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Sound Discussion

Ben Holmes, Nate Kelmes, Neil Merchant

"Sound Discussion" is a monthly podcast hosted by Ben Holmes, Nate Kelmes, and Neil Merchant. Each episode, we roll up our sleeves and dive into practical topics surrounding music production, recording, songwriting, mixing, and mastering.


Join us for candid conversations that demystify the creative and technical aspects of music making. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our hosts bring a down-to-earth approach to sharing their insights, making it easy for everyone to tune in and pick up valuable tips.


From sharing personal anecdotes to discussing industry trends, "Sound Discussion" is your go-to source for real talk about what goes on behind the scenes. No fancy jargon, just genuine discussions about the art and craft of music production.


So, if you're curious about the nuts and bolts of how your favorite tracks come together or looking to improve your own production skills, join Ben, Nate, and Neil, as well as the occasional guest host, as they navigate the world of music production with humor, practical advice, and a passion for the craft. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation at "Sound Discussion."

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 21 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 1 hr 15 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • #31
    August 1 · 1 hr 13 min

    Lij Shaw: From Recording Studio Rockstars to Rediscovering the Artist Within

    After more than 500 episodes of @RecordingStudioRockstars , Lij Shaw has spent countless hours exploring how other producers, engineers, and artists make great records. In this episode, we flip the script and explore the artist behind the podcast. Lij joins Nate and Neil to trace his unconventional journey from architecture school to playing blues five nights a week in Hong Kong, discovering recording engineering, and eventually building The Toy Box Studio in East Nashville. He also opens up about the growing need to create music for himself after decades spent helping other artists realize their musical dreams. The conversation explores Lij’s month-long songwriting retreat in Costa Rica, the portable setup that helped him write and record on the beach, and the power of collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership. Lij also offers thoughtful advice for anyone building a home studio: decide whether you’re creating a critical listening room or a space that makes it effortless to pick up an instrument and create—because those priorities don’t always lead to the same room. Key Five Takeaways: 1. Helping others create doesn’t replace creating for yourself 2. Collaboration creates accountability—and better records 3. Changing your environment can change your creative behavior 4. Build your studio around what you actually want to do 5. The best creative tool is the one that helps you finish music Resources and Links: More Lij: Recording Studio Rockstars - https://recordingstudiorockstars.com/ The Toy Box Studio - https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Lij Shaw on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/493pQhEnKsrrRaJFHo1rK5 Poetry Scores - https://poetryscores.blogspot.com/ Lij Shaw’s Nashville home-studio case - https://ij.org/client/lij-shaw/ Songwriting and Music: How to Write Songs - https://howtowritesongs.org/ How to Write Songs on YouTube - @htws GoHill Records - https://www.hollywoodrecordingstudio.com/gohil-records Studios, Education, and Media: Middle Tennessee State University Recording Industry program - https://www.mtsu.edu/program/recording-arts-and-technologies-bs-m-f-a/ Mix Magazine - https://www.mixonline.com/ WRVU Nashville - https://wrvu.org/ Bonnaroo - https://www.bonnaroo.com/ Gear Mentioned: Martin Backpacker Guitar - https://www.google.com/search?q=martin+backpacker+guitars Carl Tatz Design and PhantomFocus - https://carltatzdesign.com/ ADAM Audio D3V - https://us.adam-audio.com/products/d3v Grace Design - https://gracedesign.com/ Lynx Studio Technology - https://www.lynxstudio.com/ Slate Digital VSX - https://stevenslateaudio.com/vsx/ Native Instruments - https://www.native-instruments.com/ iZotope - https://www.izotope.com/ Listen to Sound Discussion: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-discussion/id1727711992 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4QLiTjT6OpY3prLIL8QoqD Subscribe To Our Newsletter: https://sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter Shop: https://sounddiscussionpodcast.com/shop Sound Discussion Is: @natekelmesmixes @benhlms @merchantaudioproductions ​​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #28
    April 30 · 1 hr 15 min

    Crafting Your Unique Sound - Nick Vivid

    Join us as we explore the world of DIY music gear, circuit building, and the passion for creating unique soundscapes with Nick Vivid. Discover how building your own equipment can transform your music production and performance. In this episode, Nick Vivid shares his insights on music production, the importance of authenticity, and industry trends. Discover how to stay true to your sound, the value of visual and musical coherence, and practical tips for artists and producers. Get next month's episode ONE WEEK EARLY! Sign up here: www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter Topics Discussed: DIY music gear and circuit building The influence of custom equipment on sound quality The passion and process of building studio and live gear Industry reward for safe, familiar sounds The importance of emotional resonance in mixing Balancing technical and creative aspects in music The influence of visual art on musical identity Industry risk-taking and artist authenticity Links: Reaper DAW - https://www.reaper.fm/ Freestyler DMX Software - https://www.freestylerdmx.be/ Steam Powered Radio API 2520 PDF - https://steampoweredradio.com/api-2520.pdf Dan Millice Podcast Episode - https://youtu.be/mI1AUi7UDfs FabFilter Pro-L2 Limiter Plugin - https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-l-2-limiter-plug-in Nick's Socials: Website - https://nickvivid.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickvivid/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #25
    January 28 · 1 hr 18 min

    Mike Senior Returns!

    How he recorded 13 songs in two days and didn't lose his mind! (or the session files)

  • #23
    Nov 26, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min

    Nate Saggio: Creating With Limits and Intention

    Cleveland producer, artist, and creative powerhouse Nate Saggio joins us to talk about the power of limitations, the mindset behind intentional music-making, and how your studio’s vibe can shape an entire performance. We cover everything from 4-track tape workflows and songwriting prompts to building a studio that feels like home and learning to “serve the song, not yourself.” One of our warmest, funniest, most inspiring conversations yet. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Nate on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/insta_sagg Cleveland NPR / Ideastream Article - https://www.ideastream.org/arts-culture/2025-10-23/lakewood-producer-nate-saggio-helps-cleveland-artists-find-their-sound Jim Stewart Productions - https://www.jimstewartmixing.com/ Chayla Hope - https://www.instagram.com/chaylahope/?hl=en Jack Harris - https://www.instagram.com/Jackharris_music/ Welshly Arms - https://www.instagram.com/welshlyarms/ CAPI Preamps (Nate’s go-to) - https://capi-gear.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_117_55_169&products_id=478 SUPPORT THE SHOW Merch Store (Black Friday Grand Opening!) - https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com/shop Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-discussion/id1727711992 Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sounddiscussionpodcast Join the newsletter for early episodes & behind-the-scenes - https://www.sounddiscussionpodcast.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #22
    Oct 31, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min

    Gregor Beyerle on Studio One, Workflows, and the Future of DAWs

    In this episode, we sit down with Gregor Beyerle, one of the most recognizable faces behind PreSonus Studio One and its Software Product Specialist at Fender / PreSonus. Gregor shares his journey from touring keyboardist and ghostwriter to becoming one of Studio One’s most trusted voices in workflow design and education. We dig into: How Gregor went from touring Europe at age 19 to joining PreSonus Why speed = income — and how workflow design can double your output The evolution of Studio One from 2.0 to 7 The new Launcher / Looper page and how it compares to Ableton Live Keyboard shortcuts, ergonomics, and the balance between logic & creativity The future of interoperability between DAWs and why collaboration matters Gregor’s own projects: Reaper and Voltmeister 🔗 Links Mentioned Studio One by PreSonus: https://www.presonus.com/studioone Reaper (industrial techno project): https://www.instagram.com/reaper.industrial.techno Voltmeister (project): https://www.instagram.com/voltmeistermodular/ Ableton Link info: https://www.ableton.com/en/link/ Ableton Push 3 Standalone: https://www.ableton.com/en/push/ Arturia Cold Fire Distortion: https://www.arturia.com/products/software-effects/dist-coldfire/overview Connect with Gregor: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7WUeriUrgp0QI9R61RWz0w https://www.instagram.com/gregorbeyerlemusic Online Studio One Meetups: https://my.presonus.com/events/detail/1005 This Episode's Sponsors: You can see all our sponsors at sounddiscussionpodcast.com/sponsors Joe Gilder and Home Studio Corner Free Webinar - The 3 Biggest Mistakes Holding You Back From Releasing Music: November 6 @ Noon Central Challenge - Speed Mixing Challenge: Begins November 10 @ 11am Central VIP - PRICE INCREASE BEGINNING November 3 - Lock in the lower rate now!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #21
    Sep 30, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min

    The Sound of Less: Jeremy Steckel’s Minimalist Gear & Workflow

    In this episode, Nate, Ben, and Neil sit down with Columbus-based producer Jeremy Steckel, whose journey from touring musician to Emmy-winning producer offers a candid look at the realities of building a creative career. Jeremy shares how playing guitar led him from church bands to being signed with Wolves at the Gate on Tooth & Nail/Solid State Records — and how life in the studio completely changed his trajectory. We dive into: From stage to studio — why Jeremy walked away from touring life to pursue production full-time. No Plan B — the leap of faith that took him from a church tech job to a thriving studio career. Preparation and performance — how obsessive detail in the studio informs his work with clients, and why he prioritizes pre-production to set artists up for success. The vocalist challenge — unique approaches to recording singers, managing headphone mixes, and creating comfort in sessions. Minimalist gear philosophy — why less can often be more when it comes to producing, and the tools Jeremy relies on daily. Studio spaces — from commercial studios to his hyper-isolated home addition, and why renting outside spaces now fuels his creativity. Whether you’re a musician considering the leap into production, or a producer rethinking your workflow, Jeremy’s story is both practical and inspiring. --- 🔗 Links from this Episode Jeremy Steckel Instagram: https://www.instagram/jeremy_steckel Listen to Jeremy's conversation with Lij Shaw here: https://recordingstudiorockstars.com/rsr474-jeremy-steckel-why-you-need-a-music-mastermind-group-family-work-balance/ 🎧 Listen to us on Apple 🎧 Listen on Spotify 🌐 Visit our website 📷 Instagram 🎥 YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes