Episodes

Friday Dec 22, 2023
Friday Dec 22, 2023
Due to unforeseen issues, Chris and Jody rerun this special episode. We revisit the captivating interview with the musical maestro and acclaimed producer, CJ Vanston.
🎙️ Encore Presentation: CJ Vanston Unplugged
Join Chris and Jody as they take you on a musical journey through the insightful interview with CJ Vanston. Discover the stories behind the hits, the secrets of his production wizardry, and the wisdom gained from years of shaping the soundscapes of renowned artists.
🔍 Behind the Curtain: Insights into CJ's Creative Process
Relive the moments where CJ unravels the mysteries of his production process. Gain a deeper understanding of his creative choices, favorite recording techniques, and the unique perspectives that have made him a standout figure in the world of music production.
🎸 Musical Wisdom: CJ's Lessons for Aspiring Producers
Reimmerse yourself in CJ's valuable lessons for aspiring producers. Whether you're looking for inspiration, production tips, or simply curious about the music industry, this interview provides a treasure trove of insights that stand the test of time.
And, of course, relish in the enjoyable banter and a touch of nonsense that make every Inside the Recording Studio episode a delightful experience.
Whether you missed it the first time or want to revisit the magic, this rerun of the CJ Vanston interview promises to be a timeless exploration of music, production, and the artistry behind the hits. Tune in and join us Inside the Recording Studio!
CJ Vanston, Music Production, Recording Studio, Producer Insights

Friday Dec 15, 2023
From WAV to MP3: The Exciting Journey of Audio File Formats! 🎧
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Chris and Jody dive deep into the realm of audio file formats, demystifying their intricacies, and providing practical guidance on handling long-abandoned formats in the contemporary recording landscape.
🎧 Unpacking Audio File Formats: A Technical Odyssey
Join us as we unravel the mysteries of audio file formats. From the fundamental differences between WAV and MP3 to the significance of lossless and compressed formats, we'll break down the technicalities in a way that's accessible to both seasoned engineers and those just starting their sonic journey.
🔄 Resurrecting Abandoned Formats: The Conversion Challenge
Discover the art and science of converting long-abandoned audio formats to current ones. Whether you've stumbled upon an old session in an outdated format or are curious about reviving vintage recordings, we'll share practical tips, tools, and techniques to bring these audio artifacts into the modern age.
🎙️ Choosing the Right Format: Setting the Foundation for Success
Navigate the crucial decision of what audio format to use for your recordings. We'll explore the considerations for choosing between WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and other formats, shedding light on the impact of format choice on sound quality, compatibility, and storage requirements.
🛠️ Practical Tips and Tools: Navigating the Conversion Landscape
Delve into the practical side of managing audio file formats with our expert tips and recommended tools. Whether you're working with a diverse range of formats or want to ensure seamless compatibility across different platforms, we've got you covered.
And, as always, be prepared for some light-hearted banter and a touch of nonsense because, in the world of audio engineering, a sprinkle of humor can make even the most technical discussions entertaining!
Join us on this audio adventure as we explore the ins and outs of audio file formats. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious enthusiast, there's always room for new insights, laughter, and a touch of nonsense in the world of recording!
Audio File Formats, Conversion Techniques, WAV vs. MP3, Choosing Recording Formats, Tips for Audio Engineers

Friday Dec 08, 2023
Crafting Creativity: Find Your Sonic Path in the Music Industry
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Chris and Jody, your trusty guides, are thrilled to dive deep into a thought-provoking episode where we navigate the delicate balance between Creativity and Familiarity in music production. In this session, we unravel the age-old dilemma of forging your unique sonic path versus succumbing to the allure of sounding like the latest chart-topper.
🎨 Embracing Creativity: The Art of Sonic Innovation Join us as we champion the spirit of creativity in music. We'll explore the joy of experimentation, pushing boundaries, and crafting sounds that are uniquely yours. Discover how to infuse your productions with innovation, allowing your artistic voice to shine and creating a lasting impact on your listeners.
🎶 Familiarity's Comfort: Navigating the Popular Soundscape Delve into the allure of familiarity and its role in music creation. We'll discuss the comfort of popular sounds, dissecting why certain elements become trends, and how they influence our creative decisions. Uncover the psychology behind the familiarity factor and its impact on audience connection.
⚖️ Striking the Balance: Finding Your Sonic Identity Explore the delicate dance between creativity and familiarity. We'll share insights on how to draw inspiration from the familiar while infusing your work with a distinct creative flair. Learn how to harness the power of both elements to create music that resonates with listeners while establishing your unique sonic identity.
🗣️ Stories: Navigating the Musical Landscape We'll feature stories from fellow musicians and producers who have grappled with the Creativity vs Familiarity conundrum. Gain insights into how artists find their balance, overcome challenges, and create music that stands out in a crowded musical landscape.
Get ready for a thought-stirring conversation, a dash of studio wisdom, and, of course, a touch of nonsense. Whether you're a seasoned sonic adventurer or just beginning your musical journey, join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of creativity and familiarity in the pursuit of sonic brilliance!
Creativity in Music, Familiarity vs Innovation, Sonic Identity, Music Production Insights

Friday Dec 01, 2023
Sample Smarts: How to Ethically Elevate Your Music Production Game
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Chris and Jody delve into the complex and often misunderstood world of sampling in music production. We're lifting the curtain on the moral and legal realities of using samples to create new musical works, exploring the creative freedoms, potential pitfalls, and the ethical considerations that every artist and producer should be aware of.
🎵 Sampled Soundscapes: The Artistic Tapestry of Sampling: Let's begin our journey by celebrating the creative power of sampling. From iconic hip-hop beats to electronic masterpieces, samples have been the backbone of several hit songs. We'll discuss the artistry behind sampling and its role in shaping the diverse musical landscape.
📜 Legal Harmony: Navigating the Copyright Maze: Unravel the legal complexities of sampling, from securing proper permissions to the intricacies of fair use. Our exploration will include insights into the potential legal consequences of unauthorized sampling. Knowledge is power, and understanding the legal landscape is crucial for every aspiring producer.
🤔 Moral Dilemmas: Balancing Artistic Expression and Respect: As creators, we must also grapple with the moral implications of sampling. Is there a line between homage and appropriation? How can artists pay homage to their influences while respecting the original creators? Join us as we navigate the gray areas of artistic expression and cultural appreciation.
⚖️ Legal Loopholes and Best Practices: Discover best practices for using samples responsibly. We'll explore the world of royalty-free samples that can help you stay on the right side of the law while still unleashing your creative potential.
🗣️ Join us on this thought-provoking audio adventure as we uncover the moral and legal realities of sampling in music creation. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting your musical journey, understanding the ethical considerations of sampling is essential for creating with integrity and staying in tune with the ever-changing music industry landscape.
Sampling in Music Production, Moral Dilemmas in Sampling, Creative Freedoms, Ethical Sampling Practices

Friday Nov 24, 2023
Mastering Prep: The Ultimate Checklist for Perfecting Your Song Mix
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Chris and Jody embark on the thrilling quest to define the finishing touches of a song mix. We'll explore the elusive moment when a mix is considered "finished," unravel the mysteries of mastering-friendly loudness, and uncover the essential checklist before handing off your masterpiece to a mastering engineer.
🎚️ The Finish Line: Decoding Mix Completion: Dive into the nuances of determining when a mix is truly finished. From achieving sonic perfection to balancing artistic vision with technical precision, we'll discuss the telltale signs that signal the completion of your audio masterpiece. Is it a gut feeling, a technical checklist, or a bit of both? Let's find out.
🔊 Loud and Proud: Mastering-Ready Loudness Levels: Explore the delicate art of setting the right loudness for your mix. Learn about industry standards, the impact of streaming platforms, and how to strike the perfect balance between a punchy mix and a mastering-friendly final product. Discover the tools and techniques that ensure your music not only sounds good but translates seamlessly to various playback systems.
🛠️ Pre-Master Prep: Essential Steps Before the Handoff: Before you entrust your mix to a mastering engineer ensure your mix is in the best possible shape for the mastering stage. These tips not only streamline the mastering process but also empower the mastering engineer to elevate your music to its full potential.
🤔 Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips: Learn from the mistakes of others as we explore common pitfalls that can hinder the mastering process. From excessive limiting to problematic frequencies, we'll equip you with pro tips to avoid these roadblocks and set your mix on the express lane to mastering success.
Join us on this audio adventure, and let's demystify the final stages of music production together. Whether you're in a high-end studio or your bedroom setup, understanding when a mix is finished and how to prepare it for mastering is the key to unlocking the full potential of your musical creations!

Friday Nov 17, 2023
Uncover the Magic of Bus Mixing: All Aboard the Sonic Journey!
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Chris and Jody embark on a journey through the intricate world of mixing with buses. Buckle up as we explore the scenic route of signal routing, weaving through the musical landscape to create a harmonious blend of instruments and tones.
🚍 All Aboard the Mix Bus Express: Chris and Jody will guide you through the concept of mix buses and how they act as the conductors of our sonic symphony. Discover the power of grouping instruments together, and learn how buses can be the secret sauce to achieving good organization, cohesion and balance in your mixes.
🎸 Pit Stops Along the Way: We'll make strategic stops to delve into specific examples of using buses for various instrument groups. From drums and percussion to guitars and vocals, each stop offers a unique perspective on how buses can elevate your mix, adding depth, dimension, and clarity.
🎧 Gear Spotlight: Explore some of the essential gear and plugins that can take your bus mixing game to the next level. From analog outboard gear to cutting-edge software solutions, we've got recommendations for every budget and style.
Join us on this audio adventure, and let's navigate the roads of mixing together. Whether you're a studio veteran or a bedroom producer, there's always something new to discover when you're riding the bus to sonic bliss!

Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Chris and Jody delve into the warm waters of Vocal Chains. Those oft talked about elusive orders of microphone to final product with vocals. What mic, what pre, what eq, what compressor, what order and so on, and so on, and so on. Never fear they've come here this week with an example of a lead vocal out of a chorus and discuss the finer points of each stage along the way. Then to make it even better, there are audio examples to hear the changes on each step.

Friday Nov 03, 2023
Mixing Made Easy: Master the Art of Arrangement for Stellar Results
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Chris and Jody take in a listener request regarding the impact of a good arrangement on a mix. How does it help a mix when an arrangement is well thought out? What hurts a mix when the arrangement isn't planned out? How to think thru an arrangement so that a mix will practically mix itself. Plus road warrior stories about arrangements.

Friday Oct 27, 2023
Revisiting Old Mixes: A Thrilling Journey through Nostalgia and Innovation
Friday Oct 27, 2023
Friday Oct 27, 2023
Chris and Jody take a stroll down mixing memory lane. Talking about revisiting old mixes. The Who, what, where, when and why you would ever, ever, want to do this. There's a portion talking about bringing old formats into the new DAW realm as well. Are there benefits to doing this stuff? Or is it all a giant waste of time? Find out.

Friday Oct 20, 2023
Friday Oct 20, 2023
Chris and Jody whip up some classic guitar tones from a Stratocaster, a Telecaster and a straight up Strat style guitar with a humbucker. They delve into several pickup settings and run thru come simple chords and riffs to compare each sound and then explain what they’re hearing in each tone setting.
Stratocaster with Fishman Fluence Fender voiced pickups.
Telecaster with standard single coil telecaster pickups.
Schecter with a Schecter humbuckers in the neck and bridge (PAF style).