Think Like a Synth with Anthony Marinelli

Anthony Marinelli is a legendary composer, performer, and synthesist. He worked with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones on Thriller, James Brown, Kenny Loggins, Van Halen, and many more. He worked on the scores for over 90 original film score soundtracks including War Games, Stand by Me, and one of my favorites Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. He shares his knowledge on his YouTube channels and his in-depth courses Think Like a Synth and Bass DNA. I spoke with Anthony about how he breaks down sounds for synthesis and visualizes his sounds in his imagination rather than in technical terms. Anthony spoke about getting his start working as a synthesizer player and programmer as a teenage, and what it was like working with legends Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Anthony's Website - https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/ Think Like a Synth course - https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/products/think-like-a-synth Bass DNA course - https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/collections/courses/products/bass-dna Anthony's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@anthonymarinellimusic Anthony on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthonymarinellimusic/ Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Tim Atlas is a musician, producer, and Grammy-winning songwriter in Los Angeles. His new EP, Reverso, was recorded in his home studio and combines Indie and Psych rock with RnB and Soul.  Tim spoke to me about the production of Reverso. We touched on songwriting, arranging, and collaboration. Tim shared how he likes to move fast and commit to his sounds by printing them with outboard gear and effects. We covered a lot of ground from practical techniques to philosophical approaches.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Reverso album by Tim Atlas - https://timatlas.ffm.to/reverso "Reverso" Music Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhrC6PP8g9c Tim Atlas Website - https://www.timatlas.co Tim's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@timatlas Tim's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/timothyatlas/ Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Xylo Aria is a singer, producer, and entrepreneur. Xylo founded Music Production for Women to help empower and educate women music-makers. Her new album Dream will be released summer 2026. I've been following Xylo's work for some time now and it was great to speak to her about her work. We discussed building community and the creation of her new album. Xylo has collected a lot of wisdom in her journey and shares it with us today.  Music Production for Women is running SoundLab, a virtual event on July 14th and 21st, 2026 to help attendees unlock the skills of producing and mixing music. Sign up here: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/soundlab2026 Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Xylo Aria - https://www.xyloaria.com Music Production for Women - https://musicproductionforwomen.com MPW Podcast - https://musicproductionforwomen.com/#section-2gUK_YLsXV Free Intro to Music Production Class by MPW - https://musicproductionforwomen.com/music-production-masterclass-1535-155985 Xylo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xyloaria/ MPW on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen MPW on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/musicproductionforwomen MPW on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@musicproductionforwomen Xylo on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@XyloAria/videos Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Sebastien Heintz makes electro-acoustic music under the name OVERSEA. His new album BEYOND is a modern ceremonial album made for transcendental experiences. Sebastien and I spoke about his work as OVERSEA and how has been using music for meditation and healing.  Sebastien explained how he uses Ableton Live as a live performance instrument. We also discussed finding the creative flow in activities such as surfing, meditation, and music-making. Sebastien put together a download Ableton Live effects and sounds he used on the new album! Get the OVERSEA BEYOND Free Ableton Live Instrument Pack here: https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kvvvijh Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: OVERSEA - https://www.h-music.ch/oversea BEYOND by OVERSEA - https://www.intellijend.com/l/beyond H-Music - https://www.h-music.ch OVERSEA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oversea.music/ OVERSEA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@overseamusic OVERSEA Free Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kvvvijh Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer book - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Nick Culbertson is a musician and app developer who runs Moby Pixel, a mobile app creation studio. The Moby Pixel YouTube channel covers the latest in iOS music apps and his journey in his own app development. Nick just released Mighty Synth Sampler, a fully featured synth and sampler for iOS and Mac. In Nick's return to the Music Production Podcast, we discuss his new Mighty Synth Sampler and the journey to create it. We get into how to avoid perfectionism by learning to enjoy the process. There's also a lot of talk about the creative workflow and avoiding burnout. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Moby Pixel - http://www.mobypixel.com/ Mighty Synth Sampler - http://www.mobypixel.com/mightysynthsampler The Story Behind Mighty Synth Sampler - https://youtu.be/3kW4RovVoEY?si=KuCDjysv2btNOUdB Nick's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/mobypixel/featured Overdrive Synth - http://www.mobypixel.com/overdrivesynth Koala Sampler - https://www.koalasampler.com Dexed FM Synthesizer - https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/ Nick's 1st Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/nick-culbertson Matthew Fecher on the Music Production Podcast - https://www.brianfunk.com/blog/2018/6/30/66-matthew-fecher Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

Mike Nikou is the owner of Mic Nix Productions, a studio based in Adelaide, South Australia. He specialises in mixing, mastering, and full song production. Mike and I discussed how he began playing in rock bands and found his love of recording and production. We discussed how music making has changed and continues to evolve. Mike spoke in-depth about his mixing and mastering workflow and philosophy.  This episode comes with a free download courtesy of Mike! Click here to get Mikes Mixing and Mastering Checklists, as well as his own presets for the Slate Virtual Mixing Rack plug-in. This episode is dedicated to (not sponsored by!) Darwin Audio and his awesome vintage soda/beer can microphones: https://darwinaudio.net Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Mic Nix Productions - https://mnproductions.com.au Mike's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWr4L6nQq1YGU1-JK9XLnQ Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/micnixpro/ Free Download - Mike's Mixing and Mastering Checklists plus Slate VMR Presets - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/ycmpj Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Kevin Griffin is the frontman of Better Than Ezra, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, and Co-founder of a new artist-built AI music platform Soundbreak. Better Than Ezra contributed to the soundtrack of the 90's with hits like "Good" and "In the Blood." Kevin's music has been performed and recorded by artists like Meatloaf, Taylor Swift, and Blondie.  Kevin and I spoke in depth about the art and magic of songwriting , collaborating, and touching peoples' lives with music. We discussed the future of AI music and how his company Soundbreak is helping artists license their musical styles for generative AI music.  This episode is dedicated to (not sponsored by!) Darwin Audio and his awesome vintage soda/beer can microphones: https://darwinaudio.net Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Kevin Griffin's Website - https://www.kevingriffinmusic.com Soundbreak AI - https://www.soundbreak.ai Better Than Ezra - https://www.betterthanezra.com Kevin's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kevinmgriffin/ SoundBreak AI's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soundbreak.ai/ Better Than Ezra's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthanezra/ The Greatest Song by Kevin Griffin - https://amzn.to/4vqYERG Do Schools Kill Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson - https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk 

David Paul Newell is a musician, producer, and one half of the electronic music duo Midnight Mystery Club. David worked as an audio engineer in Nashville for Brantley Sound Associates. He's been a ghost writer in European House music. Midnight Mystery Club's has a new single "I Only Have Eyes for You" coming out April 3rd.  David and I talked about his experience in music production and developing an authentic, interesting sound. In this episode, you'll hear Midnight Mystery Club's new single and learned about its creation. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Midnight Mystery Club Links - https://linktr.ee/midnightmysteryclub "I Only Have Eyes For You" (April 3, 2026) Presave - https://hypeddit.com/midnightmysteryclub/ionlyhaveeyesforyou-1 MMC YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNF2xW2mMSErV1u-VthISzg MMC Bandcamp - https://midnightmysteryclub.bandcamp.com MMC Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/midnightmysteryclub/ Toy Synths Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/toysynths Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk 

Amani Roberts is a DJ, Professor, Author, and Artist Coach. Amani teaches music business at Cal State Fullerton and helps artists reach their creative dreams. Amani is the author of DJs Mean Business and The Quiet Storm, a historical look at R&B Groups.  Amani and I discussed the challenges artists face from creating music to releasing and sharing it with the world. Amani has powerful insights that can help musicians develop a strong body of work, while making constant progress and enthusiasm in their craft. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Amani's Website - https://www.amaniexperience.com Amani's Coaching - https://www.amaniexperience.com/coaching Book a Call with Amani - https://www.amaniexperience.com/call Amani's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amaniexperience Bird by Bird by Ann Lamont - https://amzn.to/3PGjxIb Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

Have you ever felt like the more you learn about music production, the harder it actually gets to finish a song? You aren't alone. In this episode, I'm sharing the 5 biggest mental blocks I've faced, from "tutorial paralysis" to the crushing weight of trying to be a "Great Artist," and the practical shifts I used to break through them. After 6 years of the Jamuary challenge, I've learned that the secret to finishing more music isn't a new plugin or more music theory; it's about moving from a romanticized "Artist" identity to a prolific "Maker" mindset. In this episode, we discuss:  The "Quantity Over Quality" Hack: Why having a routine allows you to fail safely. The Skills of Finishing: Why completing "bad" music is the only way to prepare for your best work. Learning by Doing: How to escape the "Tutorial Junkie" cycle and get your hands dirty. Killing the "Artist" Label: Why viewing your work as a "body of work" is more freeing than chasing a single masterpiece. Stop overthinking, start creating, and let's get those ideas out of your DAW and into the world.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk