Best Sonic Perspectives Podcasts (2024)

1
SEBASTIAN BACH Talks New Album “Child Within The Man”: ‘It’s Mindblowing To Have My Songs Played On FM Radio In 2024’ 27:12

4d ago27:12

27:12

Sebastian Bach will release his long-awaited studio album, “Child Within the Man”, on May 10th via Reigning Phoenix Music. With a career that has spanned over 35 years and tens of millions of albums sold, billions of streams, chart-topping songs, and packing arenas/theaters worldwide, Sebastian is back with a vengeance with the release of “Child Wi…

1
#205 - Consistency Hacks for Reliably Radio-Ready Mixes 44:25

2h ago44:25

44:25

Want to know how to create release-ready mixes with confidence every single time? In this episode, Ben and Carl reveal their approaches for achieving reliable mix consistency no matter the song. Discover the mindset shifts, little-known technical tricks, and proven workflow strategies that will help you nail your mix vision faster, with fewer frust…

1
#204 - Masking Mayhem: How to Tame the Chaos and Clarify Your Mixes 20:19

4d ago20:19

20:19

In this week's episode, Ben and Carl unmask the mystery of masking (pun very much intended). They talk about frequency masking, rhythmic masking, transient masking, and more. There are plenty of "aha!" moments that will change the way you approach mixing, so tune in now and elevate your mixes from cluttered to crystal-clear! Topics we discuss: The …

1
#203 - Embracing Your Inner Weird: Turning Quirks into Career Superpowers 32:05

15d ago32:05

32:05

Leaning into your authentic self, flaws and all, can become your greatest asset in building a standout career. In this offbeat episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the quirky traits and tendencies that make them unique as music professionals. Topics we discuss: Why your quirks are more than just personality traits - they shape your artistic identit…

1
#202 - AI in Music: Salvation or Doom for Creatives? 38:58

21d ago38:58

38:58

In this thought-provoking episode, Ben and Carl dive headfirst into the complex world of artificial intelligence and its impending impact on the music industry. Discover how AI is already transforming music creation and production, and explore the philosophical quandaries that arise as technology blurs the line between human artistry and machine-ge…

1
#201 - Minimalism: How Audio Engineers Can Create Big Results With Less 34:00

26d ago34:00

34:00

What if the secret to standout mixes was doing less, not more? In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the art of minimalism in audio engineering. Discover how applying minimalist principles, from streamlined plugin chains to intentional gear choices, can elevate your sound and simplify your workflow. Learn why sometimes the biggest results co…

1
#200 - Mastering: A Mixer's Perspective 39:06

1M ago39:06

39:06

In this episode, mixing engineers Ben and Carl dive into the vital yet often misunderstood role of mastering in the music production process. Topics we discuss: The single biggest reason mastering can make or break your mix (it's not what you think) How to harness the power of objectivity to hear your mix with fresh ears The little-known trick for …

1
#199 - How to Confidently Raise Your Rates 52:59

1M ago52:59

52:59

Ready to start earning what you're really worth as an audio professional? In this eye-opening episode, Ben and Carl talk about proven strategies for tactfully raising your rates with both new and existing clients. Discover how to showcase your unique value, frame your pricing in a compelling way, and confidently ask for the rates you deserve. Topic…

1
#198 - Cold Outreach That Doesn’t Feel Icky 36:38

2M ago36:38

36:38

In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the often uncomfortable but crucial topic of cold outreach for audio professionals. Carl shares his proven methodology for finding and connecting with potential clients and collaborators in a genuine, non-sleazy way. Learn how to move past the discomfort, build the habit of regular outreach, and transfor…

1
#197 - Why the Goal Posts of Success are Always Moving 47:35

2M ago47:35

47:35

In this week's episode of Secret Sonics, Ben and Carl explore the evolving nature of career success. Topics we discuss: Early unrealistic dreams transform into sustainable career visions over time Realizing that artistic purpose can fuel and expand your goals as it connects with listeners ⁠Life priorities reshape definitions of success at different…

1
#196 - Taking Criticism Like a Pro 41:00

2M ago41:00

41:00

In this week's episode, Ben and Carl talk about taking criticism as an audio professional. Topics we discuss: Getting constructive vs unhelpful criticism and feedback Building a "circle" of trusted people to give feedback Characteristics to look for in people you ask criticism from Receiving criticism during different stages of production Dealing w…

1
#195 - How Templates Can Enable (Not Stifle) Creativity 22:51

2M ago22:51

22:51

Have a listen as Ben and Carl have an in-depth conversation about using templates for efficient mixing and production workflows. They talk about how they structure their templates by routing tracks, buses, and FX stacks to allow for maximum flexibility when mixing. They discuss setting expectations with clients about initial mixes as well as favori…

1
#194 - Don’t Get Suckered By The Sale: What We ACTUALLY Look For When Buying Plugins 42:26

3M ago42:26

42:26

Tune in as Ben and Carl talk about what it takes to convince them to buy new plugins - from usefulness to inspiration and everything in between. They discuss the plugins they can’t live without, the plugins that were a total disappointment, and the future of subscription payment models. Topics we discuss: ⁠Prerequisites for buying a new plugin Mark…

1
IHSAHN Talks New Self-Titled Album: “This is the Kind of Album I Grew Up Loving . . . It’s Exciting and It Sparks the Imagination” 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

Ihsahn has established himself as the cutting edge of extreme metal creativity for more than three decades, and this seasoned maverick shows no sign of slowing down with his self-titled double album “Ihsahn.” Featuring one album with his renowned black metal finesse, and a complimentary album built upon horror-cinema inspired orchestrals, “Ihsahn” …

1
CALIGULA’S HORSE Discusses New Album “Charcoal Grace” & Ongoing Tour: “Playing These Songs Live is Almost Like an Exorcism, Just Like This Album Was Meant to Be” 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

On January 26th, 2024, Caligula’s Horse released their long-anticipated sixth studio album “Charcoal Grace,” and just days thereafter embarked on their headlining tour across North America. To enhance the talent onstage for the eager American metal scene, Caligula’s Horse is joined on this tour by supporting act and progressive metal compatriots Ea…

1
#193 - How the Role of the Mixing Engineer is Changing in 2024 49:15

3M ago49:15

49:15

Ben and Carl discuss the role of a mixing engineer in 2024. They talk about how the role has changed over the years as well as the importance of communication with artists and producers to bring their vision to life. They also explore the impact of technological changes and how it has impacted the mixing process and made it more efficient. This dis…

1
#192 - Moving Forward: Ben & Carl Chart Their 2024 Game Plan 38:49

4M ago38:49

38:49

Get ready for 2024. Ben and Carl kick off their rebooted Secret Sonics podcast - as new co-hosts - by doing a goal-setting session for the new year. Ben shares his plans to realign his audio career, while Carl reveals his strategy to have over 1000 conversations in 2024 (yes, seriously). Money, mindfulness, and family take priority, too as they set…

1
Legendary Fusion Guitarist SCOTT HENDERSON Talks New Album, Playing Influences And His Love For MESHUGGAH & PANTERA 14:10

4M ago14:10

14:10

Get ready to embark on a sonic journey with legendary guitarist and composer Scott Henderson as he prepares to release his highly anticipated album, “Karnevel!”, on February 2, 2024. Following the triumph of his previous album, “People Mover,” which clinched the title of the best fusion album of 2019 by Jazz Times Magazine, Scott is back with a mus…

1
Secret Sonics 191 - Matt Huber - The Hyper-Focused Mixing Engineer 1:35:40

4M ago1:35:40

1:35:40

Matt Huber is a mix engineer based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation Matt and I go deep on the following: His journey from Arkansas to LA (via Nashville) Delegation & scaling Niching down Atmos His approach to mixing Getting bright (but not harsh) vocals Mixing into a limiter Why he buys every single plugin The quality of high vs. low track-c…

1
Rhythmic Revelations: A Backstage Encounter with BARONESS’ Bassist NICK JOST and Drummer SEBASTIAN THOMSON 14:10

5M ago14:10

14:10

Celebrating twenty years of existence, Baroness released their critically acclaimed sixth album, “Stone”, on September 15, 2023. As discussed in our review (which can be read here), this is one of their most cohesive pieces of work, although there’s plenty of room for experimentation. And obviously, now is the time to promote “Stone”, and showcase …

1
JOEY TEMPEST of EUROPE Reflects On New Single “Hold Your Head Up”: ‘We Always Like to Take Fans On an Adventure’ 19:28

5M ago19:28

19:28

Europe has recently released its new single, “Hold Your Head Up,” ahead of a 2024 documentary film about the band’s meteoric rise to becoming one of the greatest rock bands in history. The song is a vibrant rocker reminiscent of their early hits and captures Joey Tempest [vocals], John Norum [guitars], John Levén [bass], Mic Michaeli [keyboards], a…

1
Bonus Episode - 10 Must-Have Mindsets for Music Professionals - With Travis Ference of Progressions 19:58

6M ago19:58

19:58

This conversation first appeared as episode 98 of Progressions: Success in the Music Industry - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/episode/10-mindsets Credits: Guest: Ben Wallick Host: Travis Ference Editor: Stephen Boyd Learn more about Secret Sonics - https://www.benwallick.com/podcastBy Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner

1
A Brief Message from Jerusalem 3:23

7M ago3:23

3:23

By Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner

1
The Responsibility Of Noticing: How Beauty Can Save Us (S4 E5) 15:42

7M ago15:42

15:42

Facts and statistics have so far failed to get humans to change our behavior to address the climate crisis. But can beauty? In this episode, host Michael Hernandez talks with marine biologist Jonny Reid about the importance of noticing, and how the beauty of the world may just save us–if we make time and space to do so. This episode was produced as…

1
The Possibility Of Perspective (S4 E4) 15:46

7M ago15:46

15:46

Maybe you’ve tried (and failed) to take photos–of a concert, a skyscraper, or the Grand Canyon–that truly captures the immensity of the object or experience. In this episode, host Michael Hernandez talks with National Geographic photographer Susan Seubert about the limits of photography, especially when trying to convey something as vast as Antarct…

1
Sorry for Going AWOL 2:00

7M ago2:00

2:00

Sorry for dropping the ball there, wanted to keep you in the loop.By Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner

1
Job At The Bottom Of The World (S4 E3) 15:05

7M ago15:05

15:05

While we often assume that Antarctica is an untouched, pristine continent, there is actually a long history of exploration and research–and yes, exploitation–of Antarctica. On an expedition to the Great White Continent, host Michael Hernandez visits the British research station at Port Lockroy, now operated by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which…

1
The Climate For Change (S4 E2) 17:42

7M ago17:42

17:42

Wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts caused by climate change are finally starting to get our attention in mainstream media and the public consciousness. But these changes in climate are even more extreme in Antarctica, a fragile and diverse ecosystem that the entire planet relies upon, even more than the Amazon rainforests. But what can we DO about…

1
The Right War (S4 E1) 12:55

7M ago12:55

12:55

Each of us has to decide which battles are worth fighting. After speaking with Chilean journalist and naturalist while on expedition to Antarctica, host Michael Hernandez discovers what it means to defend--rather than "protect"--Antarctica, and by extension, the rest of the planet. This episode was produced as part of Michael's Lindblad Expeditions…

1
Season 4 Trailer: The Great White Continent 2:56

8M ago2:56

2:56

Join host Michael Hernandez as he kicks off Season 4 to get a glimpse of life at the bottom of the world, and insights about his expedition to Antarctica as part of his Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship. See episode notes and resources at www.changethenarrative.net…

1
EVERCLEAR Frontman ART ALEXAKIS Reflects On New Live Album: “I Like How Raw It Sounds; A Live Album Must Sound Actually Live!”

8M ago

—

Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, spanning 11 studio releases, including four that have been certified Gold or Platinum, selling over 6 million records, and achieving 12 Top 40 Hit Singles on Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Adult Top 40 radio, including “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You …

1
Secret Sonics 190 - John Velasquez - Fostering a Community Around Music 1:25:36

8M ago1:25:36

1:25:36

John Velasquez is a music producer, mixer, and songwriter based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation John and I go deep on the following: The importance of humility How he has built a community of creatives that he collaborates with Mindfulness Being real Patience Working with a team Getting artists to deliver great vocal performances The cry te…

1
Secret Sonics 189 - Enoch Yang - Future-Proofing Your Audio Business with Systems 54:33

9M ago54:33

54:33

Enoch Yang is a systems and operational management specialist (in addition to being a music producer and artist), based out of Charlotte, NC, USA! In today's episode, Enoch offers a hands-on roadmap for implementing effective systems within your audio business. This approach can help you streamline your business and focus more energy on your core w…

1
Secret Sonics 188 - Daniela Rivera - Letting the Music Shine in the Mix 1:36:41

9M ago1:36:41

1:36:41

Daniela Rivera is an Emmy-nominated and multiple-Grammy participating audio and mixing engineer based out of Atlanta, GA, USA! She's also the Governor of the Recording Academy's Atlanta Chapter. In our conversation Daniela and I go deep on the following: Her Journey starting with a Korg Triton keyboard Assisting for legendary mixer Phil Tan Coming …

1
Secret Sonics 187 - Stephen Cole - Making Eclectic Records 1:45:45

10M ago1:45:45

1:45:45

Stephen Cole is a music producer, mixing engineer, musician, and the owner of What Studio based in Liverpool, England, UK! In our conversation Stephen and I go deep on the following: Being a self-taught product of the bedroom recording boom Building up a palette of sounds and recognizing the context of a sound Building a studio in a church Getting …

1
Secret Sonics 186 - Travis Ference - Strategic Audio Workflows 1:46:13

10M ago1:46:13

1:46:13

Travis Ference is a Grammy-nominated mixing engineer and the host of Progressions, a podcast about finding success in the music industry. Travis is based out of LA, CA, USA! In our conversation Travis and I go deep on the following: Fatherhood and time management Soundflow, scripts, and other shortcuts Is AI coming for mixing engineers? Content cre…

1
IHSAHN Reflects On Now Available URM ACADEMY Course “How It’s Done” with JENS BOGREN: “The Most Important Takeaway is Commitment” 28:45

10M ago28:45

28:45

Earlier this year, Ihsahn released his latest EP, “Fascination Street Sessions.” The thirteen-minute EP included two original tracks and a cover of Kent’s “Dom Andra,” and featured the vocal talents of Jonas Renske (Katatonia) and Øystein Aadland (Avkrvst). Critics unanimously praised the rich sound, high-quality production, and continued excellenc…

1
Secret Sonics 185 - Dave McNair - An Audiophile's Approach to Mastering 1:46:11

11M ago1:46:11

1:46:11

Dave McNair is a multiple Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer based out of Winston-Salem, NC, USA! In our conversation Dave and I go deep on the following: His journey in audio and mastering Why mastering engineers work so quickly How bass and vocals are paramount in a mix Mastering with mixing in mind and vice versa Correcting a good mix made …

1
BLACK SABBATH’s GEEZER BUTLER Talks Upcoming Book “Into the Void”: ‘There Have Been Terrible Fall-Outs; You Forget Them and Come Back Together’ 20:57

11M ago20:57

20:57

Not many bands can leave a lasting impression and legacy like Black Sabbath have done over the last 50 years. They have been flying the flag for heavy metal throughout their career to legions of fans around the world since their eponymous debut album, “Black Sabbath”, which was released on February 13, 1970. They went on to sell over 46 million alb…

1
Secret Sonics 184 - Noam Levinberg - Manifesting Successful Pivots in Audio 1:21:41

11M ago1:21:41

1:21:41

Noam Levinberg is a mastering engineer and the owner of the brand-new plugin company, Safari Pedals! He's based out of Tel Aviv, Israel. In our conversation Noam and I go deep on the following: Lessons from building the audio department at a sync company You don’t have to smash the dynamics for sync music Headroom and dynamics Things are getting qu…

1
Mix_Notes 008 - My Approach to Electric Guitars 9:03

12M ago9:03

9:03

Mix_Notes are a chance for Ben to talk about the topics on his mind and share what's been happening in his studio - beyond the scope of the usual interviews that take place on Secret Sonics. Here are some links based on what I referenced: Neural DSP's Wong amp - https://neuraldsp.com/plugins/archetype-cory-wong?g_acctid=332-563-6797&g_adgroupid=&g_…

1
Secret Sonics 183 - Philip Weinrobe - Music Production's Unorthodox Thinker 1:27:16

12M ago1:27:16

1:27:16

Philip Weinrobe is a record producer, mixing engineer, and the owner of Sugar Mountain Recording in Brooklyn, NY, USA. He's worked with talented artists such as Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief), Theo Katzman (Vulfpeck), Alanis Morissette, and many others! In our conversation Philip and I go deep on the following: Accidentally getting into recording by b…

1
Mix_Notes 007 - These are a few of my favorite things - The Saturator Edition! 11:52

12M ago11:52

11:52

Mix_Notes are a chance for Ben to talk about the topics on his mind and share what's been happening in his studio - beyond the scope of the usual interviews that take place on Secret Sonics. Here's a link to the video version - https://youtu.be/EOhQzrS2BaA Here are some links based on what I referenced: Black Box HG2 - https://www.plugin-alliance.c…

1
Secret Sonics 182 - Scott Hull - Mastering Stellar Records 1:56:14

1y ago1:56:14

1:56:14

Scott Hull is a 40-year veteran Grammy award-winning mastering engineer and the owner of Masterdisk based in Peekskill, NY, USA. In our conversation Scott and I go deep on the following: Landing a Masterdisk internship and working with Bob Ludwig Leading an interdisciplinary life Striving for excellence The role of the engineer His approach to mast…

1
Music Industry Veteran & Longtime DREAM THEATER Tour Manager RIKK FEULNER Talks New Book, Life on The Road and Upcoming DREAM THEATER Summer Tour: “DREAM THEATER Don’t Get to Play Any Festival in the US ... 31:37

1y ago31:37

31:37

Often wonder and been intrigued by what life is like working, managing or being an artist, a rock star? Traveling to foreign countries, seeing the sights, feeling the energy of live audiences, night after night, and experiencing firsthand the screaming fans? It’s not always glorious or glamorous; in fact, there is more to it than you think. One thi…

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