An exploration of music production through informal discussions about technique, philosophy, gear, and creativity. Hosted by Brian Funk, a musician, songwriter,...
Songwriting, Creative Flow, and The Natural World with Jean-Paul Vest
In this episode of The Music Production Podcast, I sit down with musician and songwriter Jean-Paul Vest, the driving force behind Last Charge of the Light Horse. We talk about the evolution of songwriting, the impact of place and sound on music, and the delicate balance between control and spontaneity in the creative process. Jean-Paul shares his approach to writing, how his songs take shape over time, and the unexpected ways music resonates with listeners. We also dive into the role of nostalgia, the value of quiet spaces, and why playing music with friends is one of the greatest joys of being a musician. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Main Topics Discussed: Songwriting and Identity – How artists evolve over time and whether they should brand themselves or stay fluid in their musical identity. Letting Creativity Flow – The challenge of balancing technical skill with raw inspiration and why stepping back can lead to better songs. Sound and Place – How environments, from noisy cities to quiet deserts, influence musical perception and creativity. The Role of Collaboration – Learning to trust bandmates and fellow musicians rather than dictating every detail. Reinvention in Music – How artists like Beck and XTC reinvent themselves and what we can learn from their approach. Music as a Personal Archive – Songs as layered stories, much like a “palimpsest,” revealing new meaning over time. Field Recording and Natural Soundscapes – Using organic sounds in music and the impact of noise pollution on creativity. Key Takeaways: Step Back and Let the Song Lead – Trying too hard to control the songwriting process can stifle creativity. Let ideas develop naturally. Your Environment Shapes Your Sound – Whether it’s a reverb-heavy church or the silent stillness of a desert, soundscapes influence the way music is made. Not Every Song is an Autobiography – Just because a song is personal doesn’t mean it’s literally about the songwriter. Sometimes, music is a character study. The Right Audience Makes a Difference – Playing in an intimate setting vs. a bar can completely change how a song is received. Music is a Long Game – Success isn’t just about radio play; it’s about the relationships and experiences built through music-making. Links: Last Charge of the Light Horse - https://lastcharge.com In the Wind by Last Charge of the Light Horse - https://lastcharge.com/music/in-the-wind/ "Imaginary Friend" by Last Charge of the Light Horse - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdBHlirBKtE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastchargeofthelighthorse/ Bandcamp: https://lastcharge.bandcamp.com/ The Sound Book: The Science of the Sonic Wonders of the World by Trevor Cox https://amzn.to/3XGP4ei The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig - https://amzn.to/3XL75rR Some Good Evil - https://somegoodevil.com Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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1:12:59
Øy - Composing Live Music Using Dance
Today I am speaking with Kristoffer Lislegaard and Janne Eraker of the duo Øy. Janne is a tap dancer, with contact mics attached to her shoes. Kristoffer receives the audio in his computer running sequencers, synthesizers, drum machines, and Max for Live that all respond to Janne's movements. We had a fascinating conversation about how Øy collaborates and interacts musically for live performances and their new album Live. It was inspiring to learn about these new and exciting ways of creating music on both a technical and creative level. This is also the third time I've had Kristoffer on the show and it was a pleasure to hear how what was an idea last time we spoke has now become a fully realized project. Please welcome Kristoffer and Janne of Øy to the Music Production Podcast. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: The interaction between dance and music creates a unique performance experience. Trust and communication are essential for successful collaboration. The psychological aspects of performance can greatly affect the dancer's experience. Recording sessions allows for reflection and discovery of new elements in their work. The use of technology opens up new possibilities for sound manipulation. Human expression is crucial in music, transcending technical limitations. Improvisation thrives on a shared language developed through collaboration. Bringing humanity into electronic music performance is valuable. Engaging with audiences can deepen their appreciation for the performance. Independent artists should focus on building direct connections with their audience. Links: Øy Website - https://www.oyduo.com Øy Live - https://www.kristofferlislegaard.com/faircamp/live/ Øy on Bandcamp - https://oyduo.bandcamp.com/album/live Kristoffer Lislegaard - https://www.kristofferlislegaard.com #BeYourOwnPlatform - https://www.kristofferlislegaard.com/blog/2023-12-20-be-your-own-platform/ Kristoffer on the Music Production Podcast #138 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2019/11/16/kristoffer-lislegaard-on-sgrows-new-album-and-live-performance-music-production-podcast-138 Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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2:02:36
Low Heat Beats on Flow, Creativity, and Sharing Your Music
Boyan of LowHeatBeats is a music producer and educator, whose rapidly growing YouTube channel takes us behind the scenes of his process, showing us the tools and techniques he uses to create his blend of soulful hip-hop, funk, electronic music. Boyan and I discuss a wide range of creative philosophies and techniques. He shares how he gets into the creative flow and uses his YouTube channel to share and develop his music making process. We discussed some of our favorite tools, including the new Ableton Move and how the consumerism around music production can inhibit our growth and creativity as artists. Finish February Workshop at Ableton's Pasadena Headquarters: https://brianfunk.com/workshop Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Creating content on YouTube was a way to share music and knowledge. Finding core tools is essential for effective music production. Explaining concepts helps deepen understanding. Collaboration enriches the creative process. Embracing imperfections adds character to music. Experimentation is vital in music creation. Ableton Move offers unique creative opportunities. Limitations can lead to innovative solutions. Working fast in the early stages is crucial. You need to take advantage of your creative moments. Most of my best tracks were done in intense sessions. The joy of music creation comes from personal expression. Links: Low Heat Beats Web Site - https://lowheatbeats.com Low Heat Beats YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lowheatbeats Low Heat Beats Sample Packs - https://lowheat.gumroad.com Low Heat Beats on SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/lowheat Low Heat Beats Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lowheatbeats/ Low Heat Beats Link Tree - https://linktr.ee/lowheatbeats Ableton Move as a Sampler - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRQew7M752U Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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1:57:58
I Made Music Every Day for 15 Years - 15 Lessons
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21:02
Serato's Nick Maclaren on Music Tech and Development
Nick Maclaren is the Chief Strategy Officer for Serato. Nick talked about his experiences as a DJ and how it lead him to become a Serato user. We discuss Serato's new multi-fx plug-in Hex FX. Nick also spoke about the technological developments that have changed DJing and music production, and the challenges that lie ahead as tech gets more and more powerful. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Serato - https://serato.com Serato Hex FX - https://serato.com/hex-fx Creativity a Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese - https://amzn.to/4hffpHG Sarah Belle Reid on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/sarah-belle-reid Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
An exploration of music production through informal discussions about technique, philosophy, gear, and creativity. Hosted by Brian Funk, a musician, songwriter, teacher, and Ableton Certified Trainer.
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