007. A Grammy Winning Mastering Engineer Shares The Simple Truth About Mastering For Producers.

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.

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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.

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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.


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