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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 -- Episode show notes: The Self-Recording Band Podcast Is Changing.  We're taking a break and then we'll come back with a rebrand and a new show format.  This episode gives you the why, the what and the how. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/310 Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- Episode show notes: This is one of the most honest and valuable conversations we’ve had on the podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Dominik from Swallow's Rose to break down the making of their latest record “The Beginning”.  From the first rough demos all the way to release, promotion, and everything in between. This wasn’t a typical DIY production. But also not fully done at a studio. It was a hybrid approach: Self-recorded guitars and bassStudio-recorded drums and vocalsProduced by the bandProfessionally mixed and mastered into a cohesive recordBut the story goes much deeper than that. We talk about: Why the first batch of songs got rejected (and why that was the turning point)Writing 30 songs to get to 11 great onesHow experimenting (and failing) led to a better soundThe moment the passion for music came backRecording vocals with intention instead of guessworkWhy a second opinion during recording is criticalThe real amount of work that happens AFTER the record is finishedHow they pushed this release to 100k+ streams in 2 weeksWhat working with a label actually looks like in 2026 And we also go into something much more meaningful and personal than just the production and promotion of it: This record is about overcoming real-life challenges. And how turning that into honest music can connect with people in a way nothing else can. If you’re a self-recording artist trying to turn your demos into finished releases, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply immediately. 🚀 Want Our Personal Help Applying This To Your Own Songs? If you want feedback on your songs, your arrangements, your recordings, or your mixes… …followed by a clear plan to turn your demos into finished releases... ...plus the professional guidance to implement it all: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/309 Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- Episode show notes: Most self-recording artists overcomplicate backing vocals, or ignore them completely, because they're having a hard time coming up with something interesting that really helps the song. Both are mistakes. Backing vocals and harmony layers can be the difference between a boring, amateur sounding chorus and one that hits.  They make great lead vocals even stronger and give a chorus the lift that it needs. In this episode, we break down two simple, powerful approaches to backing vocals that can completely transform your songs. And we're using real session examples you can actually hear and apply. If you’ve ever felt like your chorus is missing something, this is probably it. 🚀 Want Our Personal Help Applying This To Your Own Songs? If you want feedback on your vocals, your arrangements, or your mixes… …and a clear plan to turn your demos into finished releases: 👉 Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We’ll listen to your music, create a custom plan for you, and help you execute it step by step. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/308 Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- Episode show notes: Setting up your first home studio is exciting. It’s also very easy to waste time, money, and energy on the wrong things. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel look back at their early recording days and share six lessons they wish someone had told them when they started. Some of these mistakes cost money. Others cost years of slow progress. If you’re building your first recording setup or upgrading your current one, this episode will help you focus on the things that actually matter. The goal is simple: to help you skip the beginner mistakes and make faster progress with your music and recordings. What You’ll Learn In This Episode Why buying cheap gear is not always a god idea and can cause unnecessary headachesThe real reason beginners waste money on too much gearWhat matters more than most studio equipmentThe monitoring mistake that makes mixing almost impossibleThe hidden skill gap most self-recording musicians don’t realize they have If you’re a self-recording musician and want expert feedback on your recordings, full guidance while improving your setup, and the fastest way to getting your songs to sound truly professional - apply for coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate. We’ll analyze your setup, your songs, and your workflow and help you build and implement a clear plan to improve your recordings. Apply here: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/307 Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- Episode show notes: What does a drum recording session for a real record look like? Not a theory lesson. Not a generic tutorial. In this episode we walk you through a real drum recording session from start to finish. The session was for the Swallow’s Rose album “The Beginning”, and we documented the entire process while recording drums for the record. That means you’ll see the real decisions behind the drum sounds: drum and cymbal selectiontuning decisionsroom setup and acousticsmic choice and placementanalog processingrecording techniquesAnd the thinking behind every step. This is not meant to be a strict “how to”. Every record is different. But the principles behind these decisions are the same fundamentals that make all great recordings work. If you understand why things are done a certain way, you can apply those ideas to your own projects in whatever space and setup you have. This episode is especially helpful if you: record drums in a home studio or rehearsal spacewant more professional drum soundsstruggle with mic placement and drum tuningwant to understand what actually matters during a drum recording sessionwant to make your programmed drums sound more realistic (yes, those principles apply to MIDI drums, as well - understanding how drum sounds work in general is key, whether it's a real drummer or a programmed performance)If you’re listening to the audio version, you might want to watch this one on YouTube, because a lot of the value comes from seeing the session itself. ⸻ About The Record: The session featured in this episode is from the Swallow’s Rose album “The Beginning.” Singles from the record started releasing in 2025, with the full album scheduled for early 2026. The mixes you hear in the video are extremely close to the final versions, although the finished record includes some small revisions after the session shown here. Check out the released record to hear what it sounds like on the final album version. ⸻ Want Help Finishing Your Own Record? Inside The Self-Recording Syndicate, we help self-recording artists turn demos into finished releases they’re proud of. This isn’t a generic video course. We work with you one-on-one, helping you: build a recording workflowimprove your productions at the sourcemake better mixing decisionsfinish your songs and releases consistentlyIf you want a personal production plan for your next record, apply here: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching If we think you’re a great fit, we’ll do a free first call with you and build a custom roadmap for you. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- Episode show notes: Most of the low end advice online sounds clean, structured, and logical. But it also makes a lot of mixes smaller. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel break down five common low end mixing myths. This is not a “never do this" episode. It’s about understanding what’s really happening in the low end so you stop fixing problems you don’t actually have. 🎯 The 5 Low End Myths We Break Down 1. “If the kick fundamental is at 60Hz, cut the bass at 60Hz.” 2. “The bass needs to live above or below the kick.” 3. “High-pass everything except kick and bass.” 4. “Below 100Hz there can only be kick and bass.” 5. “You must carve out space or they’ll mask each other.” 🔑 What Actually Makes Low End Work 1. It Starts at the Source Drum choice and tuningSample choiceBass instrument choiceString choicePerformanceTimingArrangementKey of the songIf you pick the right sounds, faders alone often get you 80% there. 2. Think in Terms of Energy Low end is about: Relative amounts of energyTransient interactionSustain overlapGlue vs separationContext with mids and highsSometimes the problem isn’t in the low end at all. Sometimes it’s guitars masking kick attack. Sometimes it’s too much midrange hiding bass character. 3. Timing Changes Everything Slightly offset bass timing can: Reduce low end buildupExtend groove feelIncrease clarityImpact is often about transient alignment, not EQ moves. 4. Control Buildup Dynamically Instead of static carving, try: Multiband compressionDynamic EQTransient shapingShortening sustainControl the moments where energy spikes — don’t gut the whole instrument. 5. Stop Fixing Problems You Don’t Have This might be the most important takeaway. If it sounds good, don’t “optimize” it. 🚀 Want Direct Help With Your Mix? Inside The Self-Recording Syndicate, we help self-recording rock, metal and indie artists build mixes that feel powerful and emotionally right — without mixing by numbers. You get: A custom step-by-step music production planUnlimited personal feedbackClear next actionsOngoing guidanceAll the resources you need to fill in knowledge gaps and become confident in your recording and mixing abilitiesApply here: 👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Free first call. Money back guarantee. No pressure. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: t Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- Episode show notes: There’s more mixing advice online than ever. But here’s the real question: Is it coming from people who actually make records… or people who make content? In this episode, Benedikt and Manel react to answers from industry heavyweights Chris Galland and Joe Chiccarelli and compare them to common internet mixing advice. The results are revealing. Real pros barely care about many of the things you see everywhere online. And many content creators ignore things that actual engineers call non-negotiable. If you’re a self-recording musician trying to improve your mixes, this episode will help you separate hype from essential fundamentals. What We Cover Should you high-pass everything?Do you really need to mix in mono?Are reference tracks mandatory?Should you always check your mix in the car?Is EQing to the key of the song a real thing?Do pros tune every vocal?Do you have to hard pan guitars?Are stereo imaging plugins essential?Should you always mix at low volumes?Does gain staging still matter in 2026?Is parallel compression overhyped? And most importantly: How do you know who to trust when learning mixing? The Big Takeaways Context matters more than rules.The basics still win.You can ignore most of the fancy techniques and approaches until you've mastered the essential things.If advice sounds absolute, be skeptical.If someone never makes records, question their authority. As Benedikt says in the episode: Some topics are great for content. That doesn’t mean they’re great for making records. Who This Is For This episode is for: Rock, punk, indie, metal and alternative musicians recording themselvesProducers overwhelmed by conflicting YouTube adviceAnyone trying to get real results instead of chasing trendsIf you’re serious about improving your mixes, this one will reset your priorities. Want Real Guidance (Not Hype)? If you want feedback and guidance from engineers who mix 200+ songs per year for artists and labels worldwide, audio pros who actively work with self-recording artists all the time: 👉 Apply for coaching inside The Self-Recording Syndicate https://theselfrecordingband.com/coaching We don’t teach trends. We teach what actually works for your music. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/304 -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- Episode show notes: This is the final episode of our full music production breakdown series. We’ve covered songwriting, pre-production, gear, sound checks and recording. Now we finish the record. In this episode, we walk you through steps 6–10 of the real-world production process Session cleanup and compingEditing where necessary (timing and pitch)Moving from recording to mixingA structured mixing workflow that actually worksThe truth about masteringWhen to outsource and when not toWhy AI mastering is not the same as real mastering (and when it can be an option) If you’ve ever: Got stuck after recordingRuined a mix by overworking itWondered if/how you should use a mix bus compressorFelt confused about gain stagingBeen disappointed by a bad masterThis episode is for you. We break down a proven, step-by-step framework that helps you: Keep objectivityAvoid rabbit holesMix fasterPreserve the magic you capturedFinish songs properly Because the goal after recording is simple: Don’t mess it up. Don't reinvent it. Enhance it. Move it across the finish line. The Mixing Framework We Teach Here’s the structured approach we use inside The Self-Recording Syndicate: Proper mix prep (organization + routing)Rough mix (gain staging, levels + panning)Mix bus setup & overall vibe and colorEQ cleanup + sweeteningCompression with intentionCreative effects (reverbs, delays, saturation)Automation and movementMastering ( finishing, final formats, and quality control Most people obsess over plugins. The pros obsess over balance. In all ways. Not a static balance. But one that serves every part of the song, enhances it emotionally and guides the listener through the song. 🎁 Free Mixing Guide If you want a clear system for balancing, gain staging and preparing your mix properly: 👉 Download the free guide: theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes 🎯 Want Help Finishing Your Songs? If you want personal guidance through all these steps: Apply for coaching: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching Inside the Self-Recording Syndicate you get: Structured playbooksDetailed mix feedbackClear next steps to work on - alwaysTemplatesFrameworksAnd 5 professional masters, as well as a full mix + mix walkthrough included-- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/303 Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- Episode show notes: Recording music is about capturing magic moments. In this episode of The Self-Recording Band Podcast, Benedikt and Manel are breaking down step 5 of the production process: the recording session — the moment where everything can either fall apart… or finally come alive. You can have the right song, the right gear, the right room, and the perfect setup — and still end up with a lifeless recording if you don’t handle the human side of recording properly. This episode is all about capturing exciting performances, creating the right vibe in the room, and making decisions that serve emotion over perfection. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why performance matters more than technical perfection (and always will)How to guide yourself or your band into better takesWhy how you talk to performers can make or break a sessionThe importance of preparation before hitting recordHow to avoid killing the vibe during vocal sessionsWhen to record full takes vs. sectionsWhy warm-ups are non-negotiable (and how pros do it)How to choose the right recording order for instrumentsWhy vocals should not be an afterthoughtSimple systems for comping and editing while recordingHow to protect your sessions with smart backup habits This episode is part of our start-to-finish production process series. If you haven’t listened to steps 1-4 yet, go back and start there — this series is designed to be followed in order. -- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/302 -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- Episode show notes: Great recordings don’t start with plugins. They start before you ever hit record. In Step 4 of the Production Process, Benedikt Hain and Manel Espinosa break down setup and sound check: the often-skipped "day one at the studio". This step separates frustrating home recordings (with lots of things to fix later) from mixes that fall together effortlessly. This episode walks you through how professionals capture great tones at the source, why mic placement matters more than mic choice, how room acoustics influence your sound far more than you think, and how small setup decisions can save you hours (or days) of mixing later. If you’ve ever felt like your recordings are technically fine but never quite sound right — this episode explains why. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why pros don't just “fix it in the mix” — and why you shouldn’t eitherHow to find the best recording spot in any room (even untreated ones)Simple acoustic tricks that dramatically improve vocal and instrument recordingsWhy instrument setup (strings, heads, tuning) matters more than expensive gearHow mic placement can change your sound more than swapping microphonesReal audio examples showing how small mic movements create massive tonal changesHow proper monitoring improves vocal performances instantlyWhy vibe, lighting, and comfort directly affect the quality of your takesHow basic checklists prevent session-killing mistakes Who this episode is for: Self-recording musicians and bandsDIY producers working from home studios or jam spacesArtists frustrated by muddy, harsh, boring, or lifeless recordingsAnyone who wants mixes that come together faster — with less guesswork-- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/301 -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- 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”, orsomething only big studios with big budgets need Both are wrong. In this episode, Benedikt and Manel explain: what pre-production actually iswhere it starts (and where it absolutely shouldn’t end)why skipping it makes recording harder, slower, and worseand 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 recordingWhy great producers separate creative flow from technical precisionWhat should never be figured out during a recording sessionWhy re-recording after demos is usually necessary (and when it’s not)Real-world examples where demo recordings actually made it onto final recordsHow pre-production creates freedom — not restriction — during recordingWhy most home-recorded projects fail before microphones even matter Who this episode is for: DIY musicians recording at homeBands preparing to record an EP or albumArtists stuck re-recording songs over and overAnyone 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 -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- 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 gearHow strings, drum skins, picks, and sticks shape your sound more than plugins ever willWhy cabs matter more than amps (and how to use IRs properly)The smartest way to approach room acoustics without expensive buildsWhy monitoring (especially headphones) is more important than interfaces, plugins, outboard gear or the DAWHow to choose the right microphones for your voice and roomWhen you actually need a DI box (and what specs matter)Why modern audio interfaces mostly differ by features, not soundHow to choose the right DAW without getting stuck in brand warsWhy 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 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 -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- 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 songsIntentional decisions beat guessing every timeClarity 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 gearHow to define what your record actually needs to sound likeThe difference between writing, arrangement, and production (and why it matters)How to avoid over-complicating songs with unnecessary layersWhy “done is better than perfect” in the early phasesHow lyrics, melody, arrangement, and emotion work togetherHow experienced producers think about groove, space, contrast, and impactWhy 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 platformsYouTube: Full video version available-- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/298 -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- 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 productionWhy song and taste beat gear every timeHow to navigate self-recording without overthinking gear and setupsWhen polished production helps - and when raw honesty winsHow to collaborate better as a producer, engineer, or artistNo 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/engineerLearning production by necessityGetting hired at a major studio via InstagramWhat really makes assistants stand out in pro environmentsWhy producing your own band is harder than producing othersTemplates, workflows, and staying organized without killing creativityMixing in untreated rooms (and how to make it work)Translation vs. perfection when checking mixesGenre-blending, modern rock trends, and authenticityWhy listeners don’t care about your gear choicesThe psychology of collaboration and producer communicationWhen to trust instinct - and when to just try the ideaListen / Watch Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, all major platformsYouTube: Full video version available-- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/297 -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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 -- 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 Foundation – Vision, taste, identity, songwriting & creative directionPicking The Right Gear – What actually matters (and what doesn’t)Pre-Production – Turning ideas into a clear blueprintRecording Setup – Soundcheck, instruments, room, microphonesRecording – Capturing emotion, performances & momentumSession Cleanup – Comping, organization, preparationPost-Production – Layers, effects, samples & enhancementsEditing – Timing, tuning, cleanup (without killing the vibe)Mixing – Turning many tracks into one emotional statementMastering – 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 phasesthey already mix while they're still writingthey buy gear instead of building foundationsthey 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🎧 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-- For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/296 -- Send us Fan Mail If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]