Guys. I'm so freekin excited about this next Live Access event (March 7-8)

Not joking or exaggerating when I say that these events are some of the funnest things I do all year. 

Why? Well, click the video and let me tell you why. Basically, it feeds my soul.

From the connections you'll make, the supervisor and licensing agents you'll meet, hearing what's currently needed, the trends, the encouragement, more know-how, the motivation, the encouragement, the collaborations, the opportunity... etc. 

But you can't get any of this unless you're there!!! So sign up before Wed to get the $75 discount (details below).

One more thing, make sure get to LA the evening before the event, for the Triple Threat Social I'm hosting (March 6th)! Last time we had almost 30 people come out, and it was a blast! Lots of free prizes, and it's a great way to start off the conference in high gear. 

This will be at the Hilton Garden Inn 2005 N Highland Ave Los Angeles, CA 90068.

Can't wait to see you all there!

Zion

____________

From Catch the Moon Music:

SO, you’ve probably heard the news… WE ARE HOSTING ANOTHER 2-DAY LIVE ACCESS EVENT!

We love this community so much and there is no match for the energy and inspiration that is cultivated when we meet together in person. This event will be 2 days of panels with music supervisors, songwriting assignments + the opportunity to submit to real searches, masterclass sessions with the CTM team, the opportunity to connect with other inspiring artists, and more!

We are beyond excited for our next event: SyncKeepers: 2 Day Live Mastermind Event on March 7-8, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA (venue location: TBA)!

And of course we want to give you priority before we announce to the public AND a discount :) You can use the code ACCESS75 at checkout for a $75 discount on your ticket. This discount EXPIRES next Wednesday 12/19 at midnight PST!!

Click this link for more info & to purchase your ticket: http://6-figure-songwriting.teachable.com/p/live-access-mastermind-2-day-event-los-angeles-march

And click this link to join the official SyncKeepers event group for future updates and details: https://www.facebook.com/groups/899324457124020/

Woohoo, see you in March!

xx- The Catch the Moon Music Team

PS - don’t forget - discount expires next Wednesday 12/19 at midnight PST.

 I know you've probably considered this. Some of you may have already tried to collaborate with someone and hated it. 

It's one of those "easier said than done" things. Collaborations can take work and preparation. Sometimes they're super frustrating, but then other times it's pure magic. 

This video is all about WHY you should be doing them. We will discuss techniques on how to do them at another time. 

If you have any thoughts about this, please leave a comment or shoot me an email, I'd love to hear!

If you don't have anyone to collaborate with, consider joining the Triple Threat Course, which comes with access to a great community of talented songwriters and producers you could connect with!

Happy Producing!

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

• Allison shared a new track she's working on with Becca, and looking for feedback.
• A fun office hours on Tuesday all about tuning vocals using Melodyne. Also Zion gives a really fun fact about deserts that you don't want to miss.
• Tobias shared a track he's been working on and we all gave feedback on it. Great stuff happening here
• Katherine Gaeta joined our tribe! Yay!!!
• Anne Harper joined the tribe too! Woo hoo!!!
• Jamilla shared a funny news item from the Onion
• Zion shared the recap from the week before
• 2nd Office hours were so good this week, involved a deep discussion of how to install your DAW vs sample libraries. Alex shared a sweet-ass cover track he's working on for a pitch.
• 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. There's no installment plan, and you can quit anytime!

The Access Course 

• Rebecca is looking for a producer
• Trevor and others posted songs for feedback
• Mikey posted a guitar lesson. Thank you Mikey
• Bev posted a video of a Christmas song
• Rick posted about overcoming his doubts
• Mark and others posted success stories
• Alex invited people to submit songs for feedback on mixing and production
• Mark posted a list of Top 10 Music Industry podcasts from DIY Musician that includes DKYDJ at #6
• Meli posted announcement of ISC
• Victoria posted about the December assignment being up
• Lori requested a co-writer
• CTM posted October assignment results
• CTM also announced other October assignment signings
• Clara also looking for co-writer for a song about COLOR
• Matthew posted a video on mixing.
• Rick requested a playlist for the December assignment
• Tobias requested information about exclusive deals
• Jim is looking for a vocalist and/or co-writer
• Tobias posted about his work on emails.
• Alex posted feedback on production
• Tobias posted a video of a free mixing course presented by WAVES
• Victoria posted a submission opportunity
• Ben asked about covering Beatles and others. Was advised against because of clearance costs.
• Tamara posted a video about things not to do in your direct pitching efforts.
• Juli posted an article about songwriters playing a role in the Music Licensing Collective as established by MMA.
• Emily annouonced a new aspect of the class where there are Happy Hour Meetups once a month.
• MaShanda asked about a doc for a One Stop.
• CTM posted a program guide and expectations guideline for the course. Please read and comment.
• CTM posted the video replay of Emily’s networking tools session.
• Paul is looking for string players
• Lincoln asked for the location of past interviews with Supes, etc. (It’s in the files section under Links for Access Course)
• Tobias posted a publishing question regarding percentages.
• Celestialblue asked for Reuben Sears’ email from the live event.
• Victoria posted Mystery Cover results
• Jeremy posted a Dream Theater video
• Ross posted a list of new TV shows coming in 2019
• Rick requested advice about making a slow emotional song sound “modern”.
• Celestialblue requested information regarding songs partially recorded internationally.
• MaShanda asked about finding the teaching module
• Rick asked a question about sending music to “Artlist”
   

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

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

• Laura shared a cool video by an artist that builds loops into his live production
• Allison shared a deal from Izotope for Nectar elements
• Juli shared a link to a guy that made his own plate reverb
• Kaeli shared a link to a song she's be working on and wanting some feedback
• Chelsey asked a question about the assignement sheet that is in the course
• Zion shared some pictures from Hobbiton in New Zealand
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• There will be two Office Hours this week, to make up for last week! This Tuesday and Friday, you don't want to miss it!
• 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 

• Robin posted about his uncomfortable pay-the-bills job, and the boss that knows about but doesn’t support his musical ambitions. Lots of others responded with similar stories.
• Lori requested help with motivation
• Marie and others shared success stories of themselves and others
• Mikey posted a Songwriting for Guitar lesson, and offered to send others to those who signed up. Thanks, Mikey!
• Josh is looking for singers
• Bethany and others posted songs for feedback
• Victoria posted the replay of the 11/26’s feedback session.
• Matthew posted a video of what he does (Artist Development) for a living.
• Cathy posted a message from a very happy and grateful former student.
• Rick requested advice regarding congestion
• Mark posted a very useful article about monitoring the play your songs may be getting
• Eric recommended Real Artists Don’t Starve.
• Joan asked for and received the dates for the March event.
• .Amira posted a question about the Super Bowl assignment.
• Christine posted a question about grouping tracks for stems.
• Richard required information about the Teachable site where the course is stored.
• Bev asked for Ann Kline’s contact info (of the Good Doctor)
• CTM posted Signed Songs and Allmost Made It Songs for the TV Show search
• CTM posted Fashion Campaign search update
• Rebecca asked producers to offer opinions about jazz vocal sample libraries
• Jim is looking for a bass/baritone that can sing dancehall music
• Gen asked about the animation op from October
• CTM posted Cathy’s November Class replay
• Victoria  posted the replay for the 11/29 listening session
• Tobias posted comments and questions about publishing/registering a song, US vs Germany
• Tamara posted successful results with TAXI
• Nicole posted something she made in Studio One
• Cathy posted a song she mentioned in the Instagram Story Q and A on Friday
• Cathy reminded people to watch the replays of the sessions they missed.
• Moana asked if folks would share their split sheets for comparison.
• Marty asked for Alexandra Patsavas’  contact info
• Kristina asked for submissions for her Christmas playlist
• Moana posted her Co-Writing and Song Publishing Split Sheet.
• Marty posted a video of the Heath High School Memorial Service in Paducah, KY, in which he appears.

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

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.