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This week, Tisoki sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Tisoki is a multi-genre producer who is signed to Monstercat, who came up through the dubstep and bass scene. He’s previously been on the podcast for episode 92, three years ago. In this episode, we dive into how Tisoki has matured as both a producer and person and how previously he was caught up in the trap of chasing success.

Tisoki also covers what he’s been up to for the last few years and how COVID-19 has affected his career and touring prospects. He dives into the very real battle of dealing with no live shows, which has been a reality for many artists the past year and a half.

We also talk about his new album 01953 and how it has been a more experimental album in comparison to his previous releases, with a lot of tracks venturing outside of the realm of bass music. We talk about one of the singles from the album, SENSITIVE (ft. Charity Vance), and the production behind his unique take on the garage genre.

Towards the end we talk production, diving into topics such as why producers shouldn’t be shamed for using samples, the trap most producers fall into with layering, and how to add imperfections into your tracks.

Stream '01953' by Tisoki → https://listen.monstercatmusic.com/01953-ykeb

Connect with Tisoki:
Facebook → https://facebook.com/tisoki
Instagram → https://instagram.com/tisoki
Twitter → https://twitter.com/tisoki
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/tisoki
Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/artist/0XW7mqhbaQnRtHmwfAVg64?si=piT0NKtrQS2iNAIlDnS36w&dl_branch=1

EDMProd:
Website → https://edmprod.com
Instagram → https://instagram.com/edmprodgram
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/EDMPsite
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/edmprod
Spotify → https://sptfy.com/edmprod

Aden Russell (Artsea):
Instagram → https://instagram.com/iamartsea
Facebook → https://facebook.com/iamartsea
Spotify → https://sptfy.com/iamartsea
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/iamartsea

Subscibe

#154: Tisoki on The Dangers of Chasing Success & Why You Should Use Samples

Courses → https://edmprod.com/courses

This week, UMEK sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

UMEK is a techno producer/DJ from Ljubljana, Slovenia who has been a scene staple for nearly 3 decades. Over the years he has moved from the classic techno sound, through to tech house, and then back to techno with a distinctly dark and melodic sound.

We dive into how moving genres and selling out was a bad move for his career, and that having a core fanbase is important. As a result, UMEK has side projects such as Zeta Reticula which allows him to explore other sounds without compromising his main project.

We talk about how he almost exclusively uses software for UMEK tracks, and why he got rid of over 20 synthesizers in favor of synths like Serum.

UMEK discusses his writing process and that he doesn't overthink the story behind a track - he just writes music that he thinks will sound good in his sets. He also describes how his DJ sets are a sprint rather than a marathon.

Cryptic Speech EP → https://www.beatport.com/release/cryptic-speech-ep/3337925
The Thrillseekers - Synaesthesia (UMEK Remix) → https://www.beatport.com/track/synaesthesia/15399183
Viberate → https://www.viberate.com/
Show notes → https://edmprod.com/episode-155

Connect with UMEK:
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/umek.si
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/umek_1605/
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/umek
Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Hini2nQyoglzpdKe41cZt?si=7hZEpRmbT4u2eoLOE5GJZw&dl_branch=1

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
3:09 Interview Start & Background
6:23 Accidentally Moving Into Tech House
12:40 The Value Of Side Projects
16:04 Switching To Software from Hardware
23:06 Hardware is Different, Not Better
26:05 Good VSTs are Enough To Make Good Music
27:10 The Main Reason You Shouldn't Hoard Free Plugins
28:24 Using Logic Pro X
30:15 Switching Your DAW Takes A Long Time
32:05 Loudness & Limiters
33:42 Mastering Tracks for 1605
37:09 Why You Should Know How To Master Yourself
42:07 Going From Releasing A Lot To Fewer Releases
47:08 Cryptic Speech EP & Not Overthinking The Story Behind The Music
51:56 Detaching From Your Music
55:50 Success On Beatport
01:01:07 Should You Invest In All Platforms?
01:05:11 Viberate & The Future of Music Analytics
01:08:25 Spotting the Buying Of Fake Plays & Likes
01:10:32 What UMEK Looks to Sign An Artist

EDMProd:
Website → https://edmprod.com
Instagram → https://instagram.com/edmprodgram
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/EDMPsite
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/edmprod
Spotify → https://sptfy.com/edmprod

Aden Russell (Artsea):
Instagram → https://instagram.com/iamartsea
Facebook → https://facebook.com/iamartsea
Spotify → https://sptfy.com/iamartsea
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/iamartsea

#155: UMEK on Losing Fans By Selling Out & Starting A Scene from Scratch

Our courses → https://edmprod.com/courses

This week, Dan Giffin sat down to chat for the EDM Prodcast.

Dan Giffin is an Ableton Certified Trainer who runs the website Live Producers Online and hosts the Ableton Music Producer Podcast. Currently based in Indianapolis, he has taught Grammy-winning artists and major acts like Mac Miller, Machine Gun Kelly & The Band Perry.

He also produces under the alias Philia, where he writes bass music infused with jazz, soul, and other styles. Philia is also a band when they perform live, in which Dan does improvised DJing as well as playing the drums, along with a saxophone player and keys player.

We dive into topics such as the mental side of music production, and why he believes the key to music production is mostly overcoming mental hurdles. Later on, he also emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor and learning in a structured way.

Towards the end we talk production, some of his favorite plugins and devices right now, and some great techniques for staying creative.

Links:
Live Producers Podcast → https://www.liveproducersonline.com/podcast
Ableton Live MasterClass → https://www.liveproducersonline.com/masterclass
Ableton Live 11 Discount → https://www.liveproducersonline.com/buyableton
Expressive E Touché → https://www.expressivee.com/1-touche
Smooth Operator → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjqAFIaXvSs

Connect with Dan Giffin:
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PhiliaMusic
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/philiamusic
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/philia-music-official
Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WS2tulZgvxGCX2OnxPbMg?si=3fkWImXcSUOwJIp5_IjJnw&dl_branch=1

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
2:00 Interview Start & GIFs
3:52 Dan's Background & Becoming an Ableton Certified Trainer
6:26 Practice & Collab With People Better Than You
8:26 Listening To Different Types of Music (& Moving to NY)
11:02 Should You Move to A Major City for Music?
12:24 Does Playing An Instrument Help Production?
15:08 The Problem With Tutorials & Free Resources
15:45 Running Live Producers Online
17:40 What Holds Back Most Producers Mentally?
22:19 COVID's Impact on Writing Music for Live
24:45 The US' Explosion of Live Shows
27:40 How Performance Nerves Can Be Selfish
28:57 Working With Mac Miller & Major Artists
31:24 Finding Opportunities Working At Studios
34:04 Moving Cities For Music (Again)
36:35 Online Music Communities
38:26 Dan's Music Project - Philia
41:52 The Importance of Live Show Visuals
44:16 Developing His Live Show
46:04 Accidentally Throwing A Drum Stick At A Fan
47:37 DJing vs Live Shows
49:44 Pendulum's Insane Live Show
50:58 Redundancy in Live Shows
53:30 Dan's Writing Process
55:35 What To Consider When Working With Vocals
56:50 Sidechaining Things That Aren't The Kick Drum
58:16 Favourite Plugins & Techniques
59:59 Favourite Ableton Live 11 Features
01:04:36 The Power of Stock Tools
01:07:51 What's Coming Up Next?
01:09:11 If you had a time machine, what would you change?

EDMProd:
Website → https://edmprod.com
Instagram → https://instagram.com/edmprodgram
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/EDMPsite
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/edmprod
Spotify → https://sptfy.com/edmprod

Aden Russell (Artsea):
Instagram → https://instagram.com/iamartsea
Facebook → https://facebook.com/iamartsea
Spotify → https://sptfy.com/iamartsea
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/iamartsea

#156: Dan Giffin on The Mental Side Of Music Production & Performing As A Live Act

Learn more about Create 30 → https://create30.com

This week, Steve Duda sat down to chat for the EDM Prodcast.

Steve Duda is the founder of Xfer Records and creator of the ever-popular Serum synth. He has been in the industry as both an artist and programmer and has a wealth of experience to share with producers.

We dive into his background and how he studied music composition in college, which opened the door to many different opportunities (despite the 'normal' career trajectory of becoming a teacher). 

This set off a chain reaction of events, including a short DJ career in leagues with acts like Skrillex and deadmau5, which eventually lead him to learning programming and starting Xfer.

We also cover the massive success of Serum, and how it performed better than how he could have ever imagined, including the rent-to-own partnership with Splice.

Steve is excellent at drawing parallels between music production and programming and has many great pieces of advice for upcoming producers.

Links:
Serum Rent-To-Own → https://splice.com/plugins/15493-serum-vst-au-by-xfer-records
Songwriting For Producers → https://www.edmprod.com/songwriting-for-producers

Connect with Steve Duda:
Xfer Website → https://xferrecords.com
Twitter → https://twitter.com/steve_duda

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
2:38 Interview start & moving to Mexico
5:23 Studying Music Composition in college
9:26 The evolution of DAWs and computers
10:41 Rejecting the traditional 'college teacher' route
16:01 Being a jack of all trades
17:10 Pursuing the opportunities around you
18:33 Rich EDM kids and buying careers
21:09 What are you willing to do to achieve success?
23:51 Avoiding 'purist constructs'
24:41 Meta-music and influencing music in indirect ways
27:14 The Reverb filter and Riddim
30:36 Future updates and constantly innovating
32:15 Serum overtaking Massive & visual feedback
36:04 Teaching himself programming
39:26 Make what you would like!
41:24 Splice and rent-to-own
46:03 Serum 2.0 and not charging for updates
50:03 Serum's competitors
56:51 Imagine yourself but younger
57:46 BSOD and prioritizing the tools over writing
01:01:54 Customer support and being accessible
01:05:20 What mistakes are producers making?
01:11:45 If you had a time machine, what would you go back and change?
01:14:42 What's coming up in the next 12 months?
01:17:29 Wrapping up

EDMProd:
Website → https://edmprod.com
Instagram → https://instagram.com/edmprodgram
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/EDMPsite
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/edmprod
Spotify → https://sptfy.com/edmprod

Aden Russell (Artsea):
Instagram → https://instagram.com/iamartsea
Facebook → https://facebook.com/iamartsea
Spotify → https://sptfy.com/iamartsea
Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/iamartsea

#157: Steve Duda on Serum's Success & Parallels Between Music and Programming

Show Notes: edmprod.com/138

This week, Steve Void sat down to chat on the EDMProdcast

Steve Void is a music producer based in the Netherlands who’s also the founder of the popular record label Strange Fruits.

Although Steve Void is a talented producer with over 4.5 million streams on Spotify, he wanted to focus this episode around his early growth and what he’s learned creating and running a successful label.

We start off with Steve Void’s background, looking at the early experiences that led him to pursue a career in music. We discuss attending the renowned Herman Brood Academy in the Netherlands, which features Martin Garrix and Julian Jordan as alumni. He actually was mildly depressed during his first semester due to the steep competition in his class, and we talk about how he overcame that pressure to move from the bottom to the top of the class.

Next, we look why he created his record label Strange Fruits and how he grew it early on. We discuss how he learned the skills necessary to run a label and what he looks for in people he hires to help run it. We also focus in on the unique marketing and promotion strategies Strange Fruits has in place that has resulted in the tremendous growth they’ve seen over the past few years.

Later on, we discuss what it takes to manufacture a hit record and whether or not you should release with a label. We also discuss Strange Fruits' other creative ventures, including their upcoming restaurant as well as their Strange Fruits characters that they’re developing into a full animated movie.

Connect with Steve Void:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voidmuzik
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevevoidmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevevoidmusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3WSK3JppX3N41XHVwQp7Gt
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/stevevoidmusic

#138: Steve Void on Building a Successful Music Business and Breaking Through The Noise

Show Notes: edmprod.com/139

This week, Lindgren sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Lindgren is a multi-platinum music producer and songwriter from Berlin, Germany. His lengthy list of credits includes Dua Lipa, BTS, Halsey, Sia, Cheat Codes, and Illenium.

We start off with Lindgren’s background, discussing how he fell into writing and producing pop music. We discuss what he learned attending the renowned Pop Academy in Germany, and how he built his first connections in the music industry. We also discuss the importance of writing camps to his development as an artist, both to help him sharpen his skills and to connect with other artists.

On the music side, we dive deep into Lindgren’s songwriting workflow. We discuss where he finds inspiration for his music, writing alone versus with collaborators, and why speed is essential to his writing workflow. He breaks down where he picked up his lyric and melody writing skills, offering his best advice for songwriters looking to improve their skill set. He also discusses what he’s learned working with producers like Yoad Nevo and Virtual Riot, and some of the other lessons he’s picked up from his many collaborative writing sessions.

Later on, Lindgren explains how to know when your music is good enough to release, how he picks what projects he does and doesn’t work on, and why he doesn’t have a solo artist project. He also discusses what a typical week looks like for him, and how he balances writing with everyday life.

Overall, Lindgren offers heaps of advice for aspiring songwriters, whether they’re looking to develop their technique, build up connections, or simply to start releasing music.

Connect with Lindgren:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindgrenofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MisterLindgren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlindgren/

#139: Lindgren on Honing Your Writing Skills & Breaking Into The Music Industry

Show Notes: edmprod.com/140

This week, PLS&TY sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

PLS&TY is a DJ and producer known for his pop-influenced dance records. Getting his start with viral remixes, he’s now hit #1 on the US iTunes electronic charts three times, and he’s also been remixed by industry heavyweights including Morgan Page, Rusko, Cazzette, and more.

We start off with PLS&TY’s background, discussing his evolution from DJing into production. We discuss why he avoided DJing until he had his own original music, and what his growth strategy was early on in the project. He also talks about why he dropped out of film school after one semester, as well as his main takeaways from attending the Icon Collective music school in LA.

On the production side, we discuss how PLS&TY found his unique signature style. We talk about how he blew up off a throwaway track, and how he dealt with the expectations that came with that track’s success. We also look at his approach for finding unique samples, getting creative with layering, and adding organic textures into his music. 

Later on, PLS&TY discusses how he’s using the pandemic to reset and focus on his personal health, an invaluable lesson during this turbulent time. He also offers his advice for artists who want to write vocal driven music but struggle to find quality original vocals. 

Connect with PLS&TY:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plsandty
Twitter: https://twitter.com/plsandtybased
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plsandty/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/14byx2nRysWNtgauCXscKT?si=Wsz_YeaHQ12NRu1Lbd-DCw
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pls-ty

#140: PLS&TY on Chasing Your True Sound and Accelerating Your Growth

Show Notes: edmprod.com/141

This week, Max Vangeli & Denis Hiller from NoFace Records sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast. 

NoFace was originally launched in 2016 as a partnership with Armada, and they recently brought it back as a label, distribution, and education platform. Max Vangeli is well known his classic releases on Armada and Size Records, and his collaborations with artists like Tiesto, Steve Angelo, and AN21.

In this episode, we start off with Max & Denis’s background, discussing how they both got their start in the music industry. We look at how they grew Max Vangeli’s brand to an international level with minimal connections in the music industry. There’s a lot you’ll be able to learn from the DIY, entrepreneurial mentality they put into growing Max’s artist project.

On the label side, we discuss their initial concept for NoFace Records and how they transformed it last year to create the record label they wish they had early on in Max’s career. We also discuss their production school and distribution platform NoFace Academy, and why aspiring artists shouldn’t shy away from indie labels. 

Later on, we discuss the importance of building a community for your artist project, and why gaining DJ support does next to nothing for your project growth. We also talk about the importance of the right living environment, as well as their advice on starting a music business from scratch, whether it’s an artist project, a record label, or something else.

Connect with NoFace Records:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nofacerecordsofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoFaceRecords
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nofacerecords
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nofacerecordsofficial

#141: Max Vangeli & Denis Hiller (NoFace Records) on How To Build an International Brand

Show Notes: edmprod.com/142

This week, DJ Bossi (one half of the duo Cosmic Gate) sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Cosmic Gate is a Grammy Nominated electronic music duo who’ve been at the top of the dance music industry for over 20 years. 

In this episode, we start off with Bossi’s background, discussing what the DJ and production scene was like for him during the 80s and 90s. We talk about the chance encounter he had with Nic Chagall, whom he teamed up with to create the Cosmic Gate project. We discuss their early vision for Cosmic Gate (or the lack thereof), and how they successfully turned it into a full-time career. 

We spend a while discussing the decisions that have helped them stay relevant in the music industry, focusing on how they stayed true to their original vision for the project while adapting to the evolving scenes within dance music. We also discuss how they maintain motivation to continue to grow their Cosmic Gate project, and what their focus is in 2020.

On the production side, Bossi offers his best advice on how to find your unique signature sound. He also discusses what he does and doesn’t like about producing in the box, diving into the pros and cons of working in the digital domain.

Connect with Cosmic Gate:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosmicgate
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cosmicgate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcosmicgate/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ySxYu68zTsO5ghsThpGtS
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cosmicgateofficial

#142: Cosmic Gate on the Secret to Sustained Success in the Music Industry

Show Notes: edmprod.com/143

This week, Joachim Pastor sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Joachim Pastor is a French DJ and producer who’s been a staple in the dance music industry for over a decade. He helped co-found the French record label Hungry Music, and he’s currently releasing with Armada Music.

We start with Joachim’s background, discussing the early experiences that led him to pursue a career as a producer and DJ. He discusses how he nearly gave up on a career in music 100s of times due to the rejections and setbacks most musicians inevitably face. We talk about the choices that helped steadily build up his career to the successful point its at now. 

On the production side, Joachim dives deep into his analog and digital workflow. He discusses his intricate analog studio setup, revealing his favorite gear and how he uses them in his productions. He also breaks down his favorite digital effects, as well as his three desert island synths. Throughout, Joachim offers useful tips for mixing with distortion, reverb, and compression.

Later on, Joachim explains why most producers shouldn’t invest in nice speakers, and why producing with in ear monitors is better than over ear monitors. He also reveals his number one piece of advice for finishing music, which (strangely enough) is Microsoft Excel.

Connect with Joachim Pastor:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoachimPastor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joachimpastor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joachim_pastor/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6eNOjuJSfKkAvbiGW90AkZ
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/joachim-pastor

#143: Joachim Pastor on How to Overcome Rejection and Perfect Your Craft

Show Notes: edmprod.com/144

This week, pronouncedyea sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Pronouncedyea is a talented dance music producer who’s released with labels like Armada, Moving Castle, and Warner. 

In this episode, we start off with pronouncedyea’s background, discussing how he picked up producing in high school and how he further developed his writing skills. He talks about why he studied music business in college instead of studying music at a conservatory, and how he built up his career while completing his degree. We spend a while discussing how he found a distinct vision and direction for his artist project, and how this vision differed from the one he had at the start of the project.

On the production side, pronouncedyea offers heaps of advice on production and songwriting. He discusses his ground-up approach for sound design and post-processing, offering up his favorite secret weapon plugins. He also runs through his process for layering, why he’s been using less side-chain compression lately, and how he creates and processes his vocal chops. Later on, he offers advice on how to fill out a mix in more minimal productions, as well as how he utilizes granular synthesis in his workflow.

Connect with pronouncedyea:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pronouncedyea/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PronouncedYea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pronouncedyea/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gydLLHpbmraVz1LVZCW83
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pronouncedyea

#144: Pronouncedyea on Crafting Your Brand and Getting Creative in the Studio

Show Notes: edmprod.com/145

This week, Jason Grishkoff sat down to chat on the EDMProdcast.

Jason Grishkoff is the founder of the popular music blog Indie Shuffle, as well as the music submission site SubmitHub.

We start off with Jason’s background, discussing his progression from semi-pro Counter Strike player to indie music blogger. We dive into how he turned his passion for sharing music with friends into his blog Indie Shuffle, and how he grew the blog while working a 9-5. We discuss the two pivotal shifts by Google and Facebook that killed music blog traffic, and why he feels blogs still have large influence in the music industry in 2020. 

Later on, we discuss how Jason turned a nagging submission management problem for Indie Shuffle into his music submission site, SubmitHub. Jason offers advice on how to make the most out of SubmitHub, discussing how to maximize your submission approvals and an easy way to earn free premium credits.

On the marketing side, Jason dissects what an indie marketing campaign should look like in 2020. He discusses why Spotify playlists aren’t as important as everyone thinks, and where he feels your time is better to grow your project. He also discusses how to approach and deal with rejection as an artist, and why all creatives should be reading more fiction novels.

Connect with Jason Grishkoff/SubmitHub:

https://www.submithub.com/

#145: SubmitHub CEO Jason Grishkoff on How To Market Your Music as an Indie Artist

Show Notes: edmprod.com/146

This week, Clément Leroux sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Clément Leroux is a talented producer and musician currently based in Belgium. He’s released on labels like Universal Music and Armada, and he’s released official remixes for artists including Armin Van Buuren and Cat Dealers.

We start off with Clément Leroux’s background, focusing on the lengthy journey to find his current sound. This process included a successful previous artist project that he dropped because he wasn’t in love with the sound, as well as attending an audio engineering program in London. Clément discusses what he learned from these experiences, offering his best advice on how to find a sound that's both unique and true to yourself. 

On the production side, Clément breaks down several aspects of his writing and production workflow. He discusses how he starts tracks, and how he knows whether or not an idea is worth finishing. He also offers advice on making piano VSTs sound less digital, how to approach writing vocal toplines, and how to make your drums more realistic with DIY home recordings. 

Later on, Clément discusses how he’s been dealing with writer’s block during the pandemic, and how he’s been getting creative on social media with live performance covers. He also discusses his upcoming album, as well as the creation of his new live show.

Connect with Clément Leroux:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClementLerouxMusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/clementleroux97
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clementlerouxmusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MttWEEoyq7W9MjHEBaKhG
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/clementlerouxmusic

#146: Clément Leroux on Writing, Producing, and Marketing Indie Electronic Music

Show Notes: edmprod.com/147

This week, Nevada sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Nevada is an American songwriter and producer currently based in Stockholm. His debut single ‘The Mack’, which is a rework of Mark Morrison's 1996 hit ‘Return Of The Mack’, has amassed over 380 million streams globally and climbed the Top-10 charts in multiple countries. Outside of his original music, he’s released official remixes for artists like Liam Payne, Charlie XCX, and Ed Sheeran. 

We start off with Nevada’s background, discussing his move to Nashville, his first studio apprenticeship, and signing his band to an indie. He discusses how the songwriting scene in Nashville positively shaped his skills as an artist, and why he’s glad he ended up in Stockholm where he’s currently living. He also breaks down how he gained the connections that led him to working with A-list artists, offering his best networking and marketing advice for hungry producers.

On the production side, we discuss several aspects of Nevada’s technical and songwriting workflows. He explains his best strategies for finishing more music, which includes adding the kick and bass last, as well as best practices when working with vocalists and songwriters. He also breaks down why he’s a big fan of iZotope Iris 2, how he approaches filling out more minimal mixes, and why producers need to embrace creating revisions of their songs.

Connect with Nevada:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nevadamusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevadaMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nevadamusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/15NtJjjHRFybdNSMyM9smT?si=kGdvOta9Q-i4NN6XkodPzw
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nevadamusicofficial

#147: Nevada on Songwriting Camps, Networking Advice, and Workflow Strategies

Show Notes: edmprod.com/148

This week, Ørjan Nilsen sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Ørjan Nilsen is a Norwegian DJ and producer who’s been a staple in the trance scene for over 15 years. Releasing regularly with Armada Music, he’s collabed with industry heavyweights like Armin Van Buuren and Cosmic Gate, and he’s placed as high as 32nd in the annual DJ Mag Top 100 poll.

We start out with Ørjan’s background, discussing how he fell in love with trance music at a young age. He discusses how he learned to produce music despite a lack of educational resources, and what it took for him to make his first release ready track. He explains the story of how Armin Van Buuren picked him up when smaller labels we’re constantly rejecting his music, and how he was able to leverage that friendship to grow his career. He also explains why he was hesitant to make the leap to producing music full-time, even though he was already ranking inside the DJ Mag Top 100 poll.

On the production side, Ørjan Nilsen walks through the production tools and techniques he’s picked up while locked in the studio during the pandemic. He breaks down what his favorite synths and effects are, why he prefers software over hardware, and what his keys are to a loud and clean mixdown. He also discusses what he’s learned collaborating with Armin Van Buuren, and what aspiring producers should look for in a collaboration partner.

Connect with Ørjan Nilsen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrjanMusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/orjan_nilsen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orjann82
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1YuNQvsvOsMBm0ahbxB8qM
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/orjan_nilsen

#148: Ørjan Nilsen on Chasing Your Passion and Building an International Brand

Show Notes: edmprod.com/149

This week, Maxim Lany sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Maxim Lany is a Belgian DJ and producer currently signed to Armada Music. Breaking out initially as a DJ, Maxim Lany has been building his career in music for nearly two decades with a stream of successful original releases and remixes for artists such as Armin Van Buuren and Lost Frequencies.

We start off with Maxim Lany’s background, discussing how he initially got his start in music. He explains how he turned his passion for DJing into an actual career, and what prompted him to start working on and releasing original music. He discusses the main lessons he learned from his production mentors, and how he found a balance between a sound that straddles the line between underground and commercial.

On the production side, Maxim breaks down his overall philosophy towards writing and producing music. He discusses how he conceptualizes a track then creates it in the DAW, offering advice on how producers can do this with their own music. He also discusses his favorite software and analog tools, how he approaches automation, and his favorite ways to add tension and energy to a track.

Later on, Maxim Lany discusses how he and his team have pivoted his trajectory during the pandemic. He discusses how they’re approaching marketing and releasing music differently in an effort to adapt to the decrease in shows and increase in streaming.

Connect with Maxim Lany:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/maxim.lany
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maximlany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximlany/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yGz81qZItOli1RL5vgUeB
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/maximlany

#149: Maxim Lany on His Philosophical Approach to Music Production

Show Notes: edmprod.com/150

This week, Seth Hills sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Seth Hills is a Dutch DJ and producer who’s released on labels like STMPD RCRDS, Revealed Recordings, and Axtone Records.

We start off with Seth Hills background, discussing Seth’s transition from guitar hero expert to musician and producer. He exclusively produced hardstyle for the first few years, and he explains why he moved away from it to the more open club-centric style he’s writing now. He also breaks down why he avoided attending a music school, choosing to attend a marketing school instead, and how he got his first tracks signed to Revealed Recordings. Later on, Seth explains how he fell into ghost producing and how it helps him stay more creative as an artist, and what the process was for signing with Martin Garrix’s STMPD RCRDS.

On the production side, Seth Hills explains what his writing and production workflow looks like. He breaks down how he produces such creative arrangements, explaining how he uses synths, samples, and post processing to build his memorable drop sections. He also explains his approach to mixing, offering his best advice on how to achieve a professional quality mixdown.

Later on, Seth discusses how he’s been making the most of the pandemic situation. He also breaks down the exact steps he took to find his signature sound, offering his best advice for artists that are still looking for theirs. 

Connect with Seth Hills:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SethHillsMusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SethHills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethhills/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5nFt7a5Du2MkdAr1KniXh7
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sethhillsmusic

#150: Seth Hills on Boosting Your Creativity And Finding A Signature Sound

Show Notes: edmprod.com/151

This week, Ed Brew sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Ed Brew is the CEO of the popular demo submission site LabelRadar. He has an extensive history in the music industry, working with brands such as Universal, Monstercat, Trap Nation, and running campaigns for businesses like EA, HP, and Audible.

We start with Ed Brew’s background, discussing his charity music compilation that launched him into the music industry. He discusses the various jobs he’s had over the past decade, which includes sync licensing, A&R'ing, influencer marketing, running brand campaigns, and more. He also explains how his early music jobs served as a creative outlet, which contrasted from his previous job working at a law firm.

Later on, Ed Brew breaks down the development and growth of his demo submission site LabelRadar. He explains the steps it took to launch the site and for him to dedicate himself full-time to it, offering insights and advice for those looking to start their own business.

Ed Brew also offers his best guidance for independent artists looking to launch and develop their career. He discusses what artists should focus on in terms of branding, outreach, marketing, and partnership in order to make an impact in a very competitive industry. He also explains his thoughts on whether or not producers should get a job in the music industry, and how to effectively deal with the frustration of tracks not getting signed. 
 
Connect with Ed Brew/LabelRadar:

Site: https://www.labelradar.com/
Instagram (LabelRadar): https://www.instagram.com/labelradar/
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/ed.brew/

#151: Ed Brew (LabelRadar CEO) on How to Promote, Market, and Brand Your Music

Show Notes: edmprod.com/152

This week, Justin Mylo sat down to chat on the EDM Prodcast.

Justin Mylo is a Dutch DJ and producer known for his releases on STMPD RCRDS, Spinnin’ Records, and Revealed Recordings, and his collaborations with artists like Martin Garrix, Mesto, and Mike Williams.

We start with Justin Mylo’s background, discussing his first steps into DJing and production. He explains what it was like for his first release to be a collaboration with Martin Garrix, and how he effectively dealt with the pressure to follow that release up. He also talks about switching his style twice, and why he thinks he’ll never feel comfortable with where he’s at in his career.  

On the production side, Justin Mylo explains what his process is for building up songs from scratch. He details his favorite post processing plugins and techniques, how he approaches mixing both during and after the production, and what he’s learned working with artists like Martin Garrix and Mike Williams. He also explains how he deals with the pressure of staying productive in the studio, and how he balances between making music for his Justin Mylo project and making music just for fun.

Connect with Justin Mylo:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinmylomusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/justinmylomusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinmylo/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7MFJyevu6jq0shwDuVLymu
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justinmylo

#152: Justin Mylo on Crafting a Vision and Building Your Skillset

Show Notes: edmprod.com/153

This week, RAC sat down to chat on the EDMProdcast.

RAC is a Grammy Award winning musician and producer currently based in Portland, OR. He’s fresh off releasing his third full album BOY, an 18-track journey featuring collaborators like Louis The Child and Jamie Lidell. He’s also well known for his remix work, gaining a Grammy nomination for his remix of ODESZA’s Say My Name, and winning a Grammy Award for his remix of Bob Moses’ Tearing Me Up.

We start off with RAC’s background, discussing his upbringing in Portugal and his early experiences with piano and guitar. We discuss his first DAW that he found in a cereal box, and the albums worth of music he created before graduating high school. We talk about his initial idea for the RAC project, which began as a collective of remix artists. He discusses his unique vision for the project, and how he made the pivot into releasing original music. RAC explains the driving forces for each of his albums, distilling what he feels has helped him sustain his success in the music industry. 

On the production side, RAC dives deep into his songwriting and technical workflows. He explains his refined production process that allows him to write polished demos in under two hours, the key components of his impressive home studio, and why he boiled his SM57 microphone. He also breaks down his guitar rig and recording setup, his favorite plugins for mixing, and his detailed approach to find simplicity in his writing.

Later on, RAC explains his process for remote collaboration, which has become increasingly useful during the Covid-19 pandemic. On that, he explains how he and his team have adapted during the pandemic, questioning the norms within the music industry and pushing his project further. RAC also explains his more recent projects, including a creative approach for Twitch streaming, as well as his foray into cryptocurrency. 

Connect with RAC:

Facebook: facebook.com/remixartistcollective
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rac
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rac/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4AGwPDdh1y8hochNzHy5HC
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/rac

#153: RAC on Honing in on Simplicity and Finding Sustained Success

Weekly episodes with electronic music producers, engineers, and music industry experts. Hosted by Aden Russell (@iamartsea).

A podcast from EDMProd - https://edmprod.com