Whenever you send or share an MP3 or AIFF file you should include all kinds of metadata with it.

Did you know that WAV Files can't contain metadata? I know I didn't when I first started.

Today I'm going to show you what metadata is, how to inject it in your songs using iTunes, Tag Editor, and Disco.

Zion

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!

The Triple Threat Artist

• Monday encouragement was given, and weekly checkin
• Fox shared a link to Airtable, a great organization tool
• New Q&A coming up with Josh Doyle! On Jan 16th at 10a PST.
• Office Hours on Tuesday included a lot of conversation about EQ plugins, studio monitors, desk chairs, channel-strip emulators, compressors, preamps, and mixing and mastering software.
• Zion announced a second office hours for this week for Friday, since he'll be on vacation for the next two weeks.
• Brickwall limiters were discussed
• Zion shared a video to help students walk through changing their method of payment if they need to.
• Juli shared a really great deal on Microshift, a vocal width plugin.
• A second Office Hours was held on Friday, where we discussed mixing techniques for instrumental tracks
• Alex shared a great ear training video from Pensado's Place to help us get more familiar where sounds are located in the freq range.
• Shelley started a discussion all about Black Friday deals coming up, and which ones we would recommend looking at. Zion and Tobias are helping the class with links to deals they find.
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• There will be no Office Hours for the next two weeks, while Zion is on vacation. But an extra one will be held on Dec 7th to make up for the absence. 
• If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code 49FORLIFE.

The Access Course 

• Joe passed on advice from supes to make sure the metadata is in order on your mp3 and aiff files
• Joe also posted a link to “Explore Music by Mood on AllMusic
• CTM posted a video of the Access showcase
• Juli posted the contact form from the Chop Shop and was advised to email the Supe directly.
• Joan posted about The Artyists Way
• Angelique offered her services as a vocal producer.
• Matt posted contact info from Ben Panfil
• Joe reminded everyone of the sales on plugins, etc that occur at this time of year.
• Halley asked about pitching “reels” to ad agencies
• Joe and others posted songs for feedback
• David posted a link to a Rufus Wainwright song.
• Mark posted about the fires in California
• Jaymie asked for and received Russel Nygaard’s email.
• Josh asked for co-writers for November
• Prita asked about finding supes’ current projects
• Andria asked about licensing songs for podcasts
• Josh asked for info about re-titling.
• Jamila posted an article about Ann Dowd finding success in her fifties.
• MaShanda asked about samples
• Tamara posted about her successful pitch for Hustle in Brooklyn
• Lori wanted to start a conversation about everyone’s first placement.
• Marty shared his first placement.
• Bev asked for an invoice template.
• Robin posted pics from the Access show at Hotel Café
• Kristine posted a playlist of Christmas songs.
• Gen offered to co-write with Nashville Access members.
• Dwayne posted a video of his recording.
• Tobias shared a video that includes his song from an album of songs to walk to.
• Zion posted good advice.
• CTM reminded everyone to check the submission maximum for each opportunity
• Lindsey asked for advice about Studio One
• Rebecca is looking for other members from the UK.
• Jamila asked if anyone else is having difficulty talking with non-licensing musician friends.
• Mark posted a playlist of ad songs for 2018
• Mark posted about his success placing a song on NOVA Wonders on PBS
• Emily requested photos or videos of the Live Event that they wanted posted on social media
• Victoria posted the replay of the Listening Session fro 11/15/18
• Danny posted a video about adding guitars to pop/hip-hop productions
• Lori asked for info re Songtradr
• Tobias reported successes via Taxi
• Matthew asked about the October assignment results.
• Victoria updated about her new song about home, inspired by being evacuated and returning to find her home intact.
• Moana posted a reference playlist for the November assignment.

Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.

Sometimes having a little sound fx or ambient noise can add to your production in a cool way. Sometimes I like to add party or club sounds to my mix to give my track more of an exciting feel. In the two examples shown here, I use both restaurant, street noise, party noise, and rain. Check it out and let me know how you would do this.

Zion

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!

The Triple Threat Artist

• Zion reminded students that there's a deal going on right now for those interested in getting the initial version of Neutron Elements, with link
• Juli shared a link to a challenge from Brian Vickers for a horn VI pack
• Derek shared a groove he's working on for the 100 groove challenge.
• On Tuesday afternoon Zion did a zoom call for two hours covering how he produced and choose instruments from the Birthday track on Karnival.
• Replay of Office Hours: topics included productivity tips and tools, coordinating playing out vs studio time, creating grooves for the 100 grooves assignment, branding your artistry, and Derek told a bad joke. (ok, Zion's was worse)
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
• If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code 49FORLIFE.

The Access Course 

• Marie posted the guest supervisors list for the Live Event
• Serge requested information about PUSH Audio
• Helen posted the lineup for the after-event Live showcase at The Hotel Café
• Jan posted notes on the Hunter Scott session
• Bev and many others asked questions about the Live Event
• Kathrin asked about the list of universal themes
• Nichole asked about what to ask about when a non-exclusive offer comes in.
• Rick Lear asked a metadata question
• CTM posted a list and bios for the guest interviewees at the Live Event
• Tyler is seeking an accountability partner
• Bev posted the weekly routine of videos from CTM
• Tony and others posted successes
• CTM posted the attendees list for the Live Event
• Tamara asked about info from guest supes about what they’re working on.
• Prita and others posted songs for feedback
• Prita asked about having reservations about the quality and pitchability of her songs.
• Tobias and others posted about pitching successes
• CTM posted another list for Day 2, along with bios of the guests.
• Marty went to a Supervisor event in Nashville and got to present 2 songs, and got offers from other supes to give feedback.
• CTM announced the winners of the One on One social media contest. Congrats to all.
• Bev asked how hard it is for producers/engineers to change the key of a song to accommodate a new singer.
• Moon Frenzy asked for new followers for Spotify.
• Bethany and others posted about sending first pitch emails.
• CTM posted song feedback list.
• Cathy posted a picture of the attendees in their seats
• Tamara posted the schedule for Music Expo in San Francisco.
• Nick posted about his many projects and successes.
• Joan seeks an Accountability Partner.
• Zion posted pics from the event.
• Derick requestied info about the two briefs presented at the end of the class, and was answered by Helen.
• Michelle posted a link to films from the Chicago Children’s Film Festival.
• Tamara posted a video describing how direct pitching netted her a place on a panel at the Music Expo in San Francisco.
• Joe posted about advice he received from music supes to make sure the metadata is on your song, or it would probably be thrown out. 
• Lots of students that attended the Live Access Event in LA posted pictures, videos, and excitement about what they'd been learning. It was an unbelievable experience. 

Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.

Today I'm sharing with you a video recording of a webinar I did yesterday with some of my students of The Triple Threat Artist class, where I went over how I created and produced Fan Fiqtion's Birthday.

You can listen to Birthday on any major digital music store or streaming platforms, but here are a few:

• YouTube
• Spotify
• iTunes

As most of you guys know, my personal artistry is called Fan Fiqtion. This has been my passion project for producer and songwriter, but I utilize the vocal talents of other singers and instrumentalists in most of my songs. You can check all of my Fan Fiqtion work here: www.fanfiqtion.com

Enjoy! 

Zion ‍

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!

The Triple Threat Artist

• Triple Threats were reminded to work hard like a teenage violinist practicing on a hover board. (see video)
• Derek Nyberg joined the tribe! Woot
• Allison asked a question about the social coming up
• Sem shared a plugin company he really likes
• Derek shared a cool video about how Adele writes melody
• Zion announced the release of his new EP Karnival.
• Zion will be doing a special zoom call on Tuesday demonstrating the drums and production he used in Karnival.
• Office hours were so good this week. We chatted a lot about vocal production techniques.
• Juli shared a tracks she's working on, looking for feedback
• Osie brown shared a link to an article all about making hits from your laptop.
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
• If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code 49FORLIFE.

The Access Course 

• Tobias requested information about Yael Meyer
• Joan is seeking a producer for her Christmas song.
• Wendy and others posted songs for feedback.
• Marie posted a list of music supes from Music Connection
• Sarah posted about a band looking for remixes of their music
• Jan posted notes from the Tim Adams session, and promised more.
• Helen posted an invitation to the Access X Artist Showcase after the Live Event. She also shared the event notice.
• Marty introduced his friend and new Access Course member Dani
• Cathy posted the interview with Julia Cameron from the Don’t Keep Your Dayjob podcast.
• Jim is looking for a soprano
• Angelique posted her playlist of all the Monday Music Breakdown ads.
• Jaymie posted her Hyundai spot
• Victoria posted an announcement that the signup sheets for all future listening sessions and guest Zoom sessions will be at 3 pm PST
• Katie requested input about what to put in the followup email, in the form of a poll.
• Zion invited everyone to a pre-Event dinner with the Triple Threat Artist class
• Jim posted about trouble with his DAW. The problem got solved through input from others.
• Patrick asked who is going to the TAXO road rally.
• Pete asked for info from veterans about the Live Event.
• Cathy went live to announce her book.
• Joe asked what to provide so the supes could listen during the one—on-ones
• Kayte posted the video she’s been working on.
• Marie posted the list of guests for the event
• Tobias recommended the Home Studio Handbook from CD Baby
• Allison asked about using flash drives to offer music to supes and was told by CTM that most prefer emails with links, for safety reasons.
• Zion announced his new Fan Fiqtion EP, and offered a sample on YouTube..
• CTM invited everyone to follow them on Instagram.
• Jim asked about the next event, since he can’t make this one. CTM says Janiuary or February.
• Jaynee asked about having a song begin with a vocal, rather than an instrumental introduction first.
• Brittany asked whether or not to expect a confirmation email when she submits a song for an assignment. She was told yes.
• Moana asked about what needs to be submitted for an assignment.
• CTM posted about a contest for the one-on-one sessions
• Victoria posted the replay of Office Hours 11/1/18
• Victoria posted the replay of the Hunter Scott session on Social Media
• Marie suggested that some of us get together to do bios on the Live Event attendees.
• Lori is looking for a new website host
• Moon Frenzy asked if her strategy of offering a chance for a $50 Amazon gift card to get Spotify followers
• Tim asked about un-distorting the bass on his recordings.
• Nancy suggested Hostel Hollywood as a place to stay for the event.
• Jan offered to send a list of audio gear being sold by her audio engineer husband.
• Ben asked about exclusive contracts with agencies.
• Dwayne posted a picture of Grit and The Third Door
• CTM mentioned that people in the course should be aware that the material is not to be shared with people not in the course.
• CTM posted the November assignment.
• Jim is looking for a co-writer
• CTM posted a poll about The Artist’s Way
• CTM posted the songs that were signed from the October Assignment.

Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.

This is mainly a little mixing technique, but it's a really great one to learn.

Knowing how to dip frequencies sometimes is key to getting great separation in your mixes. This is often called ducking or "side-chaining". We've touched on this in past videos, but I want to demonstrate how I do it in this song.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Zion

PS: the song featured here (Happening Now) is now available here: www.fanfiqtion.com/music 

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!

The Triple Threat Artist

• Shelley shared a link to a song and video she released, and asked for feedback
• Emma shared an article about 72 Music Production tips, great little reminders 
• Zion shared a meme and checked in with everyone
• Office hours were so good this week. We chatted a little about studio office chairs, legal forms such as split sheets, lawyers, Ableton Live shortcuts, and splits for singers and cowriters. Alex just got signed on with Catch the Moon as an exclusive artist, so we were all congratulating him on his success also!
• Zion shared a new track he's releasing and getting pitched
• We had a discussion about resources we never use and are wasted by not knowing or appreciating them.
• Amber shared some frustration she's been having with learning her DAW (Logic), and some solutions she found.
• Blake shared a song he did with his friend Shawn and is looking for vocal hook ideas.
• Eymard shared some info about a pitch from Taxi looking for a jingle for Rooms To Go.
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
• If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code 49FORLIFE.

The Access Course 

• Rehya reported on airplay for her new single.
• Lori posted about her new audio equipment for her studio
• Dustin shared his placement win
• Wendy posted a question about BOX and metadata
• Sal and others posted Christmas songs
• Mikey shared a co-write he did with Cooper Baker.
• CTM posted about the 2-day event in November
• Bev requested information about uploading tracks to CD Baby.
• Dwayne and more than a few others posted a pic of their copy of The Aftist’s Way.
• Mikey posted a video about failure.
• Danny posted an announcement about his newly re-designed website.
• Kayte asked if anyone had a +1 for the TAXI Road Rally that she could use.
• Lori asked how to import her songs from iTunes to Dropbox
• Victoria posted an opportunity for a Christmas Song similar to Norah Jones’ “Not Christmas Til You Come Home”
• Celestialbllue asked for help with getting good-sounding handclaps.
• Lori asked for information about filing one’s own live performances with one’s PRO
• Victoria posted the replay of the session with Tim Adams of Massive Music
• Michael asked about submitting songs that were written by friends of his.
• Jaymie is looking for a schedule for the 2-day event
• Lori requested info about CD Baby’s sync and pubishing services
• CTM posted feedback on the September assignment almost-made-its
• Jamila asked about production companies taking the publisher’s share
• Victoria posted the replay of the listening session from 10/2
• Tamara is looking for female composers of songs with hip-hop elements
• Rehya posted a review of her new album
• Rehya also posted about the 2nd placement of her song “Magnetic”. Congrats!
• Samuel asked about Crucial Music
• Jaynee posted encouragement.
• Bev asked about the wisdom of submitting songs to Secret Road, since they announce on their website that they don’t accept unsolicited material.
• David asked about submitting songs that have been signed by a publisher.
• Lori posted pictures of her experience at the Sesame Workshop Alumni Network.
• Halley is looking for collaborators.
• Dwayne and Cathy both asked about progress with The Artist’s Way
• Victoria posted a tentative schedule for the event in November
• Tamara posted a very helpful article about using Similar-Artist.com, Tunefind.com and IMDb.com to find shows that use the kind of music you write.

Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.

One fun little trick in keeping your production elements moving and changing is to take two monophonic synth sounds, and blend them together. Then throughout the production bringing one louder than the other, and vice versa. Add a little filtering to it, and voila! 

Check out what I'm talking about in this week's Triple Threat Quick Tip.

Enjoy!

Zion

PS: the song featured here (Happening Now) will be available through www.fanfiqtion.com/music on 10/30/18

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!

The Triple Threat Artist

• Zion let the class know he was sick on Monday and needed to cancel the office hours this week. (strep throat ugh)
• Kaeli shared an incredible track she's working on with a co-producer, and shared adjustments she made after feedback
• Alex shared a song he's working on with Tamara and a really great bass line he wanted to show off to us.
• Zion checked in with a video call and updated everyone on the power of grit and consistency (what sets us apart)
• Shelley posted a track she's been working on with a video, and gave us an update on what she's been working on.
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
• If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code 49FORLIFE.

The Access Course 

• Jeremy posted a Billboard article about Women in the recording studios
• Jamila posted an article about speeding up your songwriting
• Jamila also posted a pitch for her favorite producer, Thomas
• Pete expressed his appreciation to Cath for recommending The Third Door
• Dustin shared a trailer he scored
• Rehya announced a placement for one of her songs
• Naomi and others introduced themselves to the group.
• Dwayne expressed his delight in the group.
• Victoria posted the replay of the Charisse Presley session. If you weren’t there live, now is your chance to see it.
• Rick asked for opinions of pre-cleared samples.
• Lori offered herself as co-writer on children’s music
• Matthew offered a spreadsheet to keep track of one’s songs, co-writes, etc
• Emily posted a submission opportunity for female hip hop.
• Kayte asked if anyone knew a recording studio with a good piano where she could record economically.
• Lori wondered if she could submit more than one song for the October assignment. Emily said no.
• Bev posted her first lyric video
• Ben requested help booking shows in Northern California
• Alex posted a song and asked if anyone recognized the bass line (He hoped not)
• Tamara asked if anyone else was paranoid about DISCO “activity”
• Meg posted about press she received on one of her songs
• David’s son expressed his appreciation of Meg’s song Give It Back
• Rehya posted a review of her new Christmas album
• Prita and others posted songs for feedback.
• Susan reported her success reaching out to licensing agencies
• Cathy posted the replay of her live class, which was great, and included the suggestion to do the program in The Artist’s Way
• Tobias suggested how the feedback from Cathy, et al, could be streamlined.
• Marty challenged the group to pitch to their favorite shows that they’re scared to reach out to.
• Wendy expressed frustration at trying to find producers to make her songs sound pitch-worthy.
• James asked for opinions of Soundvault.
• Michelle made a playlist of the songs Cathy used in her live class as good examples.
• Matthew seeks someone good at drum rhythm programming/playing.
• Robert is seeking people who have music on SoundDog.com
• Dani looked for classmates in Nashville.
• Victoria posted a replay of her listening session from 10/18
• Victoria posted the signed songs and the almost made it songs for the TV show search.
• MaShanda and others posted about the Artist’s Way assignment.
• Marty posted contact info for Jennifer Pyken, music supervisor for This Is Us. He requested that emails to her not all be the same, so that she would be turned off by a
  flood of similar emails.
• Joe seeks and Accountability Partner
• Bev posted her success with a song she co-wrote with Sid and Tracy Sosa. Congrats, Bev.
• Bev seeks contact info for Whirly Girl Music
• Jim offered his help for melody, arrangement or production.
• Victoria announced the signed songs for the Female Hip Hop search
• Jake posted a link to the Song Exploder podcast that explores Water Fountain which
• Cathy offered as an example of good production in her live class.
   

Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.