Studio Secrets A to Z

Nick Richards is the founder and frontman of the iconic ’80s band Boys Don’t Cry and creator of the world’s first A.I. record label. Before the band and record label, Richards got his start by purchasing London’s famed Maison Rouge Recording Studios, where he worked with legendary acts like Duran Duran, Queen, Tears For Fears, Wham and so many more incredible artists. It was during this time he la...

Anthony J Resta interviews Ali McGuire, a mix engineer and producer, about her mixing process and techniques. Ali discusses her work with Joji and 88 Rising, highlighting her use of vocal chains, including the 610 and SSL EQ, and her preference for Valhalla reverb. She shares her approach to vocal production, emphasizing the importance of layering and saturation. Ali also talks about her personal...

Ali “AMAC” McGuire, is a platinum mix engineer turned speaker and mental health advocate who knows that story firsthand. After working with Joji, Murdabeatz, Kelly Rowland, Shordie Shordie, Post Malone, and more, Ali realized that outward success doesn’t always mean inner peace. Now 13.5 years sober, she shares her Inner Compass framework to help others - especially creatives and young adults -  b...

Nuno Bettencourt is best known for his role as the lead guitarist of the Boston rock band Extreme, whose hits include acoustic ballads "More Than Words" and "Hole Hearted". In addition to his contribution to the world of rock and heavy metal, Bettencourt draws from an eclectic variety of styles and influences that is heard in his unique rhythm patterns and his ability to arpeggiate notes through s...

Nuno Bettencourt is best known for his role as the lead guitarist of the Boston rock band Extreme, whose hits include acoustic ballads "More Than Words" and "Hole Hearted". In addition to his contribution to the world of rock and heavy metal, Bettencourt draws from an eclectic variety of styles and influences that is heard in his unique rhythm patterns and his ability to arpeggiate notes through s...

Jason Scheff has cemented his place in music history as the iconic lead vocalist for the legendary band Chicago, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since joining the multi-platinum band in 1985, Jason has infused his electrifying vocals into some of Chicago's biggest hits, including his rendition of "25 or 6 to 4" and the beloved classic, "Will You Still Love Me." His dynamic...

Jason Scheff has cemented his place in music history as the iconic lead vocalist for the legendary band Chicago, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since joining the multi-platinum band in 1985, Jason has infused his electrifying vocals into some of Chicago's biggest hits, including his rendition of "25 or 6 to 4" and the beloved classic, "Will You Still Love Me." His dynamic...

Jason Scheff has cemented his place in music history as the iconic lead vocalist for the legendary band Chicago, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since joining the multi-platinum band in 1985, Jason has infused his electrifying vocals into some of Chicago's biggest hits, including his rendition of "25 or 6 to 4" and the beloved classic, "Will You Still Love Me." His dynamic...

In Part 2 of Bruce Watson interview  I continue the conversation diving deep into real-world production techniques using songs from his incredibly talented daughter Ali Watson as our creative springboard. We break down arrangement choices, sonic textures, and the subtle decisions that elevate a track from good to unforgettable—all through the lens of hands-on studio experience. It’s a rare, inside...

In this episode of Studio Secrets A to Z, I sit down with Bruce Watson of Foreigner for a deep dive into the craft behind one of rock’s most enduring sounds. We get into the DNA of those iconic guitar textures, the discipline of keeping a legacy band fresh on stage, and the untold studio moments that shaped the records everyone knows by heart. It’s a conversation about precision, feel, and longevi...

Step inside the sonic time machine with multi-platinum producer and composer Anthony J. Resta as he dusts off decades of rare tracks, hidden gems, and cinematic creations from his vault. Each hourlong episode is a guided journey through sound - complete with behind-the-scenes stories, creative alchemy, and production secrets that shaped the music. It's part nostalgia, part masterclass, and pure Ci...

Tony Rolando is a self-taught electronic musical instrument designer who started his career by obsessively reading amateur radio books at a public library, playing in bands, and by working for Moog synthesizers. He is the co-founder of Make Noise Music – a highly regarded manufacturer of synthesizers and modules best known for its innovative and unique designs. Thanks to his deep passion for sound...

Tony Rolando is a self-taught electronic musical instrument designer who started his career by obsessively reading amateur radio books at a public library, playing in bands, and by working for Moog synthesizers. He is the co-founder of Make Noise Music – a highly regarded manufacturer of synthesizers and modules best known for its innovative and unique designs. Thanks to his deep passion for sound...

Venture into the world of conducting and orchestral composition with the talented, Neal Desby, a Hollywood orchestrator, conductor, and human well of musical knowledge and info. His work is in countless film and TV scores, including Disney’s Agents of Shield, drama/comedy movie, Seeking A Friend For The End of The World starring Steve Carrell and Kiera Knightly, and the blockbuster hit, Marvel’s G...

Venture into the world of conducting and orchestral composition with the talented, Neal Desby, a Hollywood orchestrator, conductor, and human well of musical knowledge and info. His work is in countless film and TV scores, including Disney’s Agents of Shield, drama/comedy movie, Seeking A Friend For The End of The World starring Steve Carrell and Kiera Knightly, and the blockbuster hit, Marvel’s G...

Step inside the sonic time machine with multi-platinum producer and composer Anthony J. Resta as he dusts off decades of rare tracks, hidden gems, and cinematic creations from his vault. Each hourlong episode is a guided journey through sound - complete with behind-the-scenes stories, creative alchemy, and production secrets that shaped the music. It's part nostalgia, part masterclass, and pure Ci...

Step inside the sonic time machine with multi-platinum producer and composer Anthony J. Resta as he dusts off decades of rare tracks, hidden gems, and cinematic creations from his vault. Each hourlong episode is a guided journey through sound - complete with behind-the-scenes stories, creative alchemy, and production secrets that shaped the music. It's part nostalgia, part masterclass, and pure Ci...

Step inside the sonic time machine with multi-platinum producer and composer Anthony J. Resta as he dusts off decades of rare tracks, hidden gems, and cinematic creations from his vault. Each hourlong episode is a guided journey through sound - complete with behind-the-scenes stories, creative alchemy, and production secrets that shaped the music. It's part nostalgia, part masterclass, and pure Ci...

Aubrey Logan has been called “the Queen of Sass,” but her artistry goes far deeper than charm. A world-class jazz vocalist and trombonist, she fuses powerhouse vocals with dazzling musicianship and an engaging stage presence that makes every performance unforgettable. From her earliest days—winning the Jury and Audience Awards at the prestigious Shure Montreux Jazz Festival Voice Competition—Aubre...

From a young age, Michael has always been an avid music lover. His fascination with music started as early as age 14 with his obsession with synthesizers; This transformed into a career as a synthesist, and later, into a prolific producer and engineer. His passions would lead him to make music with Herbie Hancock, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Sound Garden and...

From a young age, Michael has always been an avid music lover. His fascination with music started as early as age 14 with his obsession with synthesizers; This transformed into a career as a synthesist, and later, into a prolific producer and engineer. His passions would lead him to make music with Herbie Hancock, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Sound Garden and...

Michael may be known primarily for his award winning acting career, but in this episode of Studio Secrets A to Z, we’re focusing on Michael’s amazing talent and passion for music. His music career can be described as a passion pursuit alongside his acting work. Michael released his debut album, "Influence," in 2016, showcasing his vocal abilities and admiration for rock music. In addition to his s...

Step inside the sonic time machine with multi-platinum producer and composer Anthony J. Resta as he dusts off decades of rare tracks, hidden gems, and cinematic creations from his vault. Each hourlong episode is a guided journey through sound - complete with behind-the-scenes stories, creative alchemy, and production secrets that shaped the music. It's part nostalgia, part masterclass, and pure Ci...

Music featured Tim Barrett “Dusty Rhodes” from album “Feathers” C.Helmsford“ Slide” from forthcoming EP Magnets and Ghosts “I’m not the Devil” from EP “be born” Duran Duran “ Ball of Confusion” from “Thankyou” album The New Collisions “ Parachutes on the Dancefloor” from EP “invisible braces” The Serial Thrillers “ You Can Do Anything”   Stephanie Jake “Drive” single  Satellite Party featuring Per...

Josh’s creative work spans across many genres: from circuit design, session playing, writing, photography, to marketing – his creativity knows no limits. However, for over the past decade, his area of focus has been as the CEO and founder of JHS pedals – a widely popular and highly praised pedal company. This line of work has led him to collaborate with many artists such as guitar sensation John M...