“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” - Socrates 

What a simple little phrase, by a great thinker. But it applies perfectly to what we are doing as producers. 

Through my little journey here on this earth, there's a one-word question that's given me the greatest results. What do you suppose that question is? 

My video today was made specifically for students of The Triple Threat Artist, but I thought I'd share it with you as well.

Have a great Labor Day, and go make some great music this week!

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

• Ashley shared her progress in learning some tuning software
• Kenneth Cole joined the tribe
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• Recap of the week was posted
• Office Hours were amazing, and consisted of a 1-on-1 with Mr. Jeb Colwell. After a quick catching up, we discussed the projects Jeb is working on and what we can do to help further his progress. We talked a lot about time management and organization, as well as DAW differences and recommendations. Zion also talked at length about theories on production layers, and priority.
• Jeb shared his progress and what he's learning right now and thankful for
• 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

• Debbie posted an opinion by Marvin Gaye’s attorney
• Lachlan and others posted songs for opinions and feedback
• Richard posted an article about Successful scoring of Commercials
• Samuel posted a song by Graffiti Ghosts
• Catch the Moon posted a Monday Music Breakdown on Sofi Tukker’s “Awoo”
• Samuel requested opinions re Judy Stakee’s songwriting retreat
• Robin requested info about licensing a cover
• Katie posted about why she’s been absent, and was welcomed back. Requests and accountability partner
• Tamara, Debbie and others posted successes
• Akira requested info about mixing through headphones
• Daniel requested information about access to videos at the end of his year.
• Rob requested info about the Guild of Music Supervisors conference
• Tobias requested feedback on an offer that was made to him
• Ceri requested info from Catch the Moon about licenses needed for assignments
• Debbie posted about video game composing
• Sonnet posted about upcoming event w/Hunter Scott
• Rick posted several questions as Conversation Starters
• Angelique posted an affirmation/reminder that she’s made for herself and others, based on the word FOCUS
• Rick asked about removing sibilance from a lead vocal, and was given some very good answers
• Catch the Moon requested help getting the “Don’t Keep Your Day Job” podcast up to #1 on iTunes. A prize is offered.
• Mark asked about licensing music for regional radio spots
• Zion seeks an electric guitar player
• Faris asked several questions about metadata
• Victoria posted Office Hours replay for your listening enjoyment.
• Debbie posted contact for the agent/library who gets songs placed on Empire.
• Tracy and Sid said goodbye to the Access Group
• Matt asked about where the performance royalties actually come from
• Tony requested info re Track and Fields Agency
• Gen Evieve seeks co-writes in LA in September
• Rick asked about everyone’s “musical self-esteem"

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

Sometimes after recording a guitar part I'll need to adjust its timing to make it fit nicely into the track I'm working on. Here's how I like to do it.

I first create a midi track (totally empty of sound) and quantize the notes to fit the groove I'm working in. This gives me a visual reference to align the transients of the guitar strums. 

Hope that helps a little bit, to lock in your instruments and grooves. Now go make some great music!

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 shared an article about songwriters and musicians being some of the most motivated and courageous people on earth.
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• Zion shared a song that he's pitching for an Umbrella based ad.
• Recap of the week was posted
• Amber shared a youtube video about Portrait XO
• We talked a lot about the Roli keyboard, and new Roli gear
• Juli shared a video all about the evolution of U2
• Ashley shared a really great song she's working on that's in the gothic Americana arena
• During the Triple Threat Office Hours we caught up on the different projects we are all working on, but then we had an awesome discussion on production tricks for transitions between parts of a song (ie verse to chorus, or chorus back to verse). After that we got into talking about step-sequencers and midi controllers. This led to an awesome demonstration by Alex about his Roli keyboards and how he uses them.
• Kaeli jumped in and connected with the group and told us about her music festival
• Kate shared a link about her work with a music producer in Nashville
• Zion shared a meme about making your week work more fun that weekends.
• Blake Earnhart joined us
• Amber shared a photo of her and Aaron at a recording studio in Nashville
• Ashley shared a tuning program she just bought
• 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

• Gil listed a song he wanted us to listen to.
• Mikey went to Nashville to write with Cooper and Marty
• Sal got an invitation to sign two of his songs
• Jameson requested information about setting up a DIY vocal booth
• Matthew recommended his friend Paul as a producer.
• CTM’s Monday Music Breakdown was focused on the new Cartier ad
• Ben and others requested feedback for their songs
• Juli requested info about the Auddly app
• Amber started a thread about the CD Baby DIY Conference happening this week
• Moon asked how many songs we could submit for the August assignment. Emily replied one.
• Victoria  posted the Music Needs Breakdown pdf she promised
• Juli posted about a Trailer Musoic Webinar coming up
• Ian posted an article about getting on streaming platforms, published by the Austrailia PRO
• Sherry asked about exclusive deals with a coveted agency vs. non-exclusive  deals with others.
• Chelsey shared pictures from her tour
• Sonnet interviewed Hunter Scott
• Victoria posted the Hunter Scott interview video. Go watch if you missed the live one. (Or even if you saw the live one.)
• Samuel has had more success on Songtradr. Mark replied with a video about Songtradr
• Sal had success on Crucial Music
• Debbie posted an article about the Dr. Pepper campaign from Ad Age
• Debbie also posted a video of an ad for Chef Boyardee
• Debbie posted an article about Marty O’Donnell and music for games
• Rehya posted a screenshot of her Crucial Music account with the pitches of her songs.
• Verification of the universal themes that this course recommends
• Austin and Eli landed another placement for their song Locomotion, this time with Lowe’s
• Kayte asked about releasing vs not releasing songs that are being submitted for sync
  Alex asked about Songtrust
• Mark posted about sync agents, pro vs con
• Victoria congratiulated Austin and Eli. (Congrats from me too, guys!)
• Debbie asked for a prediction about the coming years activities in the Access Group. Victoria suggested the “Events” page
• Samuel asked about Crucial Music’s track record with fellow students
• Debbie posted about receiving the Greatest Showman soundrack, possibly as a result of her membership in Film Societies, etc
• Victoria gave feedback on the songs submitted for the July assignment\
• Akira asked about the possibility of licensing music to  a movie or other video that has a score. (At least that’s how I understood his question. Correct me, if I’m wrong, Akira)
• Bev is seeking a female vocalist
• Rick requested info about the $10K Clothing opp
• MJ posted about the State of Music in Media Conference in 2018
• Mat posted about a De-Esser Plug-in
• Samuel posted about 6 Music Production Techniques
• Eli talked about how they found their licensing agent
• Dree posted abuut collaborating with a producer to write songs on commission for a library.
• Marie is looking for the producer she was going to collaborate with but lost their contact info.

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

Hey guys, 

This week's quick tip is all about using vocal improvs and solo parts to inject energy into your song.

I'm a big fan of getting my vocalist to give me lots of improv and solo takes when we are recording. And then one of the last things I do in my production process is to start adding these in. It really gives the song a lot more playfulness, energy and life.

My only caution is not to overdo them, which is really easy to do. Sometimes less is more! Check out the video to learn more and see how I make it work.

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

• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• Zion posted encouragement in the form of a meme "Work Until Your Idols Become Your Rivals"
• Recap of the week was posted
• Amber shared a track that she shared at the Live Event and asked for some critiques on the chorus
• Office hours on Tuesday was awesome, we discussed a myriad of topics: producing while writing, using current songs as influences for making grooves, finding drums with high attack, and new drum VI's. We also discussed a little different way to approach songwriting for a more current sounding music
• On Wed we had an awesome Q&A with Producer Alex Helton! We had an amazing time asking him questions on how he got started, his workflow, collab process, etc. He also generously shared his techniques for processing vocals: tuning, eq'ing, saturation, etc! Great stuff, thanks Alex.
• Shelley shared an opportunity at Spotify called the Equal Studio Residency Program for Women
• Chelsey Coy joined the Triple Threat Tribe!
• Richard Guerra joined the Triple Threat Tribe!
• Zion shared a quote about how singers and musicians being some of the most driven and courageous people!
• 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

• Zion posted an article about how many people began their successful careers later in life. Very encouraging argument against age-ism. Especially that which one uses against oneself.
• Amber Robinson complained bout cicadas in the vicinity of her recording studio
• Various people posted their songs for feedback.
• Victoria shared the Express Jeans ad for Monday music breakdown. Video is up. 
• Ian Pav shared a post about the success of an unknown Australian musician took the #1 sport on iTunes from Drake last week.
• Debbie and several others shared successes, their own and others.
• Victoria posted the discount codes for the 2nd year of the course.
• Amber posted a very inspiring quote from Ursula K. LeGuin
• Victoria posted an article from Forbes about how a song gets placed (complete with chart)
• Jamila posted a very interesting article about the resurrection of the jingle.
• Rick asked for a recommendation for a free 8 band EQ for is DAW and several people responded.
• Condolences to Bev who lost her sister this week.
• Samuel posted John Mayer’s thoughts on songwriting
• Ian posted an article about AI songwriting
• Shelley announced her course in producing and engineering for women
• Moon Frenzy inquired about the music supervisor Skype sessions from the Live event that got postponed. They’re in the works.
• Matthew recommended his friend Paul Jones, who is a producer with many placements to his credit.
• Eric recommended a podcast by Cheryl Englehardt (on which he has appeared) on Apple podcasts
• Office hours video from 8/16 is posted. Check it out.
• Ian posted an article about Australia’s PRO which is working on a deal regarding Facebook content
• Victoria offered to send a list of current Epic themes to anyone who offered their email address. Take advantage of this.
• Robin inquired whether anyone had registered a small business to run the licensing income through.
• Jim requested suggestions for a “dark and moody” playlist.
• Kristina posted a question about having engineers sign work-for-hire agreements.
• Jeremy offered two podcasts on synch licensing.
• Interview with Hunter Scott this Wed at 11am

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

In this quick tip video I show you how I chop a guitar loop up in order to make it work for the track I'm working on. I show you how I use a library database to find loops that fit with the song, chop it into pieces, and then transpose and time it to make it fit.

Ya dig?

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

• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• Zion announced a new low price for upcoming students into Triple Threat
• Recap of the week was posted
• Office hours on Tuesday: An amazing group on the call today. We spent time checking in, talking about DAW's, cowrites, and projects we were working on. Then we talked about the use of Gates in our productions. Zion demonstrated how he uses them, and what scenarios they come into play. We also talked about side-chaining a gates.
• Jeb shared a victory in how he found a creative way to finance a new MacBook for his recording studio
• New event annouced, Q&A with Producer Alex Helton! Woohoo this Wednesday at 10am for all Triple Threat students. Alex is going to hang out, tell his his story and give open the floor on how he produces, equipment he uses, and maybe a trick or two in the studio!
• 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

• Nick offered his services as a team member and/or rapper, rather than continuing to pursue producing for the moment.
• Victoria presented the new Renault ad featuring Ghost by Jeremy Messersmith, for Monday Music Breakdown. Very interesting and once again, illustrates the points made in class.
• Various people presented music for feedback and comments from the group
• Mark posted an article from Billboard about the NARAS involvement in the Music Modernization Act. Read the article. Contact your Senator
  Allison requested information about the finer legal points of co-writing splits, for a situation she is facing.
• Ceri requested information about doing cover songs for the assignments
  Sonnet posted a very important video about billing. Be sure you check it out.
• Jamila posted an article about musicians getting 12% of a $43 billion industry from Business Insider.
• Sonnet posted an invitation to Hunter Scott interview on Wed, August 22
• Victoria posted feedback from the live event assignments
• Victoria announced the picks from the TV Show Search, and the almost-made-it music
• Victoria posted the replay of Staci Sllater ad Shelby Wellema interview. You should go see it, if you haven’t. Very informative.
• John asked about doing lead vocals and harmonies as separate stems, and was told yes, they should be separate
• Victoria posted the 8/9 Office Hours replay. Great questions, great answers.
• Victoria posted the replay of Cathy’s August class from 8/10. Song feedback and useful information, as always.
• Andrea had a question about whether or not to add a singer as the artist when registering a song with a PRO, if the singer was a work-for-hire situation.
• Victoria invited everyone to follow the new Catch the Moon Instagram page
• Jamila posted a very interesting article about the music on Handmaid’s Tale from the LA Times

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

I love this little virtual instrument! It's my goto for when I need a human sounding lip-whistle. This is great for folk and pop stuff, and it sounds so human.
I have no affiliation with this company, but I just really like this VI. 

Check out the video, and see if it could help you. 

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

• Thoughts and memories were shared from the Live Access event in LA last week
• Alex shared a great deal on some EQ plugins
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• Juli shared a song she's working on and looking for feedback.
• Kaeli Anne joined our tribe, Welcome!!!!
• 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 (below) and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $47/m. :) 

The Access Course

• Madeline checked in and is looking for an accountability partner
  
• Debbie asked about royalty payouts
  
• Lots of students chimed in on how awesome the Live Access course was and their gratefulness to the CTM team
  
• Sam checked in and told us about his cowrite
  
• Jim K is looking for a vocalist
  
• Students shared photos from the Live Access event
  
• Students shared songs they are working on for feedback
  
• Lots of pics and videos were posted from the Artist Showcase, tons of fun was had by all
  
• Victoria announced the next 2 Day Live Access Event in Nov 8-9, sign up now!
  
• Josh shared a song he would like some help with
  
• Zion shared a weekly recap
  
• Students shared their stories about making the Monday submission deadline
  
• Mikey shared a video of a jam session
  
• Debbie shared a success 
  
• Dielle asked a question through a poll
  
• Dree asked a question about Disco
  
• Jeremy shared his love of The Third Door book
  
• Sonnet shared a link to the show she got a placement on
  
• Lizzie shared a note about art apps
  
• CTM shared Cathy’s Instagram and opportunity for a gift card
  
• Lauren is looking for a producer who can make stuff like Sofi Tukker
  
• Victoria shared a submission opportunity due 8/3
  
• Osie shared a submission opp for no-ex rock tracks
  
• Sam asked for more clarity about the upbeat feel
  
• Jessi shared pics of her cool coloring (so cute)
  
• Emily checked in with us about all the submissions
  
• Victoria posted the August Assignment
  
• Nathan Lang and Anne Wichmann is looking for an accountability partner
  
• Janet asked for Mike Turner’s email address
  
• Cecilia told us about a win
  
• Kayte asked for songwriters who speak Ukranian
  
• Office hours were reposted
  
• Victoria posted about Cathy’s class on 8/10