Episodes

  • Think Like a Synth with Anthony Marinelli

    Think Like a Synth with Anthony Marinelli
    Sep 29 2026

    Anthony Marinelli is a legendary composer, performer, and synthesist. He worked with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones on Thriller, James Brown, Kenny Loggins, Van Halen, and many more. He worked on the scores for over 90 original film score soundtracks including War Games, Stand by Me, and one of my favorites Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. He shares his knowledge on his YouTube channels and his in-depth courses Think Like a Synth and Bass DNA.

    I spoke with Anthony about how he breaks down sounds for synthesis and visualizes his sounds in his imagination rather than in technical terms. Anthony spoke about getting his start working as a synthesizer player and programmer as a teenage, and what it was like working with legends Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Links:

    • Anthony's Website - https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/
    • Think Like a Synth course - https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/products/think-like-a-synth
    • Bass DNA course - https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/collections/courses/products/bass-dna
    • Anthony's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@anthonymarinellimusic
    • Anthony on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthonymarinellimusic/
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

    Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

    And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

    Brian Funk
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    59 mins
  • Writing a Song in 2 Hours with Ben Burnes

    Writing a Song in 2 Hours with Ben Burnes
    Sep 14 2026
    Ben Burnes is a musician, producer, and game developer. He is the author of the new book How to Write a Song in Two Hours, based off his experience writing over 400 songs in weekly two-hour sprints. Ben is back for his fifth conversation! We spoke about his new book and some of the wisdom he picked up writing songs in two hours. We covered practical techniques and philosophical approaches, and we also got to meet a few of his five cats. Get How to Write a Song in Two Hours by Ben Burnes: Payhip - https://payhip.com/b/FfV4xItch - https://tallbeard.itch.io/write-a-song-in-two-hoursGumroad - https://ben-burnes.gumroad.com/l/write-a-song-in-two-hours Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Links: Ben's Website - https://www.abstractionmusic.com"If I Had a Hi-Fi" by Ben Burnes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=764uUMKuHTEArtifacts - Sunset Frequencies by Ben Burnes - https://abstractionmusic.bandcamp.com/album/artifacts-sunset-frequencies"Back at it Again" by Ben Burnes and Devin Henderson - https://abstractionmusic.bandcamp.com/album/back-at-it-againFrozen - Two Hour Track Challenge Album - https://2hac.bandcamp.com/album/frozen-2hac-volume-35SoopurKul - https://www.twitch.tv/soopurkulOn Writing Well by William Zinsser - https://amzn.to/46F0gfPGetting Things Done by David Allen - https://amzn.to/46F0gfPThe Four Agreements - https://amzn.to/3VqqhgaBig Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://amzn.to/4cI8AyNElastic Stage Vinyl Pressing - https://elasticstage.com Struthless - https://www.youtube.com/struthlessThe Troubadeck by Charlie McCarron - https://troubadeck.comCharlie McCarron on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/charlie-mccarronBen's First Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2017/3/28/9-ben-burnesBen's Second Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2019/10/9/ben-burnes-wisdom-on-200-2-hour-track-challenges-music-production-podcast-131Ben's Third Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ben-burnes-3Ben's Fourth Appearance on the Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/blog/ben-burnes-4Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.comMusic Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/bookIntro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bitMusic Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcastSave 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/storeThis episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening. Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Song and Vocal First with Howard Benson

    Song and Vocal First with Howard Benson
    Aug 31 2026

    Howard Benson is a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum producer. With 15 platinum records, 10 gold records, and over 150 billion streams, Howard has shaped the sound of modern rock and alternative music. Howard has worked with Hoobastank, POD, My Chemical Romance, The All-American Rejects, Daughtry, and many more. He is also the co-founder of Judge and Jury Records.

    Howard spoke to me about his work with some of the biggest names in modern rock, and the importance of songwriting and vocal performance and production.

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Links:

    • Howard's Website - https://www.howardbenson.com
    • Howard's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hbenson
    • Howard's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howardbenson/
    • Judge & Jury Records - https://judgeandjuryrecords.com
    • Howard Benson Vocal Plug-in - https://joeysturgistones.com/products/howard-benson-vocals
    • Howard Benson Vocal Multiplier Plug-in - https://joeysturgistones.com/collections/vocal-plugins/products/howard-benson-vocal-multiplier
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

    Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

    And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

    Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Modern Music Education & Overcoming Creative Challenges w/Dennis DeSantis

    Modern Music Education & Overcoming Creative Challenges w/Dennis DeSantis
    Aug 17 2026

    Dennis DeSantis is a composer, percussionist, sound designer, author, and educator. He is a professor of Music and Technology at Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where he is developing an all new BM in Music Creation and Technology. Dennis worked as Head of Music Learning at Ableton, and wrote Making Music 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers.

    Dennis and I spoke in depth about his work at Eastman School of Music. We shared thoughts on finishing projects and overcoming creative challenges. Dennis reflected on his work at Ableton and how it has prepared him for his newest chapter in cutting edge music education.

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Links:

    • Dennis's Website - https://dennisdesantis.com
    • University of Rochester's Music Creation and Technology Program - https://www.esm.rochester.edu/go/soundarts/music-technology/
    • Making Music 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producters by Dennis DeSantis - https://makingmusic.ableton.com
    • Learning Music - https://learningmusic.ableton.com
    • Learning Synths - https://learningsynths.ableton.com
    • Dennis's Max for Live Devices - https://dennisdesantis.com/max-for-live-devices
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

    Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

    And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

    Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • The Power of Mastering with Jeff Graves

    The Power of Mastering with Jeff Graves
    Aug 11 2026

    Jeff Graves is the founder and creator of LuvLang Studios, an online mastering service. LuvLang gives users interactive control and feedback over the mastering process.

    Jeff and I spoke about how mastering can transform a mix. Jeff shared his story of his experience working in studios and learning about mastering, and how LuvLang Studios was created.

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Links:

    • LuvLang Studios - https://luvlang.studio
    • LuvLang on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/luvlang.studio/
    • The State of Loudness in 2026 - https://luvlang.studio/research/loudness-2026
    • Free Online LUFS Measurement Tool - https://luvlang.studio/free-lufs-check
    • Sterling Sound - https://www.sterling-sound.com
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

    Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

    And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

    Brian Funk
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    56 mins
  • Grammy-winning Songwriter Tim Atlas on Serving the Song

    Grammy-winning Songwriter Tim Atlas on Serving the Song
    Jul 26 2026

    Tim Atlas is a musician, producer, and Grammy-winning songwriter in Los Angeles. His new EP, Reverso, was recorded in his home studio and combines Indie and Psych rock with RnB and Soul.

    Tim spoke to me about the production of Reverso. We touched on songwriting, arranging, and collaboration. Tim shared how he likes to move fast and commit to his sounds by printing them with outboard gear and effects. We covered a lot of ground from practical techniques to philosophical approaches.

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Links:

    • Reverso album by Tim Atlas - https://timatlas.ffm.to/reverso
    • "Reverso" Music Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhrC6PP8g9c
    • Tim Atlas Website - https://www.timatlas.co
    • Tim's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@timatlas
    • Tim's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/timothyatlas/
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

    Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

    And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

    Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Xylo Aria - Founder of Music Production for Women

    Xylo Aria - Founder of Music Production for Women
    Jul 13 2026

    Xylo Aria is a singer, producer, and entrepreneur. Xylo founded Music Production for Women to help empower and educate women music-makers. Her new album Dream will be released summer 2026.

    I've been following Xylo's work for some time now and it was great to speak to her about her work. We discussed building community and the creation of her new album. Xylo has collected a lot of wisdom in her journey and shares it with us today.

    Music Production for Women is running SoundLab, a virtual event on July 14th and 21st, 2026 to help attendees unlock the skills of producing and mixing music. Sign up here: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/soundlab2026

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Links:

    • Xylo Aria - https://www.xyloaria.com
    • Music Production for Women - https://musicproductionforwomen.com
    • MPW Podcast - https://musicproductionforwomen.com/#section-2gUK_YLsXV
    • Free Intro to Music Production Class by MPW - https://musicproductionforwomen.com/music-production-masterclass-1535-155985
    • Xylo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xyloaria/
    • MPW on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen
    • MPW on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/musicproductionforwomen
    • MPW on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@musicproductionforwomen
    • Xylo on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@XyloAria/videos
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

    Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

    And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

    Brian Funk
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    58 mins
  • Creating Music That Breathes with OVERSEA

    Creating Music That Breathes with OVERSEA
    Jun 29 2026

    Sebastien Heintz makes electro-acoustic music under the name OVERSEA. His new album BEYOND is a modern ceremonial album made for transcendental experiences.

    Sebastien and I spoke about his work as OVERSEA and how has been using music for meditation and healing.

    Sebastien explained how he uses Ableton Live as a live performance instrument. We also discussed finding the creative flow in activities such as surfing, meditation, and music-making.

    Sebastien put together a download Ableton Live effects and sounds he used on the new album!

    Get the OVERSEA BEYOND Free Ableton Live Instrument Pack here: https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kvvvijh

    Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

    Links:

    • OVERSEA - https://www.h-music.ch/oversea
    • BEYOND by OVERSEA - https://www.intellijend.com/l/beyond
    • H-Music - https://www.h-music.ch
    • OVERSEA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oversea.music/
    • OVERSEA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@overseamusic
    • OVERSEA Free Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kvvvijh
    • Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
    • Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
    • 5-Minute Music Producer book - https://brianfunk.com/book
    • Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
    • Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
    • Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
    • This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

    Thank you for listening.

    Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

    And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

    Brian Funk
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    1 hr and 26 mins