Join mix engineers Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner as they team up to discuss the real-world trials and triumphs of music production. Tactical advice on skill devel...
In this episode, Ben and Carl reveal why blindly pushing boundaries isn't the answer - and share their framework for intentionally shifting your comfort zone instead. Plus: real talk about raising rates without feeling like a jerk, why some producers thrive in chaos, and the art of making business changes without losing your soul.Some topics we cover:• The sneaky way comfort zones can kill your growth (without you noticing)• How to raise your rates without losing clients (including the exact script)• Why some "uncomfortable" moves are just bad ideas (and how to tell the difference)• Turning intimidating changes into your new normal.Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixingConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Learn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/
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27:42
#230 - Seasons of Growth
Ever feel like you're juggling too many transitions at once? In this episode of Secret Sonics, Carl and Ben get real about the challenges (and unexpected opportunities) of major life and business changes. From moving studios to streamlining services, they dive into what happens when your personal and professional worlds collide.Whether you're thinking about delegating tasks, moving your studio, or just feeling stuck in a transition period, this candid conversation explores how successful studio pros navigate seasons of growth without losing their minds (or their creative spark).Plus, get a sneak peek at StudioLand - Carl's new educational platform helping thoughtful music production professionals become irresistible to their ideal clients.Sometimes the scariest changes lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Time to embrace the chaos?In this episode:• Why delegation isn't just about saving time - it's about focusing on what only YOU can do• The truth about training others (and why "I'm too busy" is a trap)• How physical moves can spark creative and business reinvention• Why streamlining services doesn't always mean doing less• Real talk about work-life separation when you work from home• The unexpected benefits of forced changeLearn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixingConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/
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32:33
#229 - Mix Like a Producer: Crafting Sonic Depth and Dimension
In this episode, Ben and Carl pull back the curtain on their approach for taking good mixes to the next level by implementing additional production. You'll get a peek into their fast-paced workflow, trying out new ideas without overthinking and how they get experimental with sound design.Blending multiple sources to craft dream guitar, piano, and other instrument tonesHunting for complementary sounds vs. just replacing problem elementsStrategically adding subtle percussive "ear candy" to lift energyThe "2-minute rule" for quickly trying out new production ideasLearn more about Carl's StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixingBen's Sample Packs (mentioned in the episode):Shofar - https://app.filepass.com/s/pvJPG4jsmD06VOoo/f/405031/Shofar%20Samples%20(Wallick).zipDiscord Pack - https://app.filepass.com/s/rESekl0tfZvFE7KG/f/487763/Sample%20Pack%20%231Connect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/
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37:29
#228 - Philip Weinrobe Part 2 - Trust and Authenticity in Music Production
In this episode, Ben and Carl continue their conversation with Phil Weinrobe and dive deep into the intricacies of trust-building and authentic music production in the studio. They explore the importance of clear and direct communication, the challenges of balancing perfection with creative spontaneity, and unique practices like limiting playback to foster trust and focus on performance. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspects of music creation, managing interpersonal dynamics within a band, and the significance of vulnerability and stakes in producing impactful music. Building Trust in the StudioThe Importance of Feeling in MusicThe Role of Danger and Stakes in ArtLearn more about Phil - https://www.philipweinrobe.com/Follow Phil - https://www.instagram.com/philipweinrobe/Learn more about Carl's StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixingConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/
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28:02
#227 - Philip Weinrobe Part 1 - Death by Perfection: Bringing Humanity Back to Records
In this episode, Ben and Carl reconnect with Phil Weinrobe to challenge common recording assumptions and share his refreshingly human-centered approach to music production.Why live tracking creates musical magic that overdubs can't replicateHow breathing sounds act like a conductor's baton for emotional impactThe vocalist, not the rhythm section, often drives the rhythmic feelTrust your gut reactions while casually listening over critical analysisConvert technical "problems" into musical opportunitiesBuild processes that reliably reach higher creative peaks fasterBuilding trust through process and preparationMaintaining flexibility while aiming for ideal scenariosLearn more about Phil - https://www.philipweinrobe.com/Follow Phil - https://www.instagram.com/philipweinrobe/Learn more about Carl's StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixingConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/
Join mix engineers Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner as they team up to discuss the real-world trials and triumphs of music production. Tactical advice on skill development, mixing mindsets, personal branding, and achieving work-life rhythm in an evolving industry. The motivation and strategic insights you need to build your dream creative career in music and audio. Fresh episodes every week.