Music Production Podcast

Michael J. Morgan is a business coach that works specifically with mixing and mastering engineers. He helps them build frameworks and processes to maximize their businesses, reach more clients, and service them better through his company the Business of Mixing.

Michael and I spoke about patterns he sees in his clients. We get into things mixing engineers can do to develop trust and reputation in the music industry, while creating a fulfilling and sustainable career.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• The Business of Mixing - https://mixing.biz
• What I Told 21 Mix Engineers at Mix With the Masters - https://mixing.biz/blog/mix-with-the-masters-workshop-business-lessons
• 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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Beau McLeod is a music producer and educator, who makes music as Bohemyth. Beau runs Low End Candy, where he designs plug-ins and Ableton Live tools. His newest plug-ins are Preverb for easily creating reversed reverb, and Slingshot for creating reversed delays.

Beau spoke about his journey learning how to make plug-ins and tools for producers. We discussed how he came up in the music production world by working with some of his favorite producers. Beau shared some of his insights on how to develop a unique sound and stand out from the crowd.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Low End Candy - https://lowendcandy.com
• Preverb - https://lowendcandy.com/preverb/
• Slingshot - https://lowendcandy.com/slingshot
• Premix - https://lowendcandy.com/premix
• Low End Candy YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lowendcandy
• Bohemyth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_bohemyth_/
• Bohemyth's SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/boheymth
• Beau's Ableton Extensions Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WrXO7jIwX4
• 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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

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://www.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://www.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://www.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

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://www.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://www.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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Matt Tinkler is a musician, educator, and Ableton Certified Trainer. He runs a the Aspect Music Academy and makes music as Chronitect. Matt's YouTube channel is a great resource for learning music production and creative workflows.

Matt and I spoke in depth about the creative process and how he makes music. He shared his 5 I's of Ideation workflow, as well as how he helps students turn their ideas into finished tracks. I've been following Matt's work for a long time and it was a lot of fun speaking with him.

Enrollments for Matt's Aspect Music Academy's 24-week structured mentorship program begin February 9, 2026. The program starts March 16, 2026. More information here: https://aspectmusicacademy.com/

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Matt's Website - https://matttinklermusic.com
• Matt's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@matttinklermusic
• Matt's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matttinklermusic/
• Chronitect - https://chronitect.com
• Aspect Music Academy - https://aspectmusicacademy.com/
• Make Awesome Sounds with THIS Underused Ableton Live Feature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TiNtj1eGIs
• Watch THIS if You Can't Finish Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gPHMyOvyHM
• Matthew Dicks on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/matthew-dicks
• 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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Aqeel Aadam is the founder of Aqeel Aadam Sound plug-ins and Tyler Gilmore makes music as Blankfor.ms. Aqeel and Tyler have just released Outgrowth, a sample-based plug-in and iOS app. Outgrowth allows you to manipulate and reimagine samples in playful and unique way.

Aqeel and Tyler spoke to me about their collaboration on the new plug-in, and how they came to work together. We covered the creative process of developing plug-ins and some of the artistic choices and sacrifices made to help create a device that is inspiring and deep without being overwhelming. Tyler discussed the inspiration and creation process of his new album as Blankfor.ms called After the Town Was Swept Away.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Outgrowth - https://aqeelaadamsound.com/b/outgrowth
• Aqeel Aadam Sound - https://aqeelaadamsound.com
• Blankfor.ms - https://www.blankfor-ms.com/
• After the Town Was Swept Away by Blankfor.ms - https://www.blankfor-ms.com/music/after-the-town-was-swept-away
• Aqeel Aadam Sound Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aqeelaadamsound
• Aqeel's Personal Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/aqeel.aadam
• Aqeel's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AqeelAadam
• Aqeel on Bandcamp - https://aqeelaadam.bandcamp.com/
• Aqeel Aadam on Music Production Podcast #404 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/aqeel-aadam
• 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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Brad Barr is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and, along with his brother Andrew, is half of the Americana, folk-rock group the Barr Brothers. The Barr Brothers just released their new album, Let it Hiss, which has a more vulnerable, stripped-down sound that embraces human imperfection and spirit.

Brad and I had a great conversation about songwriting and the production of the Barr Brothers' new album Let it Hiss. Brad shared how a minimalist approach, including a 4-string guitar, helped guide the songwriting and production of the new record. Brad even demonstrated his polyester thread trick on the guitar. Please welcome Brad Barr to the Music Production Podcast.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their Tekno drum synthesizer plug-in. Save 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io/

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• The Barr Brothers - https://thebarrbrothers.com
• Let it Hiss by The Barr Brothers - https://found.ee/letithiss
• Brad's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bradbarr216/
• "Growing Up Sideways" by Brad Barr - https://vyd.co/BradBarrGrowingUpSidewaysInstrumental
• 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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

It's time for Jamuary, a challenge to create music and share it each day during the month of January.

Jamuary is a powerful way to start your year with a creative bang!

In this episode, I share 7 tips that will help you make the most of Jamuary and maximize your productivity and creativity!

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Join the Music Production Club! - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• My free #jamuary2026 Prompts - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/jamuary2026
• My #Jamuary2026 Playlist - https://soundcloud.com/brianfunk/sets/jamuary-2026
• Music Production Club #Jamuary2026 Playlist - https://soundcloud.com/brianfunk/sets/mpc-jamuary-2026
• 31x Your Creativity with Jamuary 2025 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/31x-your-creativity
• Don't Lose Twice and 3 Book Recommendations - https://brianfunk.com/blog/dont-lose-twice
• Jamuary Lessons - https://brianfunk.com/blog/see-your-ideas-through
• My Most Profound Jamuary Insight - https://brianfunk.com/blog/my-most-profound-jamuary-insight-music-production-podcast-203
• Creative Strategies for Jamuary by Spooqs - https://spooqs.space/creative-strategies-for-jamnuary-2026/
• 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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Joshua Blum is the host of The Thirteenth Hour Podcast, a show about the creative process as it relates to writing, music, and imagination. He's also the author of The Thirteenth Hour, a fantasy adventure novel, and the creator of Once Upon a Dream—an 80's-inspired synth soundtrack to accompany the book. Josh builds a rich creative world around his stories, blending music, writing, and visual art to tell bigger, immersive narratives.

In this conversation, we talk about the routines, strategies, and mindset shifts that help Josh stay creative while managing the demands of everyday life. He shares how working within time constraints forces him to be more focused and playful, how constraints fuel creativity, and why creative output doesn't need to be perfect to be meaningful. We also talk about nostalgia, world-building, and how developing recurring characters and themes across mediums can unlock a deeper connection to your work.

This episode is a simulcast with The Thirteenth Hour Podcast, and it was a real pleasure to swap perspectives with someone who thinks deeply about creativity across disciplines.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Time Constraints Can Be Creative Superpowers - Josh works in short, focused bursts—15 minutes at a time—which keeps him consistent and prevents overwhelm.
• Build a World, Not Just a Project - By creating music, stories, and visuals around a central fictional world, Josh finds new ways to stay inspired and expand his creative universe.
• Let Go of Perfect - A finished piece that's "good enough" beats the idea that never leaves your head. Josh treats creativity like a muscle—small, steady reps matter.
• Routines Protect Creativity - Morning journaling, evening music sessions, and other small rituals help Josh build momentum and reduce decision fatigue.
• Nostalgia as a Lens, Not a Limitation - Josh embraces his love of '80s aesthetics not as a gimmick, but as a creative compass that helps him stay aligned with his artistic voice.

Links:

• Joshua's Books: https://amzn.to/4a33uN0
• Joshua's Music: https://joshuablum.bandcamp.com
• Joshua's Web Site - https://13thhr.wordpress.com
• 13th Hour Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/2WqY0n2zFra3Ni2cIiC8YK
• X-Twitter - https://x.com/13thhr
• Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/the13thhr.ost/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joshua.blum.714/
• Bluesky -https://bsky.app/profile/13thhr.bsky.social
• Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@the13thhr
• Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/13thhr
• Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@13thhr
• 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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Joseph Holiday, who releases music as Snakes of Russia, returns to the podcast to talk about his latest album, Swallowed Whole Through the Mouth of Eternity. Joseph's music blends modular textures to create dark, moody, cinematic soundscapes.

In this episode, we talk about how Joseph's approach has evolved since our last conversation, why limitations fuel his creativity, and how visual storytelling influences his sound design. We get into his production workflow, how he finishes music quickly without overthinking, and why his favorite creative moments often come from accidents. We also touch on how the music industry's changing landscape impacts independent artists and why Joseph is focusing more on physical formats and direct fan connection.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Snakes of Russia Official Site - https://snakesofrussia.com/
• Swallowed Whole Through the Mouth of Eternity by Snakes of Russia - https://snakesofrussia.bandcamp.com/album/swallowed-whole-through-the-mouth-of-eternity
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/snakesofrussia/
• Snakes of Russia Soundpacks on Gumroad - https://snakesofrussia.gumroad.com/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SnakesofRussia
• See Machine art by Morgan Sorensen- https://www.instagram.com/see_machine/?hl=en
• Evan Frankfort on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/evan-frankfort
• Joseph on episode 341 of the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/snakes-of-russia-2
• Joseph on episode 175 of the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/snakes-of-russia
• 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!

Tommy Zee runs Tommy Zee and Co., a music production company that creates music for some of the world's largest brands like Nike, Adidas, Google, Sony, and more. He also runs Making Music for Brands, a platform where he teaches producers how to build careers creating music for commercial projects.

This is the fourth time I've had Tommy on the podcast, and every time we talk, I walk away feeling inspired and energized. In this episode, we talk about the evolving role of artists in a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation. We explore how commercial work shaped Tommy's discipline, why he's now leaning more into slower, more intentional creativity, and how important it is to stay connected to what truly matters to you as an artist. Toward the end, things get philosophical—and I think that's where some of the richest moments come through.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, who are running a huge Black Friday sale until December 8, 2025. Save an additional 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Making Music For Brands- https://www.makingmusicforbrands.com
• Tommy's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@studiozeeandco
• KMRU on Ableton's Blog - https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/kmru-on-the-art-of-sharing-music/
• Tommy on the 307th Episode of this podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/tommy-zee-3
• Tommy on the 188th Episode - https://brianfunk.com/blog/tommy-zee-2-music-production-podcast-188
• Tommy on the 122nd Episode - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2019/8/15/tommy-zee-making-music-for-brands-music-production-podcast-122
• 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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Tom Cosm is an electronic musician, Ableton Certified Trainer, and the technical co-founder of Telepathic Instruments. Widely known for his early Ableton Live tutorials and inventive use of hacked gear, Tom has built a reputation as a true audio mad scientist—transforming data, brainwaves, and even bugs into expressive sound.

In this conversation, Tom shares his journey from early YouTube educator to the co-creator of Orchid, a new instrument, dreamt up by Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, built to spark musical ideas with immediacy and joy. We explore the evolution of his creative philosophy, how tools can invite spontaneity, and what he's learned about music (and life) by building instruments from scratch.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• From YouTube to Orchid - Tom's journey started with early Ableton tutorials on YouTube and led to co-creating Orchid—a creative "ideas machine" that helps musicians quickly generate complex chord progressions.
• Music in Everything - Whether converting brainwaves, weather data, or the movement of a spider into sound, Tom finds musicality in everyday patterns and natural systems.
• Designing for Play - Tom emphasizes having fun while making music. Orchid was intentionally built without a screen to encourage tactile exploration and playful interactions.
• Community-Driven Development - Community has been a constant factor in Tom's work and continues through community-feedback on Orchid.
• Making Time for Music Again - After years focused on building hardware, Tom is excited to return to making music—starting with 80 unfinished tracks and a fresh wave of curiosity.

Links:

• Telepathic Instruments - https://telepathicinstruments.com
• Telepathic Instruments on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/telepathic.instruments/
• Telepathic Instruments on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@telepathic.instruments
• Tom Cosm Website - https://www.cosm.co.nz
• Tom's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/cosmcosm
• Tom's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tomcosm/
• Tame Impala - https://www.tameimpala.com
• 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://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

Tom Carpenter is a musician, producer, and plug-in developer. He is currently on tour with his 3-piece indie electronic band, Moon Tower. Tom is a co-founder of Soap Audio, who recently released Soap Voice Cleaner, a plug-in designed to easily clean up spoke word audio. I spoke with Tom about his tour, Moon Tower, and Soap Voice Cleaner. Tom shared his thoughts on creativity and collaboration in both a band setting and as a programmer. We also explored how Tom has found multiple avenues to build a career in the music industry.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio and their new plug-in Tekno! Save 15% with the code: MPP15 - https://babyaud.io/tekno

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Links:

• Soap Voice Cleaner - https://www.musehub.com/plugin/soap-voice-cleaner
• Moon Tower - https://thisismoontower.com
• Muse Hub - https://www.musehub.com
• Audacity - https://www.musehub.com/app/audacity
• Abberant DSP - https://aberrantdsp.com
• Beat Link Trigger - https://github.com/Deep-Symmetry/beat-link-trigger
• 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/

*Edit - in the show I mistakenly mentioned Sony's involvement in Audacity. I was confusing Audacity with Acid, which was at one time owned by Sony.

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://www.brianfunk.com/ for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk

https://brianfunk.comIs your best music not getting made?

Do you struggle through the process?

This video contains 10 habits of prolific music producers. Adopt them into your music making and let your best music come to life!

Every time we make music is a unique and special experience. We will never be in exactly the same place again. We have to take advantage of each moment we get otherwise, that music will never get made.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Every music creation moment is unique and special.
• Prolific music production requires consistent practice.
• Don't wait for the perfect moment to start creating.
• It's okay to borrow ideas from other artists.
• Create what you want to hear, not just for others.
• Establish a routine to make music regularly.
• Embrace constraints to enhance creativity.
• Explore side projects to find new inspiration.
• Immerse yourself in a creative environment.
• Share your work to build a community and grow as an artist.

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