The Self-Recording Band

• 287: “I Don’t Have Enough Time” - How To Actually Make Time For Your Music (Even With A Busy Life)

  Your next step:Apply for coaching!theselfrecordingband.com/coaching👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll take notes and then create a custom plan just for you. If you don’t absolutely love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and can just keep trying on your own.If you love it and would like to implement it with us, we can start working together. In that case we'll help you personally to get your projects done and out there at the highest possible quality.Sounds fair?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:“I don’t have enough time.”If you’ve ever said this, or even just thought it, when it comes to working on your music, this episode is for you.We hear it all the time from self-recording artists who genuinely love making music but struggle to find the hours for it. Between work, family, and everything else life throws at you, it can feel impossible to stay consistent. But here’s the truth: everyone has the same 24 hours. It’s not really about time. It’s about focus, priorities, energy, and systems.In this episode, we unpack why some people seem to get so much done, while others are stuck working on the same song for months. You’ll learn how to find time (and even make time) for your music, manage your energy instead of your hours, and set up structures that actually make you more creative - not less.We’ll talk about:Energy management vs. time management (and why this matters way more than you think)Having time vs. finding time vs making timePrioritizing the right things - both in the big picture and day-to-dayHow structure and systems can unlock your creativity instead of killing itBuilding consistency through simple habits and routinesThe connection between focus, confidence, and momentumWhat your daily actions are really telling you about your prioritiesPlus, analogies from fitness, real stories from artists I’ve coached, and practical steps you can take right after this episodeBy the end, you’ll have a new perspective on time, discipline, and what it actually takes to move your music forward - even when life is busy.Listen now and start showing up for your music. Consistently, confidently, and without the guilt.--For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/287--Send us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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• 286: The Top 10 Plugins We Can't Live Without

  Your next step:Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coachingOur coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music.Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever.👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible.As part of the program, we even mix a song for you, in your DAW of choice, and with your plugins only. And then we'll do an in-depth mix-walkthrough, showing you everything we've done. It's your custom mixing course based on your own song! And it doesn't stop here: You'll also get the session file, so you can study the mix and create starting points and templates for your other songs. 🤯And this is only a fraction of what we can do for you if you join our coaching program, The Self-Recording Syndicate.If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away.Sounds fair?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:We get asked all the time: “Which plugins should I buy?” Here’s the truth: you don’t need hundreds. You need a tight, well-understood toolbox you can reach for in any situation. In this episode we share the 10 plugins we’d keep for the rest of our lives, explain exactly why they made the cut, and point you to stock alternatives where it makes sense. DAW-agnostic, rock-ready, and focused on what actually moves the needle for self-recording artists.What You’ll LearnWhy fewer tools = faster, better mixes. Master a handful instead of collecting everything.The 10 essential plugin categories we’d keep forever—plus stock options where they work great.How to prioritize: instruments, amps, and samples first; plugins second.When to reach for color vs clean, and how to avoid “option paralysis.”A simple upgrade path that prevents wasted spend and shiny-object syndrome.Action StepsListen to the episodePick one plugin category you’re weakest in and commit to practicing it for a week. Then go to the next one.Build your 10-plugins template (one plugin per category, pre-loaded where it makes sense. Ready to go).Mix one song using only these 10. No extras.(We don’t take money to push brands. If we recommend something on the podcast or YouTube, it’s because it works.)For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/286--Send us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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• 285: Bringing Your Music To The Live Stage: Click track? Backing Tracks? 100% Live And Free?

  Your next step:Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coachingOur coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music.Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever.👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible.If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away.But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise:You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does.Sounds fair?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:How should you approach your live show? Should you go all in with backing tracks, click tracks, and a tightly structured set? Or should you keep things 100% live and raw, without backing tracks or even a click track?In this episode, Manel dives deep into both worlds. He shares what it’s really like to play completely live versus using clicks and tracks, and talks about the pros, cons, and practical realities of each setup.From spontaneous, free-flowing shows to perfectly synced festival sets, this episode breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your band. Based on your style, goals, and budget.In This Episode:🎸 The pros and cons of playing with no click and no backing tracks💻 The structure and consistency that come with click tracks and playback setups🎚️ How to build a reliable backing track rig that actually works live🎤 The psychological side - why some musicians love the click and others hate it💡 How audience perception of “authenticity” might not be what you think⚡ Hybrid setups and emergency plans: finding a middle ground between both worlds💰 Budget and logistics - when backing tracks make a small lineup workWhy It Matters:Your live setup affects everything: The energy, the sound, the consistency, and even your reputation. Understanding the tradeoffs will help you create shows that fit your music and feel right for you and your audience.Key Quote:“The key is finding what fits your music, your budget, and your audience - not what others say you should do.”Join the Conversation:How do you run your shows? Do you prefer the raw energy of playing fully live, or the precision of playing to a click and tracks? Let us know - we’d love to hear your take. For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/285--Send us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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• 284: Inside Van Holzen’s New Album: Self-Producing "SOLANG DIE ERDE SICH DREHT"

  Your next step:Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coachingOur coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music.Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever.👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible.If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away.But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise:You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does.Sounds fair?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:Van Holzen just dropped a fantastic new record. And it's not just the songs, the production is really exciting and interesting, too.The album is called "SOLANG DIE ERDE SICH DREHT", and today on the podcast we sat down with Flo (Florian Kiesling) from Van Holzen and Phil (Philipp Koch aka Kidney Paradise) from Heisskalt, who co-produced the record.So it is a partly self-produced album and a project that we can all learn a lot from.We went deep into the making of this record. From writing under the Greek sun, to cramming into an 8m² Berlin studio, to locking in drums and bass at Toolhouse Studios.This conversation is full of lessons for self-recording artists:Why they chose to ditch perfection and keep imperfection as part of their soundHow they managed to capture huge, punchy drums without relying on samplesHow they've achieved this dark, low-end heavy sound, without making it dull and lifelessThe thought process behind their clean, punchy bass tone in a genre where most go with heavy distortionHow shifting environments (Greece → Berlin → Toolhouse) shaped the songsThe mental and emotional hurdles they faced starting this record after a difficult couple of years - and how they pushed throughWhat it really takes to co-produce your own band’s record without losing perspectiveThis is not just gear talk (though we nerd out plenty about snares, ribbon mics, and pedals). It’s about the intention behind the sound, the decisions that shaped the vibe of the record, and what other DIY musicians can learn from their process.If you care about authentic performances, raw energy, and making bold production choices, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you approach your own music.👉 Listen to Van Holzen’s new album “SOLANG DIE ERDE SICH DREHT” everywhere music is streamed👉 Check tour dates and info at vanholzen.com For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/284--Send us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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• 283: The Only Gear That Actually Matters (Monitoring Explained)

  Your next step:Apply for coaching! theselfrecordingband.com/coachingOur coaching program and community is called The Self-Recording Syndicate. It’s the best resource in the world for artists who record their own music.Inside, we work with you one-on-one and connect you with a super positive community of artists and producers worldwide, so you don't have do go it alone. We help you record and finish songs you’ll be proud of forever.👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, you can apply now. We’ll show you how to produce, mix, and master your songs. Right in your own home studio. At the best quality possible.If we accept your application, we’ll first have a free call with you. On this call, we’ll make a custom plan just for you. If you don’t love this plan, you don’t have to pay anything and you can walk away.But if you do love the plan and want to work with us, here’s our promise:You’ll have at least one finished, pro-sounding song within 6 months. That’s the minimum, you can do way more! And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll keep working with you for free until it does.Sounds fair?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:We can’t believe we haven’t done an episode on this yet! Monitoring is by far the most important gear-related topic in music production. In fact, it’s really the only piece of gear that truly matters.Why? Because everything you do goes through that filter - your speakers, headphones, and room. Every single decision you make depends on it. In this episode, we’ll break down the essentials of monitoring. Not in theory, not repeating what we’ve read online, but from our actual experience: Mixing thousands of songs professionally, working in countless studios, learning from Grammy winners, acousticians, and top-tier engineers, and building our own optimized setups over the last 15+ years.This isn’t the “end all, be all.” But it is the most helpful, practical way we know to explain what really matters when it comes to monitoring. Think of it as a checklist: By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what you might be missing in your setup, and what’s worth investing in first.We’ll cover:Choosing the right monitoring gearHeadphones (open vs closed, what to look for, recommendations)When and how to add speakersRoom treatment (and what to prioritize: bass traps, early reflections, and The truth about foam and egg crates)Speaker placementBig vs small speakersAudio interfaces, headphone amps and convertersLearning your system vs having the “perfect” systemMixing on speakers vs. headphones.This one’s packed. If you want us to dive deeper into any specific sub-topic (headphones, room treatment, speaker placement, etc.), let us know and we’ll make a dedicated episode.👉 Also: check out our conversation with Jesco Lohan on this show, and his work online, for next-level acoustics insights.🎧 Listen now and finally get clarity on the only gear that truly matters: your monitoring setup. For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/283--Send us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

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