Recording Studio Rockstars

• RSR517 - Ulf Blomberg - DIY to Pro Swedish Punk and Black Metal

  Ulf Blomberg is a Swedish producer, engineer, and musician known for his deep roots in the DIY scene and his work in punk, death metal, and black metal. He joins Lij to talk about running his own studio, recording techniques, the power of real amps, and why clear communication and artist comfort are critical. Ulf also shares the mission behind his band Agenda, which blends hardcore punk with political and social awareness, and discusses building his own gear, training interns, and what makes a studio truly inspiring. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Ulf Blomberg, a Swedish producer and engineer with a strong DIY ethos who has been making underground metal and punk/hardcore records for 20 years. He started playing guitar as a teenager and quickly fell in love with recording, experimenting with a portable cassette recorder before ever stepping into a real studio. In 2004, he co-founded HoboRec, a studio and punk label, eventually becoming the sole owner and going full-time about six or seven years ago. Having toured extensively—once playing 45 shows in 47 days across 22 countries—he deeply understands the struggles and dedication of independent bands. Known for his organic, acoustically rich productions, Ulf has recorded hundreds of albums, including Danko Jones and Wolfbrigade. He also shares his knowledge on his YouTube channel, HoboRec Recording Studio, with DIY projects like How I Made My Own DIY Ribbon Mic. Thank you to Chris Selim for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZbBcVTRe6CjdpAAUEm5zg?si=b7fd1623d3874f84 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/517

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• RSR516 - David Kalmusky - Inside the Ultimate Dream Studio, Addiction Sound, and the Future of Music Production

  What does it take to build the ultimate dream studio? Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and guitarist David Kalmusky returns to the show to share his journey of designing Addiction Sound Studios and how it’s shaped his approach to music production. Known for his work with John Oates, Journey, Shawn Mendes, and many more, David talks about the importance of studio setups, the magic of drums and microphones in recording, and how technology has changed the way we make records. We talked about drive-by sessions, archiving sounds for future inspiration, and why it matters to always have gear ready to capture a great performance. David also reflected on Nashville’s rich musical history, the legacy of instruments, and personal connections with legendary artists. In the second half, we talked about quality over quantity when it comes to instruments, the creative use of high-strung guitars, and the process of setting up an Atmos room for immersive mixing. David shared his thoughts on curating a creative space, navigating sound libraries, and how streaming has impacted music careers. We also got into the business side of things—like understanding royalties and publishing—and why internships can be such a valuable path for new producers. It was great to catch up with David and hear what he’s been working on—lots of cool stuff in this episode. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is David Kalmusky, a Multi-Diamond producer, songwriter, guitarist, mixer, and engineer. His credits include Joss Stone, Shawn Mendes, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Keith Urban, Mickey Guyton, Mötley Crüe, Nate Smith, Warren Zeiders, Parmalee, Rita Wilson, K. Michelle, and many more. By 2025, his catalog has amassed over 40 billion streams. Let me know if you’d like any tweaks! Dave has been a guest on the podcast in episodes RSR052 and RSR371. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2xWtNo5m9U6zq6c90Q6sz6?si=7cbe860dc3b94e79 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/516

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• RSR515 - Collin Dupuis - Crafting the Perfect Mix Through Microphone Choices and Techniques

  What’s the secret to crafting a killer mix? Grammy-winning mix engineer Collin Dupuis joins us to share his insights on mixing techniques, room acoustics, and creative chaos. Known for working with The Black Keys, Lana Del Rey, Angel Olsen, he discusses the evolution of music gear, collaboration, experimentation, clarity in mixing, effective file management, and tools like Soundflow and Samply that streamline workflow. Collin talks about vintage recording equipment, the revival of classic multitrack tapes, and automation in modern mixing. He shares experiences with in-person learning, challenges working with musicians of varying skill levels, techniques for enhancing drum sounds, the importance of headphone mixes for drummers, microphone choices and design, and the historical impact of Stevens tape machines. From live-to-two-track recording to innovative mixing, Collin offers valuable insights into pushing creative boundaries. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Collin Dupuis, a Detroit-based multi-Grammy nominated and two time Grammy winning mixer, producer, and musician working with artists like Yves Tumor, Angel Olsen, Lawrence Rothman, Special Interest, Boy and Bear, and many others. He also plays drums in his band Zoos of Berlin. In 2024, Collin came to my studio to teach a mixing masterclass that was a ton of fun. We had a full studio of dedicated producers and engineers from near and far. We learned a ton about Collin's sophisticated mixing method, including a better understanding of how a mix template can work in your home studio and a deep dive into RX and how it can improve your mixes. Collin has been a guest on the podcast in episodes RSR252, RSR341 and RSR404. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0WU3Rx4o79aPlCDRnq4O0m?si=abcc86915abc4b5a If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/515

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• RSR514 - David Bottrill - Grammy Winning Atmos Mixing with Tool, Daniel Lanois, and World Music

  In this episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, I sat down with the legendary David Botrill—Grammy-winning producer and engineer behind iconic albums by Tool, Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Muse, and more. David’s journey began in a small Canadian studio run by Bob Lanois, where he learned to be indispensable in the room. From there, he went on to work with Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel, and Real World Studios before stepping out on his own. We talk about: The evolution of his ambient and world music influences Building a custom studio for Atmos mixing Embracing imperfection in music Band dynamics, remote collaboration, and pre-production tips His hands-on carpentry work and how it shapes his approach to sound This episode is packed with wisdom for producers, engineers, and anyone passionate about capturing real emotion in the studio. Don’t miss this conversation with one of the greats! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is David Bottrill, a three time Grammy Award winning Producer/Engineer/Mixer and has had over 15 million copies of his work sold worldwide. He has worked with a diverse spectrum of prolific artists, such as Peter Gabriel, Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, Muse, Silverchair, King Crimson, Godsmack. and Rush. David has also worked with some of the most influential world musicians, noteably Youssou N’dour and Baaba Maal of Senegal, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan of Pakistan. David spent 20 years living in the UK, followed by a term in New York, but has settled back in Canada, where he has a mixing studio. Even still, David still spends much of his time working in the US and abroad. Thanks to Brian Murphree at SoundPorter Mastering for making this happen! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4rABNr5EoaZ8S7hJSMCXMm?si=017e4b84ae674701 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/514

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• RSR513 - Bobby Owsinski - AI, Mastering, Songwriting and the Future of Music Production

  Is AI changing the future of music production? In this episode, I sit down with Bobby Owsinski, renowned producer, author, and music industry expert, to explore the evolving role of AI, mastering, and the creative process. We dive into the latest edition of Owsinski’s Mastering Engineer’s Handbook, the importance of reference tracks, and the challenges of self-mastering. Our conversation covers the adaptability of professional songwriters, the resurgence of traditional song structures like bridges, and essential mixing techniques. We also discuss the significance of mono mixing, the roles of engineers and producers, and how the legacy of the music industry continues to shape modern production. Bobby and I explore the fallibility of memory in music history, the evolution of guitar tone and equipment, and the impact of technology on sound. We discuss the future of immersive audio, particularly in theatrical settings, and share insights on discovering new music, staying engaged with diverse sounds, and the importance of content creation and organization. If you’re looking for expert insights on mastering, mixing, and navigating the changing landscape of music production, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is producer and engineer Bobby Owsinski, one of the best-selling authors in the music industry, with 24 books that have become staples in audio recording, music, and music business programs worldwide. His titles include The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook, The Music Business Advice Book, and The Musician’s AI Handbook. A contributor to Forbes as a category expert on the new music business, Bobby’s industry blogs have won numerous awards, and he’s appeared on CNN and ABC News as a music branding and audio expert. His highly-rated Inner Circle podcast is now in its 10th year, with over 500 episodes featuring top guests from across the music industry. Bobby Owsinski was featured in RSR010, RSR395 and RSR458 episodes. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/35qyOhVhDyTtol0MGSyCjf?si=7f4e7901c3a94ec5 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/513

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