Recording Studio Rockstars

Ever wondered how seasoned producers handle low-end management, creative sampling, or guiding musicians without spooking them? Join me as I chat with Nashville's own Brad Jones to uncover practical studio techniques, legendary stories, and lessons learned over decades of making records.

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
In this episode, Brad shares insights from his experiences working with artists like Jill Sobule and Robyn Hitchcock, as well as legendary musicians like Buddy Emmons and Rosco Gordon. We discuss the art of capturing authentic performances, creative sampling tricks, and how to create emotionally resonant songs without overcomplicating the process. Brad also dives into the importance of spontaneity, the value of analog sensibilities in a digital world, and lessons on leading sessions with confidence and kindness.

Whether you're at home recording, mixing in a professional studio, or just passionate about the nuts and bolts of record-making, Brad's stories and tips will help you approach your projects with a fresh perspective and grounded practice.


 



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.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/

https://pickrmusic.com 
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/25kbwjeFyfcEu48J5Z7Rot?si=rFqkhyidQm-eOmv4P1C6aA

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
 
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRoockstars.com/549

Ever wonder how the chaos of remote recording setups and complex signals can actually come together in a studio environment?

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
My guest today is Roger Alan Nichols, a Nashville-based producer, engineer, and songwriter with a résumé including Grammy-nominated projects, work with Hayley Williams, Steven Tyler, and the band Dreaming in English. He's also been a guest on the podcast multiple times, sharing detailed insights into studio workflows and production challenges.

In this episode, Roger and I get into the nitty-gritty of managing complex signal chains, especially when remote elements are involved. We discuss how he navigates the technical maze of audio routing via apps like Audio Hijack and virtual devices, as well as practical strategies for recording drums and vocals in unpredictable environments.

Roger shares stories about tuning drums, tracking with unconventional microphones, and how his experience with different gear influences decision-making in real time. We also explore the evolving role of gear and technology in Nashville's music business, including the impact of internet-based collaborations and sample libraries.

Throughout, Roger emphasizes the importance of listening carefully, trusting your instincts, and simplifying setups to keep projects moving efficiently without sacrificing quality.


 



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.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/

https://pickrmusic.com 
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/0qqAZ9cV1No9nPb2rq1rvW?si=pPiHijK6Rd66e-EYISwNLg

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
 
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRoockstars.com/548

What does it really take to make a record that feels authentic, timeless, and even fun to make, without getting caught up in hype or hype-y gear?

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
My guest today is Jon Estes, a Nashville-born multi-instrumentalist, producer, and engineer with a diverse background working with artists like Béla Fleck, Robyn Hitchcock, Kacey Musgraves, and Rodney Crowell. He's known for blending vintage gear with modern tools and for his thoughtful approach to studio work, including his own home setup.

In this episode, Jon and I discuss his journey from self-taught bassist playing in church to working at some of Nashville's iconic studios. We explore how his early experiences with the Wooten family and studying jazz at the University of Miami shaped his musical and production sensibilities. Jon shares insights into making records with a minimal, efficient setup, emphasizing the importance of being prepared, organized, and communicative. We also get into the details of his studio design, his approach to recording instruments - especially bass and vocals - and how he uses creative tricks like headphone mics and tape techniques to achieve unique sounds.

Throughout, Jon emphasizes that authenticity, clear communication, and keeping things simple often lead to better results than chasing gear or complex workflows.


 



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.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/

https://pickrmusic.com 
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/7rKF7Tq6A6XhF4IDUjBVs5?si=Ecm6ndndRmSBGyHaxZ9N8g

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
 
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRoockstars.com/547

What happens when you mix turntables with virtual reality to reach 4 million students and 20,000 educators worldwide? 

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
My guests today are Ronnie and Tiffany Notch, the creative forces behind Breach, a company that blends music, technology, and education in groundbreaking ways. They share their journey from a chance meeting in a recording studio to building Breach, highlighting the role of Asymbli, their entertainment division. The discussion covers their extensive educational outreach, which has impacted millions of students globally, and their collaborations with major brands like Microsoft.

They delve into the delicate balance between passion and business, the power of intuition in creativity, and the innovative use of storyboarding in music production. They also explore the importance of selecting the right artists and maintaining a playful approach to creativity, all while balancing work and family life. The episode underscores music's role as a universal language and its potential in education. 


 



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.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/

https://pickrmusic.com 
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/6fiKZzesbRtVM0DNe2DrN0?si=LTIlr3aBSOCWUAyXQgV9cQ

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
 
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRoockstars.com/546

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
My guest today is Josh Frigo, a producer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, and artist based in Nashville, Tennessee, who believes in putting artists and their ideas first. After several years as a touring utility player, Josh shifted his focus full-time to production and mixing, building a creative career shaped by self-learning, collaboration, and curiosity.
Working across pop, singer-songwriter, and alternative genres, he's produced and developed indie artists such as MisterMoon, Sparkbird, and Phùng Khanh Linh, and co-mixed Atmos projects for Niall Horan, NF, Bo Staloch, and more with his mixing partner Alex Dobbert at Movement Mixing.
A big thank-you to Andy Freeman for making today's 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.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/

https://pickrmusic.com 
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/0zdLhYe0iPNqdcuZULMsAQ?si=d1884ff0b2ef454a
 
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
 
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRoockstars.com/545