The Self-Recording Band

300: The Music Production Process (Step 3): Pre-Production - Why Most Home Recordings Fail Before Recording Even Starts

Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching [https://go.theselfrecordingband.com/coaching] -- Episode show notes: Episode 300 is a big one — and not because of the number. In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood (and most skipped) steps in the entire record-making process: pre-production. Most self-recording artists think pre-production is either: * just “recording demos”, or * something only big studios with big budgets need Both are wrong. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel explain: * what pre-production actually is * where it starts (and where it absolutely shouldn’t end) * why skipping it makes recording harder, slower, and worse * and how proper pre-production gives you better performances, better sounds, and easier mixes This is Step 3 in our complete record-making process — right between writing and recording — and it’s the step that determines whether your recording session feels creative… or frustrating. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What pre-production really means (and why there’s no single “correct” definition) * The difference between writing, demoing, pre-production, and recording * Why great producers separate creative flow from technical precision * What should never be figured out during a recording session * Why re-recording after demos is usually necessary (and when it’s not) * Real-world examples where demo recordings actually made it onto final records * How pre-production creates freedom — not restriction — during recording * Why most home-recorded projects fail before microphones even matter Who this episode is for: * DIY musicians recording at home * Bands preparing to record an EP or album * Artists stuck re-recording songs over and over * Anyone who feels their recordings never live up to the idea in their head If you want your next recording session to feel focused, creative, and intentional, this episode is required listening. 🎧 Listen now and make your next recording session easier — before it even starts. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/300 [https://theselfrecordingband.com/300] -- Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/836626/open_sms] If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

299: The Music Production Process (Step 2): Choosing The Right Gear For The Project Without Wasting Money

Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching [https://go.theselfrecordingband.com/coaching] -- Episode show notes: Everyone loves gear. Most people just get their priorities wrong when it comes to picking the right equipment for the project. In this episode, Benedikt walks you through Step 2 of the full music production process: choosing the right gear for your project — without overspending, obsessing over specs, or sabotaging your results before you even hit record. This is not a list of “best microphones” or “must-have plugins.” Instead, you’ll learn a clear hierarchy of what actually matters most, starting at the source and working all the way down to plugins. If you’ve ever wondered: * Do I really need better gear? * Is something about my setup holding me back? * Where should I invest first — and what can wait? This episode will give you clarity. What You’ll Learn In This Episode: * Why instruments and sources matter more than any recording gear * How strings, drum skins, picks, and sticks shape your sound more than plugins ever will * Why cabs matter more than amps (and how to use IRs properly) * The smartest way to approach room acoustics without expensive builds * Why monitoring (especially headphones) is more important than interfaces, plugins, outboard gear or the DAW * How to choose the right microphones for your voice and room * When you actually need a DI box (and what specs matter) * Why modern audio interfaces mostly differ by features, not sound * How to choose the right DAW without getting stuck in brand wars * Why plugins and outboard gear belong at the bottom of the list This episode will help you: ✔ Stop wasting money ✔ Make intentional gear decisions ✔ Get better recordings with what you already have ✔ Build a setup that actually supports your music 🔗 Need Help Choosing The Right Gear? If you want personalized guidance for your setup, your music, and your goals: 👉 Apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com/coaching [https://go.theselfrecordingband.com/coaching] We’ll listen to your music, build a custom production plan, and help you make the right decisions — without guesswork. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/299 [https://theselfrecordingband.com/299] -- Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/836626/open_sms] If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

298: The Music Production Process (Step 1): Build a Rock-Solid Foundation Before You Record

Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching [https://go.theselfrecordingband.com/coaching] -- Episode show notes: In this episode, Benedikt and Manel kick off a brand-new series where they break down the entire music production process from start to finish. This episode covers Step 1: The Foundation - the most overlooked phase of production, and the one that determines whether everything later (recording, mixing, mastering) becomes smooth… or a constant fight. You’ll learn why: * Great mixes can’t fix weak songs * Intentional decisions beat guessing every time * Clarity early on saves hours later in production This episode is long, deep, and practical - designed to give you a repeatable mental framework you can return to every time you start a new song or record. What You’ll Learn * Why vision and intention matter more than gear * How to define what your record actually needs to sound like * The difference between writing, arrangement, and production (and why it matters) * How to avoid over-complicating songs with unnecessary layers * Why “done is better than perfect” in the early phases * How lyrics, melody, arrangement, and emotion work together * How experienced producers think about groove, space, contrast, and impact * Why clarity in the foundation makes recording and mixing faster and easier Key Takeaway If you don’t know what you’re aiming for, every decision later becomes a guess. This episode helps you define the target before you hit record. Listen / Watch * Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, all major platforms * YouTube: Full video version available [https://www.youtube.com/@theselfrecordingband] -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/298 [https://theselfrecordingband.com/298] -- Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/836626/open_sms] If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

297: Connor Daniel (Avril Lavigne, Yellowcard, Simple Plan) On Modern Rock Production, Working At A High-End Studio, And Making Killer Records On A Bedroom Setup

Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching [https://go.theselfrecordingband.com/coaching] -- Episode show notes: In this episode, we’re joined by Connor Daniel - an LA-based writer, producer, and engineer, working closely with John Feldmann, while also producing and mixing records from his own home studio. Connor has worked on projects involving artists like Avril Lavigne, Yellowcard, Simple Plan, and collaborations featuring Travis Barker - but what makes this conversation especially relevant is that Connor still self-records his own band, socialghosts, and produces much of his work outside of big studios. This episode is a deep, honest conversation about: * What actually matters in modern rock and pop production * Why song and taste beat gear every time * How to navigate self-recording without overthinking gear and setups * When polished production helps - and when raw honesty wins * How to collaborate better as a producer, engineer, or artist No hype. No dogma. Just real-world insight from someone working at the highest level and in a bedroom studio. Topics We Cover * Connor’s unexpected path from artist to producer/engineer * Learning production by necessity * Getting hired at a major studio via Instagram * What really makes assistants stand out in pro environments * Why producing your own band is harder than producing others * Templates, workflows, and staying organized without killing creativity * Mixing in untreated rooms (and how to make it work) * Translation vs. perfection when checking mixes * Genre-blending, modern rock trends, and authenticity * Why listeners don’t care about your gear choices * The psychology of collaboration and producer communication * When to trust instinct - and when to just try the idea Listen / Watch * Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, all major platforms * YouTube: Full video version available [https://www.youtube.com/@theselfrecordingband] -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/297 [https://theselfrecordingband.com/297] -- Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/836626/open_sms] If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

296: The 10-Step-Process That Every Record Goes Through

Your next step: Apply for coaching! 👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now.  We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs.  In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own.  With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you. Sounds interesting? 🚀 Click here for all the details: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching [https://go.theselfrecordingband.com/coaching] -- Episode show notes: Making a great record isn’t about plugins, presets, or expensive gear. It’s about following a clear, repeatable process — every single time. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel break down the 10-step process that goes into every record, regardless of genre, budget, or studio size. This is the big-picture overview that most artists never get. And the starting point for a full upcoming series where each step will be explored in depth. If you’ve ever wondered: * Where do I actually start? * What comes next? * Which steps can I do myself - and where do I need help? This episode gives you the full map. 🔟 The 10 Steps Covered in This Episode 1. Foundation – Vision, taste, identity, songwriting & creative direction 2. Picking The Right Gear – What actually matters (and what doesn’t) 3. Pre-Production – Turning ideas into a clear blueprint 4. Recording Setup – Soundcheck, instruments, room, microphones 5. Recording – Capturing emotion, performances & momentum 6. Session Cleanup – Comping, organization, preparation 7. Post-Production – Layers, effects, samples & enhancements 8. Editing – Timing, tuning, cleanup (without killing the vibe) 9. Mixing – Turning many tracks into one emotional statement 10. Mastering – Final delivery, quality control, translation & release-ready formats This isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about not skipping steps. 🎯 Why This Matters Most self-recording artists struggle because: * they jump between phases * they already mix while they're still writing * they buy gear instead of building foundations * they don’t know what “done” actually means This framework gives you clarity, confidence, and momentum. Whether you want to do everything yourself or build a team. 🔗 Next Steps & Resources * 📌 Explore related episodes for each step on the show notes page [https://theselfrecordingband.com/296] * 🎧 Listen to future episodes as we go step-by-step through the process * 🎓 Want guidance while making your own record? 👉 Apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com/coaching [https://theselfrecordingband.com/coaching] -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/296 [https:/7theselfrecordingband.com/296] -- Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/836626/open_sms] If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com