The Self-Recording Band

Your next step:Apply for coaching!👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.Sounds interesting?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:Making a great record isn’t about plugins, presets, or expensive gear.It’s about following a clear, repeatable process — every single time.In this episode, Benedikt and Manel break down the 10-step process that goes into every record, regardless of genre, budget, or studio size. This is the big-picture overview that most artists never get. And the starting point for a full upcoming series where each step will be explored in depth.If you’ve ever wondered:Where do I actually start?What comes next?Which steps can I do myself - and where do I need help?This episode gives you the full map.🔟 The 10 Steps Covered in This EpisodeFoundation – Vision, taste, identity, songwriting & creative directionPicking The Right Gear – What actually matters (and what doesn’t)Pre-Production – Turning ideas into a clear blueprintRecording Setup – Soundcheck, instruments, room, microphonesRecording – Capturing emotion, performances & momentumSession Cleanup – Comping, organization, preparationPost-Production – Layers, effects, samples & enhancementsEditing – Timing, tuning, cleanup (without killing the vibe)Mixing – Turning many tracks into one emotional statementMastering – Final delivery, quality control, translation & release-ready formatsThis isn’t about doing everything perfectly.It’s about not skipping steps.🎯 Why This MattersMost self-recording artists struggle because:they jump between phasesthey already mix while they're still writingthey buy gear instead of building foundationsthey don’t know what “done” actually meansThis framework gives you clarity, confidence, and momentum. Whether you want to do everything yourself or build a team.🔗 Next Steps & Resources📌 Explore related episodes for each step on the show notes page🎧 Listen to future episodes as we go step-by-step through the process🎓 Want guidance while making your own record? 👉 Apply for coaching at theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/296--Send us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Your next step:Apply for coaching!👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.Sounds interesting?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:Real Talk, Tough Love EditionWhy don’t your records sound the way you want them to?In this episode, Benedikt and Manel get brutally honest about one of the most uncomfortable truths in music production:👉 It’s not your talent, your plugins, or your gear holding you back.👉 It’s what you’re not doing — and what you keep postponing.This episode sets the foundation for an upcoming in-depth series that walks through the entire record-making process from start to finish. But before we talk workflows, plugins, or techniques, we need to talk mindset, priorities, and reality.This is a tough-love conversation — not to discourage you, but to help you finally move forward.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most self-recorded music never reaches the artist’s own expectationsThe real difference between artists you admire and those who stay stuckWhy “doing it for free” is a myth (and what it actually costs instead)The three real paths to making records you’re proud ofWhy information alone doesn’t lead to results — implementation doesHow unrealistic expectations quietly kill creative momentumThe 10 essential steps that go into every great recordIf you’ve ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck halfway through your own productions — this episode will reset your perspective.Want help actually implementing this?If you already know you need structure, accountability, and a clear plan tailored to your situation, apply for a coaching spot at👉 theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/295--Send us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Your next step:Apply for coaching!👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.Sounds interesting?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:Most artists want a chorus that lifts, hits harder, and feels bigger than the rest of the song. But when your chorus falls flat, lacks impact, or simply doesn’t feel like a chorus… it’s usually a songwriting or arrangement issue.In this episode, Manel and Benedikt share 5 practical, easy-to-apply tricks you can use immediately to make your choruses hit harder — without adding dozens of new layers, buying more plugins, or overthinking your production decisions.You’ll learn:Why strategically removing instruments can make your chorus explodeHow to use lyric structure to create surprise + impactWhy silence is one of the most powerful songwriting toolsHow risers, reverse reverbs & swells lift a chorusHow reusing motifs can glue your song togetherBonus: Why choosing the right key can fix your chorus before you even arrange itPlus: Hear examples from productions Manel worked on and classic songs that use these tricks brilliantly.--For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/294Send us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Your next step:Apply for coaching!👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.Sounds interesting?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:If your reverbs sound muddy, harsh, disconnected, washed-out, or simply “not right”, this episode will change everything.Benedikt and Manel break down the most common reverb mistakes self-recording musicians make - and exactly how to fix them. From choosing the right reverb type, to EQing your ambience, to building proper send/return routing, to understanding pre-delay (and WHY it matters), you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap for getting clean, modern, intentional reverbs that actually sit in your mix.This episode is includes multiple practical step-by-step workflows you can apply immediately.If you want your mixes to sound more 3D, controlled, clean, and professional — this is a must-listen.What You’ll LearnWhy choosing the right type of reverb is the real starting pointThe difference between room, hall, plate, chamber, spring, etc.Why (in most cases) reverbs should live on parallel busses - not on your audio trackHow to EQ your reverb to remove mud, boxiness, harsh S’s and metallic ringsWhy pre-delay is the secret to upfront vocals with lots of reverbHow to create depth by controlling “front vs back” placementHow to blend multiple instruments into one cohesive spaceWhen to use reverb on a track directly (and when you really shouldn’t)How to chain delay → reverb for cleaner and more musical resultsWhen to treat reverb like part of the source (e.g., amp spring reverb)How to fix muddy mixes without killing your vibeWhy most reverb problems come from routing - not plugin choiceKey Quotes“Reverb is its own instrument. Process it like one.” — Benedikt“Pre-delay lets you use a TON of reverb without drowning your vocal.” — Benedikt“Context matters - not the preset.” — Manel“Sometimes the reverb is too bright, not too loud.” — Benedikt“Delay vs reverb? That’s a whole topic on its own. I use delays instead of reverbs a lot.” — Manel--For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/293Send us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Your next step:Apply for coaching!👉 If you already have songs written and want to get them release-ready, go ahead and apply for coaching now. We’ll show you how to produce, record, mix, and master your songs. In your DAW of choice, and with only the plugins and gear you already own. With unlimited feedback, full 1-on-1 guidance, and a custom music production plan made specifically for you.Sounds interesting?🚀 Click here for all the details:theselfrecordingband.com/coaching--Episode show notes:In this episode, Benedikt and Manel dive into fresh lessons from recent real recording, mixing and coaching projects. You’ll learn why seemingly tiny mix tweaks (we’re talking 0.5–1 dB) can completely transform a chorus… when to keep pushing for perfection… and when it’s time to stop tweaking and call a mix “done.”You’ll also hear why working with external producers or engineers can completely change your playing - and even your identity as a musician. Manel shares humbling (and hilarious) stories from his early studio days, including the moment when a producer had to re-record part of his guitar solo and why that became a pivotal learning moment.Finally, we unpack the power of panning, tone-shaping, and arrangement decisions - and why context matters way more than isolated guitar tones.If you want practical, real-world insights that instantly make you better at recording and mixing your own music… this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn:Why 0.5 dB automation moves can make or break a chorusThe danger of endless revisions - and when it’s worth the extra roundHow to build contrast between parts without wrecking your mixWhy stereo vs mono decisions matter already in pre-productionHow Manel’s ego got destroyed (again) in the studio - and why he’s gratefulWhy you often can’t dial in a great tone alone in your roomWhy context is everything: isolated guitar tones don’t matterHow external producers can dramatically improve your skillsWhy some instruments in classic records sound “wrong” solo’d but perfect in the mixHow subtle panning changes can boost the emotional impact of your songKey Quotes:“The mix is never really finished. There’s always another idea you could try - but you need a rule for when to stop.” - Benedikt“I thought I was the best - but the producer made me realize I couldn’t actually play that simple part.” - Manel“Context matters more than individual tone. A guitar can sound terrible solo’d and be perfect in the mix.” - Benedikt“Panning is one of the most powerful creative tools - use it intentionally.” - ManelLinks & Resources:The Self-Recording Syndicate (Our Coaching Program):Learn how to make pro quality records from your home studio: theselfrecordingband.com/coachingEpisode 291 with Jesse Cannon (Highly Recommended): Music Marketing Real Talk - How To Actually Get Your Music Heard--For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.cSend us a textIf you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]