Using Your Ears with Kenny Nguyen

Navigating the Music Industry: Insights from Andre Kaden Black

Summary In this episode of The Record Lab Podcast, Nathan and Andre Kaden Black discuss the multifaceted journey of a music artist, from songwriting and production to navigating the business side of the industry. They explore the importance of artist development, the impact of streaming on music distribution, songwriting techniques, master ownership, and the evolving landscape of music awards. The conversation emphasizes the significance of networking, community, and the need for artists to think like entrepreneurs in today's music industry. Andre shares valuable insights and advice for aspiring artists, highlighting the importance of investing in oneself and the power of collaboration. Takeaways * Songwriting is a craft that improves with practice and collaboration. * Understanding the business side of music is crucial for success. * Artist development is often overlooked but essential for growth. * Networking and building relationships with labels can open doors. * Streaming has changed how music is distributed and consumed. * Marketing is as important as the music itself in today's industry. * Community support and collaboration can elevate an artist's career. * Investing in oneself is key to long-term success in music. Sound Bites “You need to learn how to do both analog and digital production to be at the top of your game.” “Honestly, I feel like songs whisper before they shout.” “By the time I was thirteen, I think I’d written over a hundred songs.” “ 'I think master ownership is one of the most important topics to be spoken about. “I think music should bring people together.” “You need to invest in yourself.” Chapters Introduction & Guest Welcome (00:00:00) Andre’s Musical Journey (00:01:08) Mentorship & Artist Guidance (00:03:08) Songwriting Beginnings & Techniques (00:04:17) Creative Process & Overcoming Writer’s Block (00:06:46) Transition to Producing (00:08:13) Learning Instruments & Hybrid Production (00:10:43) Major Label Songwriting Experiences (00:11:17) Artist Development & Working with Francesco Yates (00:13:33) Decision-Making in Song Selection (00:15:16) Networking & Building Industry Relationships (00:16:32) Singles vs. Albums in Today’s Market (00:17:42) Changing Music Consumption & Genre Evolution (00:20:02) Songwriting & Production Balance in Pop (00:21:09) Collaboration & Song Credits (00:23:11) Owning Masters & Publishing Rights (00:25:04) Streaming’s Impact on Independent Artists (00:30:17) Creative Marketing & Physical Music Promotion (00:31:42) Artists & Politics: (00:33:23) Community & Live Music Experiences (00:39:20) Relevance of Awards & The Grammys (00:40:18) Advice for New Artists: First Steps (00:43:42) Marketing & Branding for Artists (00:46:05) Challenges of Modern Artist Promotion (00:48:03) Quality vs. Quantity in Content (00:49:22) Unionizing & Artist Rights in the Streaming Era (00:50:05) Song Credits & Streaming Platform Issues (00:51:58) Getting Music Heard: Live Shows & Networking (00:54:22) Investing in Yourself as an Artist (01:00:00) Marketing Budget & Building a Following (01:04:03) Podcast Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts (01:06:45)

From Producer to Engineer: Dusanii's Musical Journey

Summary In this episode of The Record Lab Podcast, Nathan interviews Dusanii, a talented music producer and audio engineer from Toronto. They discuss his journey into music, starting from his high school days, his transition from producing EDM to hip hop and R&B, and the importance of mixing in the music production process. The conversation also touches on the significance of networking through social media, Dusanii's experiences with clients, including Yung Tory, Benny the Butcher, Aiona Santana, and Tyler Loyal. They explore the impact of equipment on music production and the distinct roles of mixing and mastering in creating a polished final product. In this conversation, The Remix Project graduate and Nathan delve into the intricacies of music production, focusing on the creative processes involved in recording, writing, and mixing music. They discuss the importance of collaboration, the technical aspects of setting up recording sessions, and the gear preferences that enhance their work. The dialogue also touches on the evolution of Dusanii's career, particularly his transition into Latin music production, and the significance of maintaining relationships within the industry. Throughout the discussion, they share valuable insights and advice for aspiring music creators, emphasizing the need for consistency and community engagement. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dusanii and His Musical Journey 02:59 The Evolution from Production to Engineering 05:59 Navigating the Toronto Music Scene 08:59 The Importance of Equipment in Music Production 12:05 Understanding the Role of an Audio Engineer 14:56 Mixing Techniques and Best Practices 17:55 The Art of Capturing Vocals 20:55 The Mixing Environment and Listener Experience 23:21 Exploring Plugin Preferences2 8:29 Collaborating with Tyler Loyal 32:54 The Shift from Recording to Mixing 39:16 Technical Insights on Recording Gear 42:21 Creating Latin Music with Esco and Aiona Santana 45:01 The Evolution of Music Production 48:24 Crafting the Perfect Beat 48:47 Essential Mixing Techniques and Plugins 54:03 Processing Vocals and Ad-libs 55:35 Mindset and Techniques in Engineering 01:03:28 Consistency and Networking in Music 01:06:41 Building Relationships in the Industry Takeaways * Dusanii's journey into music began in high school. * He transitioned from producing EDM to hip hop and R&B. * The importance of mixing in the music production process. * Networking through social media can lead to new opportunities. * Dusanii's experience with clients has grown through referrals. * The significance of having the right equipment for production. * Understanding the role of an audio engineer is crucial. * Mixing and mastering are distinct but interconnected processes .* The impact of social media on music careers is profound. * Dusanii's work with Tyler Loyal showcases the power of collaboration and networking. Sound Bites "I can just do it on my own time." "I was happy to be a part of it." "I always ask for the rough mix.""I first went there through a program called The Remix Project." "I try to let the artists kind of get everything out." " I always want to hear what the artist is feeling first." "I brought my laptop and then he brought his speakers." " I think just staying consistent is key." "You can lose a lot of clients that way." "It's good to get other people's opinions."

Inside Dreamhouse Studios with Calvin Hartwick

Summary In this episode of The Record Lab Podcast, host Nathan interviews Calvin Hartwick, a head engineer at Dreamhouse Studios in Toronto. Calvin shares his journey into music, starting from his high school band to his experiences in audio engineering school. He discusses the challenges and excitement of moving to Toronto, building a network, and working with various artists across different genres. The conversation delves into Calvin's daily routine as an engineer, notable projects he's worked on, and his preferred recording techniques that emphasize capturing the emotion and dynamics of music. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of music production, discussing the importance of crafting the perfect instrumental before recording vocals, effective recording techniques for bands, and the significance of using the right gear. They explore the debate between analog and digital equipment, share their favourite instruments, and highlight essential mixing techniques and plugins. The discussion wraps up with valuable advice for aspiring musicians on networking and reaching out to industry professionals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:59 Calvin's Musical Journey and Early Experiences 06:10 Transitioning to Toronto and Building a Network 08:51 Working at Dreamhouse Studios: Genres and Experiences 11:50 A Day in the Life of a Head Engineer 14:48 Notable Projects: The Strumbellas and Daniel Caesar 18:02 Recording Techniques and Ideal Setup 27:16 Crafting the Perfect Instrumental 30:05 Recording Techniques for Bands 32:53 The Importance of Gear in Recording 36:06 Analog vs Digital: The Gear Debate 40:30 Essential Instruments in the Studio 44:25 Mixing Techniques and Plugin Favorites 50:03 Advice for Aspiring Musicians Takeaways * Calvin's journey into music began with a high school band. * He moved to Toronto to pursue a career in music production. * Networking at open mic nights helped him build connections. * Calvin enjoys working with real instruments and vintage gear. * He emphasizes the importance of capturing the emotion of a song. * His daily routine includes both creative and administrative tasks. * Calvin has worked with notable artists like The Strumbellas and Daniel Caesar. * He believes in the value of recording musicians together for better dynamics. * Projects often need time to develop and grow. * Calvin trusts his instincts and avoids overthinking during recording sessions. Crafting a complete instrumental before recording vocals enhances performance. * Timing and locking instruments in place is crucial for a cohesive sound. * Using DI for bass can prevent unwanted bleed in recordings. * Isolation techniques for vocalists can capture the best performances. * Analog gear adds warmth and character to recordings. * The EL7 is essential for achieving great drum sounds. * Mixing with outboard gear can enhance the final product. * Networking is vital for growth in the music industry. * Keeping key elements like kick, snare, and vocals prominent improves mixes. * Don't hesitate to reach out to industry professionals for guidance. Sound Bites * "I joined a band with my best friends." * "I wanted to start a new life in Toronto." * "Open mic nights are great for networking." * "Sometimes a project needs time to grow." * "I trust my instincts and get in, get out." * "Daniel Caesar is so humble and nice." * "It makes a world of a difference." * "Everything is locked into its own place." * "I love using it to glue things together." * "Networking is key in the music industry."

Exploring The Diverse World of Pop Music with Ocevnside Clvb

Summary In this episode of The Record Lab Podcast, Nathan speaks with Ocevnside Clvb (Anastasia)—a dynamic songwriter, producer, and mix engineer whose music has landed on platforms like Apple TV’s Jane and the Paris 2024 Olympics. Anastasia dives into her musical journey, starting from her early vocal training and 10+ years in choir, which laid the groundwork for her unique melodic sense and vocal production skills. She discusses the pivotal shift from engineering to more creative roles, emphasizing how following her passion reshaped her entire career. The conversation explores the importance of networking, how opportunities arise through collaboration, and the power of being in the right creative space. She shares her experiences at songwriting camps, working with other artists, and writing songs that go on to sync in high-impact projects. Anastasia opens up about her spontaneous songwriting process, the emotional layers behind her EP 20 Something, and the gear she relies on to shape her sonic identity. From preamps and microphones to Logic Pro and essential plugins, she and Nathan dissect the tools that define modern production. They also touch on taking creative breaks, developing your own workflow, and how allowing a song to “marinate” often brings out its full potential. Whether you're a music creator, engineer, or simply passionate about how great music is made, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insight. Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Meet Ocevnside Clvb 02:57 – Early Musical Influences and Choir Training 06:00 – From Internships to Industry 08:58 – Why Networking Matters 12:01 – Creative Collaboration & Workflow 14:53 – R&B and Pop Genre Blending 17:59 – Songwriting from Personal Experience 21:02 – Sync Success: Apple TV’s Jane 22:40 – Writing from the Gut: Spontaneity in Songwriting 24:03 – Olympic Sync Placement Journey 28:01 – Musical Inspirations and Artistic Growth 29:35 – Production Philosophy: Starting From Emotion 33:02 – Learning from Other Creatives 35:06 – The Power of Rest and Creative Breaks 39:58 – Reflecting on Past Work 41:57 – Home Studio Gear Breakdown 44:17 – Choosing Studio Equipment 47:06 – Favorite Microphones and Their Impact 51:29 – Mixing Approaches and Tools 56:50 – Preamps and Sound Shaping 01:00:06 – Must-Have Plugins & VSTs 01:04:18 – Sound Design Tips 01:09:22 – Creating Custom Sound Libraries 01:12:21 – Behind the EP: 20 Something 01:20:14 – Final Advice for Aspiring Artists 01:22:53 – Mixing for Depth & Space Takeaways * Vocal training and choir helped shape Anastasia’s ear for arrangement and harmony. * Transitioning from engineering to artistry allowed for more personal creative expression. * Networking is essential—most big opportunities came through relationships. * Songwriting camps foster collaboration and spark inspiration. * Sync placements stemmed from authentic, emotional writing. * Mixing is both technical and artistic—gear and intuition work hand-in-hand. * Using the right tools and software can enhance workflow. Investing in quality studio equipment is crucial for sound quality. * Taking breaks isn’t a luxury—it’s part of sustaining creativity. * Every song evolves differently. Trust the process, and let music breathe. Sound Bites * "I zoom out and see the big picture." * "It was very spontaneous." * "I love when that happens." * "That's a huge achievement." * "I love Logic." * "I think a lot of it is also mixing." * "I don't compress on the way in." * "I can't live without the Avalon." * "I want to get Keyscape really bad." * "Every song has its own path." * "Keep working at your craft." * "Expose yourself to different material." * "Mixing is such a creative thing."

Using Your Ears with Kenny Nguyen

Summary In this episode of the Record Lab Podcast, host Nathan welcomes audio engineer and educator Kenny Nguyen. They discuss the intricacies of music production, the importance of collaboration between artists and producers, and the challenges of navigating a career in the audio industry. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating a comfortable environment for artists in the studio and the impact of positive energy on the recording process. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of music production, focusing on the balance between professionalism and comfort in recording sessions. They discuss the importance of navigating customer interactions, the collaborative process in music production, and the technical aspects of mixing and mastering. The conversation emphasizes the need for artists to feel comfortable and confident during recording, as well as the differences between live performance and studio recording. The speakers share personal experiences and insights, providing valuable tips for aspiring producers and engineers. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of music production, emphasizing the importance of rhythm, critical listening, and effective techniques. They discuss the balance between enjoying music and analyzing it, the significance of sound choices in production, and the subjective nature of mixing. The dialogue culminates in practical advice for aspiring audio engineers, encouraging them to be fearless in their experimentation and to trust their ears over rigid rules. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Record Lab Podcast 01:22 Kenny Nguyen: A Journey Through Sound 05:48 The Art of Mixing and Mastering 10:39 The Impact of Video Games on Music 13:37 Finding Your Path in the Audio Industry 19:40 Navigating Career Choices in Audio 23:11 The Producer-Artist Dynamic 25:46 Creating Comfort in the Studio 31:54 The Importance of Positive Energy in Sessions 32:26 Navigating Customer Interactions in Creative Spaces 34:27 Balancing Comfort and Professionalism in Recording Sessions 36:32 Collaborative Processes in Music Production 39:31 The Art of Mixing and Mastering: A Deep Dive 44:51 Setting Up for Vocal Sessions: Techniques and Tips 48:05 The Importance of Comfort and Confidence in Recording 56:16 The Role of Effects in Enhancing Vocal Performance 01:00:19 Understanding the Differences Between Live and Studio Performance 01:03:08 The Importance of Rhythm and Timing 01:08:25 Critical Listening vs. Enjoyment 01:12:42 Techniques That Transform Production 01:24:15 Advice for Aspiring Audio Engineers Takeaways * Mixing and mastering require a deep understanding of context and dynamics. * Positive energy in the studio can significantly impact the recording process. * Mentorship plays a vital role in passing down knowledge in the audio industry. * The relationship between producer and artist is akin to a dance of creativity. * Understanding the technical aspects of audio is essential, but so is connecting with people. The customer is always right, but it's important to maintain professionalism. * Navigating customer interactions requires maturity and experience. * Creating a comfortable environment can enhance the recording process. * Mixing and mastering are essential skills for producers. * There is a distinct difference between live performance and studio recording. * Learning rhythm and BPM will help you become a better recording artist and vocalist. * Mixing is subjective; feedback can vary widely. * Spend time finding the right sounds; they impact the mix significantly. * Use your ears; don't just follow the rules blindly. * Understanding the 'how' versus the 'why' is crucial in production. Sound Bites * "It's not enough to be technically knowledgeable." * "You gotta find some fun in it." * "You can use effects to your advantage." * "It's very easy to practice, very easy to learn." * "Learning BPM will help you become a better artist." * "Use your ears; don't just follow the rules."