RSR563 - Bobby Bare Jr - Why Monk Songs Come From a Disco Heart and Other Unicorn Sightings

Why do your deepest, most emotional songs come out better when you stop trying so hard?In this episode, I sit down with Nashville legend Bobby Bare Jr. - fearless songwriter, creative instigator, touring bassist for Guided By Voices, and the son of Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Bare. This conversation is a masterclass in real creativity, free of pretension and full of joy, humor, wisdom, and truth bombs about songwriting, gear, life, ego, and the artistic process.We dig deep into Bobby’s philosophy that the most powerful songs often come from the most playful moments - not the heavy, serious headspace many writers force themselves into. He tells wild and meaningful stories, from growing up backstage at the Opry, to working with Shel Silverstein, to learning 60+ Guided By Voices songs at once, to the Dalai Lama cracking jokes at the Tibetan Freedom Concert.Bobby talks about writing on airplanes, co-writing momentum, muscle memory, the Nashville Number System, meditation, removing ego, and why melody can’t be taught. We even get into his early days selling T-shirts on tour with his dad, the lost demos at Alex the Great, tape machines popping out of record, Jason & The Scorchers, R.E.M, Walk the West, and the magic of the first spontaneous four minutes of an idea before “your brain ruins it.”He also shares insights on finishing songs, why momentum matters more than inspiration, how to cheat with an iPad without anyone noticing, producing at Ocean Way, working with Travis Harrison, and his upcoming Indiegogo to record a new album in Sweden.This one is packed with gold for songwriters, musicians, producers, and anyone trying to break out of their head and into flow.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1z4nv7oyqGM8BLkQckfnBn?si=9301F66ZRHGNFpBrKT0d0wIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/563

What do you actually need to know BEFORE you press your vinyl record… and what mistakes will totally ruin it?In this episode, Piper Payne returns to take us way deeper into the real-world physics, workflows, and decisions behind vinyl mastering and pressing. We dig into how your mixes translate onto a lacquer, why the inside of a record behaves differently from the outside, and what you should never do with high-frequency content, fades, or waveform clipping if you want your album to play back clean.Piper walks us through mastering decisions that happen long before a lacquer is ever cut - from sequencing songs for the side A/B layout, to choosing what belongs near the inside groove, to dealing with transient-heavy material. We talk about how vinyl masters differ from digital masters, why certain modern productions literally "can’t be cut," and how Piper preps mixes so she can create both vinyl- and digital-optimized versions without having to redo a full master.We also dig into the realities of running Physical Music Products, her independent pressing plant in Nashville. Piper explains realistic costs for pressing records, what 250-unit short runs look like, why PMP maintains fast 5–7 week turnarounds, and how they protect indie artists from being bumped by major-label orders. We get into pre-sales, special editions, distribution challenges, shipping logistics, recycled vinyl, and how PMP now handles merch, drop-shipping, and fulfillment to help artists actually profit from physical releases.Finally, Piper shares practical advice on handling, storing, and cleaning your vinyl once you’ve made it - including heat warping, inner groove distortion, groove guard, dust sleeves, jackets, mold issues, and even why some records can recover after a warp and some can’t. She also covers creative fundraising ideas, how fans influence color pressing choices, and why vinyl is still the only format where artists control quantity, pricing, and revenue directly.This episode is packed with real-world mastering and pressing knowledge you won’t get anywhere else.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QRbUHGE73GJs2e6CuN2Ai?si=2f5bd18788fb4f2eIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/562

What happens when your drumming videos blow up online… and suddenly you’re touring the world behind your own band?Hi Rockstars, it’s your host Lij Shaw.In this episode, I sat down with Nashville drummer and creator Kortney Grinwis, one half of the alt-pop duo Chapel, to talk about her journey from posting drum videos on the internet to building a full-time career on the road. Kortney shared how she developed her sound, her creative identity, and the instincts that guide her as both a drummer and artist.We talked about what it’s really like coming up in music today - navigating the industry, learning to trust yourself, and creating your own opportunities even when the traditional path doesn’t fit. Kortney opened up about the challenges she’s faced as a woman in the business, how she shaped her role in Chapel, and how embracing creativity (instead of chasing perfection) helped her evolve her drumming technique and overall artistic voice.We also got deep into the collaborative side of making records and touring. Kortney broke down how she approaches drum parts that actually serve the song, how Chapel works together to build grooves and arrangements, and why staying playful and experimental keeps the whole process fun. From life on the road to finding confidence behind the kit, Kortney’s story is a reminder that success comes from following the spark, trusting your instincts, and building the community around your music.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/32lxAhAEcxNXR1GUXt9Xfg?si=woHh3rQaQh6UCxJPLA68HgIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/561

What happens when you stop chasing the band dream… and start writing songs that actually work in the real world?Hi Rockstars, it’s your host Lij Shaw.In this episode, I sat down with songwriter, producer, and sync-music mentor Mike Meiers to dig into how he went from traditional band life to building a sustainable career writing music for film, TV, ads, and beyond.We talked about how understanding the emotional core of a song is the number-one skill that determines whether your music connects - not just with listeners, but with supervisors, editors, and collaborators. Mike breaks down how modern production tools, templates, and writing habits can either help you communicate emotion… or get in the way.Mike also shared what it really looks like to set personal creative goals, get organized, and make consistent progress as an artist - including how coaching reshaped his career, helped him find his voice, and taught him to create opportunities instead of waiting for them. If you’ve ever felt stuck writing the same songs, or unsure how to grow beyond the band model, Mike’s perspective will definitely light a spark.And of course, we dug into the world of sync licensing - how it works, why it’s not “selling out,” and why learning to adapt to new musical styles can completely broaden your creative reach. Along the way, Mike breaks down the modern role of a producer as not just a technical problem-solver, but as emotional support, creative partner, and guide for the artist in the room.This is a great episode for anyone wanting to write better songs, improve their workflow, and carve out a real career path in today’s music industry.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2rD0VXFeAx2CEqf7cU34EL?si=4745688e073b4133&nd=1&dlsi=cfd03886002d43e4If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/560

Why does the rough mix always feel like the real song - and how the hell do you get that magic back without ruining it?In this episode, Pat Sansone and I go deep into the lifelong puzzle of mixing: why the first tracking rough has all the energy, how chasing it can make you crazy, and why mixing is really more like photography than engineering. Pat walks through how his visual art - Polaroids, slide film, CMYK vs RGB, Lambda printing - has taught him to trust instinct, appreciate imperfections, and approach mixes like developing a print rather than fixing a file. We talk about turning the screen off while playing a mix, the weird phenomenon of hearing a song differently once another person walks into the room, and why limitations make better records.We also dive into Pat’s history with The Autumn Defense, Wilco, and the Big Star universe. Pat shares memories of making The Green Hour and Circles at my house - dragging the JH-16 up the stairs, tracking G-Whiz in the basement, and writing “The Answer” face-to-face with John Stirratt twenty feet from where we sat for this interview. He explains how the new Autumn Defense record Here and Nowhere came together after an eleven-year break, why Creative Workshop became the perfect studio for it, how Teddy Morgan helped capture tones, and why he still records acoustic and vocal together whenever possible. We get into gear, mic choices (KM84s, SM58s, Sony lavs), the struggle of acoustic/vocal bleed, and the random chaos of synths, plugins, and sessions that don’t open right years later.Pat also talks about his photography book Noticing, his Infinity Mirrors ambient synth album, and how wandering with a camera unlocked the same creative freedom he felt as a teenager with a Korg Poly-6. He explains how Nashville re-energized his creative life - from running into Robyn Hitchcock in the cereal aisle at Turnip Truck to singing ooohs at Brendan Benson’s studio the next day. We share memories of New Orleans, Chicago, analog tape, Pro Tools Mix+, transferring Birdy on the Moon tracks, losing Josh Shapera, and the role Creative Workshop played in Pat’s “Nashville phase two.”By the end, we’re talking Big Star, Eggleston photographs, orchestral arrangements, radio DJing, and why slide film and tube mics scratch the same itch. It’s a wide-open conversation about creativity, sound, light, limitations, mistakes, rough mixes, and how to stay inspired for a lifetime.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZJrYkHqfDba4iL2InbLk9?si=HndgYrlWRzGusV2yOwzVagIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/559

What happens when you sit down with a songwriter who’s done everything from early fan-funded records, to major-label pop, to K-pop, to sync, to teaching songwriting at Berklee - and ask him what really matters in the studio today?Bleu McAuley and I go deep into the intersection of creativity, workflow, sync licensing, AI, and staying inspired at a time when music creation is changing fast. We start with his early days in Boston, learning four-tracks and alternate tunings, following Ducky Carlisle around Room 9 From Outer Space, and eventually being pushed by producer John Fields to take a real swing in Los Angeles. Bleu talks about shaping his voice as a solo artist, capturing inspiration quickly, and why most of the battle in the studio is simply removing friction.We dig into sync: how commercial music is its own ecosystem, why high-dollar sync often has nothing to do with the pop charts, and how entire micro-genres exist only inside advertising. Bleu breaks down the difference between library production music and custom sync, how briefs actually work, what trends supervisors follow, and how studying commercial catalogs (not Spotify playlists) changes your instincts. He explains why inspiration disappears in moments, why setups must be instant, why inspiration beats fidelity, and how he builds his studio workflow - from synth routing to outboard to leaving drums mic’d up permanently - so artists never lose the spark.In the second half, we talk about AI’s impact on music production and why it’s already reshaping expectations, budgets, and the perceived value of human-created work. Bleu predicts that production music will be “decimated,” that executives are already asking “can’t you just AI that?”, and why musicians must prepare for a world where non-AI work has to be obviously human. We talk cassette 4-track records, reel-to-reel inspiration, talent that shines through limitations, and why unique sonic imperfections may soon become a calling card. Bleu also breaks down vocal technique, why control matters more than range, and why producers should avoid technical talk during emotional takes. Finally, we look at career longevity, creative spaces, studio setup philosophy, and what advice he’d give his younger self (hint: invest early, learn piano, and chase control over perfection).Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/bleu-production-highlights/pl.u-KVXB2eLtm8P9MyIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/558

What happens when you rescue a forgotten studio that once shaped American music history - and bring it roaring back to life?This week, I sat down with Teresa Knox, the powerhouse entrepreneur and preservationist behind the rebirth of The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma - the legendary home of Leon Russell, the early Shelter Records family, and the roots of what became known as the Tulsa Sound. Teresa shares the entire arc of this wild journey: from collecting Leon Russell Slurpee cups as an 8-year-old kid, to buying the abandoned church sight unseen, to rebuilding it from the ground up and restoring it as a world-class studio, museum, archive, and engineering school. We talk about the stunning history embedded in the building - the 1915 hand-built sanctuary, the 1972 Leon-era renovations, and what it really takes to preserve a place where so many iconic recordings were born.We dig deep into the music: Leon’s time in the Wrecking Crew, his explosion after Mad Dogs & Englishmen, recording with George Harrison at the Concert for Bangladesh, and his early influence on players like Elton John and Glen Campbell. Teresa shares stories from the Shelter Records years - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers arriving as Mudcrutch, J.J. Cale, The Gap Band, Phoebe Snow, Willis Alan Ramsey, Freddie King, and even Bob Marley & The Wailers turning the place into a Jamaican party. She walks us through the official Church Studio playlist, the discovery of original artifacts inside the walls, and why preserving the stories of these musicians matters just as much as preserving the building itself.Finally, we talk about the reconstruction: shoring up a collapsing foundation, solving electrical noise and RF issues, preserving historic architecture while building a modern studio, restoring a Neve 8068, installing two EMT 140 plates, and designing a hybrid analog/digital workflow. Teresa also explains how The Church Studio now trains new engineers through its hands-on vocational school, hosts sessions with top artists, runs a nonprofit to support musicians, and continues the legacy of Leon and the Tulsa Sound through events like CarniFest. Her passion for preservation, community, and world-class sound makes this one of the most inspiring studio stories I’ve ever heard.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK30 to get 1 month free of NI 360!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6BLaSUX1juRYH6jHHTfa6k?si=nZtNPzHDSXi0bVQnpSU43AIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/557

What happens when you finally get to mix Spinal Tap in Dubly Atmos? You turn it up to 11, of course!My guest today is Grammy-nominated engineer and mixer Steve Genewick, joining us from his Atmos room in Los Angeles to walk us through the wild, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt process of capturing and mixing the new "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" soundtrack and album. In this episode, Steve talks about working directly with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer; recording their live vocals; tracking the band as a real rock group; and assembling a full dubly Atmos experience that honors the original film while pushing the new one into immersive territory.We dig into the whole workflow - from the Beyerdynamic M500 ribbon mics he labeled as Nigel, David, and Derek… to tracking full songs live at The Village… to mixing the concert sequences for the film… to remixing "Break Like the Wind" in Atmos using the original 1990s analog tapes that had to be transferred from tape box track sheets. Steve also talks about Spinal Tap's actual backstory, the improvised nature of the films, working directly with Rob Reiner, and why the guys are not in character in the studio - except when it's time to sound "more Nigel."We also go deep into Atmos and orchestral recording, Steve's work on classic jazz records (Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard), his remixing of the "Jaws" and "Jaws 2" soundtracks, and how immersive music translates between speakers, earbuds, and soundbars. Steve explains LFE strategy, subwoofer layouts, mixing bass into objects, and why a great Atmos mix is not about flying things around the room — it's about clarity, space, and emotional impact. And yes, we do talk about Stonehenge… the pizza pedal… the cheese guitar… and whether mixing break like the wind is allowed in the control room.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK30 to get 1 month free of NI 360!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/steve-genewick-atmos-mixes/pl.u-76oNkrMF1JKbpIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/556

What if your mix engineer secretly backed up every session in triplicate just so your grandkids could remix your demo in 2085?In this episode, I’m joined by my brother from another podcast, Matt Boudreau - veteran mixer, Atmos trailblazer, and the host of Working Class Audio. Matt’s credits include immersive mixes for Green Day, Alanis Morissette, and the theme for Real Time with Bill Maher, plus stereo magic on artists like Deafheaven.We kick things off recapping our AES Long Beach hang - complete with acai bowl addiction, barefoot sandbox airport vibes, and panels on everything from Japanese air-traffic AI to studio fire insurance. Matt shares how a late-night HBO downmix request accidentally birthed his simultaneous stereo/Atmos workflow, and why he now mixes midrange balance on tiny single-cone speakers before touching highs or lows.We dive into the art of collaboration: why you should wait 48 hours before sending mix notes, how to handle clients who keep salting the same sandwich, and the spreadsheet revision system that’s saving everyone’s sanity.Matt drops hard-earned wisdom on trusting your gut with red-flag clients, charging retrieval fees for 20-year-old sessions, and why “if it doesn’t exist in three places, it doesn’t exist.” We geek out over plugins (Gullfoss, Sonible Smart EQ, the return of Echo Farm), archiving nightmares, and why AI is great for laundry but still can’t feel heartbreak like a human. Whether you’re mixing in a bedroom or a living-room Atmos rig, this chat is pure gold for anyone who wants their tracks to outlive the hard drive.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK30 to get 1 month free of NI 360!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6tdfm7hqzhn1o8PA65I7N0?si=81dbS2cgQLO0d7M3C0vSWQIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/555

What happens when a tree destroys your home and studio - and it leads you to a new creative life across two continents?In this episode, I talk with Ronan Chris Murphy, the world-traveling producer, engineer, and artist known for his work with King Crimson, Steve Morse, and Tony Levin, and for teaching hundreds of musicians how to finish their records through his Recording Bootcamp and RIPA Festival of International Sound.Ronan shares how losing his home and studio in the mountains north of Los Angeles became a turning point that reshaped his creative life - leading him to rebuild from scratch in the Berkshires of Massachusetts and a medieval hill town in Italy. We dig into how his surroundings inspire creativity, how he balances his own artistic work with client projects, and why finishing creative ideas matters more than chasing perfection.We also talk about building community through workshops and retreats, finding joy in collaboration, and creating music that connects people across cultures. Along the way, Ronan offers hard-won advice on protecting your studio and data, trusting your creative instincts, and staying productive when life throws you curveballs.Ronan’s story is a reminder that art, resilience, and curiosity can keep us inspired - no matter where we make our records.Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.comTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.comhttps://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026 https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK30 to get 1 month free of NI 360!https://www.spectra1964.comhttps://gracedesign.com/https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academyhttps://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusicListen to this guest's discography on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7EVNgxULrlqKpykk9MDT8B?si=w9unZYn_QPi8EZp3It6ywwIf you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/ReviewCLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/554