When you collaborate on your mix or your production, or even when you song write, there are times when it's imperative to know what your collaborator is doing when making changes in their DAW.

That's where this plugin comes in, it's called ListenTo, and it's super easy. It's just a quick little plug-in you install on your Master bus that sends the mix to a FTP site where it can be listened to in real time by anyone with the link you give.

I can't tell you how much of a time saver this has been for me.

This plugin can be purchased here https://listento.audiomovers.com (I have no affiliation).

Seriously, if you haven't checked out our Producer Course than you should. I teach lots of other down to earth tricks to get your production clicking and banging!

(Oh and the VI Resonator Guitar used in this tutorial can be found here: http://www.indiginus.com/resonator.html)

Let me know if you have any questions, and happy producing!

Zion ‍

The topic of sidechaining or "ducking" came up this week in the class. This is more of an advanced trick for some of you guys, but it worth talking about because it's really not that hard.

The advantage of this is that it brings out the kick drum really nicely in EDM music, or can be used as a "pumping affect", like in Titanium by David Guetta and Sia. 

Happy producing,

Zion

One of the most under-untilized production tools is something that's been right in front of you and built into most every DAW. For some reason, most beginning producers don't take advantage of this.

What am I talking about? The concept of SWING, in your grooves. Check out this video to see the power of injecting swing into your tracks. 

You Got This.

Zion

Using Triplets in your production is soooo much fun!

Here is an example of how I integrate a 1/8th note triplet in a bassline with the groove. It gives it a nice little flavor, check it out.

Zion

You may not know this, but your DAW most likely injects tiny little volume fades on your audio tracks every time you import or split them. It's something to keep in mind when you're inserting audio into your track because you may not always want them.

But today I show you why they're useful, and how to use them to your advantage.

What are some creative ways you use fades?

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

• Shelly started a conversation about what Black Friday gear to keep an eye out for. Other students jumped in and shared what equipment they were looking to get.
• Zion shared a video describing what his go to gear is and what equipment to look into. Also he let the students know he would be on vacation for 2 weeks.
• Jeb shared a link to 55% off Slate gear
• Tobias shared a link to drum VI's on sale
• Laura shared a track she and Zion wrote together
• Tobias asked a question about what channel strip emulators to get.
• Zion checked in from New Zealand asking about what software students had purchased in the last week.
• Mikey shared a new online guitar course he's coming out with
• 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 this week 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 

• Joan and others requested feedback on a song.
• CTM posted a success for Bev  and Sid & Tracy
• Rick showed off his new headphones
• Trevor requested info re East West Sounds
• Dree invited us to share our first placement experience
• CTM posted a replay of the Monday Music concerning a Nintendo Super Bowl ad using “Believer”
• Angela introduced herself and posted  a desire for co-writers and producers. Also posted a video
• Emily requested workout songs for her cycling students
• Josh is looking for a co-writer for November
• Terry asked for the name of a movie that Cathy recommended. It was “The Search for Greatness”
• Lauren requested opinions about whether her song is for sync or for art.
• Alex posted his willingness to analyze mixes and production
• Tobias alerted all to the 50% off sale going on at IWANTTHTSOUND.COM
• Mikey reiterated Cathy’s recommendation of GRIT by Angela Duckworth.
• Victoria announced Cathy’s November class on Nov. 26th at 11 am PS
• Celestial Blue posted an article about mindset and leveling up
• Wendy inquired about the date of the March event (March 7th & 8th)
• Juli posted about the launch of Drip Library, the go-to source for Hip Hop Production
• Eric posted video of a song that was signed by CTM
• Wendy asked about the October pitch opportunity
• Bev requested input regarding a relative investing in one’s career. Very interesting discussion
• Tamara posted an announcement on a show on which her music will be played.
• Lauren made a post/place for people to post about Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales on music gear.
• Lindsey wants to leave Pro Tools and requested info/opinions about other DAWs
• Tobias requested opinions about de-essers
• Trevor wondered if there was a Google or Apple calendar with all the ACCESS events on it. Great idea!
• Bev requested info about YouTube monetization.
• Alex posted a production feedback video
• Bev advertised for a vocalist to match a vocal on one of her songs.
• CTM posted a replay of the listening session with important information about song feedback and submission opportunities.
• Kathrin posted a complaint about week 4 of The Artists Way.

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

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.