MPW Podcast

Songwriting isn't just about inspiration; it's also about understanding the basics, piece by piece, fitting all elements together to create the song we love. In this episode, Xylo chats with ICMP Songwriting Professor, Sophie Daniels, about the creative process of songwriting and understanding the basic structures in creating a song.

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Producers have their own way to really be creative and make detailed music arrangements exactly how they want, but have you ever wondered how they dynamically control various aspects of a mix to enhance the overall sound? In this episode, Xylo chats with Grammy-nominated and MOBO award-winning mixer and engineer, Clinton McCreery, about automation and the important things and tips to note on how to use it effectively in your mixes.

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In today's music industry, boundaries have been continuously pushed to move traditional music expression to a whole new level. But have you ever wondered how artistry and engineering have been seamlessly merged to achieve this? In this episode, Xylo chats with pioneering inventor-producer-performer, Lia Mice, on the creative process of instrument making, innovating more sustainable instrument designs, and integrating digital and physical instruments to make them more accessible and inclusive, especially for musicians with disabilities.

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It is no secret that musicians face numerous challenges within the industry, but how deeply do we truly understand these shortcomings, especially the changes required to instigate meaningful progress and envision a future where inclusivity, respect, and protection prevail? In this episode, Xylo chats with ISM Senior Policy & Campaigns Officer, Naomi McCarthy, on the realities of discrimination in the music industry and the persistent challenges faced by musicians across various demographics.

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3D sound nowadays has been offering a more open and dynamic sonic experience to listeners, but have you ever wondered how this sound that envelops you from all directions has been transformed? In this episode, Xylo chats with multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer, Jacob 'Biz' Morris, about the essence of spatial audio, the unique aspects of its mixing process, and how it enhances the listening experience, whether through headphones or in a room with multiple speakers.

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Cultivating inspiration and adapting to different perspectives is always necessary in the ever-expanding world of music, but what really is the relationship between creativity and psychology in terms of music production, engineering, and composition? In this episode, Xylo chats with Grammy Award-winning audio engineer, music producer, and arranger/composer, Natalia Milanesi, about collaborating with artists of diverse personalities, overcoming creative blocks, and the delicate balance between guiding a project and respecting the artist's vision.

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Let's celebrate 100 episodes together! In this special edition episode, Xylo Aria chats about where the podcast and MPW started 4 years ago and the journey to getting where it is today. Numerous audience questions were submitted for the episode which Xylo also answers during the episode. We want to say a huge thanks to our listeners for sticking with us for the journey :)

The trend of infusing compositions with familiar tunes has already become popular nowadays but how do you really navigate the complexities of collaboration and credit that comes with it? In this episode, Xylo chats with multifaceted artist and producer, Raphaella, about how interpolations work and how exactly are splits negotiated in this creative process.

Achieving an exceptional sound in your mixes begins with selecting the right microphone for each instrument but how do you really capture the true brilliance of every note in your music. In this episode, Xylo chats with award-winning audio engineer and Shure Incorporated Product Specialist, Paul Mc Whirter, on the different microphone techniques in recording and the secret to achieving real great sound in your mixes.

It is always a key factor in getting your low-frequency mixes right especially when your music is on different platforms, but have you ever thought about how to determine, control, and harmonize these foundational tones? In this episode, Xylo chats with award-winning Canadian mix engineer, composer, audio engineer, and Izotope's video team manager, Geoff Manchester, about how to determine low frequencies and ways and tips to control and mix them.

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Musical landscapes have continuously evolved with the rhythm of technological advancements, but have you ever wondered how these profound changes revolutionized music from across different eras, from the early days of recording to today's digital age? In this episode, Xylo chats with five-time Grammy Award-nominated Electronic Music pioneer dubbed as "America’s First Female Synth Hero", Suzanne Ciani, about technological changes and evolution in music, embracing change and adapting & navigating the unknown, and challenging norms in the music industry.

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Creating a stellar make-or-break mix is essential, especially when your music travels through different streaming platforms. In this episode, Xylo chats with recording and mixing engineer, Sam Loose, about the factors and considerations crucial for delivering top-notch sound, tailored for platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

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TikTok is a powerhouse for artists looking to gain visibility and connect with a vast audience, but how do you really thrive on this dynamic platform? In this episode, Xylo chats with TikTok’s Artist Partnership Specialist for Australia and New Zealand, Tait McGregor on how to grow on TikTok by staying on top of TikTok trends and improving your TikTok content.

Your journey as an artist is not only about your music; it's also about who you are and how you present yourself to the world. In this episode, Xylo chats with Melbourne-based PR and Hunger Digital founder, Laura Semple, about exploring the key elements of authentic artist branding and how to create effective content strategy.

Creating rich orchestral sounds from the comfort of your own home studio is a dream for many composers and arrangers, but how do you achieve high-quality orchestral sounds without the need for a grand concert hall? In this episode, Xylo chats with London-based soprano, composer, and producer, Helen Noir, about producing realistic orchestral sounds of quality using your Sample Libraries.

The journey for musicians with disabilities often involves unique obstacles and triumphs, but how do they navigate their careers amidst the challenge? In this episode, Xylo chats with music industry consultant & Tibi Access founder, Dina Basille, about tips on how to expand disability awareness and enhance accessibility in the music industry.

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Collaborating with renowned DJs can be a game-changer in your music career, but how exactly can you make these collaborations happen? In this episode, Xylo chats with singer-songwriter & vocal producer, Sarah de Warren, about practical tips and expert advice on how to successfully team up with major DJs, and how to craft music that resonates with their style to be able to build a mutually beneficial partnership.

Changing your music style midway through your career can be a bold move. But how do you handle this shift in genre? In this episode, Xylo chats with London-based singer, songwriter & producer, Lilly Ahlberg, about shifting genres and sound, and advice on how to successfully navigate through this change in the middle of your music journey.

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Touring is a monumental step for any artist in getting yourself and your music to be known, but how do you actually plan and set up your very first tour? In this episode, Xylo chats with New York-based Singer-Songwriter, Producer & Engineer, and owner of A Diamond Heart Production, Vanessa Silberman, about the considerations and steps involved in touring, and her ways and tips in organizing your first tour.

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Data has become essential in today's digital age for businesses, creators, and artists alike, but have you ever wondered how musicians effectively utilize streaming platforms, social media, and audience insights to discover their target audience? In this episode, Xylo chats with Chartmetric's Business Development Manager, Michelle Yuen, on how to leverage data to identify the target audience, the potential problems musicians should be aware of when using audience data, and tips on when and where to use data when releasing music.

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It's fascinating how the music industry offers a chance for aspiring artists to fulfill their dreams, but have you ever wondered how and when things become tricky, especially when it comes to record deals? In this episode, Xylo chats with Taylor Swift's former manager and Music Industry Blueprint founder, Rick Barker, about record deals, their pros and cons, and the important factors artists should think about before deciding to take on a record deal.

To experience LALAL.AI's AI neural network to extract vocal, instrumental, drums, bass, piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and synthesizer from songs, as well as remove voice and noise from audio/video recordings, go to https://www.lalal.ai/

Good music has this incredible ability to captivate and deeply impact emotions, but have you ever wondered how these pieces were structured and created? In this episode, Xylo chats with Jazz Singer, Pianist & Youtube Sensation, Aimee Nolte, about chords and how they play a crucial role in reaching listeners on a deep emotional level.

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Most of the unforgettable songs and albums that capture our interests showcase the essence and emotion of a performer's voice but have you ever wondered how these favorites achieve that polished and captivating sound? In this episode, Xylo chats with MPG & Grammy Award-winning producer, Lorna Blackwood, on what vocal production is, the most common issues a vocal producer encounters in every session, and finding improvements to reach one's vocal potential.

In the world of film and television, dialogue is a crucial element that can make or break a scene but have you ever wondered how movies and TV shows achieve flawless dialogue, even in the most challenging filming conditions? In this episode, Xylo chats with IFTA Nominee and ADR Recordist, Emma Butt, on what ADR is, its importance in every movie and TV show production, and the different roles of an ADR recordist behind the scenes of post-production in the film and TV industry.

Soundtracks that accompany the visuals from a film help capture emotions and enhance scenes, but have you ever wondered how this music is created from the initial concept to the final product? In this episode, Xylo chats with film and visual media composer, Adele Etheridge Woodson, on the process of creating a film score, her go-to techniques in producing her compositions, and tips on how to improve your skills as a film score composer.

Your voice is a unique and powerful instrument, but it can sometimes be challenging to tap into its full potential especially if you lack confidence. In this episode, Xylo chats with award-winning singer-songwriter turned vocal coach and founder of VoxTape Studios, Lara Chapman on the biggest issues about confidence in performing, and her tips and techniques on how to successfully shape and build your vocal skills and develop your confidence as a vocalist. Follow VoxTapes Studios

Having all the trendy tools is a big plus in creating your own music, but have you ever felt so restricted in your production that you get stuck in a production limbo even with all these resources? In this episode, Xylo chats with London-based writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Attwooll on his ways and tips to being creative with your productions, how to keep up with the latest trends in the music scene, and how to deal with all the limitations as a producer and a songwriter.

Music has been an essential aspect of gaming as it stimulates a very engaging mood among the players, but have you ever wondered how this music was developed and created? In this episode, Xylo chats with award-winning audio director and Soundcuts owner and founder, Adele Cutting on the different styles and genres of game music and how to develop the skills in creating game music.

Have you ever been stuck in a situation where everything in your music is in the creative doldrums and you're hesitant to try something new? In this episode, Xylo chats to electronic music composer, producer, and performer Caro C about the elements of creative production and what techniques to use to improve your music.

Have you ever wondered who gets the sound sounding perfect for the artists in their monitors, whether they are fallbacks or in ears? In this episode, Xylo chats to Victoria Butash, a front-of-house and monitoring engineer about her work, what's involved in her day-to-day, and how someone can build their skills to get into this field. 

Have you wanted to join a songwriting camp but felt a little bit intimidated by the process? Or have you collaborated with others and want some tips on how to make the experience better? In this episode Xylo chats with Sasha Campbell and Annick Blaize, co-hosts of the podcast Songwriting Saves the World, on how they go about the co-writing process and their tips on how to have the best songwriting experiences. 

Have you ever wondered who puts together the performances that make up the big shows in the stadiums and arenas? In this episode, Xylo chats with music director and co-founder of WFB LIve William Bowerman, who has worked with artists such as Dua Lipa and Post Malone, on how he puts these shows together, sources, musicians, directs the performances and more!

Mental health among musicians can be a difficult thing to talk about at times but is a vital area to keep on check! In this episode Xylo chats with clinical and humanistic psychologist specialized in the music industry, Rosana Corbacho on her top tips and tricks to keep yourself mentally healthy and how you can support your peers to do the same. 

Have you ever thought about what goes into a good vocal performance? There might be a few things that impact this outside, vocal exercises and techniques that you didn't know about! In this episode Xylo chats with experienced vocalist and vocal coach Gemma Surgue (who has worked with artists such as Bon Iver, Maverick Sabre, Damien Rice, and many more) on her top tips to improve your voice and vocal performances. 

Have you suffered from writer's block before or do you have a tonne of unfinished songs on your hard drive? In this episode Xylo chats with world-renowned artist, producer and YouTuber Andrew Huang on his top tips to not only finish more music and generate new ideas but also ways to get out of your head during the process!

Have you ever wondered how recordings that become damaged through issues while recording, or through physical damage on a tape, CD or Vinyl get restored back to high-quality audio? In this episode, Xylo chats with restoration engineer, Jessica Thompson, on the process she goes through to restore audio files and tips we can use to restore our own files which may have hisses/pops/ etc.!

Have you wondered how some musicians grow a significant following on TikTok, keep people engaged and turn them into fans? In this episode Xylo chats with, talented Australian musician Bailey Pickles on how he grew his 1.2 million following on TikTok, his advice to other musicians on how to go about it while also prioritizing a positive mental state.

Are you new to mixing and wondering what it is in layman's terms? Or would you like some simple-to-follow tips and tricks on how to start getting a great mix? In this episode, Xylo chats with Mix Like a Girl's founder Caridad Espinosa on the basics of mixing, where to start and what to look out for to get the best possible result!

Did you know that some people's jobs involve touring with their favorite bands and making sure the band's gear is set up just right amongst other things? In this episode Xylo chats with Claire Murphy about her job as a Backline tech, how she got there, tips for others and her life on tour and her life on tour.

The world of theatre sound design is sometimes overlooked in audio and tech careers, but one that offers a lot of scope for creativity. In this week's episode we spoke to freelance sound designer and audio engineer Anna-Lee Craig about her work as a sound designer for theatre and on 'Hamilton', balancing work and family life, as well as alternative career paths in creative fields.

Dealing with all kinds of people definitely requires a certain amount of people skills and a whole lot more patience. In this episode, Xylo Aria chats to The Hideout studio manager and engineer Zoe Thrall about her ways of managing a studio, tips for beginner artists & producers, and what to expect when producing songs.

Working on multiple projects can be overwhelming, not to mention the pressure in managing everything amidst additional non-work related circumstances. In this episode Xylo chats to Grammy-nominated audio engineer & radio producer, Jeanne Montalvo on her career as a radio producer and her ways and tips on how to work around hectic schedules to produce a qaulity sounding radio production.

A great mix is usually when everything in the song makes sense to the artist and the listener, but how do you really achieve that? In this episode, Xylo Aria chats to engineer, mixer, and producer Antonia Gauci about her ways of creating and mixing templates for every element in the song and her tips on sounding like a pro.

Whether you're watching a TV show or playing your favorite video game, adding a particular sound will always give that scene a driving feel and atmosphere. In this episode, post-production audio engineer Christa Giammattei talks about the difference between music production and post-production and her process of creating and developing stories through sound.

Ever wondered how those background vocals help your favorite song achieve that full, lush pop sound? In this episode, Xylo Aria chats with producer and engineer Becki Whitton about the typical vocal layering techniques often used by artists today and what to do and what not to do with your vocal takes more specifically in terms of phasing.

Promoting your music and building a community is not an easy task especially if you don't have your own site in the digital space. In this episode Xylo Aria chats with CEO for Music Ecommerce platform Bandzoogle, Stacey Bedford about choosing the perfect host in setting up a website and the effect of the rise of social media on traditional marketing websites.