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Secret Sonics

Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner

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Join mix engineers Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner as they team up to discuss the real-world trials and triumphs of music production. Tactical advice on skill development, mixing mindsets, personal branding, and achieving work-life rhythm in an evolving industry. The motivation and strategic insights you need to build your dream creative career in music and audio. Fresh episodes every week.
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If a music biz podcast had a baby with a guided meditation app. This music business podcast focuses on self-reflection and proactivity for thoughtful music production professionals. Hosted by Carl Bahner.
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The Self-Recording Band

Benedikt Hain / Malcom Owen-Flood

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Produce exciting sounding music yourself and release songs that you're proud of! Professional producers/mixers Benedikt Hain and Malcom Owen-Flood help you make your next DIY-recording session a success!
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Keeping a consistent sound in how you present your company really is the "hidden gem" of marketing. But audio or sonic branding influences us in many different ways and in many different places within our lives. Education is key! I'll be exploring that here, both with my own observations and by interviewing knowledgeable professionals in the field of advertising, marketing, music and science.
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Can't Afford To Record is a YouTube channel where we learn the art of audio production together...but this is the podcast edition! I love playing guitar and writing music but recording, mixing and producing is still a little out of my comfort zone! So here I am, opening up my journey to those who want to join in and learn with me.
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Conversations with people dedicated to making music their life. The Weathervane Podcast was a pet project of former Weathervane Creative Director, Peter English from the Summer of 2014. English and record producer Brian McTear (Founder of the nonprofit Weathervane Music) speak with select independent recording artists about the things they do to improve and sustain their craft. This project included interviews with members of The War on Drugs, Hop Along, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and others. ...
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Have a listen to the very first episode of Secret Sonics featuring Carl Bahner! Back in August 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Ben and Carl formed a friendship. We thought it would be fun to revisit this episode and explore Carl's origin story while we take a break to prepare for bringing new guests onto the show. Enjoy! Original Show Note…
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Send us a Text Message. Here are three next steps for you to take: 1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes - 2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program! It all starts with a free clar…
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“There was one we did a few years ago. This was while COVID was going on and it was with Nicolas Cage. And he was such a surprising guy. I mean, we all know, kind of… He’s an unusual fella. His films run the gamut really, and stylistically and genre. But he showed up early to get the tech right. He was super chatty. I always gauge, like, how someon…
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Brendan Duffey is a Grammy award-winning mixing and mastering engineer. 15 Grammy nominations, multiple certified Multi-Platinum records, and awards in film and advertising are some of the highlights of his 25+ career in music production. Brendan has worked with Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Kendrick Lamar, Sheryl Crow, Devin Townsend, Ella Mai, M…
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Send us a Text Message. Here are three next steps for you to take: 1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes - 2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program! It all starts with a free clar…
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“People are actually tuning in from their phones or, like, listening on Spotify or whatever while they’re shopping. And they actually measured how conscious people were of what they were spending. So yeah, it’s just really fascinating. It influences us in so many ways that I don’t even think we’re conscious of.” “Oh, absolutely. I totally agree wit…
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Zakk Cervini is a Grammy-nominated producer and mixing engineer who has worked with artists like Blink-182, All Time Low, Good Charlotte, 5 Seconds Of Summer, and many more. He is well known for being a very versatile engineer in the studio. His persistence and eagerness to constantly learn and adapt to the changing musical landscape is one of his …
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In this episode, Carl shares his recent experience creating a backing track for a high-stakes live event. Discover how mixing for a live venue requires a complete shift in priorities and techniques compared to crafting tracks for streaming platforms. From exaggerating dynamics to strategically reinforcing rhythmic elements, you'll learn about how t…
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“An intro video needs to let people know, ‘Hey, this is who the show’s for, and this is what you’re about to see, what you’re about to witness.’ And that audio is a huge component of it. It has to really, just, it has to just feel right. There’s really not a way to explain it, even though that’s kind of my job here on a podcast is to explain it. Bu…
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Nicky Howard is a mastering engineer based in 'sometimes sunny' Yorkshire, UK. He's worked alongside many Grammy-Winning & Nominated artists, producers, and mix engineers, including Rhymefest, Kipper Eldridge (producer for Sting, Gary Numan, and Mary J Blige), and Mikalai Skrobat (Mixing Engineer/Producer for Kanye West, and Pharell Williams). He i…
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In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss how their respective backgrounds as a bassist and a drummer shape their approach to music production and mixing. They delve into the influence of their live performance experiences and traditional training on their production techniques, emphasizing intentionality and minimalism. Topics we discuss: Intentionali…
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“I think the biggest mistake most people, most businesses make when they go into that project is they think it’s a story about them, but the reality is it’s a story about your customer and how you help them in their story. And that’s the way we try to frame it. With the narration, with the visuals, with the music, from the story. It’s really trying…
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Ryan Schwabe is a platinum-certified mixing and mastering engineer, a former professor of recording arts & music production at Drexel University's Music Industry Program, and a former Vice President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy, as well as Co-Chair of the Producer and Engineer's Wing. Currently, he is the Treasurer of the Ph…
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Send us a Text Message. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes - Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for …
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In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss the transition from being live performers to working in the studio. They share personal anecdotes and insights into the skills and experiences that have informed their studio work, such as checking egos, understanding tempo, effective communication, conflict resolution, and the importance of arrangement. They a…
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“I think a part of that is because, you know, 75% of people, like, on Facebook, will not listen to sound, so they don’t really equate it as much, or they don’t understand the value of it. However, sound is very, like, people are very unforgiving when it comes to sound. So people take in 50% of the experience through sound and that’s a combination o…
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Inspired by early punk and new wave, Adam Greenspan's journey through the vast soundscapes of the late 80s, to industrial and alt 90s, marked a lifelong immersion in music. With over 25 years in the industry, his career ignited with the engineering of Faith No More's "Album of the Year." Later, a serendipitous connection with fellow producer Nick L…
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Join Ben and Carl for a peek behind the podcast curtain as they reflect on the journey of Secret Sonics and explore exciting new directions for the show. In this candid conversation, they share their vision for weaving in fresh perspectives through guest interviews while preserving the magic of their duo dynamic. Discover the thought process behind…
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Send us a Text Message. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes - Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for …
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“The piano is the same way. The piano has a hammer that goes like that on the string. The harpsichord has a pintrip that is plucked, all right? What do you do on the guitar? You actually pluck the string or hit it like a hammer in a way. So, in a certain way of thinking, the guitar is not the stringed instrument that everyone thinks it is. On the o…
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We hit 200 episodes! In celebration of this giant milestone, I recorded a special Q&A episode where I answered questions submitted by our audience about all things production and more. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: Mike’s thoughts on the production of Metallica’s “black” album How many layers to record for heavy guitars My mic of choice for …
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Teamwork really DOES make the dream work. In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into assembling a roster of pros who can take your projects to the next level. From identifying the right specialists for each song to fostering a culture of trust and creative alchemy, you'll learn how to build a team that amplifies your strengths and delivers even b…
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“And so the concert comes, and, about the ending piece of the concert. I didn’t know who I was. All that vanity and ego, ‘I’m a classical musician,’ all of that stuff, those labels go right out the window. And why is that? Because it’s down to survival time now.” -- Jonathan Taylor This episode’s guest is a California native who’s currently represe…
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Tony Hoffer is most known for his colorful, gritty productions and mixes that pop out of the speakers. His work over the years spans across alternative, electronic, rock, pop and indie. Hoffer spent his early years in Miami making music on 2 cassette decks and a reel-to-reel machine. As a teenager, he moved to Los Angeles and went ‘hi-tech’ upgradi…
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Are you constantly chasing the elusive "perfect" mix or agonizing over every tiny detail in your productions? In this episode, Ben and Carl share their hard-won insights on overcoming perfectionist tendencies that can stifle creativity and slow progress to a crawl. They share practical strategies for breaking free from the perfectionist's curse, tr…
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“The way to get your rates up is to make them realize that you’re like the supply, and demand works in your favor if the supply is one, right? If you’re the only person doing this thing, not the only person mixing, not the only person doing, I don’t know, a Scottish Gen Z accent, I don’t know what the equivalent would be. It’s not just the only per…
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As an active recording and touring musician for over thirty years, Brad cut his teeth as the guitarist and vocalist in From Ashes Rise, making music in a scene fraught with challenges to sound quality. He was raised in the North Mississippi Hill Country, surrounded by a rich and historic music scene, and, after studying Recording Industry Technolog…
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Ben and Carl delve into their go-to songs for mix references across various aspects of sound including bottom end, top end, mid-range, depth, stereo field, dynamic range, and transients. They explore a wide range of music from artists like Radiohead, Adele, Daft Punk, and Billie Eilish, to name a few, providing insights into why these tracks serve …
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“It was when I started figuring out, without knowing what it was called, because I also didn’t have any marketers in my life growing up. But when I was finding gigs for myself when I was the freelancer, mercenary, playing with a bunch of different people, I had to learn what these people are looking for. How do I figure out how to let them know tha…
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Max Morton is Ukrainian producer and musician best known for his work with Jinjer, IGNEA, Morton and other metal bands. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: Being able to relate to musicians and coach them Improving your own musicianship through recording Making musicians comfortable in the studio Recording guitars using DIs and reamping vs capturi…
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Does music theory belong in the mixing engineer's toolbox? In this rapid-fire episode, Ben and Carl explore the surprising ways a solid grasp of music theory can elevate your mixes from amateur to awesome. Discover how to wield the power of harmony, melody, and chord progressions to troubleshoot tricky mix issues, enhance arrangements, and take you…
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When you think about shopping, what sound comes to mind? It might be the carts rolling up and down the aisles, or maybe the beeps of the scanners when you’re standing in the check-out line. Music might not be the first thing that crosses our minds, but it’s almost always in the background of our shopping trips, and it can have a surprising impact. …
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Carl Bahner is a mix engineer originally from Lancaster, PA. Carl has worked with artists like The Wombats, St. Lucia, Joywave, and Hippo Campus. Applying a contemporary slant on the "Wall of Sound" style to his productions, he offers his bright-eyed and open-hearted perspective by creatively framing vocals with imaginative instrumentation. He blen…
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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…
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“If you take the, you know, Foley work and the soundtrack out of a movie and just show, you know, the film with just the dialogue, even a great movie, it just, it completely falls emotionally flat, right? It just it’s, you know, if George Lucas had not hired John Williams to do the score for Star Wars, it would probably be a little-remembered, B-gr…
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Toby Campen, a mastering engineer based in Brighton, UK, is dedicated to helping artists elevate their music. With a focus on delivering exceptional mastering services, Toby aims to enhance creative visions and foster deeper connections with audiences. Toby's professional journey began as a mixing engineer in various domains, spanning music, film, …
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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 …
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“I know, like, Apple Music is offering that, so you don’t have to have anything but a pair of headphones in order to listen to most music. And it’s even possible on some computers. I know, like, Apple MacBook Pros, if you just play through the speakers in the computer, it’s astonishing. It gives it, it’s got DSP built in that, just, basically, it s…
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Marc Matthew is the driving force behind Synth Music Mastering, an online music mastering company. With a deep understanding of mastering's complexities, Marc aims to alleviate the common struggles musicians face in achieving sonic perfection. He offers a collaborative and straightforward mastering service, ensuring artists' visions are honored and…
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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…
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“I was, like, on tour, I spent twenty hours driving all over Ohio, talking to different places. And I work from home, so I don’t drive a ton. And now I was, and I was listening to all these podcasts, and I was amazed how many times I had to ride the volume knob because somebody would be talking, and then somebody would come in and they’re much, a m…
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Adam Bentley has been deeply entrenched in the world of guitar playing and music production for the better part of his life. With nearly a decade of focused study in music production, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Berklee College, setting the stage for his professional journey. Upon graduation, he swiftly secured a position as a mix engineer…
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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…
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Send us a Text Message. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes - Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for …
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“And I hit play on it, and I hear ‘Hello, Dave, this is Michael Van Lahr from Nuremberg, Germany.’ I’m in the basement of my brother’s house. This is where I started. And that, which goes back to, it doesn’t matter. Just, just start. And my brother goes ‘Did he say Nuremberg, Germany?’ And I go ‘Yeah.’ And we just sat there for the longest time, ju…
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Will Beasley is an American producer/engineer, and musician from Richmond, Virginia. His credits include artists such as Turnstile, The Dangerous Summer, Emarosa, and Asking Alexandria. Will's love for music was developed at an early age and he spent his teenage years playing live shows with various bands and learning the mechanics of recording. At…
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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…
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Send us a Text Message. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect": theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes - Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for …
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“I think sound has this ability. We talked about meaning, we talked about engagement, we talked about flexibility, versatility... but I feel like people are used to visual communication. They understand that there’s logo, animation and everything is like the sign, the bottom of the page, et cetera. I feel like you add this extra layer of surprise a…
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George Perks is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, and mixer with over 10 years of experience working across genres, with artists like Enter Shikari, The Darkness, Skindred, and You Me At Six. His portfolio has totaled over one billion streams worldwide, including 3 UK-chart topping albums. George specializes in helping rock, metal, punk,…
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