ProducerHead

Welcome to part one of this two part episode with Brian Funk.

Today's guest is Brian Funk, a New York-based musician, producer, and Ableton Certified Trainer.

Brian hosts the Music Production Podcast, teaches music production at Berklee Online, and is the author of 5-Minute Music Producer: 365 Music-Making Activities.

Throughout this conversation we talk about

* The value of embracing structure in songwriting.

* Decision making in the music production process.

* How limitations in your production process are a good thing.

* Working hard and not taking yourself too seriously.

* And Brian teaches me about anaphora.

Also, Brian brings us a mix of old and new for the ProducerHead Listening Room.

That’s it for Part One of this two part episode. Subscribe to ProducerHead wherever you are listening so that you don’t miss out on Part 2. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with a friend.

Don’t miss Part 2 of this conversation with Brian Funk, where we will get into:

* The advantages of having a day job.

* Thinking about the opinions of others.

* The distinction between what you can and can’t control.

* How multiple projects can help you avoid burnout.

* And, how Brian accidentally wrote a book.

Top 3 Gems From This Conversation:

1. SELF-IMPOSED CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS LEAD TO FINISHING WORK.

If you have a computer, you can do anything, and that’s too much. Limit your options. Making decisions propels you forward.

2. A VISION IS NOT REQUIRED TO BEGIN A PROJECT.

Once you are on the path, you will discover what exists on the path. Begin working and you’ll find that you can reshape and edit according to what you experience during the process. Your vision will reveal itself along the way.

I love this one. Here’s the proof: “Do it on purpose and find out who you are.”

3. SHARE WHO YOU ARE.

In Brian’s case, he believed his musical identity should remain outside of school (he also teaches English). He has come to find that the two can live together. The world of education appreciates his musical talents and vice versa.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

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Instagram: @torubeat

YouTube: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Brian Funk:

Instagram: @brianfunkmusic

Brian’s Website: https://brianfunk.com/

Conversation Timeline:

00:00 Intro

01:45 Track 1 And Discussion

15:30 Track 2 And Discussion

25:05 Track 3 And Discussion

36:40 Drops In The Bucket

42:28 Following Personal Interest And Excitement

43:51 Becoming an Ableton Certified Trainer

46:45 Separation Between Music and Professional Life

47:50 Burnout (Episode 16 Preview)

48:00 Outro

Referenced:

How To Write One Song

The World Within A Song

Anaphora

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to part two of this two part episode with Chenoa Tarin.

Today's guest is Chenoa Tarin, a Brooklyn based, producer, vocalist and songwriter whose sounds are an homage to the music that formed her. Chenoa Tarin also runs “Bouquet,” a monthly femme forward artist showcase in Brooklyn with resident DJ Dewy ‘87.

As you’ll hear throughout this conversation, Chenoa believes deeply in self-expression and the importance of art.

Throughout this conversation, we will discuss:

* Chenoa’s experience at SAE Institute.

* Complementary career paths as a music producer.

* The importance of being competent AND kind.

* What is technically correct versus what is true and authentic to you.

* Chenoa’s experience and ideas for starting an event of your own, wherever you are.

* And, Chenoa tells us that you can do whatever you want, forever.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. REGARDLESS OF YOUR TALENT, ARE YOU KIND?

Yes. Make good music. Also, there is no substitute for kindness and connection to a community.

You can fail alone, but no one succeeds without the support of others.

2. FOCUS ON COMMUNICATING WHAT YOU FEEL, NOT WHAT IS “CORRECT.”

Notice if you are imposing rules and limitations about what is technically “correct.” Prioritize the communication of your energy and feeling through your music.

3. YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, FOREVER.

Remember that when other people say you that you cannot do something, it is not necessarily true.

It is something that they said, nothing more.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Instagram: @torubeat

YouTube: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Chenoa Tarin:

Instagram: @chenoatarin

Chenoa’s Website: https://www.chenoatarin.com/

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

0:00 Intro

1:38 Another's Success Is Not Your Failure

2:50 Quitting Too Early

4:40 Formal Education and Chenoa's Experience at SAE

14:03 Balancing Competence and Kindness

18:45 How and Why to Start Your Own Show

21:40 Self-imposed Limits and Rules

26:20 Caught Up In Music As Technically Correct

29:40 Comparison

34:10 Save Everything

37:30 Quick Hits - Get to know Chenoa

43:20 Chenoa's parting message

44:30 Outro

Referenced:

The Creative Act: A Way Of Being

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to part one of this two part episode with Chenoa Tarin.

Today's guest is Chenoa Tarin, a Brooklyn based, producer, vocalist and songwriter whose sounds are an homage to the music that formed her. Chenoa Tarin also runs “Bouquet”; a monthly femme forward artist showcase in Brooklyn with resident DJ Dewy ‘87.

As you’ll hear throughout this conversation, Chenoa believes deeply in self-expression and the importance of art.

Throughout this conversation, we will discuss:

* Community and how Chenoa actively builds it through Bouqet.

* Expressing your values and creating inclusive spaces through events.

* Why Chenoa decided starting her own show was important.

* That you are ready before you think you are.

* And, that the success of another is not your failure.

And, Chenoa shares a few bangers across genres in today’s edition of the ProducerHead Listening Room.

That’s it for Part 1 of this two part episode with Chenoa Tarin. Take a quick second and subscribe to ProducerHead wherever you are listening so that you catch Part 2. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with a friend:

Don’t miss out on Part 2 of this conversation with Chenoa, where we will get into:

* Chenoa’s experience at SAE Institute.

* Complementary career paths as a music producer.

* The importance of being competent AND kind.

* What is technically correct versus what is true and authentic to you.

* Chenoa’s experience and ideas for starting an event of your own, wherever you are.

* And, Chenoa tells us that you can do whatever you want, forever.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. ANOTHER PERSON’S SUCCESS IS NOT YOUR FAILURE.

Other people are not your competition nor in your way. When you witness another’s success, make it a point to congratulate them.

No one controls whether or not they succeed.

However, they do choose how to treat themselves and others when they do.

2. THERE ARE MANY WOMEN MAKING MUSIC.

We all have a responsibility to include and make space for one another.

You have more power than you think you do to make an impact.

3. WE ARE UNABLE TO SEE WHAT ANOTHER PERSON IS GOING THROUGH.

Social Media gives us the impression that we know how and what other people are doing.

Before you compare or place judgments on another person’s life, keep in mind that you are viewing curated surface-level snapshots.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Substack:

Instagram: @torubeat

YouTube: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Chenoa Tarin:

Instagram: @chenoatarin

Chenoa’s Website: https://www.chenoatarin.com/

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

0:00 Intro

1:45 Listening Room Track 1

4:40 Listening Room Track 1 - Discussion

8:08 Listening Room Track 2

12:22 Listening Room Track 2 - Discussion

15:35 Listening Room Track 3

18:30 Listening Room Track 3 - Discussion

26:20 Bouqet and Creating Safe Spaces for Performance

29:00 Philosophy behind Boquet

31:20 Inspiration for starting Boquet

36:55 Another's Success Is Not Your Failure

38:29 Add'l Context and Outro

Referenced:

Bouqet: The Monthly Show Run By Chenoa and Dewy ‘87.

Heart Beats: The Monthly Show Run By A. Sarr

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Part 2 of this two part conversation with Wrex Mason.

Today's guest is Wrex Mason, a Hip-Hop producer from Hartford, CT; currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. Wrex began producing at age 11, and for the past 13 years, he has released both solo and collaborative projects with a wide range of artists.

Above all else, Wrex prioritizes being a "perpetual student of the craft" and a stark advocate for creative independence.

His influences include J Dilla, Madlib, Flying Lotus, DJ Premier, Easy Moe Bee, 9th Wonder, and Pete Rock.

WrexMason.com is a one-stop shop for Wrex's discography, merch, and marketplace for artists in search of beats.

Welcome to part two of this two part episode with Wrex Mason.

If you haven’t already, I invite you to listen to Part 1 of this conversation, where Wrex shares his Sketchbook Mentality and his philosophy on how to keep good and bad days in perspective.

Today, in part two of this conversation, Wrex shares how he identified the grooves of his self-talk to improve his practice and his art. How he combines structure and free-flowing time to capture inspiration, and what producers can learn from the world of cooking. Wrex also emphasizes the prioritization of making music for yourself first.

Before you soak-up another episode of ProducerHead, please subscribe and drop a rating as well as a review wherever you are listening. This helps ProducerHead find its place and its people. After all, without you, there is no ProducerHead.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. SCHEDULE CREATIVE TIME THAT NATURALLY PLAYS TO YOUR STRENGTHS.

What works for others may or may not work for you.

Look for patterns in what has led to fulfilling creative sessions in the past and try to recreate those.

If you don’t know where to start, pick an approach or copy another routine and try it out.

Adjust for youself along the way, but keep experimenting. The idea is to stay in motion.

2. IF YOU CAN’T CREATE, CLEAN.

You’re in a creative session and nothing is happening.

Take this time to clean your studio while you listen to samples.

Re-organize your digital studio.

Listen and organize samples you have to set yourself up for a future session.

3. BE OPEN TO INSPIRATION FROM NON-MUSICAL SOURCES.

Wrex uses chefs and culinary arts as a model to draw on inspiration. What else interests you outside of music?

Maybe it’s sports, fashion, design, comedy, or something completely different?

Give yourself the opportunity to appreciate how others approach their craft.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Instagram: @torubeat

YouTube: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Wrex Mason:

Instagram: @wrexmason

Website: WrexMason.com

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

0:00 Preview / Intro

2:02 There's A Yesterday...

4:12 How Wrex Discovered This Philosophy

5:45 Wrex's Routine

7:45 Saving Ideas

8:12 What Makes A Good Sample

8:50 Inspiration From Non-Musical Sources

11:40 Make Music For Yourself First. Inspired by Madlib

13:00 How Do You Develop Taste?

17:55 Surprising Sample Sources

20:15 The Difference Between an Artist and a Producer

22:00 What To Do When You Get Stuck

24:00 What To Do When You Are Overthinking

28:30 Upcoming Projects

30:00 Where To Get Beats

31:10 Quick Hits

38:23 Closing

Referenced:

Madlib Speaking on Making Music For Himself First (@4:02):

Brasilintime Documentary (Full Doc)

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Part 1 of this two part conversation with Wrex Mason.

Today's guest is Wrex Mason, a Hip-Hop producer from Hartford, CT; currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. Wrex began producing at age 11, and for the past 13 years, he has released both solo and collaborative projects with a wide range of artists.

Above all else, Wrex prioritizes being a "perpetual student of the craft" and a stark advocate for creative independence.

His influences include J Dilla, Madlib, Flying Lotus, DJ Premier, Easy Moe Bee, 9th Wonder, and Pete Rock.

WrexMason.com is a one-stop shop for Wrex's discography, merch, and marketplace for artists in search of beats.

Welcome to part one of this two part episode with Wrex Mason.

In this conversation, Wrex shares his Sketchbook Mentality, the importance of maintaining sustainable working habits in order to produce our best work, and the power of a broad perspective in our day-in and day-out work.

Before you soak-up another episode of ProducerHead, please subscribe and drop a rating as well as a review wherever you are listening. This helps ProducerHead find its place and its people. After all, without you, there is no ProducerHead.

That’s it for Part 1 of this two part conversation with Wrex Mason.

Make sure you come back for part two of this conversation, where Wrex shares how he identified the grooves of his self-talk to improve his practice and his art. How he combines structure and free-flowing time to capture inspiration. What producers can learn from the world of cooking. And, the prioritization of making music for yourself first.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. REMEMBER THAT TODAY IS ONE OF MANY DAYS.

There will be days where the work will come easier than others.

None of those days are necessarily better or worse than any other.

Show up every day with a curiosity and openness to what may happen.

2. UNCHECKED FEAR IS A POWERFUL AND OFTEN INVISIBLE FORCE.

If you notice yourself experiencing thoughts that are not encouraging you to move forward, ask yourself if you’re experiencing fear.

Asses that fear and re-label it according to its actual merit.

3. EMBRACE A SKETCHBOOK MENTALITY.

Remember: You don’t get to choose when good ideas come.

When an idea comes to you, even in a fragmented or incomplete form, write it down, record it, or make a voice note.

Show up regularly and pay attention to when ideas are presenting themselves.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Instagram: @torubeat

YouTube: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Wrex Mason:

Instagram: @wrexmason

Website: WrexMason.com

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

Chapters

0:00 Preview

0:30 Intro

2:05 Listening Session Track 1

7:01 Listening Session Track 1 - Discussion

11:22 Listening Session Track 2

15:39 Listening Session Track 2 - Discussion

19:30 Adult Swim Context

20:58 Listening Session Track 3

24:35 Listening Session Track 3 - Discussion

26:45 Restraint In Music

27:45 Sketchbook Mentality

29:30 Discovery of The Long Term and Sketchbook Mindset

31:18 Managing stress and pressure.

34:12 Closing

Referenced:

Adult Swim: Wiki, Adult Swim Website

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the first installment of ProducerHead Gems, where we will take a look back at some of the best that past guests have shared on ProducerHead.

This is Part 2 of a two part episode where we will hear from Birocratic, Nothing Neue, Ian Ewing, and Piklo.

First up is Birocratic, sharing a pivotal moment in his career and how he harnessed the momentum to build relationships along with his audience. He even goes so far as to re-contextualize what he learned for today’s state of the industry and offer potential strategies you can implement on your own.

To hear more from Birocratic, check out Episode 008 of ProducerHead (this excerpt was taken from Part 2).

Next we will hear from Nothing Neue, who was featured on Episode 009. Nothing Neue shares how being signed to Alpha Pup Records has impacted his perspective as an artist and his thoughts on motivation and encouragement.

To hear more from Nothing Neue, check out Episode 009 of ProducerHead (this excerpt was taken from Part 1).

Next up is Ian Ewing, who was featured on Episode 011 of ProducerHead. During the conversation, Ian spoke to the inter-connected nature of what’s happening in our lives and what’s happening in our work. This clip provides a glimpse into Ian’s experience with routines and how they have evolved to help maintain momentum in his creative process.

To hear more from Ian Ewing check out Episode 011 of ProducerHead (this excerpt was taken from Part 1).

Last but not least we are traveling back to Episode 002 of ProducerHead, which featured Piklo, who shared motivation and actionable ideas for creating products as an artist. If you feel like you’re lacking a spark of inspiration, here’s some free momentum from Piklo.

To hear more from Piklo check out Episode 002 of ProducerHead.

That's it for the second part of this two part episode of ProducerHead Gems. Let me know how you felt about this first edition of ProducerHead Gems by leaving a review and sharing your favorite moment.

To hear the full conversations with any of the past guests, a guide is as follows:

To hear more from:

* Birocratic, check out Episode 008 of ProducerHead.

* Nothing Neue, check out Episode 009 of ProducerHead.

* Ian Ewing check out Episode 011 of ProducerHead.

* Piklo check out Episode 002 of ProducerHead.

Subscribe and stay tuned, a new episode of ProducerHead is coming very soon.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the first installment of ProducerHead Gems, where we will take a look back at some of the best that past guests have shared on ProducerHead.

This will be a two part episode and in Part 1, we will hear from Cryptic One, Jacuzzi Jefferson, Just Jared, and WEI.

First up is Just Jared sharing ideas for how to go about learning production whether you're just starting out or an experienced producer interested in expanding your existing knowledge.

What I love about Jared's approach is the emphasis on setting high-level goals to provide direction and aligning with your work through the application of what you learn in smaller pieces over time.

To hear more from Just Jared, check out Episode 004 of ProducerHead.

WEI came by on Episode 005 to round out the first season and share his perspective on how to be a good collaborator. Not only that, he left us with an important reminder to consider when thinking about music and the various platforms through which we interact with music and each other.

For more from WEI, tap in to Episode 005 of ProducerHead.

Here is Jacuzzi Jefferson, sharing a glimpse of what it's like to be a student in his college course, where he teaches electronic music production. Listen up to catch some ideas for expanding your own musical tastes and stepping up your game as a mixing engineer and producer.

For more from Jacuzzi Jefferson, tap into Episode 001 of ProducerHead.

Here is Cryptic One, who joined us in Episode 003 to share his take on Writer's Block as well as how to break through it. How does this compare to your own view? Is Cryp's position on Writer's Block as controversial as he thinks?

Tap in to the full conversation with Cryptic One on Episode 003, where we also get into How To Find Your Own Sound, Impostor Syndrome, and other topics.

That's it for the first part of this two part episode of ProducerHead Gems. I hope you enjoyed hearing some of these distilled moments and find a way to apply them in your own creative process.

Again, to hear more from each of these artists, you can refer to the previous conversations as follow:

Just Jared in Episode 004,

WEI in Episode 005,

Jacuzzi Jefferson in Episode 001, and

Cryptic One in Episode 003.

Subscribe and stay tuned for Part 2 of this first edition of ProducerHead Gems.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to part two of this two part episode with Ian Ewing.

Today's guest is Ian Ewing, a self-taught instrumentalist, producer and artist who blends a smooth mix of hip hop, electronica, and R&B to create a sound that has been supported and showcased by Chillhop Music, SiriusXM, BBC One Extra, Soulection, Complexion's Future Beats Show, and many others.

At a young age, the Southern California-based artist (by way of Wisconsin) fell in love with hip hop and the history behind it. This was his gateway into electronic beat production where he finds himself today, as he strives to create ambient compositions of sample-based sounds blended with his own instrumentation.

Ewing has headlined various shows across the US, and has both collaborated and toured with artists including Flamingosis, Louis Futon, Joey Pecoraro, Anomalie, Galimatias, and Cautious Clay.

In this conversation:

- The pro's and con's of having an over-analytical perspective.

- Making music that is true to who you are creatively and musically.

- The importance of the work behind the scenes.

- How creating art that is in line with what is interesting to you leads to a more sustainable path.

- And, we even get a little insight in to Ian's passion for hummus.

If you haven't already, I invite you to listen to Part 1 of this conversation, as we covered several topics from Ian's unique and experienced perspective.

Alright, with all of that said, let's drop in to Part 2 of this conversation with Ian Ewing.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. YOUR MUSIC IS A SELF-PORTRAIT AND OFFERS A REFLECTION.

If you’re wondering how you’re doing in general, observe what you make.

How does it make you feel?

Can you hear that you’ve skipped meals, rest, and other forms of nourishment that supports your creative work?

2. BE KIND TO YOURSELF IN THE WORLD OF CONTENT CREATION.

Making music and content are each challenging tasks on their own. Combining them, even more so.

Therefore, allow your content to flow naturally out of the way you work so that you can avoid creating unnecessary work for yourself.

By the way, make content that you enjoy making.

3. MAKING MUSIC THAT IS TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE.

Playlists offer an opportunity for growth and exposure.

And, may encourage fitting in over exploring your own artistic development.

Only you may really know when you are being honest to your artistic visions and personal principles.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Substack:

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Ian Ewing:

Instagram: @ianewingmusic

Website: https://ianewingmusic.com/

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

0:00 Intro

2:38 Music and Music As A Career

10:50 Energy Sources of Motivation

15:40 Making Music That Feels Right and Ian's New Live Album

23:00 The Tension Between Music and Short Form Content

27:00 Alignment of Your Content and Your Music

31:30 Listening Session - Track 2/Discussion

37:27 Listening Session - Track 3/Discussion

41:20 Ian's New and Upcoming Projects

42:52 Quick Questions

55:20 Closing It Down

56:30 Outro

Referenced:

Below songs are archived here (along with all other episodes).

Chaka Khan, Lew Hahn - Move Me No Mountain

Dani Desh - Night Station

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to part one of this two part episode with Ian Ewing.

Today's guest is Ian Ewing, a self-taught instrumentalist, producer and artist who blends a smooth mix of hip hop, electronica, and R&B to create a sound that has been supported and showcased by Chillhop Music, SiriusXM, BBC One Extra, Soulection, Complexion's Future Beats Show, and many others.

At a young age, the Southern California-based artist (by way of Wisconsin) fell in love with hip hop and the history behind it. This was his gateway into electronic beat production where he finds himself today, as he strives to create ambient compositions of sample-based sounds blended with his own instrumentation.

Ewing has headlined various shows across the US, and has both collaborated and toured with artists including Flamingosis, Louis Futon, Joey Pecoraro, Anomalie, Galimatias, and Cautious Clay.

- Making better decisions versus more decisions.

- The value of observing your playing through recording.

- The relationship between effort expended and quality of art made.

- Applying a "Fire and Forget" mindset in the studio.

- The impact and connection between routines in your professional and personal life.

- The Value of Defining Your Own Success.

- And, so much more.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. MAKE BETTER DECISIONS, NOT MORE DECISIONS.

There is not a direct relationship between the quantity of your decisions or complexity in your process and the quality of what you produce.

Remember this the next time you are immersed in your process.

2. MORE NOTES DOES NOT EQUAL MORE MUSIC.

Allow understanding what serves the music to be your guide. Record yourself playing and practicing and ask yourself what may be removed without reducing the song.

3. DEFINE YOUR OWN SUCCESS.

In today’s environment, there is considerable external pressure imposing definitions of success.

Take ownership of your success by choosing to define it.

In doing so, you succeed on your own terms with an understanding of what is within your control.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Substack:

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Ian Ewing:

Instagram: @ianewingmusic

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

0:00 Intro

2:50 Listening Session, Track 1

11:10 Recording and Listening to Yourself

15:30 Decisions: Making More v. Better

18:18 The Relationship Between Effort and Quality of Work

21:35 Ian’s “Fire and Forget” Mentality

23:25 The Value and Impact of Routines Inside and Outside of Production

26:30 Being In and Out of The Studio Consistently

29:10 Protecting Quality of Your Creative Time Regardless of its Quantity

30:50 Be Flexible In How Creativity Gets Done

31:52 Pearls On A String

32:55 Rack Up W’s For Yourself

35:00 Maintaining Pride and Encouragement Around What You Do

37:00 A More Expansive Perspective On Productivity

38:00 Operating From A Place Of Compassionate Discipline

41:30 10 Years Of Experience Teaches You There’s More To It Than Hard Work

45:50 Working With Uncertainty

50:35 Thoughts On Optimism

51:50 Outro And Preview of Part 2

Referenced:

Open Studio - A resource for piano and music education.

Stutz - String of Pearls

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to part two of this two part episode with Metic.

Today's guest is Metic, a producer who fuses soulful guitar grooves with laid-back hip-hop beats.

His playing is rooted in blues and finger-style guitar and his productions are informed by 90s boom-bap, G-funk, and trip-hop.

A frequent collaborator, the Brooklyn-based, Hong Kong native continues to draw inspiration from both cities.

This is showcased in his album release: Thoughts on Home and Symmetry, which documents his life and travels across his home and hometown.

In Part Two of this two-part conversation, we discuss:

- Quality versus quantity as it pertains to relationships.

- Metic's experience releasing vinyl using crowdfunding through Qrates as well owning the process independently.

- The three major categories of work as an artist and how to approach allocating your energy across each one.

- Managing expectations in a way that allows you to maintain forward motion.

- And, a reminder that you don't have to be good at everything in order to succeed.

By the way…If you haven't already, I invite you to listen to Part 1 of this conversation for additional context as some topics re-emerge and develop.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. The Craft Is At The Core.

Today’s artist is expected to take on many responsibilities beyond the making of the art. However, it is important to find a way to be sure you are prioritizing what is at the heart of what you do: make art.

2. Learning To Say No.

This we know: It isn’t possible to do everything.

So, when an opportunity arises that is not aligned with your goals, outside of your capacity, or simply uninteresting, it’s OK to say no.

3. You Don’t Have To Be The Best At Everything.

As mentioned in Podium #5, “Success Occurs In The Privacy Of The Soul.”

Assess your talents and abilities as objectively as possible. Do what you can with what you have. You’re lack of knowledge or skill in one area does not necessarily prohibit success.

Remember: A skill is not a static quality, but a learned and dynamic ability that changes based on the attention we invest.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Substack:

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Metic:

Instagram: @meticmusic

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

0:00 Intro

2:22 All Terms Are Negotiable

4:30 Quality v. Quantity in Relationships

6:03 The Process of Releasing Vinyl

11:30 Discoverability and Relationships

15:00 The Three Categories of Work As An Artist

19:50 Setting Expectations

22:55 The Pressure To Be Everywhere

24:30 Establishing Priorities and Saying No

25:20 Upcoming Projects

27:55 Quick Questions

37:10 Closing

38:29 Show Your Love For ProducerHead

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to part one of this two part episode with Metic

Today's guest is Metic, a producer who fuses soulful guitar grooves with laid-back hip-hop beats.

His playing is rooted in blues and finger-style guitar and his productions are informed by 90s boom-bap, G-funk, and trip-hop.

A frequent collaborator, the Brooklyn-based, Hong Kong native continues to draw inspiration from both cities.

This is showcased in his album release: Thoughts on Home and Symmetry, which documents his life and travels across his home and hometown.

In the first part of this two part episode, we talk about:

Quality versus quantity as it pertains to music.

Finishing existing projects versus starting new ones.

Navigating creative blocks.

Thoughts on releasing music independently as well as with labels.

Negotiation and being OK with walking away from a deal that doesn't feel right.

And, we listen to a range of tunes brought in by Metic himself.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. The Path To Quality Runs Through Quantity.

No matter where you are in your exploration of creativity, keep going.

The experience and process of production will always provide valuable information when done genuinely and consistently over time.

2. Working with labels is ONE option, not THE option.

Choose your collaborators thoughtfully and wisely according to your goals.

3. If it doesn’t feel right, walk away.

You cannot build a relationship with everyone. Notice when a spirit of scarcity is guiding your decision-making.

Remember: Saying no to an opportunity that is not a good fit creates room for one that is.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Substack:

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Metic:

Instagram: @meticmusic

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

0:00 Intro

1:47 Listening Session

2:12 Track 1 and Discussion

10:15 Track 2 and Discussion

17:44 Track 3 and Discussion

26:40 Quality v. Quantity

28:10 Recognizing Quality In Your Own Work

30:00 Forcing It

31:40 Release Strategies

33:59 All Contract Terms Are Negotiable

37:18 Outro

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to part two of this two part episode with Nothing_Neue.

Today's guest is Nothing_Neue, a Brooklyn born Producer/Beatmaker, and Artist, focused on creating worlds out of music.

In 2023, he was signed to the Los Angeles-based, Alpha Pup Records, which as been considered a top-tier indie label for years, releasing projects from a wide variety of artists, including: Mike Gao, Nosaj Thing, Free The Robots, Dibia$e, Jonwayne, and Daedelus.

Welcome to Part 2 of this two part conversation with Nothing_Neue, where we discuss:

- Developing the ability to view consequences and results with more objectivity.

- Applying that objectivity to content creation and the resulting feedback.

- How Nothing_Neue demonstrates his values and contributes to community.

- Encouragement and ideas for sharing your own voice.

- and, Nothing_Neue shares technical and emotive perspective for mixing. So, if you're working on a mix, get ready to take in some gems.

As always, the conversation found its own way to some other interesting areas and topics to help you re-think how you're working and where you may be able to experiment.

If you haven't already, go back and listen to Part 1 with Nothing_Neue to take in more of his experience and insights. I assure you, there are many.

If you've already heard Part 1 with Nothing_Neue, I highly recommend listening to a previous episode you may have missed.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. CONNECT THE LONG-TERM AND THE DAY-TO-DAY.

Adopting a long-term view and patience in how you build a project or career by definition creates a large project.

Break apart the long-term view into actionable steps that can be taken today, at a pace that can be maintained indefinitely.

2. YOU CAN SEE LESS THAN YOU CAN’T.

Give yourself and others the benefit of the doubt.

There are an infinite number of things happening in the lives of others that are not visible to you.

3. BE AN ACTIVE AND GENEROUS MEMBER OF YOUR COMMUNITY

How can you share what it is you see to help others?

When you help others grow, you grow.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Substack:

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Nothing_Neue:

Instagram: @nothing_neue

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

1:56 Building v. Buying Longevity

4:45 Peaks and Valleys

5:20 Day-to-Day Mentality and Sustainability

6:50 Defining Success

9:10 Bring objectivity into how you view your career

16:15 Community

22:25 Mixing Philosophy and Tactics

26:45 In Plain Sight

31:25 Upcoming Projects

32:55 Quick Hit Round

49:10 Outro Info

Referenced:

Designer Signed by Kanye

In Plain Sight Radio on Instagram

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to part one, of this two part episode with Nothing_Neue.

Today's guest is Nothing_Neue, a Brooklyn born Producer/Beatmaker, and Artist, focused on creating worlds out of music.

In 2023, he was signed to the Los Angeles-based, Alpha Pup Records, which as been considered a top-tier indie label for years, releasing projects from a wide variety of artists, including: Mike Gao, Nosaj Thing, Free The Robots, Dibia$e, Jonwayne, and Daedelus.

In the first part of this two part episode, we talk about:

Nothing_Neue's signing to AlphaPup and its impact on his life as an artist.

Learning to embrace and trust your own judgment.

Internal and external encouragement and its role in pursuing goals.

How Nothing_Neue processes feedback that doesn't line up with his own feelings about his work.

How Nothing_Neue applies an entrepreneurial mindset to his art.

Embracing longevity as a strategy in an era of instant feedback and gratification.

How achievement of a big goal can bring about sadness.

And, Nothing_Neue brings a few songs for us to listen to and discuss.

As always, this was a lot of fun and provides insight and context into Nothing_Neue's musical perspective.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. ACHIEVING A BIG GOAL CAN BRING ABOUT SADNESS.

Do not make the mistake of thinking that achieiving that big goal (e.g. getting signed to a label) will solve the problems in your life.

Be thoughtful and intentional about the way you set expectations and goals for yourself.

2. OPERATE FROM A PLACE OF TRUTH

You don’t have to take part in business to make music, but if you want to participate in the music business, you will have to figure out how to make this work for you in a way that matches your prinicples.

If you feel like making money from your music requires a fundamental compromise of your values, do not do it. You can earn money in many other ways.

3. LONGEVITY AS A PRIORITY

If your goals are to build a durable and lasting career, ensure that the way you work and build are aligned accordingly. It will take practice, but learn to say no to the short-term and surface level wins that are not harmonious with your goals.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Substack:

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Nothing_Neue:

Instagram: @nothing_neue

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

0:00 Intro

2:04 Welcome

2:38 Listening Session, Track 1

6:44 Discussion, Track 1

9:08 Listening Session, Track 2

13:09 Discussion, Track 2

17:06 Listening Session, Track 3

20:18 Discussion, Track 3

24:50 Alpha Pup signing

27:50 Double Down On You

31:40 Encouragement

33:50 How to take outside feedback and opinion

37:00 People pleasing

37:30 Entrepreneurial Mindset As An Artist

41:00 Longevity As A Priority

43:25 Sensitivity Around Money And Art

45:00 Don't Infringe On Your Truth

46:26 Transparency

48:00 Reaching A Big Goal Can Bring About Sadness

50:44 Outro

Referenced:

Yoofee - I Know

Showbiz & A.G. - All Out

Flying Lotus - Massage Situation

Designer Signed by Kanye

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to part two, of this two part episode with Brandon Rowan, aka Birocratic.

In case you missed part one of this conversation, Birocratic is a Brooklyn-based producer, making sample-based beats in the vein of ‘70s funk and old-school New York hip hop, augmented by live-recorded bass guitar and synthesizer.

Birocratic's Beets albums have topped the Bandcamp hip-hop charts.

And Birocratic has toured the US multiple times, including stops at venues like Red Rocks in Colorado.

Finally, Birocratic has co-written songs with Grammy-award winning artists. Birocratic currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.

If you have not already, I can't recommend enough that you check out part one of this convo we where discussed:

- Approaching your creative process through a place of excitement and fun versus hard work.

- Lessons learned from giving lessons to other producers.

- Motivation.

- Making money and its place in artistic development

- AND, of course, our mini-listening session, where we played a couple tracks and talked about what we heard.

Now, in part two of this conversation, we discuss:

- The importance of establishing your own purpose

- Appreciating the amount of work behind the scenes of others who appear to be “ahead” of you.

- Building Relationships through collaboration.

- The state of streaming as it relates to beats.

- Building an audience of true fans of what you do.

- How Birocratic went from making beats in his dorm room to catching a buzz and developing his career.

As you'll hear throughout this conversation, Birocratic has a deep passion for making music. Birocratic continues to explore and expand his horizons while spreading motivation and encouragement to others around him. This conversation is full of ideas to keep you moving forward.

Top 3 Gems From This Convo:

1. DECIDE ON YOUR WHY.

If you develop your own sense of purpose and direction as to why you are pursuing what is you pursue, you are less likely to be distracted or thrown off of balance by the whims and opinions of others.

2. LEAN BACK LISTENERS ARE STEP 1.

Do Not Forget: A large quantity of passive consumers is not necessarily a signal that you have a real fan/customer base. If building an audience is something you have decided is a priority (see Gem 1), explore ways in which you can develop direct relationships with people who are interested in what you do.

3. DON'T OVEREMPHASIZE VANITY MECTRICS

The gamification of much of what we do and share online can lead us to focus on areas that don't serve our growth and development. It is important to monitor goals and purpose (again, See Gem 1), while ensuring that your efforts are directed to help you reach them.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Substack:

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Birocratic:

email: [email protected]

Instagram: @birocratic

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

00:00 Introduction

02:20 In It For The Money

02:30 The Value and Importance of Purpose

05:02 Lack of Visibility into The Careers Of Others

05:20 Birocratic's Trajectory and Origin

09:50 Outreach and Hustle (finding places for your music)

11:00 Appreciating the Work of Others You Can't See

11:56 Taking action based on context

12:15 Building Relationships and Offering music in the world and era of tiktok and digital creators

13:08 Honesty about where you are in your career

15:12 Valuing Your Own Music

15:40 Chillhop Music History and Birocratic's Role in its development

19:50 Starting From a Place of Creating Quality/Adopting a Long-Term View

20:30 The rise of other labels following the model demonstrated by Chillhop

20:50 The State of Lofi and Streaming

23:30 Ideas for approaching relationship building

25:40 How Music Works and the Quality of a Music Scene

26:20 Meet Your Internet Friends IRL

27:30 Lean Back Listeners and How to Build an Audience

28:00 Monthly Listeners Talk

28:30 Monthly Listeners v. A Real Following

29:20 toru as a case study as a fan of Yussef Dayes

31:00 The Key To a Music Marketing Plan

32:30 What is it to be a fan?

33:00 Opportunities for Fans to Develop A Deeper Relationship

33:30 The 1,000 Fan Theory

35:25 What Is Your Purpose? Do you know?

36:20 Be Conscious Assumptions and Expectations

36:45 Birocratic's sharing advice and perspective

38:40 Birocratic's Stream With Chillhop, Upcoming Projects, and Private Lessons

42:00 Rapid Round of Questioning

42:20 Go to plug-ins

42:42 Birocratic's listening suggestions (artists)

43:20 Birocratic's listening suggestions (albums)

44:30 Birocratic as a character

45:25 Thank you's and Summary

45:45 Outro

Referenced:

Kevin Kelly’s 1,000 Fan Theory

How Music Works by David Byrne

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon

Thanks for reading toru’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Today's guest is Brandon Rowan, who writes and produces music as Birocratic.

He has been recording songs since 2008, when he spent earnings from his first job as an ice-cream-scooper on a digital recording console.

Since then, Birocratic fostered a love of making sample-based beats in the vein of ‘70s funk and old-school New York hip hop, augmented by live-recorded bass guitar and synthesizer.

Birocratic's Beets albums have topped the Bandcamp hip-hop charts.

And Birocratic has toured the US multiple times, including stops at venues like Red Rocks in Colorado.

Finally, Birocratic has co-written songs with Grammy-award winning artists. Birocratic currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.

In the first part of this two part episode, we get into:

* Approaching your creative process through a place of excitement and fun versus hard work.

* Sampling and it's role in Birocratic's own process as well as it's value as music education.

* Lessons learned from giving lessons to other producers.

* Motivation.

* Making money and its place in artistic development

* AND, we even have a mini-listening session and discuss a couple tracks.

This was something new and I had a lot fun with it. I hope that you do too.

Top 3 Gems:

* MORE IS NOT BETTER. Birocratic shares perspective on his earlier music and how he has learned that there is beauty in simplicity and restraint in service of the song. If you’re stuck in an attempt to add, ask yourself if it is serving the song. The current project may actually benefit from removing elements, it may even be done.

* SAMPLING ENCOURAGES DISCOVERY. In an algorithmic world, we are presented with new music all of the time. If you’re interested in looking for samples, the process becomes more active in the opposite direction, driven by the desire to discover something you have not already heard. This will inevitably extend your horizons and musical palette. Keep in mind: sampling inspiration does not necessarily have to come from something released decades ago. If you don’t normally listen to current pop music, you may find inspiration there as well.

* ACTIVE LISTENING AS A PRACTICE. We sit down on the couch to focus on a movie or tv series, why not for music? Birocratic reminds us of the value in dedicating time and attention to listening to music as an end in itself. And, as we listen actively, we better understand our tastes and how we may incorporate what we hear into our own music.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

Substack: https://torubeat.substack.com

Instagram: @torubeat

tiktok: @torubeat

Tap in with Birocratic:

email: [email protected]

Instagram: @birocratic

To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:

0:00 Intro

1:53 Convo Start

2:10 Active Listening

5:00 Origin's Birocratic's inspiration for Active Listening

8:00 Listening 1: Justin Stanton - Secret Place

13:13 Talk about Justin Stanton - Secret Place

17:00 Authentic Expression

18:30 How Birocratic discovered this song

20:00 Listening 2: MNDSGN - Dah's Baker

21:45 Talk about MNDSGN - Dah's Baker

28:00 Birocratic's Creative Process

30:40 Don't force it. Open yourself toward inspiration

31:25 Be the producer for you as an artist

33:12 Learning that less is more in service of the song

34:20 Drum Programming

35:50 Sampling as a teacher

37:20 Sampling encourages discovery

38:23 Sampling can help with creative blocks

39:18 Motivation

41:20 Frustration experienced as a producer

42:54 Outro

Referenced:

Active Listening, Track 1: Justin Stanton - Secret Place

Active Listening, Track 2: MNDSGN - Dah’s Baker

Expanding your listening habits: ProducerHead 001 - featuring jacuzzi jefferson

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes along the way.

Today's guest is Eric Boulanger, a professional mastering engineer and founder of The Bakery, a Los Angeles-based mastering studio.

Eric has mastered GRAMMY-award winning and nominated projects, including work with Green Day, Hozier, Selena Gomez, The Doors...and the list goes on.

I won't spoil the surprise, but Eric even had the chance to re-master a beloved childhood record.

If that weren't enough,

Eric was mentored by industry legend Al Schmitt, who, if you don't already know, won GRAMMYs for projects that include:

George Benson's Breezin',

Toto's Toto IV,

Qunicy Jones' Q's Jook Joint,

Luis Miguel's Amarte Es Un Placer,

Ray Charles Genius Loves Company,

Chick Corea's The Ultimate Adventure, and

Steely Dan's Aja.

I mean. That is a list. And, for the record that is not a complete list.

In this conversation we dive into

   - Learning to trust your own ears and preferences.

   - His take on digital v. analog gear in creating quality music.

   - How knowledge of mastering can influence your production and mixing work.

   - Some of his favorite tools and plug-ins

   - Selecting reference tracks for your own mixes and masters.

   - His experience as a musician and its ongoing role in his life and career.

   - The importance of resting your ears outside of work.

   What I really appreciate about Eric and this conversation is what seems to be a strongly held belief to not offer shortcuts and tactics. Instead, Eric presents questions that encourage us to think and further develop our own working philosophies as well as our ears. 

I'm stoked to share this episode with you. It is full of gems.

Alright, here we go, Episode 7 of ProducerHead with Eric Boulanger, starts now.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated
and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you. 

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is CRFT, a Houston-born, Atlanta-based Producer and Founder of the BeatCurve Record Label.

As we’ll discuss in today’s conversation, CRFT has been an entrepreneur for decades and has experience working in the industry as a producer, even managing and releasing music for artists like MF DOOM, J Dilla, and Emanon. 

In this conversation, CRFT will share some stories and lessons learned from his time with DOOM as well as cover a lot of ground that’s going to provide useful information and motivation.

Some of what we discuss with CRFT will include:

The importance of confidence and how to further develop your own.

Understanding the difference between what you can and cannot control.

Approaching collaboration strategically and practically.

Marketing concepts and strategies for social media that can be applied no matter where you are in your career.

As you’ll hear throughout this conversation, CRFT has experienced success throughout his life in multiple phases as a result of his confidence in his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and developing genuine relationships with others.

Alright, with all that said, ProducerHead Episode 6 with CRFT, starts now. Let’s get into it. 

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated
and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you. 

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which, as of this moment, I am grateful to say has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is WEI, a Brooklyn-based producer, guitarist, and purveyor of positivity.

He’s been playing guitar for over a decade and over the past several years released almost 150 songs.

Yes. That’s 1-5-0.

On this episode we dive into:

how he thinks about his catalog and the releasing of music.

Using existing songs as starting points for new songs.

His experience at the Berklee College of Music.

The importance of community, be it physical or online.

Embracing Live Performance as a producer.

I even get his take on good places to start if you’re interested in learning guitar.

This conversation with WEI really brought to my attention the lightness and enthusiasm that he brings to making music. He doesn’t follow unnecessary rules nor take himself too seriously. This is something that has stayed with me. I’m stoked for you to hear this conversation and take in some new inspiration.

By the way, WEI and I were introduced through Jacuzzi Jefferson, a mutual friend, and also the guest on Episode 1 of ProducerHead. So if you haven’t already heard that episode, I highly recommend you check out that conversation. Jacuzzi shared a lot of gems there.

OK, without further ado, here is Episode of 5 ProducerHead with WEI.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated
and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you. 

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which, as of this moment, I am grateful to say has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is JustJared, a New Jersey-based producer who has built an audience and grown a business through a body of work built on consistency. He offers sample packs as well as personal coaching to producers.

Here are a few of the topics JustJared and I discuss during this conversation:

Building an audience and growing your online presence.

Strategies for recognizing content that you already have and are overlooking.

The role of sustainability in consistency.

Self-Limiting Beliefs.

And the appreciation that the shortcut is the work.

This conversation is packed with real tactical information for anyone interested in social media marketing. You can hear how much work and experiential learning Jared has accumulated through his years of creating content and building his business.

I know that for me, it has served as a great reminder that we already have everything that we need to begin. That we begin where we are.

The idea that I need to buy a new camera or piece of equipment may actually be a self-imposed limit that prevents me from moving forward.

It prevents me from learning through action and where I am now.

So, I hope that you take in this conversation and realize that wherever you are is the perfect place to begin, continue, and change.

OK. With all that said, Episode four of ProducerHead with JustJared begins now…

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated
and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you. 

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which, as of this moment, I am grateful to say has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is Brooklyn-based Cryptic One, a rapper, producer, drum programmer / finger drummer extraordinaire, and honestly a legend in his own right.

If you had told a younger me that I’d be talking to this man in this context, there’s no way I would have believed you.

He’s a member of the Atoms Family.

He’s released music through Def Jux.

Has credits with artists that include Aesop Rock, Cannibal Ox, and others I’m definitely missing.

And

If that weren’t enough, Cryptic One just received a Billboard plaque for the Lloyd Banks track “Dead Roses,” which he produced.

Today is part two of the incredible conversation with Cryptic One, a Brooklyn-based rapper and producer. If you already listened to part one, then you already know and are ready to strap in for more. If you haven’t already heard part 1 of this interview, I highly recommend you check it out. We talked about impostor syndrome, finding your own voice as an artist, and the role of consistency on the path to quality.

Today’s convo will close out some of the ideas we started in part 1 as well as get into:

The impact of social media on finding your artistic identity,

Turning small projects into larger projects

How to use self-doubt positively.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated
and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which, has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is Brooklyn-based Cryptic One, a rapper, producer, drum programmer / finger drummer extraordinaire, and honestly a legend in his own right.

If you had told a younger me that I’d be talking to this man in this context, there’s no way I would have believed you.

He’s a member of the Atoms Family.

He’s released music through Def Jux.

Has credits with artists that include Aesop Rock, Cannibal Ox, and others I’m definitely missing.

And

If that weren’t enough, Cryptic One just received a Billboard plaque for the Lloyd Banks track “Dead Roses,” which he produced.

Throughout this conversation we discuss, among many other topics,

Finding Your Own Sound,

Impostor Syndrome,

Consistency and Quantity as a path to Quality

AND

Behind the scenes of how his placement with Lloyd Banks came to be.

Again, it is a trip to be presenting this episode to you. Cryptic One has made beloved contributions to music and remains a humble and kind dude.

In this conversation he reminds us that the challenges of pursuing our goals can often be difficult, but always worthwhile.

And with that. Here’s a conversation with Cryptic One. Episode 3 of ProducerHead starts now.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated
and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Piklo, a producer, drummer, and art and creative director based in Southern California.

As a part of the Plack Panthers he offers high quality sample packs and music for the producer and appreciator alike.

Here are a few of the topics we cover in this conversation:

The influence of his experience as a visual designer on his music production.

The importance of self awareness.

How to be a strong collaborator.

How to offer products that are aligned with your artistic vision and goals.

All of Piklo’s talent, knowledge, and accomplishments aside, this conversation really showcases his clarity.

This is not an accident. Piklo has clearly done real work and reflection.  

In fact, in this conversation, he shares his beliefs around the importance of deepening the relationship you have with yourself and how it serves as a foundational piece of success, whatever that happens to be for you.

At the same time Piklo balances all of that clarity and hard work with a light hearted and playful attitude. This conversation was a lot of fun and I’m excited to share it with you.

Ok. Here it is, Episode 2 of ProducerHead with Piklo starts now.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated
and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Jacuzzi Jefferson (@jacuzzijefferson), a producer, engineer, and Professor based in Brooklyn, NY.

Some credits are as follows:

As a producer he’s worked with Raekwon and Kool AD. 

He’s engineered for 50 Cent, Julez Santana, and Trey Songz.

And he teaches Digital Music at Hostos Community in New York City.

In this conversation, we cover so many topics. Here are a few:

The Importance of listening to music outside of your comfort zone

Release strategies in a digital world of playlists and algorithms

Expanding your creative expression through multiple aliases

Working with Labels

The Value of Working for Free

And development of foundational skills for producers.

After all, he is a professor.

I’m stoked to share this conversation with you . Aside from being talented and full of useful info, Jacuzzi Jefferson is simply a good dude and I’m grateful to know him. I learned things in this conversation that have stayed with me and expect the same will happen for you.

By the way, in case you missed it, Jacuzzi Jefferson and I released a song called “Lift Off” with Etymology Records. It’s out now and available on all streaming platforms.

Ok. Without any further delay, Episode 1 of ProducerHead with Jacuzzi Jefferson

Let’s Get Into it.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated
and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe

ProducerHead is the podcast for Music Producers, Artists, Creatives, and Entrepreneurs. Listen to candid conversations with accomplished Music Producers, Artists, Creatives, and Entrepreneurs who will share what's in their heads to present you with the keys to unlock your own.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated
and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe