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Brian Funk

An exploration of music production through informal discussions about technique, philosophy, gear, and creativity. Hosted by Brian Funk, a musician, songwriter, teacher, and Ableton Certified Trainer.

Music Production Podcast

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

#410: Your Best Music is Dying: 10 Habits of Prolific Music Producers

Yeuda Ben Atar, aka Side Brain, is one of the most knowledgable and prolific Ableton Certified Trainers out there. He recently released his 100th weekly episode of his music production Study Group. He’s got some exciting new Ableton Live tools, such as his Push Trigger FX, MIDI Bounce, and Flin for Push.
 
We spoke about his teaching and work and his liberating position on releasing music. We discussed some of the challenges and benefits of AI in music production and technology. 
 
Check out Side Brain’s Live 12.3 new features Free online workshop RSVP here: 
 
https://forms.gle/439ZeDmANMFNhphk8
 
Side Brain is hosting and event at the Grammy museum about music technology and there Sonic Playground exhibit with Moldover: 
 
 https://grammymuseum.org/event/ableton-live-lab-inside-sonic-playground/
 
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
 
Takeaways:
 
 • 

Music Education Thrives on Community – Yeuda highlights how workshops, meetups, and collaborative spaces create more meaningful and lasting learning experiences than isolated online content.
 • 
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Technology Should Serve Expression – Whether using Ableton Live or experimenting with AI, Yeuda emphasizes that tools are only valuable if they help artists communicate something human.
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The Importance of Tempo and Feel – Musical tempo is emotional and essential to how people connect with rhythm and groove.
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Creativity Through Constraints – From limiting gear to setting personal rules, Yeuda believes creative boundaries often lead to more original and inspired results.
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Teaching Is Sharing Tools, Not Rules – Rather than telling students what’s “right,” Yeuda focuses on showing possibilities and letting each person develop their own approach.
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Links:
 
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Side Brain's Website - https://sidebrain.net
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Side Brain's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SideBrain
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Side Brain's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sidebrain/
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Side Brain's Live Stream Course Vault - https://sidebrain.net/vault/
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MIDI Bounce Max for Live Device - https://sidebrain.net/midi-bounce/
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Side Brain's Compositional Power Tools - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/xyAAD
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Ableton Push Live FX Triggers - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/RNOxFW
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Play Ableton Live with Video Game Controllers - https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/rqxoh
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Side Brain on Music Production Podcast #346 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/yeuda
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Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
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Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
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5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
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Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
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Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
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Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
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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!

Ableton Certified Trainer Side Brain

Sarah Belle Reid is a trumpet player, composer, educator, and sonic explorer whose work combines classical performance, experimental electronics, and modular synthesis. With a background in conservatory training and a fearless embrace of improvisation and technology, Sarah’s music blurs boundaries—merging extended trumpet techniques, custom-built software, and handcrafted synth patches into deeply expressive, often otherworldly performances.
 
It's great to have Sarah back on the Music Production Podcast! We talk about music as a practice, the joys of unpredictability in modular synthesis, and how constraints lead to creativity. We explore her educational approach and the value of creative curiosity. Sarah reminds us that music-making should be fun and playful!
 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
 
Sarah's Upcoming Workshops and Courses:
 
Sign up for Sarah's FREE Live Workshops: How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG
 
Sarah is about to open enrollment for her very limited and highly-praised Learning Sound and Synthesis Course. Sign up for the priority notification list to get early access and exclusive early-bird bonuses! Learn more here: https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG
 Takeaways: • 

Modular as Playground – She uses modular synths not to replicate traditional instruments, but to build interactive environments for sonic exploration.
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Start with Curiosity – Whether teaching or performing, Sarah emphasizes the power of asking “What happens if…?” rather than chasing specific outcomes.
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Constraints Create Freedom – Limiting one’s tools or techniques can paradoxically unlock deeper creativity and more personal expression.
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Improvisation as Listening – Sarah sees improvisation not as random playing, but as a form of deep listening—responding to yourself, your tools, and your environment in real time.
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Bridging Tradition and Tech – With a conservatory background and a DIY ethos, Sarah integrates academic rigor with playful experimentation.
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Teaching the Inner Artist – Her courses focus on helping students reconnect with joy, experimentation, and the “why” of making music—not just the “how.”
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Sound as Emotional Language – Sarah uses synthesis to explore emotion and identity, encouraging others to find their own voice through abstract sound.
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Every Patch is a Performance – Even small synth patches hold potential for deep expression. You don’t need complexity to create something meaningful.
 • 
 Links: • Sarah's Official Site - 
https://www.sarahbellereid.com/ • Learning Sound and Synthesis Course - 
https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG • Live Workshop - How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - 
https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG • How to Design Your First Modular Synth Patch Free Course - 
https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028330/2H9xLyBG • Sarah's Instagram - 
https://www.instagram.com/sarahbellereid/ • Sarah's YouTube - 
https://www.youtube.com/@sarahbellereid • Sarah and Andrew Huang "No Listening" Collaboration - 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWPg2Sb1Zas • Support Sarah on Patreon - 
https://www.patreon.com/sarahbellereid • Sarah on Music Production Podcast #334 - 
https://brianfunk.com/blog/sarah-belle-reid • Eventide MixerLink - 
https://amzn.to/4fGgLvv • Onward Chase Bliss - 
https://www.chasebliss.com/onward • 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

Sarah Belle Reid - Learning Sound and Synthesis

Mixerman (Eric Sarafin) is a gold and platinum-selling producer, mixer, engineer, and author whose credits include The Pharcyde, Ben Harper, Spearhead, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, and Foreigner. Known for his no-nonsense approach and razor-sharp insights, Mixerman has spent decades working at the highest levels of the industry—both in iconic L.A. studios and now from his mountain home studio in Asheville, NC.
 
In this episode, Mixerman and I dive deep into the role of the producer—what it really means, how it differs from mixing and engineering, and why musical vision always trumps technical perfection. We talk about his new book, Mixerman’s Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs, and explore everything from the psychology of studio performance to the pitfalls of overthinking and the dangers of letting the gear drive the session. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been producing for years, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, sharp humor, and hard-won truths.
 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
 Takeaways: • 

Producing ≠ Mixing ≠ Engineering – Mixerman breaks down the distinct roles and responsibilities of a producer, mixer, and engineer, and why blurring the lines can derail a project if you’re not careful.
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The Producer Is the Artist’s Advocate – A great producer champions the artist’s vision, not their own. It’s not about control—it’s about making the best possible record with the artist.
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Don’t Be a Gear-Driven Producer – Focusing on tools over results leads to decision paralysis. Gear doesn’t make records—people do.
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Performance Over Perfection – A technically flawless take is worthless if it lacks feel. Great records are built on compelling performances, not clean edits.
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Producing Is Emotional Management – Producers aren’t just sonic decision-makers—they’re emotional barometers. Reading the room and managing personalities is part of the gig.
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Capture the Spark, Then Get Out of the Way – Sometimes the best thing a producer can do is not intervene. Let the magic happen, then shape it later.
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The Role of Arrangement – Great production often comes down to arrangement: understanding how to leave space, when to add tension, and how to support the song’s emotional arc.
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Don’t Chase a Sound—Chase the Song – Trying to copy other artists’ sounds can lead you away from authenticity. The song should dictate the production—not trends or references.
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Learn to Say “That’s the Take” – Knowing when a performance is done (even if it’s not “perfect”) is part of a producer’s superpower.
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Everything You Need Is Already in the Room – Fancy studios and high-end gear are nice, but great records have been made with far less. What matters is the intention behind the tools.
 • 
 Links: • 

Mixerman’s Website – https://mixerman.net
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Mixerman’s Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs by Mixerman - https://mixerman.net/books/mm-ultimate-producing/
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Mixerman’s YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@MixermanPublishes
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Mixerman on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/_mixerman_/
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Brian Funk Website – https://brianfunk.com
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Music Production Club – https://brianfunk.com/mpc
 • 
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5-Minute Music Producer Book – https://brianfunk.com/book
 • 
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Music Production Podcast Archive – https://brianfunk.com/podcast
 • 
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Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs with 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

Mixerman and the Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music, and Songs

There's really only one secret I can tell you that will help you make more music, have more fun making it, and leave you more satisfied with what you make. 
 
Work Fast. 
 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
 
Links:
 
 • Adam Rokhsar on the Music Production Podcast - 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xsm_PGb9vM • Some Good Evil The Master Plan EP - 
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/somegoodevil/the-master-plan • 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

The ONLY Secret to Making Music...

Oscar Zambrano is a mastering engineer and the founder of Zampol Productions, a New York City studio known for mastering an impressive range of records—from Spotify Singles to avant-garde jazz to Broadway cast albums. With 20 years in the industry, Oscar has become a go-to name for artists who want their music treated with care, precision, and a deep understanding of both the technical and artistic sides of mastering.
 
In this episode, Oscar and I explore the art and philosophy of mastering—from quality control and loudness wars to the vinyl revival and the evolving role of mastering in the digital age. We talk about Oscar’s unique path through the music world, the importance of saying yes to opportunities (even when you’re terrified), and why a mastering engineer’s job is often more about understanding intent than making things louder.
 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
 
Links:
 
 Zampol Productions - https://zampolproductions.com Zampol's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zampolproductions/ Oscar's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ozambrano/ Oscar's Credits - https://jaxsta.com/profile/cdc649f1-211b-4691-afed-157c14e105d0/credits?view=tile Weezer's Blue Album Spotify Session - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_vI3FV1H4U 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

The Art of Mastering with Oscar Zambrano

Aqeel Aadam is a musician, sound designer, and plugin developer blending modular synthesis with a love of nature and organic textures. Through his company, Aqeel Aadam Sound, he creates audio plugins for the curious and open-minded. He creates tools that spark inspiration rather than dictate outcomes.
 
Aqeel and I explore the connection between nature and synthesis, the power of limitations in creativity, and how modular gear shapes his sonic world. We talk about learning through struggle, designing plugins that encourage play over perfection, and finding joy in the unpredictable. Aqeel shares his story of learning guitar from his jazz-guitarist grandfather, discovering modular synthesis in college, and developing a suite of expressive, visually rich plugins like Ridgewalk, Waymaker, and Weeping Wall.
 
Listen on Apple | Spotify | YouTube
 Takeaways: • 

Plugins for the Curious & Open-Minded – Aqeel designs tools that prioritize exploration over precision, encouraging musicians to discover unexpected results through experimentation.
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Modular Meets Nature – His music and visual plugin interfaces reflect his deep love of nature and organic textures, merging the electronic and the natural in both form and function.
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Learning Through Struggle – From self-teaching guitar to building plugins, Aqeel embraces the idea that struggling through something is essential to meaningful learning.
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Designing for Musical Flow – Rather than overloading plugins with technical features, Aqeel focuses on simplicity, usability, and play, so musicians can stay in the creative zone.
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From Guitar to Eurorack – His journey from jazz guitar to modular synths and plugin development reflects a wide-ranging approach to music-making and sound design.
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Improvisation as Composition – Aqeel’s performances and recordings often begin with semi-generative modular systems, allowing spontaneity to guide structure and form.
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Inspiration Over Information – His plugins don’t just process sound—they invite interaction and interpretation, helping users find their voice through curiosity.
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Contextual Composition – Like an impressionist painter, Aqeel aims to place abstract textures into recognizable musical frameworks that resonate emotionally.
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Visual Interfaces Matter – From growing circular meters to mountainous visualizers, Aqeel’s plugins look as fun as they sound—inviting creators to explore without intimidation.
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Building an Ecosystem – With plugins like Waymaker interacting with his other tools, Aqeel is creating a modular digital environment where small ideas lead to big creative breakthroughs.
 • 
 Links: Aqeel Aadam Sound Website • – 
https://aqeeladamsound.com 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 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 Archive • – 
https://brianfunk.com/podcast • 🎁 Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs with code 
PODCAST • – 
https://brianfunk.com/store • 🎧 Episode 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

Aqeel Aadam - Making Plug-ins for the Curious and Open-Minded

Julian Astri, aka Toru, is a music producer, educator, and the host of the ProducerHead Podcast, a show dedicated to amplifying the voices of beatmakers, producers, and creatives at every stage of their journey. Through his work, Toru fosters a culture of consistency, curiosity, and community in music production—offering motivation and real-world insight through interviews, daily posts, and personal reflection.
 
In this conversation, Toru and I explore the power of creative discipline, the value of sharing imperfect work, and how building in public can lead to deep personal growth and meaningful connection. We talk about the origins of ProducerHead, the importance of community for producers working in isolation, and how showing up consistently—even with low expectations—can create long-term momentum. It’s an inspiring and down-to-earth look at what it means to be a modern music maker.
 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
 
⸻
 
Takeaways
 
• ProducerHead’s Origin Story – Julian shares how a need for community and consistency led to the launch of his podcast and beatmaking platform.
 
• Post Imperfect, Grow Anyway – Publishing unfinished or imperfect ideas helps develop confidence and invites authentic connection.
 
• Small Moves, Big Impact – Showing up daily in small ways can be more powerful than rare moments of brilliance.
 
• Build the Community You Need – Julian talks about intentionally creating a space for like-minded producers who want to share, grow, and stay accountable.
 
• Creative Momentum Is Built, Not Found – Progress comes from doing, not waiting for inspiration to strike.
 
• The Power of Consistency – From Instagram beat snippets to podcast episodes, repetition builds clarity, skill, and confidence.
 
• Social Media as Practice Space – Instead of chasing perfection, Julian treats social platforms as a rehearsal room for sharing ideas and learning out loud.
 
• No One Is Paying as Much Attention as You Think – Letting go of perfectionism frees you to take more creative risks and build resilience.
 
• Making Music Is a Long Game – Julian encourages artists to detach from quick results and focus on process and community over metrics.
 
• Sharing the Process Is the Art – ProducerHead is not just about final products—it’s about showing the journey of making music and staying creative.
 
⸻
 
Links:
 
 ProducerHead Podcast ProducerHead on Instagram Toru on Instagram ProducerHead on YouTube Brian Funk on ProducerHead Podcast #16 Ableton Music Producer Podcast with Dan Giffin The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Make Your Own Rules by Andrew Huang Someday is Today by Matthew Dicks Slow Productivity by Cal Newport Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert War of Art by Steven Pressfield The Artists Way by Julia Cameron Brian Funk Website Music Production Club 5-Minute Music Producer Music Production Podcast Ableton Live Packs – Save 25% with code: PODCAST Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack Podcast Editing by Animus Invidious / PerforModule 
⸻
 
Thank you for listening.
 
Please rate and review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite app.
 
Visit BrianFunk.com for tutorials, videos, downloads, and sound design tools for Ableton Live.

Toru - Host of the ProducerHead Podcast

Today I welcome back TJ Dumser, who makes ambient meditative soundscapes under the name Six Missing. TJ is in the process of releasing his new album Without Mind in 3 sections. We spoke shortly after the first section Identify was released.
 
TJ and I picked up where we left off, discussing his work and the vision he has for this album. Things pretty quickly got philosophical and introspective. We shared techniques for dealing with self-doubt and the inner critic. We also explored where we stand as artists in the face of Artificial Intelligence and constantly expanding technology.
 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
 
Takeaways:
 
 1. 

Trilogy Structure for Deeper Listening – TJ’s Without Mind album is being released in three parts to encourage intentional listening and build a larger sonic narrative.
 2. 
 3. 

Music Beyond the Background – Unlike passive ambient music, Without Mind is designed to hold your attention and reshape your experience in the moment.
 4. 
 5. 

Revisiting Old Work with Fresh Ears – After sitting unreleased for years, the project regained personal relevance when revisited in a new headspace and physical space.
 6. 
 7. 

Letting Go of Listener Expectations – TJ challenges the idea that ambient music has to be “nice and polite,” embracing sudden changes, rhythm, and experimentation.
 8. 
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Meditation as Creative Foundation – The concept of Without Mind stems from mindfulness: the ability to step back from thoughts and ego to access true presence.
 10. 
 11. 

Fighting the Algorithm with Art – Releasing in parts is not only practical for listeners, but also a way to subvert algorithm-driven consumption and reclaim artistic delivery.
 12. 
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Creative Identity Isn’t Fixed – Making something outside your norm is a valid and necessary part of your evolution as an artist.
 14. 
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Protect Your Flow State – Comparing distractions to carrying a hammer around all day, TJ emphasizes the need to carve out nonjudgmental, focused space to create.
 16. 
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From Critic to Collaborator – Brian and TJ reflect on treating the inner critic not as a judge, but as a collaborator—someone to notice, not obey.
 18. 
 19. 

Art as a Portal to Awareness – Both hosts agree: making music is not just about the product—it’s about attention, presence, joy, and being human.
 20. 
 
Links:
 
 • Six Missing - 
https://www.sixmissing.com • Six Missing Instagram - 
https://www.instagram.com/sixmissing Without Mind by Six Missing - https://www.sixmissing.com/sounds/without-mind TJ's First Appearance on this Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/tj-dumser 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

Six Missing – Flow States, Ego Drops, and the Art of Letting Go

Jxmie Blake is a genre-blending artist, producer, and educator whose work fuses jazz, soul, hip hop, pop, and electronic music into a bold and expressive signature sound. Known for his innovative approach to Ableton Push as a chromatic instrument, Jxmie is a multi-talented creator with a deep background in audio engineering, songwriting, and sound design. With degrees from Berklee College of Music and a client list including Ableton, Red Bull, and Ludacris, he’s quickly becoming a leading voice in modern music education and performance.
 
In this conversation, Jxmie and I dive into the creative mindset—how breaking the rules, following sparks of inspiration, and simplifying your workflow can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. We explore the power of limitations, the importance of finishing ideas (even imperfect ones), and how developing a strong relationship with your tools—like Push—can unlock musical freedom. It’s an honest look at the balance between discipline and play, structure and spontaneity, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop overthinking and just make something.
 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
 
Takeaways:
 
 1. 

Push as a Chromatic Instrument – Jxmie breaks down how Push can function like a guitar fretboard, opening up intuitive, expressive playing that bridges the gap between traditional instruments and digital music-making.
 2. 
 3. 

Creative Freedom Through Limitations – Embracing limited gear or working with only stock tools can actually foster more creativity and deeper exploration.
 4. 
 5. 

Breaking the Rules Is the Point – Jxmie encourages musicians to intentionally break conventions—whether it’s stacking effects, pushing gear beyond intended use, or warping samples into unrecognizable textures.
 6. 
 7. 

Music as Self-Expression – The ultimate goal isn’t perfection, but expressing what’s inside you—your mood, your perspective, your story.
 8. 
 9. 

Reckless Experimentation Leads to Inspiration – Playing without a specific goal, just to see what happens, often leads to surprising and exciting results.
 10. 
 11. 

Gear Doesn’t Make the Artist – Even basic tools like GarageBand or stock Ableton devices can be powerful when fully understood and creatively applied.
 12. 
 13. 

Teaching as Empowerment – Through his work at 1500 Sound Academy and his online courses, Jxmie focuses on empowering students to unlock their own creative voices, regardless of background or skill level.
 14. 
 15. 

Creative Blocks Are Often Internal – As we gain technical skills, creative challenges become more mental and emotional—expectations, self-judgment, and overthinking can block our flow.
 16. 
 17. 

Start with Play, Not Pressure – Some of the best creative moments happen when you approach music playfully, without the weight of needing to make something great.
 18. 
 19. 

The Process Is the Product – Whether it’s creating sounds, building devices, or finishing songs, the act of exploring, tweaking, and iterating is as valuable as the final result.
 20. 
 
Links:
 
 Jxmie's Website and Push Classes - https://jxmieblake.sellfy.store Jxmie's Free Ableton Live Packs - https://jxmieblake.sellfy.store/packs-2/ Jxmie's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jxmieblake Jxmie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jxmieblake/ 1500 Sound Academy - https://1500soundacademy.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://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.
 
Brian Funk

Jxmie Blake on Rule-Breaking, Risk-Taking, and Decision-Making

Chad Shank is a songwriting teacher and music producer. Chad teaches songwriting at Berklee Online and runs At Home Songwriting, where he helps students learn how to write songs in their own authentic style and voice. Chad’s YouTube channel, At Home Songwriting, is filled with songwriting tips and exercises.
 
Chad and I spoke in-depth about songwriting, lyric writing, and overcoming creative blocks. Chad shared techniques and strategies he uses in his music and teaches his students. 
 
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube
 
Links:
 
 At Home Songwriting YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@athomesongwriting At Home Songwriting Website - https://athomesongwriting.thinkific.com Chad's Pro Writer Group - https://athomesongwriting.thinkific.com/bundles/ProMembership Chad's Music - https://chadshankmusic.com Chad on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/northloopsongwriter Andrea Stolpe on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/andrea-stolpe Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison - https://amzn.to/423Iyky 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

#398: At Home Songwriting with Chad Shank

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