RSR556 – Steve Genewick – The Majesty of Turning Spinal Tap Up to Eleven in Atmos

Ever wonder how busy professionals juggle producing music, creating social media content, and staying sane? Today, I sit down with Nashville-based producer, engineer, and content creator Brittany Rogers to explore the art of balancing work, art, and self-care. Brittany shares her journey from math nerd to Nashville studio pro, how she uses content to build her career, and practical tips for managing burnout, staying inspired, and making impactful industry connections. Whether you're an artist, engineer, or hobbyist, her insights about intentional workflow, storytelling, and self-compassion are pure gold. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.spectra1964.com https://gracedesign.com/ https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Home Studio Rockstars Community: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/membership Get 75% off for life, limited time discount! Work with Lij directly: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/work-with-me Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lp2Zy4KJkQr6vpBve0wH1?si=1mRgPl8wTii7ZG6eC95OJQ If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/581

Ever wondered how a PhD in acoustics shapes a producer’s approach to mixing and recording? Or how to navigate the complexities of DAWs, virtual instruments, and imagery in the studio? This episode with Dmitry Taranov pulls back the curtain on tech, studio workflows, and cultural insights that can elevate your recordings. My guest today is Dmitry Taranov, a Nashville-based producer, engineer, and educator with a PhD in acoustics and sound engineering. With over 20 years of experience across genres and a background working on AAA game soundtracks and collaborations with Grammy-nominated composers, Dmitri shares practical wisdom rooted in science and real-world practice. We talk about his journey from Russian folk instruments to mastering digital tools, and how he applies this knowledge to help students and pros alike. In this episode, Dmitry dives into his favorite DAWs, including Cubase’s MIDI strengths, and explores the art of physical modeling versus sample libraries. He discusses the subtleties of room acoustics, digital re-miking techniques, and the importance of tracking good source sounds to avoid over-reliance on plugins. Plus, he shares insights into recording traditional Russian instruments, the differences between vintage and modern gear, and tips for faster workflows that keep creativity flowing. We also touch on the future of AI in music, how to properly use presets without limit, and the magic of working with guitar and amp setups that bring real performance energy into the mix. Whether you’re a home-recording songwriter, a hobbyist, or a seasoned pro, Dmitry’s grounded approach offers ideas you can test in your own studio today. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.spectra1964.com https://gracedesign.com/ https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Home Studio Rockstars Community: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/membership Get 75% off for life, limited time discount! Work with Lij directly: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/work-with-me Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/52DnZkU0rFBtEmDT5YSjHO?si=vTxIRSmdQgaS5Wy_AFXFYQ If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/580

Is “school” ever really out when you’re chasing guitar tone, or are we always learning how to ditch Mr. Nice Guy in the classroom of rock? My guest today is Gyasi Heus, a Nashville-based musician, producer, and guitarist known for his theatrical rock sound, analog recording approach, and work with Alice Cooper. He’s an artist who blends classic influences with modern production, often building his own studio from vintage gear like TASCAM 388 reel-to-reel and analog amplifiers. In this episode, we got into the nuts and bolts of how vintage gear shapes the vibe of a recording. Gyasi shares stories about tracking on tape, the impact of room acoustics on guitar tones, and how working with classic equipment can influence performance energy and sonic character. We also talked about the challenges and rewards of DIY studio setups, the decision to keep things simple, and the importance of finishing songs to recognize what works. He discusses the technical side, from mic choices to amp settings, and how working with tape — especially old reel-to-reels — adds layers of coloration and authenticity that digital sometimes can’t replicate. We also touch on the art of capturing energy in performance, the role of studio environment, and why certain sounds become signatures for artists. If you’re curious about the intersection of vintage gear, analog recording, and performance-driven production, this one’s packed with honest insights from a musician who lives it. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.spectra1964.com https://gracedesign.com/ https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Home Studio Rockstars Community: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/membership Get 75% off for life, limited time discount! Work with Lij directly: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/work-with-me Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7Jpvai8u0gXl3Hbu1iF3Tc?si=2XOe9cidTYySiTc5Rg1myg If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/579

Curious how bluegrass veterans approach recording live in the studio or manage the balance between virtual instruments and raw performances? Join us as Chris Pandolfi from The Infamous Stringdusters shares insights from decades of balancing tradition and innovation in music. My guest today is Chris Pandolfi, a founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters, known for blending traditional bluegrass with modern production techniques. With 20+ years on stage and in studio, Chris has explored everything from live ensemble recordings to experimental sampling, virtual instruments, and mixing approaches. We dive into his journey from learning Earl Scruggs to crafting innovative solo projects like Trance Banjo, plus how he manages recording setups, mic choices, and creative workflow in both rural Colorado studios and professional environments. Our conversation covers the nuts and bolts of mic placement, band setup, and the subtle art of capturing banjo's tone - whether with ribbon mics or layered stereo setups - plus the philosophy behind playing live in the studio versus overdubbing. We also explore songwriting approaches, maintaining musical chops, the importance of trusting your ears, and how the constant learning process keeps this craft rewarding. If you’re into practical insights on studio technique, live recording dynamics, or the creative edge of blending old and new sounds, this episode is packed with the kind of wisdom only a lifelong musician and producer can share. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.spectra1964.com https://gracedesign.com/ https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Home Studio Rockstars Community: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/membership Get 75% off for life, limited time discount! Work with Lij directly: https://www.homestudiorockstars.com/work-with-me Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QduXYnHa7we0HJzCQylsB?si=8rcuFShkTpulu3plx2IgEA If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/578

What do happy accidents, deconstructing songs, and tools like stem splitters have to do with leveling up your production skills? My guest today is Marc Matthews, a UK-based producer, mixing and mastering engineer, EDM artist, and host of Inside The Mix podcast. He works with independent artists to craft impactful, clear tracks and shares practical insights from his experience as both an artist and engineer. In this episode, we dive into Marc’s journey from learning guitar and metal bands to mastering EDM production. We discuss his approach to building a workflow, selecting sounds, and the benefits of deconstructing commercial tracks using stem splitters for education rather than copying. Marc emphasizes starting with the right foundational sounds, like choosing the perfect kick and bass, and then refining through arrangement and mixing techniques like side-chaining and EQ. We got into the importance of practical tools - such as Serum, Arturia Pigments, and even Behringer synths - and how experimenting with synthesis can inspire creativity but needs to be coupled with structured composition. Marc also shares insights on working with vocal topliners through platforms like Vocalizer, building collaborations, and managing royalty splits with agreements from platforms like Songtrust or PPL. Podcasting as a way to learn, grow, and build a catalog was a big theme, along with strategies for navigating DAWs efficiently, controlling your workflow with shortcuts, and using apps like SteerMouse for cross-application controls. Finally, we talk about balancing creative freedom with technical discipline - knowing when to trust your instincts versus when to scientificize your process - and the value of just starting now, with whatever tools and time you have. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.spectra1964.com https://gracedesign.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/2YOHUdnp0mmVHoPiGtseiA?si=PcwvTlCoTA2bcNO3NGeopA If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/577