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Apply for coaching!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

We are 277 episodes into this podcast and haven't really touched on mastering. We did an episode on loudness and one where we explained what mastering actually is. But we really only scratched the surface.

Today we're finally going a bit deeper and we're doing it with an amazing guest.

Slatin is joining us on the show today. Slatin is an award winning mastering engineer, based in Madrid, Spain. He is also a DJ and artist himself and despite his current career in electronic music, he actually has a heavy metal background.

There's lots to talk about and I'm super excited to have him on the show. So without further ado, here is Slatin for you!

--

Some of the topics we covered in this episode:

• What are microdynamics?
• Slatins past in a heavy metal band
• Mixing/mastering different genres
• Slatins work as DJ - He played at Tomorrowland this year
• Slatins mastering process
• The low end in different genres
• Outsourcing mastering vs doing it yourself
• The peace of mind aspect of mastering
• Transparent mastering vs adding a lot of color and character to masters
• Mixing vs mastering vs stem mastering (under which circumstances is stem mastering a good idea?)
• Workflow and speed - How important is a good workflow for home studio producers who can do it all without time pressure?
• Auditioning gear in the mastering process (especially limiters)
• Digital vs analog

Enjoy!

--

Slatins website:

www.slatin.pro

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/277

--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

In this episode, Benedikt is joined by Adam Croft from the band The Grand Caravan. A group that makes music for wandering souls and vibe-chasers, rather than sticking to any one genre.

They talk about Adam’s journey as a musician, his time in our coaching program, The Self-Recording Syndicate, how the band has evolved over time, and what it was like working on their latest recordings.

Adam shares his experience going from home recording setups to professional studios, and the lessons he’s picked up along the way.

This one’s full of honest insights about growth, learning, and staying passionate - whether you’re tracking at home or in a fancy studio.

Adam and Benedikt also get into the balance between focusing on feel vs. getting caught up in the technical side of things, and how collaboration and spontaneity often lead to the best creative moments.

--

Some key takeaways from the conversation:

• The Grand Caravan is a band built on vibes, not strict genres.
• Adam is all about learning, growing, and keeping the creative fire alive.
• Home recording is awesome, but sometimes a pro studio can take things to the next level.
• Don’t try to master everything at once. Pick one thing to focus on and really learn it.
• earn to trust your ears. Gear and theory are cool, but what you hear is what really matters.
• The process and having fun along the way matters just as much as the final result.
• And above all, if you love making music, don’t hold back. Just go for it.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/276

--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

I hear it all the time. It's one of the most common problems that people run into:

"My vocals never seem to sit right in my mixes."

"The vocals are buried in the mix and when I turn them up, they are too loud."

"I want the vocals to be "in the mix" but still clear and audible all the time."

"I want the vocals to be upfront, but not on top of the mix too much."

"What do I do to make my vocals sit well in the mix?"

The vocal is the most important element in most mixes. So, I don't think I have to explain why it matters to get it to sound right.

It's what connects with your listeners, it's what tells the story, gets the message across and it is the most unique thing about your music that won't sound like anyone or anything else.


So we've made this entire episode, diving deep into all the things you can do to make sure your vocals sit perfectly and feel just right:

• Timing and pitch
• EQ
• Compression
• Sibilance control
• Effects
• Depth and distance between vocal layers

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/275

--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

Have you ever written something in a burst of raw emotion - only to cringe at it a year later? Or maybe the opposite - you sat on a song too long and lost the magic?

In the age of AI-generated music and the flood of music that's technically fine and engineered without flaws, but still incredibly boring, what is it that music fans want most?

The human connection. Stories. Emotion. Art that is relatable and authentic.

So let's talk about that part of producing music some more. Let's explore different ways to approach it and how they lead to different results.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• Writing/producing fast and in the moment vs letting it sit for a while
• Writing songs in the moment, when you are going through something versus writing them some time later
• Same with producing
• The Emotional Argument:
  • In an AI-dominated, overpolished era, what listeners crave isn’t just clean production—it’s connection.
    • Why immediacy can lead to:
      • Raw energy
      • Honest storytelling
      • Unfiltered performances
    • Why hindsight can lead to:
      • Deeper insight
      • Refined songwriting
      • Better arrangement decisions

“Is one more ‘authentic’ than the other - or is it just a different kind of truth?”

As an example we talk about Manel's upcoming and already partly released album.

And his experience producing the album (writing the songs 2/3 years ago, then revisiting them 1 year ago, and mixing them now)

• What changed emotionally or musically during that time?
• Were there parts he wanted to keep but didn’t connect with anymore?
• Did letting things sit help or hurt the creative flow?

We also mention some famous examples, like Taylor Swift, Kurt Cobain, Metallica, Radiohead, or the Foo Fighters.

And finally, we talk about the producer’s dilemma:

When producing others:

• Do you push for emotion in the moment or help refine over time?

As a self-recording musician:

• Are you capturing a moment—or sculpting art from memory?

And, of course we add some practical advice and action steps for you before we wrap it up.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/274

--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

People obsess over amps - but totally ignore the cab. Let’s change that.

In this episode, Manel and Benedikt dig into why the cabinet you’re using (or the IR you’re loading) has way more impact on your tone than most folks think. You’ll hear real-world guitar and bass examples where the amp stays the same - but the cab changes everything.

We’re showing how different speakers, cabinet types, mic placements, and even small tweaks to an IR can make your tone tighter, more aggressive, warmer, darker - whatever the song needs.

So whether you’re using real amps and mics or working fully in-the-box with amp sims and IRs, this episode will help you dial in better tones by starting where it really matters: the cab.

What we cover:

• Why your cab (or IR) matters more than your amp
• The difference between open-back and closed-back designs
• How speaker types and cabinet construction affect tone
• Why mic choice and placement can make or break your sound
• Examples of tone changes just by swapping cabs
• How to find the right IRs for your mix
• Why a classic 4x12 with an SM57 still works - and when to try something else

Takeaway:

Don’t sleep on your cab. If you want your guitars and bass to sound pro, this is where the magic starts.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/273

--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

We sat down with one of our Self-Recording Syndicate members Jason W Taylor.

A busy entreprenuer and dad who is making his rock'n'roll dreams come true after taking a 20-year break from music.

Jason is a self-recording artist, based in Texas, USA, who just released his first couple of songs under the artist name Aught Sicks.

We have helped him remotely during the production phase of his music and we helped him build and set up his home studio from scratch.

Then after the recording and editing was done, I (Benedikt) mixed the songs. It was a super fun collaboration and I’m really stoked about the results.

Jason is also a very busy entrepreneur and dad, so he has limited available to work on his music. Which just goes to show that you can do it and realize your dreams, even if you have a lot on your plate.

And finally, Jason used his new recording skills to create badass music for the live events he is doing with his company. He wrote a song specifically for those events and created a karaoke version that he is now regularly performing in front of a live audience, which creates a whole new experience for everyone attending the shows.

Not too long ago I had the honor of being a guest on Jason’s podcast, We Code You Launch. Now it’s the other way around and it’s time to tell Jason’s story.

So without further ado, here's Jason W Taylor, aka Aught Sicks!

Enjoy!

​CodeLaunch Website

Aught Sicks on Spotify

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/272

--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

Is modern guitar tone really getting boring because everyone’s using the same amp sims and plugins?

In this episode, Manel and Benedikt dig into that idea and share their thoughts on how to actually stand out with your tone - even if you’re using the same tools as everyone else.

They talk about creative ways to shape your sound, like layering different instruments, using weird gear or effects in unexpected ways, and most importantly, really getting to know the tools you already have.

This one’s all about mindset: instead of skipping through plugin presets, we're encouraging you to experiment, break the “rules,” and carve out a tone that’s 100% yours.

Takeaways:

• Being in the box can be a powerful tool. Not a limitation.
• You can create unique guitar tones with what you have.
• Amp simulations offer endless creative possibilities.
• Understanding your gear is crucial if you want to craft unique sounds.
• Layering different instruments can enhance guitar tones.
• You can use unconventional tools for recording.
• Experimentation is key to finding your sound.
• Don't be afraid to break the rules of music production.
• Your playing style is what truly makes your sound unique.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/271

--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Send us a text

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community, The Self-Recording Syndicate, is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

If you apply for personal mentoring, we'll first jump on a completely free call so we can give you feedback, build a custom plan for you and help you figure out the best way forward.

🚀 Here are all the details, let's go:

theselfrecordingband.com

--

Episode show notes:

Got great songs ready, but no idea how to get them in front of people?

Maybe you thought about different marketing approaches but it all feels cringy and inauthentic...

I get it.

A lot of artists and producers are allergic to marketing. I've been there myself. For a long time I didn't see it as a fun way of providing value and helping people. More like a necessary evil.

And honestly, I didn't even really know what I was talking about. What the differences were between the different types of marketing. It was all just "advertising" to me. And that seemed super boring and embarrassing.

I didn't want to be a content creator, an advertiser, an influencer, a podcaster, a YouTuber, a marketer, you name it.

I mean, just make great music and everyone will hear about it, right?

Nope...

The truth is, you're already a marketer. A content marketer. Or content creator, whatever you want to call it. Whether you like it or not.

So why not do it in a way that actually helps you and your music? A way that is fun and, most importantly, a way that makes your marketing valuable to your fans!

What if your audience loved you for "marketing" to them? What if the marketing itself would make them want to follow you because the way you do it is authentic, relatable and truly helpful? Or really entertaining? (There's value in that, as well)

In this episode, we’re diving into one specific way of marketing, that you are already doing (unless you don't have any type of public account anywhere):

Content marketing.

This is a workshop called "Content creation for musicians and producers" - with special guest Warren Huart from Produce Like A Pro.

Malcolm, Warren and myself (Benedikt) share real-world advice on how we used platforms like YouTube, podcasts, or social media to build big audiences, grow our careers, and attract fans or clients - without feeling like we were shouting into the void. And without feeling bad about our "marketing efforts".

To be clear: You have to be good at what you do. Really good. Or no marketing in the world will save you.

If you want to be taken seriously and have a long-term career, build the music and audio skills first before you worry about marketing. Or do it both at the same time.

But please don't become one of those content creators who have never actually done what they are talking about on the internet. That's not what we're talking about here.

This conversation was recorded live at the Studioszene event in Hamburg and is packed with practical tips for anyone looking to put themselves out there and let the world know they exist.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/270

--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com