Your next step:

Apply for 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.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Making a great record isn’t about plugins, presets, or expensive gear.

It’s about following a clear, repeatable process — every single time.

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel break down the 10-step process that goes into every record, regardless of genre, budget, or studio size. This is the big-picture overview that most artists never get. And the starting point for a full upcoming series where each step will be explored in depth.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Where do I actually start?
• What comes next?
• Which steps can I do myself - and where do I need help?

This episode gives you the full map.

🔟 The 10 Steps Covered in This Episode

1. Foundation – Vision, taste, identity, songwriting & creative direction
2. Picking The Right Gear – What actually matters (and what doesn’t)
3. Pre-Production – Turning ideas into a clear blueprint
4. Recording Setup – Soundcheck, instruments, room, microphones
5. Recording – Capturing emotion, performances & momentum
6. Session Cleanup – Comping, organization, preparation
7. Post-Production – Layers, effects, samples & enhancements
8. Editing – Timing, tuning, cleanup (without killing the vibe)
9. Mixing – Turning many tracks into one emotional statement
10. Mastering – Final delivery, quality control, translation & release-ready formats

This isn’t about doing everything perfectly.

It’s about not skipping steps.

🎯 Why This Matters

Most self-recording artists struggle because:

• they jump between phases
• they already mix while they're still writing
• they buy gear instead of building foundations
• they don’t know what “done” actually means

This framework gives you clarity, confidence, and momentum. Whether you want to do everything yourself or build a team.

🔗 Next Steps & Resources

• 📌 Explore related episodes for each step on the show notes page
• 🎧 Listen to future episodes as we go step-by-step through the process
• 🎓 Want guidance while making your own record? 👉 Apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/296

--

Send us a text

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Your next step:

Apply for 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.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Real Talk, Tough Love Edition

Why don’t your records sound the way you want them to?

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel get brutally honest about one of the most uncomfortable truths in music production:

👉 It’s not your talent, your plugins, or your gear holding you back.

👉 It’s what you’re not doing — and what you keep postponing.

This episode sets the foundation for an upcoming in-depth series that walks through the entire record-making process from start to finish. But before we talk workflows, plugins, or techniques, we need to talk mindset, priorities, and reality.

This is a tough-love conversation — not to discourage you, but to help you finally move forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most self-recorded music never reaches the artist’s own expectations
• The real difference between artists you admire and those who stay stuck
• Why “doing it for free” is a myth (and what it actually costs instead)
• The three real paths to making records you’re proud of
• Why information alone doesn’t lead to results — implementation does
• How unrealistic expectations quietly kill creative momentum
• The 10 essential steps that go into every great record

If you’ve ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck halfway through your own productions — this episode will reset your perspective.

Want help actually implementing this?

If you already know you need structure, accountability, and a clear plan tailored to your situation, apply for a coaching spot at

👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/295

--

Send us a text

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Your next step:

Apply for 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.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Most artists want a chorus that lifts, hits harder, and feels bigger than the rest of the song. But when your chorus falls flat, lacks impact, or simply doesn’t feel like a chorus… it’s usually a songwriting or arrangement issue.

In this episode, Manel and Benedikt share 5 practical, easy-to-apply tricks you can use immediately to make your choruses hit harder — without adding dozens of new layers, buying more plugins, or overthinking your production decisions.

You’ll learn:

• Why strategically removing instruments can make your chorus explode
• How to use lyric structure to create surprise + impact
• Why silence is one of the most powerful songwriting tools
• How risers, reverse reverbs & swells lift a chorus
• How reusing motifs can glue your song together
• Bonus: Why choosing the right key can fix your chorus before you even arrange it

Plus: Hear examples from productions Manel worked on and classic songs that use these tricks brilliantly.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/294

Send us a text

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Your next step:

Apply for 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.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

If your reverbs sound muddy, harsh, disconnected, washed-out, or simply “not right”, this episode will change everything.

Benedikt and Manel break down the most common reverb mistakes self-recording musicians make - and exactly how to fix them. From choosing the right reverb type, to EQing your ambience, to building proper send/return routing, to understanding pre-delay (and WHY it matters), you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap for getting clean, modern, intentional reverbs that actually sit in your mix.

This episode is includes multiple practical step-by-step workflows you can apply immediately.

If you want your mixes to sound more 3D, controlled, clean, and professional — this is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn

• Why choosing the right type of reverb is the real starting point
• The difference between room, hall, plate, chamber, spring, etc.
• Why (in most cases) reverbs should live on parallel busses - not on your audio track
• How to EQ your reverb to remove mud, boxiness, harsh S’s and metallic rings
• Why pre-delay is the secret to upfront vocals with lots of reverb
• How to create depth by controlling “front vs back” placement
• How to blend multiple instruments into one cohesive space
• When to use reverb on a track directly (and when you really shouldn’t)
• How to chain delay → reverb for cleaner and more musical results
• When to treat reverb like part of the source (e.g., amp spring reverb)
• How to fix muddy mixes without killing your vibe
• Why most reverb problems come from routing - not plugin choice

Key Quotes

• “Reverb is its own instrument. Process it like one.” — Benedikt
• “Pre-delay lets you use a TON of reverb without drowning your vocal.” — Benedikt
• “Context matters - not the preset.” — Manel
• “Sometimes the reverb is too bright, not too loud.” — Benedikt
• “Delay vs reverb? That’s a whole topic on its own. I use delays instead of reverbs a lot.” — Manel

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/293

Send us a text

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Your next step:

Apply for 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.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel dive into fresh lessons from recent real recording, mixing and coaching projects. You’ll learn why seemingly tiny mix tweaks (we’re talking 0.5–1 dB) can completely transform a chorus… when to keep pushing for perfection… and when it’s time to stop tweaking and call a mix “done.”

You’ll also hear why working with external producers or engineers can completely change your playing - and even your identity as a musician.

Manel shares humbling (and hilarious) stories from his early studio days, including the moment when a producer had to re-record part of his guitar solo and why that became a pivotal learning moment.

Finally, we unpack the power of panning, tone-shaping, and arrangement decisions - and why context matters way more than isolated guitar tones.

If you want practical, real-world insights that instantly make you better at recording and mixing your own music… this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why 0.5 dB automation moves can make or break a chorus
• The danger of endless revisions - and when it’s worth the extra round
• How to build contrast between parts without wrecking your mix
• Why stereo vs mono decisions matter already in pre-production
• How Manel’s ego got destroyed (again) in the studio - and why he’s grateful
• Why you often can’t dial in a great tone alone in your room
• Why context is everything: isolated guitar tones don’t matter
• How external producers can dramatically improve your skills
• Why some instruments in classic records sound “wrong” solo’d but perfect in the mix
• How subtle panning changes can boost the emotional impact of your song

Key Quotes:

• “The mix is never really finished. There’s always another idea you could try - but you need a rule for when to stop.” - Benedikt
• “I thought I was the best - but the producer made me realize I couldn’t actually play that simple part.” - Manel
• “Context matters more than individual tone. A guitar can sound terrible solo’d and be perfect in the mix.” - Benedikt
• “Panning is one of the most powerful creative tools - use it intentionally.” - Manel

Links & Resources:

• The Self-Recording Syndicate (Our Coaching Program):
  Learn how to make pro quality records from your home studio: theselfrecordingband.com/coaching
• Episode 291 with Jesse Cannon (Highly Recommended): Music Marketing Real Talk - How To Actually Get Your Music Heard

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.c

Send us a text

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Cannon - producer, engineer, author, YouTuber (Musformation), and one of the most respected music marketing strategists today.

This episode is absolutely packed with real-world, data-backed insights on what actually works in 2025/26 and beyond - and what artists should finally stop wasting time on.

⸻

What We Cover:

🎯 The #1 thing artists must do before promoting anything

Why understanding your identity, strengths, aspirations, and position in the market is no longer optional - and how Jesse’s LAMES analysis helps artists finally get clarity.

📱 The truth about social media in 2025/26

• Why you must start on all three short-form platforms (TikTok, Reels, Shorts).
• Why you can’t predict where you’ll grow.
• Why “I don’t want to be a content creator” is no longer a useful mindset.
• When it is possible to grow without social media - and why it’s rare.

🎧 Release strategy: The 4–8 week rule

Why consistent, sustained releases are the #1 growth driver for new artists today - and how Jesse discovered the pattern by analyzing major breakout acts.

🎵 Playlists: Overrated? Underrated? Misunderstood?

Jesse breaks down:

• Why playlists are not dead.
• Why most people misunderstand their role.
• Why editorials still matter even if fewer people listen.
• Why taste-curated playlists are a massive opportunity.
• Why random SubmitHub blasting can destroy your account.

💸 Paid ads: When (and when NOT) to use them

• Why Meta ads are overrated for artists.
• Why they do work for retargeting, merch, and warm audiences.
• Why ads fail without proof of concept.
• Why organic early adopters are worth more than paid traffic.

🧠 The mindset artists need if they want to grow

Including:

• Why overwhelm is largely psychological.
• Why most people never look at analytics correctly.
• Why you should never check stats unless you’re ready to change something.
• How to avoid depression loops around growth.

🌍 Websites, email lists & direct-to-fan tools

• Are websites still relevant? (Answer: yes - but only certain types.)
• Why email is still incredibly effective even with young audiences.
• Why Shopify beats Squarespace/Wix for artists with merch.
• Why Tribly.FM is one of the most underrated tools for artists.

🔥 Creative promo ideas

Including the example of artist Audrey Hobert and her brilliant “Archive” page that builds a universe around every song.

⸻

Jesse's Links:

• Jesse’s YouTube: Musformation
• Jesse’s newsletter: Music Marketing Trends
• Jesse’s books: Processing Creativity & Get More Fans
• LAMES analysis video

⸻

If you’re a self-recording artist and want help making your music sound professional and releasing it effectively, apply for our coaching program at:
👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/291

Send us a text

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Your next step:

Apply for coaching!

👉 If you 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.

🚀 Click here for all the details:

theselfrecordingband.com/coaching

--

Episode show notes:

Are you scared to release your music? Thinking it’s not good enough yet?
Afraid of criticism, or of hitting that publish button? You’re not alone. Almost every artist feels this way at some point.

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel get real about the fear behind finishing and releasing music. Why it happens, how to overcome it, and what happens when you finally let go of perfectionism and self-doubt.

They share personal stories (from Benedikt’s band, his studio, and his coaching business) and examples from real students who turned fear into finished records.

You’ll learn:

• Why “everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear”
• How to overcome perfectionism and analysis paralysis
• The difference between overwhelm and anxiety in your creative process
• How making faster decisions leads to faster progress
• Why art isn’t about playing it safe - and why taking risks matters
• How to find courage, take the first step, and finally share your songs with the world

Whether you’ve been sitting on unreleased songs for years or you’re just afraid of judgment, this episode will help you move forward and finally release your music proudly.

👉 Listen now and take that first step.

And if you want help finishing and releasing your songs, apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com. We’ll show you the exact path and hold you accountable so you don’t have to do it alone.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/290

Send us a text

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Your next step:

Apply for 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:

In this episode, Benedikt and Manel dive deep into the most valuable lessons they’ve learned from recent real-life recording and mixing sessions, as well as coaching projects inside The Self-Recording Syndicate.

These are the kinds of situations you only encounter when working hands-on with artists - from communication breakdowns to tone-shaping decisions, from phase issues to overthinking mixes.

They cover:

• How poor communication (or assumptions) can derail a session - and how to fix it
• Why your hi-hat might be too loud in your overheads (and what to do about it)
• Why bigger, thinner cymbals are often the best for recording
• What to do when an artist changes their mind mid-production
• How to balance artistic vision with professional judgment
• Why you should trust your gut and use fewer plugins
• The importance of phase alignment and what can go wrong when you ignore it
• How to diagnose mix problems (hint: sometimes the bass isn’t too loud - the drums might be too quiet)
• And much more practical wisdom straight from real coaching calls and mixing sessions
  
  

Whether you’re producing your own record or working with others, this episode is full of actionable lessons that will save you hours of frustration and help you make better-sounding records.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, key takeaways, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/289

Send us a text

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com