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

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.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

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 Hain is chatting with Markus Kaiser and Alexander Knünz from Arcware - a great band who has joined our Self-Recording Syndicate in 2024. They just released their first single ‘Medicine’, and the three are diving into what it really took to get there.

They get into the ups and downs of recording and mixing everything themselves, how their setup and sound evolved over time, and what it’s like crafting a heavy, modern metalcore production from scratch as a DIY band.

Markus and Alex talk about the lessons they’ve learned, the importance of planning and working as a team, and how they’ve gone from a trial and error approach to a systematic way of learning and taking action inside the Self-Recording Syndicate.

There’s a lot in here about finding the balance between making music as a passion project vs. pushing yourself to take it more seriously.

It’s a fun and honest look behind the scenes of their self-recording journey - gear talk, mindset shifts, and everything in between.

Key takeaways:

• The importance of preparation and practicing
• Recording real drums adds uniqueness to the sound
• Collaboration can enhance creativity
• The evolution of a band's sound is a continuous journey
• Setting high expectations can lead to better quality music
• Learning from past mistakes is crucial for growth
• The balance between creativity and technical skills is vital.
• There was huge progress since Arcware have joined The Self-Recording Syndicate
• The challenge is to enhance what's there without losing the essence of the music
• Learning to be a detailed, analytical listener helps in identifying problems
• Getting and implementing feedback leads to better results much faster than doing it alone
• Self-recording bands face unique challenges
• It's okay to take time with music as a hobby
• Streamlining processes leads to quicker results
• positive feedback from others can validate your work, feels good and helps you keep the momentum up
• Enjoying the process is as important as the outcome

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/269

--

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:

Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

• Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
• Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
• Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

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:

Benedikt and Manel discuss the critical role of lyrics in music production, exploring common challenges artists face when writing lyrics.

They talk about Manel's songwriting journey, share a framework for improving lyric writing, and give you specific tools for that. Like perspective, rhyme, rhythm, rhetorical devices, object writing and many more, which will help you craft expressive lyrics and overcome writer's block.

And finally, Manel and Benedikt also touch on the mindset required to finish songs.

Key takeaways:

• Bad lyrics are a common issue in DIY productions.
• Improving lyrics can significantly impact a song's success.
• Songwriting quality is crucial in the recording process.
• Everyone struggles with writing lyrics at some point.
• Lyrics connect deeply with listeners' experiences.
• Changing perspectives can unlock new songwriting avenues.
• Rhyme and rhythm play essential roles in lyrics.
• Metaphors and rhetorical devices enhance lyric expressiveness.
• Tension can be created through the absence of rhyme.
• The structure of lyrics affects the song's flow and impact. Experiment with rhetorical devices to enhance your lyrics.
• Descriptive writing can evoke stronger emotions than simple statements.
• Avoid clichés to maintain originality in your songwriting.
• Develop a habit of object writing to stimulate creativity.
• Overcoming writer's block can involve changing your writing environment.
• Songs are never truly finished; they are just abandoned at some point.
• Writing your truth leads to unique and relatable lyrics.
• Fear of success can be just as paralyzing as fear of failure.
• Creating a writing routine can help generate more material.
• Every song has the potential to be good with enough effort.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/268

--

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:

Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

• Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
• Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
• Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

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:

Our guest on this episode is Matt Boudreau. Matt is an Audio Engineer, Mixer and Producer, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.

His credits list includes bands and artists such as Green Day, Alanis Morrisette, Deafhaven or Death Cab For Cutie.

He's also the host of a fantastic podcast, called Working Class Audio.

I (Benedikt) have been a guest on his show just a couple of weeks ago and it was a dream come true for me. I've learned an incredible amount from Matt and his guests over the years and highly recommend you check out Working Class Audio if you don't already know it.

Now we are super excited that we got to pick Matt's Brian for a bit here and can't wait for you to dive in, as well!

Some of the topics we covered on the episode:

• What's top of mind for Matt right now?
• "Identity crisis" (podcaster vs engineer)
• Thoughts on self-recording
• Dolby Atmos & Matt's Atmos studio
• Planning for the future
• Becoming a better person every day
• Lifelong learning
• The old-school approach (pre-pro, full production)
• Lessons learned from talking to so many great people - Any common threads?
• Mental health, taking care of yourself and having your shit together. Both inside and outside of the studio.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/267

--

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:

Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

• Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
• Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
• Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

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 and Manel dive deep into the world of snare drum sound and EQ, discussing

• the importance of snare sound in music production
• how to choose the right snare drum
• the role of phase and mic placement
• balancing the different drum mics with a focus on the snare drum tone
• the significance of mixing in context
• EQing a snare drum in the mix

They emphasize that a snare drum's sound is not just about the close mic but also about the overheads and room mics that contribute to its character.

The conversation is filled with insights on how to achieve a great snare sound and the subjective nature of snare preferences in music.

Manel and Benedikt also discuss innovative approaches to music production, focusing on creative drum sound design, particularly in the use of unconventional sounds and field recordings.

They talk about intentional mixing decisions and applying EQ with confidence.

As always, it's about listening critically and making informed decisions to achieve professional results in music production.

You'll hear all those concepts applied in sound examples throughout the episode, as well.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/266

--

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:

Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

• Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
• Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
• Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

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, we explore the complexities of music genres, personal taste, and the influence of cultural experiences on our artistic identities.

We discuss the use of AI as a creative tool, share insights from the Superbooth event, and reflect on the emotional core of music creation.

The conversation emphasizes breaking free from genre limitations and embracing a broader perspective on music-making.

So, in this episode, we get into the complexities of artistic identity, the emotional core of music, and the challenges of navigating genre boundaries. We discuss the importance of self-discovery in music, the role of tools and techniques in the creative process, and the value of collaboration.

It's about the need for artists to explore their unique sound and vision while remaining open to new influences and experiences.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/265

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:

Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

• Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
• Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
• Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

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 (Benedikt) want to make a super transparent episode, breaking down all the courses, coaching, seminars, events etc. I've bought over the years.

How much I've spent on them and what I got out of them.

Here's why:

I want to let you know that I practice what I preach. And that investing in my skills has impacted my life, my bands and my audio career in a massive way.

I wouldn't offer education to others if I didn't believe in it myself. And I wouldn't be a good coach if I had never experienced great education myself.

And Manel has invested heavily in his education, as well. Which is what brought him here. It has enabled him to have a full time career in audio

So, in this episode Manel and I are breaking it all down. The good, the bad, the ugly. Including the cost and the return on it.

We're sharing the key to getting a return on those things and our philosophy going into any type of education.

I'm also sharing what I've done when I was broke.

And I'm sharing different types of education and mentoring. Not just coaching and courses.

It's mainly focused on music and audio education, of course. But I'm also sharing examples outside of that.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/264

--

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:

Figure out if you are a great fit for The Self-Recording Syndicate!

theselfrecordingband.com

Our coaching community and platform is the number one way for DIY producers around the world to get results that they'll be proud of forever.

• Grow your audience on Spotify with songs that don't sound "demo-y".
• Be taken seriously by your peers, fans and other musicians.
• Make records that sound as good as your favorite songs in your playlist.

You have two options to get there:

1. Apply for unlimited, personal 1-on-1 mentoring (results guaranteed) - This is by far the fastest and best way to achieve your goals. Your gonna be working 1-on-1 with an experienced studio pro until your project is done. On your own songs, from your (home) studio and in your DAW of choice.
   
   
2. Sign up for any of our video courses on recording, editing, or mixing. All of the video courses include 90 days of group coaching and community access inside the Syndicate. You can upgrade the courses to 1-on-1 mentoring anytime.

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:

Picking the right key for your song is not just a technical decision — it can completely change the vibe, energy, and emotional impact of your track.

In this episode, we break down how the key of a song affects:

• Vocal performance and emotional delivery
• The feel and tone of your instruments
• Songwriting choices and arrangement
• Technical implications, like capo placement, alternate tunings, or switching to baritone or 7-string guitars

We talk about how to find the key that brings out the best in your vocalist, how to avoid songs that feel flat or strained, and why pushing a singer slightly outside their comfort zone can sometimes make a good performance great.

And the best part: We're not only talking about it, we're also showing you audio examples, so you can experience it yourself.

Whether you’re just writing a new track or preparing to record vocals, this episode will help you make better key choices and get a more powerful result.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/263

--

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