RSR531 - Justin Francis - Mixing Grammy Winners on AirPods, Producing Records That Feel Great

Learn why polar patterns matter more than EQ as Derek Bargaehr of Vanguard Audio Labs breaks down capsules, circuits, self-noise, phase tricks, stereo techniques, and practical mic placement you can use on your next session. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Derek Bargaehr. A lifelong tinkerer, he started out burning himself with a soldering iron and modding guitar pedals at 15, eventually working as Director of Operations for a successful microphone company. A freelancing engineer, producer, gear tech, and bassist, Derek earned a BA in Commercial Music – Audio Engineering & Music Business from Azusa Pacific University. Today, he runs Vanguard Audio Labs as the Chief Everything Officer, designing microphones and restoring priceless vintage AKG, Neumann, and Gefell mics. He was previously a guest on RSR249, and I'm excited to have him back to talk about his new line of microphones, including the V14 Variable-Voltage Tube Condenser, the V24 Stereo Tube Condenser, and the V1 Gen2 FET Pencil Condenser! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com  https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review   CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRoockstars.com/534

What happens when a French-Canadian music producer trades poutine for prairie skies and builds a new studio in Calgary? Will his acoustic panels survive the move? Tune in as Chris Selim shares his journey, one recycled bass trap at a time. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Chris Selim, a musician, music producer, and mixing engineer behind Mixdown Online, where he helps home studio owners and musicians improve their recording, mixing, and production skills. His YouTube channel has grown to over 125K subscribers and 14 million views, thanks to his clear, practical tutorials that make it easier to get pro results from your home studio. Chris is also the co-host of the Studio Stuff Podcast, a laid-back and informative show where he and Steve Dierkens talk music production, gear, and home studio life. With more than 80 albums produced and over 22 years of experience, Chris is especially known for his work in the French Christian music scene. Working primarily in-the-box with Cubase, Chris shares the tools and techniques he once searched for himself—empowering musicians around the world to make better music from home. He first joined us back on episode RSR098 and I'm excited to have him back. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com  https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5iIfwOzvKWebiajxOq4XHa?si=QqQC6d7VQqa9EoNIVHqPYA If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review   CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRoockstars.com/533

What happens when you don't cage the elephant—and let creativity run wild in the studio? Lincoln Parish shares how recording live, trusting your gear, and embracing bleed helped shape the sound of a Grammy-nominated band and his work as a producer today. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Lincoln Parish, founding guitarist of the Grammy-nominated rock band Cage the Elephant. After years of success on the road and in the studio with the band, Lincoln left in 2013 to focus full-time on producing and songwriting. From his Nashville studio Talk Box Rodeo, he's worked with artists like Lilly Hiatt, Alicia Blue, and Carrollton, with music landing in shows like Grey's Anatomy and Lucifer. Lincoln brings a great perspective on what it's like going from the band and the stage to producing records in the studio. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com  https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/63cZjUj6u2m8qUfYTw6HM9 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review   CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/532

Ever mix a Grammy-winning track on AirPods? Justin Francis did - and he's back to share killer tips on mixing in the box, vocal stacking, pedalboard tricks, and keeping the studio vibe fun. Get ready to level up your mixes and laugh along the way! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Justin Francis, a Grammy award-winning engineer, mixer, and producer with a talent for channeling deep emotion through sound. Justin brings a creative, artist-first approach to every session, working across many genres - from Sheryl Crow and Kacey Musgraves to Tyler Childers, Lake Street Dive, Justin Timberlake, Madison Cunningham, Gary Clark Jr., Sarah Jarosz, and Lauren Daigle. Originally from western Pennsylvania and now a long-time fixture in the Nashville music scene, Justin has earned a reputation for his innovative techniques and dedication to serving the song. He's been on the show before in episodes RSR220 and RSR280, and I'm psyched to have him back again today. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com  https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5V5goiVEMHTiv1mmhPbuSu?si=F1djvCk1R1mgDFCpzkj5LQ If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review   CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/531

What do drum mics, bluegrass, and Pro Tools have in common? Find out as David Streit shares 35+ years of studio wisdom, from Quad Studios to acoustic sessions, and why trusting musicians might be your best mic technique yet. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is David Streit, a recording engineer, producer, mixer, and live sound engineer based in Portland, Oregon. With over 35 years of experience, he started mixing live shows in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, before refining his recording skills in Nashville. He later freelanced in Nashville and Santa Cruz before settling in the Pacific Northwest. David holds a recording degree from Middle Tennessee State University and interned at The Aspen Music Festival, learning classical mic'ing techniques. His career spans assisting at Quad Studios, teaching multi-track recording, and working in location sound.  Thanks to MTSU for the introduction where we were both students!   THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com  https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0UvoaJkX14wYK2wAHAekAy?si=wRPeCAwNQzGOfe9EMG38yw If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review   CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/530

Did Chet Atkins invent fingerpicking just to keep other guitarists from catching up? In this episode, I talk with Don Cusic—author of Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar—about Chet's legendary style, Nashville studio secrets, and how the music biz has changed (and stayed weird). Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Don Cusic, the Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University and the author of over 30 books on music, culture, and the music business. His latest is Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, a newly released biography that explores the life, legacy, and lasting influence of one of Nashville's most iconic musicians. Don has also produced albums for legends like Bobby Bare, Jeannie Seely, and Jim Ed Brown. He co-produced the Eddy Arnold Tribute album with Cheetah Chrome and collaborated with Mike Curb on an album of James Weldon Johnson songs performed by American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle. Thank you to Pam Lewis and Associates for the introduction!   THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com  https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RLwWj9VRj9MaiUecrbvxR?si=3ad154b682a94b3d&pt_success=1&nd=1&dlsi=3991a6a2d4d846d8 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review   CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/529

What does it take to build a dream studio from the ground up? Nick Bullock of Freda Recording shares how he created a retreat for artists on a Nashville farm, blending music, acoustics, and visual storytelling to support independent musicians. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Nick Bullock, Co-Founder and CEO of Freda Recording, a boutique recording studio and Artist Services company located on a beautiful farm outside of Nashville, TN. Nick returns to the podcast after previous appearances on episodes RSR030 and RSR411 to share more insights from his journey as a producer, engineer, and artist advocate. With a focus on serving the song and honoring the artist's vision, Nick has built a career around making records that are intentional, meaningful, and emotionally impactful. He's worked with artists like Alexz Johnson, Katie Kuffell, National Park Radio, St Paul DeVence, The Aqua Ducks, Katie Basden, and many others. In 2024, Nick and his wife Meredith launched Freda Recording together—blending music production, visual storytelling, and hospitality to help artists realize their full creative potential and bring their dreams to life. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com  https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0c03TBvvxbGKhLyngWgco6?si=fxAeqINJTW2fkNcPwROKGw&pi=u-8bMXHbjCSoCN   If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review   CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/528

What does it sound like to record reverb inside a giant dome? Dr. Chris Warren shares how Echo Thief captures real-world impulse responses, the power of Max programming, and why reverb is key to music, game audio, and immersive sound design. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Dr. Chris Warren, a sound designer, digital composer, and creator of immersive sonic installations. His exhibits have been featured at the Museum of Making Music, the Fleet Science Center, and NAMM. Dr. Warren's extensive research in acoustic measurement has produced EchoThief, a library of beautiful reverberation from around North America. These sonic snapshots of distinctive spaces have been featured in video games (Sony's Days Gone, Bethesda's Wolfenstein II), museum exhibits, sonic software, and artistic work around the globe. Dr. Warren teaches digital music composition and sound design at San Diego State University. Thank you to Susan Clausen for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com  https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5vzarQ5NKsI5UShPA0OA7r If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review   CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/527  

"It's pretty hard to f* it up in Muscle Shoals." Jay Tooke found creative freedom and killer drum sounds after leaving Nashville for the slower pace of Muscle Shoals. We talk studio vibes, live tracking, subtlety in performance, and the magic of first takes. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Jay Tooke, a Canadian-born, award-winning producer, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and mix engineer now based in Muscle Shoals. After a 14-year run in Nashville, Jay developed a reputation for his intuitive and organic approach to production—working with artists like Randy Houser, Cody Johnson, Lindi Ortega, James Otto, and many more. He's produced six #1 singles and multiple top 10s across Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with credits ranging from mixing for Cody Jinks to drumming on albums by The Steel Woods. We had Jay on the show back on episode RSR311, where we talked about his transition from band life to the control room, mixing in Muscle Shoals, and embracing a less-is-more approach to production. Today, we're catching up on what he's been working on lately at Fame Studios and Noble Steed  and digging deeper into his creative process. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com  https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3v6l7ldK64dlpBATOv3PIy?si=da901ffdebb34951 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review   CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/526

What if fewer mics could help you make better records? Alan Evans (Soulive) joins me to talk 4-track recording, Iceland sessions, AI in music, and how simplicity, mindset, and health can fuel your best creative work.   Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Alan Evans, a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer, producer, and musician based in Western Massachusetts. Alan's probably best known as the drummer and co-founder of Soulive, but over the past 30 years, he's also built a deep discography engineering, producing, and shaping the sound of hundreds of recordings. He grew up in a musically rich household in Buffalo, NY, soaking in the sounds of Miles Davis, Ray Charles, and Jimi Hendrix which ignited his interest in music. As a teenager, he hit the clubs and started recording bands, teaching himself the craft of recording, mixing, and production from the ground up. These days, Alan continues to push boundaries through his label, Vintage League Music, with projects spanning jazz, funk, reggae, rock, and Americana—including recent recordings with Oteil Burbridge and MonoNeon at Floki Studios in Iceland, and a new album with Charlie Hunter and Ella Feingold at Pilot Recording Studios in Housatonic, MA. Alan's been on the show before in episodes RSR183, RSR339, and RSR440—and I'm psyched to have him back again, this time in person for video at Ready To Rock Studios. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://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.adam-audio.com/ https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1F16ucxEvIBugOepkzsTkW?si=FJKiBFINRAOZrjKf0FdYJg If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/525