's transformative journey from aspiring musician to Grammy-winning producer. They discuss the studio's evolution, the significance of high-quality equipment, and the invaluable experience gained from working with interns. Jason delves into the i...

"It's all about intention." In this episode of the podcast, Lij Shaw sits down with seasoned artist, songwriter, and producer Ryan Ordway, who shares insights from his two-decade journey through the music industry. They discuss various nuances of music production, covering topics from remote recording challenges to the importance of acoustics and effective studio management. Ryan emphasizes the ne...