RSR473 - Matt Robertson - Ambient & Cinematic Synth Composer (Bjork, Prodigy, HBO, Ellie Goulding)

"Mix how you hear it!" Jeremy talked about recording Greg Allman, why no click track needed, when to use ribbon mics, thumb vs pick bass, how to mic drums, why you should get a console and tape machine, Hammond organs, and comping vocals in Logic. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Jeremy Stephens, a music producer, mixer based in north Alabama, about an hour and a half south of Nashville. Jeremy has had the honor of collaborating with some of the greatest musicians on earth, from the Alabama Shakes to Jason Isbell, Gregg Allman to Chuck Leavell. “I learned the art of producing and recording from legendary rock producer Johnny Sandlin. He served as Johnny's right-hand man for many years, learning everything there is to know about making a goddamn good record.” In 2001, Jeremy started Clearwave Recording Studio as a cost effective place to craft records on his own terms. It quickly became a sonic sanctuary for indie rock, americana, and a fresh alternative to the cookie cutter Nashville thing. “This is a place where creative souls thrive, where the ideas come to life, and where being different ain't just okay – it's downright expected.” The goal here is to make hit records and win Grammys, and to do it the right way. Jeremy remains convinced that with the right approach, anything is possible. That's why he focuses on capturing the very best performances of great songs, and gives his musicians the freedom to explore and create. Thank you to Craig Alvin for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins! https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels! https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Bk7lSjaDCKk1gmUSd2KuZ?si=d0916b42a1d048f0 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/480

Creativity doesn't come from options. It comes from limitations! Jack talked about analog tape speeds, why cover bands make more money, how to track a live band in a room, rock vocal secrets, piano as cool drum mics, & hallways as reverb chambers. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Jack Miele, an 11x Platinum, 6x Telly and 5x Global Music Award Winning audio engineer/producer/composer/multi-instrumentalist. He is also an audio and/or mix engineer on 1 Grammy Award winning and 5 nominated albums, as well as Emmy Award winning television promos. Based in New Orleans, he is the former owner of the world famous Fudge Recording Studio. After Fudge closed its doors in 2012, Jack moved to The Music Shed recording facility as their head of operations /chief producer (2012-2018). He is now the owner of Jack Miele Productions LTD and runs his studio in the Garden District of New Orleans. Jack is also guitarist/vocalist for the sensational 80′s act The Molly Ringwalds. Thank you to Chris Finney for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins! https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels! https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7m52mySoBDC054PDuWefEW?si=7a1536982763463e If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/479

"Using plugins in mastering is 100% better than analog!" Matty talked about mixing controllers Softube's Console 1, Rock Solid Audio, & the SSL UF-1, CLA plugins for vocals, room correction tools for great mixing, and the top vocal chain for hip hop. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Matty Harris, a music producer, mixing and mastering engineer originally from Boston. As a young musician, he won several awards, including best drummer in New England touring with jazz, blues and calypso bands, playing clubs by the age of 14. And later went on to Berklee College of Music to study Music Production and Engineering. Matty’s work in the studio includes credits for Atlantic, RCA, & Warner Bros Records, Sammy Adams, A$AP Rocky, Logic, Lil Yachty, Cousin Stizz and the Grammy Award-winning song “Stronger” for Kelly Clarkson winning the 2008 Boston Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Engineer and Producer.  He mixes from his own studio in Los Angeles and is host of the popular Youtube Channel, Mix And Master My Song, teaching you how to mix and master music in your own studio. Matty has been a guest on the show before to talk about his back story and share some great mixing tips on episodes RSR229 and RSR364. Today we will continue talking about mixing with digital controllers, how plugins have gotten so good he doesnt use his analog outboard anymore, and how you can dial in your studio and tune your room for professional quality monitoring. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins! https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels! https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7dk5BjN6DgxDRhw8Hcczsh?si=130b1574485549b7 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/478

Vacuum the studio and blow a fuse! Tex talked about balancing a career as an electrical contractor with producing heavy rock records, ninja tips for Reaper drum editing and mixing, getting polarity and phase right, & his chain for a huge rock sound! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Tex Cokley, a music producer and mixer in SW Washington state. He has been producing and mixing rock songs and albums for bands for the last 15 years. As a musician, he is versed in different instruments and works with many studio musicians.  I met Tex and his friend Alex at NAMM a couple of years ago when they came to our first Recording Studio Rockstars meetup. I always love connecting with fans of the podcast aka the Rockstars and Tex is definitely one of them. He has a great rock band called Opticus and balances recording with a busy career as an electrician. His enthusiasm and dedication to making records and attending NAMM each year and the fact that Recording Studio Rockstars is able to help fans like Tex make great records inspires me to make this show and keep bringing you interviews every week. Tex’s credits include powerful rock bands like Forever Dethroned, Rust and Chrome, and Opticus which you can hear in the playlist. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins! https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels! https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0MUnI2MyQHKV823CQQmeAn?si=25f31664bd4d41d5 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/477

Ya gotta learn the rules to break the rules! Kris talked about big tracking sessions, orchestral arranging for small vs large string sections, killer Soundflow strategies, Pro Tools marker magic, sync sessions tips, & cool plugins for awesome mixes! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Kris Crunk, a first-call producer, programmer, and engineer in Nashville, Tennessee. He has 4 Grammy nominations, won 2 Dove Awards for Southern Gospel Producer of the Year in 2021 and 2022, and recently was nominated for a Mark Award from the Production Music Association.  In his 20+ years in Nashville, Kris has played or worked on countless songs for artists like OneRepublic, Rascal Flatts, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tina Campbell, Jason Crabb, Cindy Morgan and many more. Kris has been a Professor of Music Technology at Union University and is an app developer for the software Soundflow is on the Avid Beta team for Pro Tools and other plug-in companies.  Kris is currently focusing on creating a large library of songs for TV shows, commercials, and movies worldwide. With over 1500 original compositions in rotation, he is constantly heard on shows like CBS NFL Football, Holey Moley, TMZ, and Real Housewives of New Jersey. His work can be heard on networks such as Discovery, Food Network, Nickelodeon, ABC, CBS, Disney+, MTV, TVLAND, and the BBC.    Thank you to Raphael Sepulveda and Joe Carroll for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins! https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels! https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2JtT9Czg8HfhyC0QaI1uTL?si=7c67d3569e564e0c If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/476

If it sounds good then it is good! Brennan talked about the importance of embracing your own sonic thumbprint, mixing with depth, programming drums, how to make a cooler gated snare, asynchronistic work, recording with an iPhone, and lyric writing. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Brennan Aerts, a producer, writer, and musician who has worked extensively in film, television, and ads since 2010 in Los Angeles, CA and Nashville, TN. He owns a music house called Bird Nest Int'l and has produced music content for every major network as well as multiple national ad campaigns, movies, and artists. He is a member of the bands Vinyl Pinups and The Werewolves and recent credits include Moon Taxi, Better Than Ezra, and Devon Gilfilian to name just a few. Thank you to Jay Tooke for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins! https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels! https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6d1N9s4QbZxifQ3sjL8Roz?si=51e56a0a405549c3 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/475

Give of yourself generously to those you work with! Jeremy talked about producing indie rock and pop bands in a small studio, touring in a signed band, building a new production studio, starting a mastermind group, and family life vs work balance. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Jeremy Steckel, a musician and producer in Columbus OH. Having settled into an indie-pop and rock production and mixing universe, Jeremy focuses on building the landscape of the song around the core part of almost every modern song: the vocal performance. Nothing speaks louder than an emotional, well-captured vocal delivery and the song always has to serve that objective. Jeremy’s credits include MEOWBOYS, Coastal Club, Lui, Darity, Sean Mac, Trauna, Brightest London, The Orphan The Poet and Embleton to name a few. Today we will talk about working as a touring guitarist, building a new mixing studio, how to get a great production and mix, and even finding ways to level up your business through the power of a mastermind group. Thank you to Jim Stewart for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.empiricallabs.com/ Use code RSR10 to get 10% off the Arousor and BIG FrEQ plugins! https://traceaudio.com/ Use code RSR15 to get 15% off your custom printed labels! https://www.soundporter.com/ Get a free mix review and mastering demo! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/01JZ98WpGH6UJlPdSvUmtH?si=df6b63c3f79748df If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/474

What does it sound like miked in the bathtub? Matt talked about being at Strongroom Studios, tape flying off the machine, why you need hardware synths, MDing for Björk and Ellie Goulding, how to record ambient music, and why real guitar pedals rock! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Matt Robertson, a British-born, Canadian-based, 3x Grammy-nominated composer, producer, and musical director. Matt has worked with Björk, Anohni, Arca, The Cinematic Orchestra, and Ellie Goulding as musical director and orchestrator / arranger.  He has released four albums under his own name to date, balancing ambient sound design alongside warm organic techno and ripples of delicate electronics. His albums ‘Forecast’, ‘In Echelon’ and ‘Entology’, have been described as “symphonic electronica and leftfield techno that’s cinematic in scale” (Mixmag), “magnificent…wild, electronic sound” (The Line Of Best Fit) and “Nils Frahm’s modern classical meets Jon Hopkins’ grainy techno” (MOJO). Growing up listening to a healthy mixture of Jean-Michel Jarre and Jimmy Smith, Matt graduated from the University of Surrey before working at recording studios in London learning how to fix, and later build, some of his own synths. Working with a collection of vintage, modern and DIY synths, and combining electronic music production with classical composition and cinematic soundscapes; artists, producers, and film composers alike seek his enveloping and distinct sound. His work with Anoushka Shankar awarded him 2 Grammy nominations, and he recently scored the films ‘The New Corporation – The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel’, and' ‘Navalny’. Thanks to Damian Taylor for making our introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://ultimatemixingmasterclass.com/ https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://gracedesign.com/ https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Get your MBSI plug-in here! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi  Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/58klpp5APh48s9nLfcMwqJ?si=a95a6f41284645b4 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/473

How many room mics do Atmos drums need? Matt talked about recording and mixing a jazz band in Atmos, how to let old gear go to make room for new gear, speakers, mix levels, full setup for mixing in Atmos, and new ways to think about space and sound. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Matt Boudreau, a very successful audio engineer, Atmos mixer, producer, drummer and podcast host. I often call Matt “my brother from another podcast” as the host of the awesome Working Class Audio podcast where he also conducts interviews with producers and engineers about life in the studio but more focused on work/life balance for the working audio professional. Matt has been a guest on Recording Studio Rockstars a couple of times already so you can check out his back story on episode RSR053 (when we actually met) and then again on RSR375 when Matt taught us all about mixing with drum samples. And today we will talk primarily about mixing because after 28 years, Matt now focuses on mixing and mastering in Stereo and Dolby ATMOS (immersive/Spatial audio). In fact Matt mixed two of the songs on my record Skadoosh! In Atmos which you can hear in the show notes along with other great works from his discography. Matt Boudreau is based in the San Francisco Bay Area but works with people around the globe. Whether you are a self-funded artist or a major-label artist, Matt is here to help you finish a record you are proud of (literally in all directions through immersive audio)! Thanks to iTunes search function and finding Working Class Audio for making our original introduction.  THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://gracedesign.com/ https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Get your MBSI plug-in here! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi  Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6tdfm7hqzhn1o8PA65I7N0?si=12eb58eb5995490b If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/472

Be willing to chase the dragon! Nick talked about creating the ultimate custom mix template, finding your ideal studio listening level, why you should only use two volumes, ninja tips for Soundflow and Avid S1, de-essing vocal tricks, and fx chains. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Nick Krill, an indie rock producer, mixer, and engineer. Nick's interest in the studio began as a teenager when he would spend weekends in a basement 4-track studio with his band, The Spinto Band.  Nick spent the first part of his career simultaneously playing in bands and recording and mixing other artists in the studio. In the early 2000s, The Spinto Band gained notoriety and went on to release 4 LPs and tour extensively in North America and Europe. After the Spinto Band went on hiatus, Nick spent four years touring and recording with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. In 2018 Nick decided to focus solely on the studio side of his work, and now produces, mixes, and engineers indie rock full time. Some highlights of his recording work include: - Recording and mixing two volumes of "A Philly Special Christmas" (Which went on to chart on in the top 10 on various Billboard charts and had a No.1 iTunes single),  - Producing and mixing the  "I Can't Handle Change" EP by Roar (This EP now has over 700 million Spotify streams, and the song "Christmas Kids" charted in the UK last year) - Working as a recording engineer on the last two War On Drugs Lps ("A Deeper Understanding" and "I Don't Live Here Anymore") - Producing and mixing the most recent Generationals LP "Heatherhead." Nick has been a guest on the show before for episode RSR128 where you can hear more about his backstory. Today we will talk about new records and how to make an award-winning record! Thank you to The Sin City Band and also Robin Eaton for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://gracedesign.com/ https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Get your MBSI plug-in here! https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi  Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7iN8P6p4CuvEX2XWey3Eul?si=68f30876fd604368 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/471