multitrack mindset

The Multitrack Mindset Podcast series has allowed me to sit down with a number of the musicians that I know personally and talk about one of my favorite topics to discuss - music making. I consider all of the guests to be great friends, and I feel that each conversation was enriching and inspiring to me personally.

Reflecting on each episode thus far, I can’t help but notice the similarities in even the most contrasting stories. There is a clear desire to make music present in each individual, and an appreciation for a creative outlet that was all sometimes take for granted. These are individuals from all walks of life, with a wide variety of influences and styles. Music making is their common link.

I have produce a brief piece highlighting these conversations, and serving as an overall look at this subculture of do-it-yourself music makers. The Multitrack Mindset Podcast is by no means finished;I hope to interview each past guest again at some point in the future, as well as allow new guests to share their thoughts and experiences on music making.

I hope you all enjoy this piece, and I hope it inspires you all in the way that these conversations have inspired me.

Need some inspiration? Here you go.

These are just some thoughts on a topic that I feel is always relevant for music makers - daring to be different, mainly in terms of mixing.

This week’s guest on the Multitrack Mindset podcast is Julian Wilson. Max is a vocalist and a songwriter, and we sat down to chat about his major influences in music, his creative process at home vs. in the studio, his aspirations in music, and more. There’s a definite part two in the future. Enjoy!

Follow @JSakahd5 on Twitter

Julian Wilson on Soundcloud

Something I’ve realized, however, is that it’s important not to let stress enter the equation when it can easily be avoided. Never force anything, whether it’s time or an idea. When the creative process is not spontaneous and inspired, it will likely not yield any desirable results. The only result will be stress, and that will set you back even further than you already were.

Don’t stress if you haven’t gotten around to working on that project in a while. It’ll be there when you’re ready.

Here is the track I referenced in my last post, A Different Angle.

This is very much a work in progress. Just some quick takes and a quick mix with some very basic drum programming. I plan, of course, to develop this at a later time. For now, enjoy the rawness!

Gear used: Ibanez RG3EXFM, Propellerhead Reason, JamUp Pro iOS app

After many unproductive riff sessions over the past few weeks, I decided to try something different last weekend: writing away from my DAW. It sounds crazy, I know, but I needed to get out of my creative slump. Something told me I should just plug into my small practice amp and jam without even thinking of recording anything.

The result? I wrote a song the “old fashioned” way. I played until I came up with some riffs that I was digging, stringing them together in my mind and coming up with a basic arrangement that I could expand upon later. By the time I decided I was ready to load up my DAW and lay down some guitar tracks, I had quite a solid foundation of a song on my hands. So much for that slump.

A different angle can sometimes make all the difference. This is an idea I’m going to continue to explore. Look out for some similar posts in the near future. Tomorrow I will be posting the song I mentioned in this post!

Here's some inspiration - an awesome studio diary from an awesome band! The Ocean is a seriously interesting band, and if you're not familiar with them, I'd suggest checking out some of their albums.

Being able to see them working in the studio and breaking down some of the creative and recording process is truly inspiring for me. Makes me want to make some music right now.

Check out Part 1 and Part 2!

This week’s guest on the Multitrack Mindset podcast is Max Caster. Max is an emcee and producer, and we sat down to chat about how began making music, his creative process, what kind of gear he’s working with, and much more.

Follow @maxcaster on Twitter

Max Caster on Soundcloud

You may have heard my buddy Vinnie Beere tell tales of gigging and recording with his former band Thracian on the very first episode of the Multitrack Mindset Podcast.

Well, the dudes in Thracian have just unleashed their brand new EP Gears, available through Monolithic Records right here.

I listened to it twice this morning during my commute, and I must say, this thing slays. I enjoyed it so much I decided to post about it right here on the blog. If you're into metal with a great balance of melody, technicality and groove, check out this EP and support these dudes!

This week’s guest on the Multitrack Mindset podcast is Jack Torrey aka The Monk. This is an interesting one for sure. Jack is one of the first people who came to mind when I decided I wanted to do a music making podcast, and I think you’ll understand why after listening to the man speak.

Warning: there are some audio glitches in this recording that were out of my control. I apologize, and hopefully Jack and I can record another podcast free of glitches in the near future.