WhisperRoom™ is a proud sponsor of the podcast Recording Studio Rockstars. In each episode, Lij Shaw interviews music producers, engineers, studio owners, and other professionals to bring you inspiring stories, tricks, and insight from the recording industry.

You can listen to the entire podcast archive of Recording Studio Rockstars here or from your favorite podcast app.

RSR Episode #219: Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound, & DIY Tips for Mastering at Home

In this week’s episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Ryan Smith talks about learning vinyl mastering from George Marino, how to get started listening to vinyl, his new studio at Sterling Sound Nashville, and gives some pro tips for DIY mastering from your home studio.

Listen to the full episode here or stream it in the video below!

Who is Ryan Smith?

Ryan Smith is a mastering engineer at Sterling Sound. He has mastered records for a wide variety of artists, including Greta Van Fleet, Elle King, and AC/DC.

Ryan Smith began his journey in the world of audio when he moved to New York City in 1995. In the late 90’s he moved through various recording studio gigs and other “audio odd jobs” around New York City. This eventually led to a job as an assistant engineer at Manhattan’s Right Track Recording. This opportunity gave Ryan the chance to work alongside legendary engineers and producers, including Phil Ramone, Arif Mardin, Russ Titelman, and Frank Filipetti.

In 2002, Ryan made the move to mastering. He joined Sterling Sound where he’s been for the past 17 years. Early in his career at Sterling, Ryan spent time working alongside both Ted Jensen and the late George Marino. In addition to digital mastering, Ryan learned the art of vinyl mastering and lacquer cutting from George. During the current resurgence of vinyl, Ryan has become one of the most in-demand vinyl specialists in the industry.

WhisperRoom™ is a proud sponsor of the podcast Recording Studio Rockstars. In each episode, Lij Shaw interviews music producers, engineers, studio owners, and other professionals to bring you inspiring stories, tricks, and insight from the recording industry.

You can listen to the entire podcast archive of Recording Studio Rockstars here or from your favorite podcast app.

RSR Episode #218: Dr. Ford

In this week’s episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Dr. Ford talks about radio in Europe, business tips for your studio, and takes a deep dive into mixing. Including, lessons learned from Jack Joseph Puig, Michael Brauer, mix templates, easy powerful drums and bass, and how to set up your EQ and compression.

Listen to the full episode here or stream it in the video below!

Who is “Dr. Ford”?

Daniel Ford, aka “Dr. Ford”, is a 6x Award-Winning Producer and Mixer with music at #1 on iTunes and the Billboard Top 20. Daniel has Studio C of the world-famous Sound Kitchen Studios in Nashville and has previously shared some great tips for vocal mixing on RSR Episode #136. That episode also covers Daniel’s recording journey while studying under west coast legends Ronnie King and DJ BattleCat of Tupac, Snoop, and Dr. Dre. So make sure to check out that episode as well.

Dr. Ford has years of experience teaching audio online and in the classroom. He loves to talk about the theoretical/philosophical side of mixing, and in this episode, his attention is strictly on mixing in your home studio. Ford focuses on taking the tracks that you have and mixing the drums, bass, guitars, keys, and vocals to sound polished. Additionally, he digs into each element of the mix and breaks down some of the challenges and solutions that you might run into when mixing.

Dr. Ford has tons of experience, so if you want to follow-up this interview to learn more, make sure to check out his website at drford.com or visit his YouTube channel.

WhisperRoom™ is a proud sponsor of the podcast Recording Studio Rockstars. In each episode, Lij Shaw interviews music producers, engineers, studio owners, and other professionals to bring you inspiring stories, tricks, and insight from the recording industry.

You can listen to the entire podcast archive of Recording Studio Rockstars here or from your favorite podcast app.

RSR Episode #217: Justin Cortelyou

In this week’s episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Justin Cortelyou talks about how to record stereo acoustic guitar like Bil Vorndick, interning with Chuck Ainlay, and recording Paul McCartney, Johnny Depp, and Alice Cooper. He was even kind enough to share guitar tips from Joe Walsh and vocal recording notes from Bob Ezrin.

Listen to the full episode here or stream it in the video below!

Who is Justin Cortelyou?

Justin “Corky” Cortelyou is a platinum-selling Nashville producer, engineer, and mixer who has worked with all sorts of great talent. He spent time learning under the great bluegrass legend Bil VornDick (while working with Marty Robbins, Ralph Stanley, and Alison Krauss).

Justin also worked on a series of projects with mixing guru Chuck Ainlay (while working with Dixie Chicks, Mark Knopfler, and Miranda Lambert), and mixing master Mike Shipley (while working with Def Leppard, Shania Twain, Maroon 5, and Aerosmith).

Justin studied music and engineering at Middle Tennessee State University, upon graduation he became the night manager for Sound Stage Studios and eventually moved out to LA to work with Mike Shipley. While in California, Justin teamed up with producer, songwriter, and musician, Tommy Henriksen. He partnered with Tommy developing artists, negotiating record deals with Warner Bros., Geffen, and Interscope, touring, and doing front-of-house gigs.

In 2008, Tommy and Justin moved their operations to Nashville, TN where they teamed up with legendary producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, and KISS). Alongside Bob Ezrin, Justin worked with some of the biggest artists in history, including Paul McCartney, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, Johnny Depp, Phish, Ke$ha, and KISS.

Working out of Ezrin’s Anarchy Studio, Justin’s work has gone on to gain international acclaim, including numerous #1’s and sales records.

WhisperRoom™ is a proud sponsor of the podcast Recording Studio Rockstars. In each episode, Lij Shaw interviews music producers, engineers, studio owners, and other professionals to bring you inspiring stories, tricks, and insight from the recording industry.

You can listen to the entire podcast archive of Recording Studio Rockstars here or from your favorite podcast app.

RSR Episode #216: Chris Finney

In this week’s episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Chris Finney talks about the music and studio scene in New Orleans, how to build a custom guitar amp isolation box for your studio, how to record sax like John Coltrane, recording The Meters, and how he got Lucille to sound just right for BB King!

Listen to the full episode here or in the video below!

Chris Finney’s Background

Chris is a Grammy-Winning Producer, Engineer, and Mixer. He is a life-long advocate of music and business education on both the High School and College levels.

His 25+ years in the recording studio include dates with Robert Plant, B.B. King, Herbie Hancock, and New Orleans Legends Dr. John, Harry Connick Jr., Allen Toussaint, The Meters, and Fats Domino. He has been instrumental in kicking off and developing the recording careers of New Orleans funk-rock mainstays Galactic, Trombone Shorty, The Revivalists, and Naughty Professor.

What’s Chris been up to?

In 2017, Chris co-founded the non-profit Thirty Amp Circuit, with renowned guitarist Charlie Hunter. Thirty Amp’s mission is to bring music from underserved communities around the world into the mainstream.  Their first project brought them to rural Southeast Mexico to produce “Lo Sagrado,” by Silvana Estrada, which was released in November 2017.  

Chris is currently an adjunct professor of Music Business at Tulane University in New Orleans and is an active member of the Memphis Chapter of the Recording Academy, currently serving as a Chapter Governor, as well as Co-Chair of the Producers and Engineers Wing.

WhisperRoom™ is a proud sponsor of the podcast Recording Studio Rockstars. In each episode, Lij Shaw interviews music producers, engineers, studio owners, and other professionals to bring you inspiring stories, tricks, and insight from the recording industry.

You can listen to the entire podcast archive of Recording Studio Rockstars here or from your favorite podcast app.

RSR Episode #215: Jessica Tomasin

In this week’s episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, Jessica Tomasin talks about building Echo Mountain alongside studio designer George Augspurger, tips for starting off in the studio business, how to effectively promote music, and the healing power that music has on one’s mind, soul, and body.

Listen to the full episode here or in the video below!

Who is Jessica Tomasin?

In the beautiful city of Asheville NC, Jessica Tomasin manages Echo Mountain Recording Studio. Under her direction, the studio has evolved into a world-class destination that features a full range of digital and analog capabilities with an amazing selection of gear and a wide variety of credits. Artists like The War On Drugs, The Avett Brothers, Dierks Bentley, Iron and Wine, Flogging Molly, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers, and many more have worked in Echo Mountain.

Jessica also co-founded the Asheville Music Professionals, a non-profit organization committed to providing education, advocacy, connection, and collaboration in the music community. She also co-owns ACME, a publishing company that helps connect artists with licensing opportunities. Through volunteering, establishing private companies, and creating non-profit organizations, Jessica is strongly committed to promoting the city of Asheville as a musical destination and helping the future of music.

The City of Asheville: 2013’s Entrepreneur of the Year

For her work in music, Jessica was chosen as 2013’s Entrepreneur of the Year by the City of Asheville/Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, she started the full-service event management and production company Jet Up Productions. They curate yearly events and festivals such as The Breeder’s Cup, Asheville Goombay Festival, Beer City Festival, Brewgrass, RHS Community Foundation Fundraiser featuring Gladys Knight and Little Big Town, and many other events. Her most recent venture, Connect Beyond Festival, is an arts and literature festival featuring creative talent from around the world with a mission to inspire change for social justice through music, film, art, and literature.