Face Your Ears

Send us Fan MailBreaking the Norm: Embracing “Ugly” Sounds, Feedback, and New MediumsRich Bozic and Justin Hochella discuss recent projects, including Same Not Same’s new remix, upcoming performances of the Man Made Random song “Repellent” at Radford University, and their joint project The Lovely Dark, plus Bozic’s new track “Wake Up.” They recap how Clevetoberfest was canceled by a nor’easter, though The Lovely Dark rehearsal helped them refine vocal harmonies. The main topic explores how groundbreaking art comes from pushing mediums beyond intended limits, framed by a Brian Eno quote about “the sound of failure,” with examples like death metal vocals, Billie Eilish’s breathy style, guitar distortion/feedback, and Auto-Tune as both utility and effect. They consider AI as a new medium that may follow similar cycles. Justin demonstrates experimental techniques: routing a mixer output into itself, extreme delay feedback, slicing chaotic audio into a sampler, and looping delay pedals for ambient/chaotic tones, then recommends embracing happy accidents and cites Otto von Schirach, Skinny Puppy, and Aphex Twin as examples of this approach.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:35 Project Updates02:35 Clevetoberfest Cancelled05:43 Breaking the Norm06:25 Weird Becomes Signature10:29 AI as New Medium15:52 Feedback Experiments21:18 Delay Effect and Pedal Loops26:31 Tips and Artist Picks28:22 Final ThoughtsLogic Pro Launch Pad: From Set Up to Song is a Course designed for absolute beginners looking for training on Apple's Logic Pro. If you want to make music without feeling lost or overwhelmed, this course is for you! For Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/

Send us Fan MailThe Lovely Dark: From Studio Project to Live Show at Radford UniversityRich and co-host Justin Hochella welcome John Hildreth to discuss The Lovely Dark and an upcoming live concert. John explains that The Lovely Dark began in early 2025 through 'The Song Machine', a collective of songwriters using a series of songwriting prompts. This evolved into a gothic/industrial/synth-pop production project with Justin producing. In 2026 they released the EP Dark Stars and Mythologies, the Depeche Mode tribute LP Strange Love, and the new release Event Horizon, then decided to build a live band with Rich and Justin, leading to an October 21, 7:30 PM show at Radford University. They discuss reimagining Depeche Mode covers, adding Rich’s forthcoming Bozic song “Wake Up” and Justin’s Man Made Random track “Repellent,” and coordinating remotely via Muse, Wrike, weekly meetings.00:00 Welcome and Shoutout01:24 Meet The Lovely Dark02:32 John Joins the Show03:10 Origin Story07:09 Depeche Mode Tribute11:18 Setlist Highlights12:53 Repellent and Wake Up16:24 Remote Rehearsal Setup20:23 Project Management Workflow24:09 Social Media and Promotion26:50 Show Details and Wrap UpTickets to the October 21st Show at Radford University:https://rutheatretickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1600&p=1The Lovely Dark:https://linktr.ee/thelovelydarkBozic:https://linktr.ee/bozicman made random:https://linktr.ee/manmaderandomLogic Pro Launch Pad: From Set Up to Song is a Course designed for absolute beginners looking for training on Apple's Logic Pro. If you want to make music without feeling lost or overwhelmed, this course is for you! For Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/

Send us Fan MailThe Face Your Ears podcast celebrates its 50th episode with co-hosts Justin Hochella and Rich Bozic with guest Jay Pevonis, who together with Justin forms Same Not Same, a remotely produced electronic/industrial project. Rich shares updates about his upcoming song “Liberty Bells” under Bozic and an October gig with The Lovely Dark, while Justin mentions a new Same Not Same release. Jay and Justin explain that the duo began after Justin remixed Jay’s Doing the Devil’s Work track “Not Dead,” leading to their first collaboration “Don’t Die Alone,” with Justin focusing on production and Jay on lyrics/vocals while collaborating via Muse, texting, and file sharing. They discuss industrial influences, movie sampling (including anti-AI themes in “Straight Line”), community playlists like Hex VHS’s “Now That’s What I Call Industrial,” performances at Clevetoberfest, and a lightning round covering favorite albums, plugins, films, and influences, plus where to find their music on streaming platforms and YouTube.Check out these links mentioned during this episode: Check out Same Not Same:Same Not Same: https://linktr.ee/samenotsameFriends of Same Not Same:NOW That's What I Call Industrial! Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoQ2SlazT_XwHvQEiempR-YI2hPcLG7Ij&si=WK_6375_lWVvMDbAHEXVHS: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9TulbPg8Ur_XoGIfQ4emQSshhluuuuuuck!: https://hyperfollow.com/sshhluuuuuuckSevered Skies: https://severedskies.bandcamp.comCircuit Preacher: https://circuitpreacher.bandcamp.comGhoztbomb: https://www.instagram.com/ghoztbomb/DJ Operator: https://www.instagram.com/djoperator.ot/00:00 50th Episode Celebration01:58 Host Updates and New Music03:29 Meet Same Not Same05:34 Origin Story and First Tracks08:48 Industrial Influences and Gear12:26 Remote Workflow and Muse15:10 Movie Samples and Themes18:36 Community Playlists and Festivals21:17 What Listeners Should Feel22:13 Making Music for Love23:02 Shoutout to DJs24:13 Lightning Round Begins24:29 Essential Industrial Albums25:57 Gateway Records Picks28:41 Go To Synth Plugins30:31 Favorite Carpenter Films32:33 Hear It Again Songs33:21 Dream Live Shows34:41 Underrated New Artists37:02 Biggest Non Industrial Influences38:18 Band Name Origin39:01 Where to Find Them39:28 Episode Wrap UpLogic Pro Launch Pad: From Set Up to Song is a Course designed for absolute beginners looking for training on Apple's Logic Pro. If you want to make music without feeling lost or overwhelmed, this course is for you! For Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/

Send us Fan MailRich Bozic and Justin Hochella introduce the concept of EQ using Logic Pro’s EQ as the example. They explain EQ as boosting or cutting frequencies across the 20 Hz–20 kHz hearing range, define high-pass/low-pass filters, bell curves and shelves, Q as bandwidth, and amplitude as boost/cut amount, and describe “sweeping” to find harsh frequencies. They outline broad frequency bands and common tonal issues, and discuss EQ use cases for balancing, creative effects (radio/telephone), and carving space between competing instruments in a mix.00:00 Welcome and Introductions02:07 Logic Pro Launchpad Course04:06 Clevetoberfest and Updates05:29 Why EQ Matters06:53 EQ Basics Explained07:52 Filters Bell and Shelf11:46 Q and Amplitude Controls14:24 Sweeping Technique15:21 Frequency Ranges and Tone18:40 Creative EQ and Space20:47 Wrap Up and Takeaways-----Check out Justin's Logic Pro Launch Pad Course! Perfect for beginners and new users of Apple's Logic Pro! Save 30% until 8/31/2026 using code zoey30Logic Pro Launch Pad: From Set Up to Song is a Course designed for absolute beginners looking for training on Apple's Logic Pro. If you want to make music without feeling lost or overwhelmed, this course is for you! For Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/

Send us Fan MailIn episode 48 of the Face Your Ears podcast, Rich and Justin celebrate passing 5,000 downloads, share personal music updates. “Feel the Squeeze,” introduces audio compression: its role in controlling dynamic range, its history and coloration, and Logic Pro’s seven compressor circuit types (Platinum Digital, Studio VCA, Studio FET, Classic VCA, Vintage VCA, Vintage FET, Vintage Opto) with typical use cases. Justin also explains key compressor controls: threshold, ratio, makeup gain/auto gain, attack, and release.Learn about Logic Pro's compressor: https://support.apple.com/en-my/guide/logicpro/lgcef1bec9f3/macCompression Video Quick Tutorial: https://youtu.be/LGqDVhww-hsJustin's Project 'Same Not Same':https://linktr.ee/samenotsameRich's music project 'Bozic':https://linktr.ee/bozicThe Lovely Dark:https://thelovelydarkband.wordpress.com/00:00 Welcome and Weather00:56 Where to Listen and Follow01:46 5000 Downloads Milestone02:35 Rich Updates and Upcoming Shows05:10 Gig Disaster Weather Story06:43 Justin New Single and Remix Plans08:29 Compression Episode Setup09:14 What Compression Does10:31 A Brief History of Compressors11:46 Logic Pro Compressor Overview13:56 Seven Logic Circuit Types19:37 Compressor Knobs Explained19:57 Threshold and Ratio Basics25:02 Makeup Gain and Auto Gain28:35 Attack Release and Wrap UpLogic Pro Launch Pad: From Set Up to Song is a Course designed for absolute beginners looking for training on Apple's Logic Pro. If you want to make music without feeling lost or overwhelmed, this course is for you! For Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/

Send us Fan MailRich and Justin continue to talk about AI developments in music. This includes ACE Studio’s AI voice-cloning tool (with listening tests distinguishing AI from real vocals), concerns about future live performance and consumer indifference, and ACE Studio’s prompt-based film-scoring feature. They debate producers using tools like Suno for demos versus replacing craft, criticize labels signing AI “artists” as profit-driven, and highlight Deezer adding AI tags amid estimates of 50,000–75,000 fully AI-generated songs uploaded daily, urging listener feedback and informed choices.00:00 Welcome and Updates01:20 Dark Force Fest Recap03:37 Flowing Horizon Progress05:08 AI Landscape Intro05:25 ACE Voice Cloning Demo06:43 Can You Hear AI10:52 Robots and Live Shows13:50 Ethics and Creative Value15:05 AI Music as Product16:38 What Else Is New17:01 AI Film Scoring Prompts17:56 Can AI Watch Scenes19:07 Imagination After AI20:59 Suno In The Studio22:21 Tool Versus Craft26:32 AI Artists Signed28:12 Profits Over People30:28 Deezer AI Tags31:37 Listener Call To Action32:58 Wrap Up And GoodbyeLogic Pro Launch Pad: From Set Up to Song is a Course designed for absolute beginners looking for training on Apple's Logic Pro. If you want to make music without feeling lost or overwhelmed, this course is for you! For Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Justin Hochella and Rich Bozic discuss Rich's new Single “Flowing Horizon” and discuss its inspiration, meaning, and DIY production. Rich describes the track as an old-school rock homage with modern elements, inspired from an acoustic guitar chord progression and centered on appreciating and accepting love from others. He details producing in his home studio using Logic Pro’s Drummer with deep customization and layering, creating bass with Logic patches, recording vocals with a Townsend Sphere using an LD 2 51 emulation, and using a Yamaha MODX8 for piano and synths. Mixing and mastering were done by Burak Yildirmaz with Rich observing and providing feedback, along with Justin’s input, and Rich shares release challenges like branding, Canva design, and a logo by Michelle Coelho; the song is on all streaming platforms and updates are at www.bozicmusic.com and @bozicmusic on Instagram.00:00 Welcome and Intro00:40 New Single Announcement01:42 Song Meaning and Origins03:12 Influences and Mindset04:33 DIY Production Overview05:22 Drums and Rhythm Building07:31 Bass and Vocal Recording09:21 Keys and Sound Palette10:22 Mixing Mastering Lessons13:32 More Music Coming Soon14:52 Modern Release Challenges17:15 Branding Art and Collaboration20:48 Where to Listen and Follow21:35 Closing and Song OutroListen to Flowing Horizon:https://linktr.ee/bozicFor Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/

Send us Fan MailAI Music on Streaming Platforms: Bandcamp’s Ban, Spotify’s Embrace, and the AIODE Session-Musician ToolHosts Rich Bozic and Justin Hochella  begin by briefly discussing busy studio work and Justin's new Logic Pro Launch Pad course at logicprolaunchpad.com, then sharing recent podcast listener cities worldwide. The episode turns to AI in music, contrasting Bandcamp’s stated policy (posted January 13, 2026) banning music generated wholly or in substantial part by AI and prohibiting AI impersonation, with Spotify’s more welcoming stance toward AI-generated music and concerns about labeling, artist impact, and potential platform incentives. They also discuss AIODE (A-I-O-D-E), a tool that can import a song and generate instrument parts (e.g., bass, guitar, trumpets) based on real musicians’ performances, noting both its practical uses and risks of enabling fully AI-created songs. They conclude that AI cannot replicate human lived experience and artistic expression.00:00 Welcome and Updates01:00 Logic Pro Course Launch03:03 Podcast Listener Stats04:38 AI Music Topic Setup05:49 Bandcamp Bans Generative AI12:41 Spotify Embraces AI Slop15:39 Should AI Music Be Labeled17:09 AIODE AI Session Musician21:51 Is AI a Tool or Replacement28:09 Human Experience vs AI30:39 Recap and Sign OffLogic Pro Launch Pad: From Set Up to Song is a Course designed for absolute beginners looking for training on Apple's Logic Pro. If you want to make music without feeling lost or overwhelmed, this course is for you! For Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/

Send us Fan MailJustin Launches Logic Pro Launch Pad: From Setup to SongThe focus of this episode is Justin’s new beginner course, “Logic Pro Launchpad: From Setup to Song,” created over about a year and a half and finished with help from Rich as an accountability partner. Justin explains the course is for absolute beginners and covers setting up Logic Pro, recording and editing audio and MIDI, using built-in instruments, plugins, and loops, plus simple mixing and mastering, culminating in creating and exporting a complete song. He shares his history with Logic (initially disliking it in college, later returning via podcast editing) and why he prefers it for stability, built-in tools, intuitive workflow, and cost. He highlights Apple Loops (drag-and-drop tempo/key matching) and the power of virtual instruments, including using a MIDI controller or computer keyboard. Justin describes challenges in course creation, including planning, shooting/editing, reshoots, and updating content after a Logic Pro update. The course is available via manmaderandom.com and logicprolaunchpad.com, will be live when the episode airs, and is structured in short video segments; Justin also offers one-on-one coaching.00:00 Welcome to Face Your Ears + Studio Updates01:12 Justin’s New Releases: Depeche Mode Tribute & Same, Not Same02:35 YouTube Channel Check-In (Clips, Faces, and Sharing)03:16 The Big Announcement: Logic Pro Launchpad Course Is Finished05:09 What the Course Covers: Setup to Song for Absolute Beginners07:30 Justin’s Logic Pro Origin Story (and Why He Came Back)09:12 Why Choose Logic Pro? Stability, Tools, and Value11:22 Course Sneak Peek: Apple Loops Magic (Tempo/Key Matching)13:08 Beginner Mind-Blowers: Virtual Instruments & Musical Typing15:58 What Justin Learned Building the Course (and the Logic Update Curveball)18:32 Where to Get It + Final Recap and Course Format21:12 Wrap-Up: Thanks for ListeningLogic Pro Launch Pad: From Setup to Song: www.logicprolaunchpad.com The Lovely Dark | Strange Love: A Tribute to Depeche Mode: https://open.spotify.com/album/4PUuOEjsdnyVDmGHzZLJK5?si=sxC0kuB_SoSliTkLVGoRIgSame Not Same | Let Go to Live: https://open.spotify.com/album/1JZhBKIQE00xUmg87yqnmO?si=ux56ThJzQ7OFWrxZdZtQ0g For Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/

Send us Fan MailKickstarting 2026: New Year, New ToolsIn the first episode of 2026, Rich and Justin discuss their achievements in 2025, including reaching over 2,150 downloads in 50 countries. They introduce the concept of an 'accountabilibuddy' to help each other stay on track with their respective projects: Rich's single and Justin's Logic Pro course. They also highlight the project management tool Wrike for organizing tasks, and Boombox, a collaboration tool for musicians to provide specific feedback on audio tracks. The episode focuses on embracing new tools and strategies to achieve creative goals in the new year.00:00 Welcome to Face Your Ears 2026!00:37 2025 Recap: Highlights and Achievements01:24 Global Reach: Our International Audience02:23 Top Episodes and Listener Favorites03:54 New Year, New Tools: Kickstarting 202605:33 Accountability Buddies: Staying on Track10:42 Wrike: Organizing Projects Efficiently16:15 Boombox: Enhancing Musical Collaboration21:53 Wrapping Up: Tools for Success in 2026Links from the episode: Wrike: www.wrike.comBoombox: www.boombox.io Logic Pro Launch Pad: From Set Up to Song is a Course designed for absolute beginners looking for training on Apple's Logic Pro. If you want to make music without feeling lost or overwhelmed, this course is for you! For Production Services, Coaching and Lessons, visit:www.rjbmusicproduction.comFor help prepping your songs/voice for the studio:www.bozicvoicestudio.com----https://www.youtube.com/@FaceYourEarsPodcast/shortshttps://www.faceyourears.comhttps://www.instagram.com/faceyourearspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/people/Face-Your-Ears-Podcast/