Sound Thinking with Hooktheory

Sound Thinking with Robert Eibach

Sound Thinking: Songwriting, Confidence & Creative Process with ÅNGEL 004 In this episode of Sound Thinking, we sit down with Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and remixer Robert Eibach for a deep, wide-ranging conversation about the craft of songwriting — inspiration, process, creativity, confidence, and everything in between. Eibach's career spans years in the music industry, with production, remix, and songwriting credits alongside artists like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Camila Cabello, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Ronson, Kesha, Normani, Sabrina Carpenter, and Alan Walker. His work has earned him a Grammy Award and a Latin Grammy nomination, including a win for Best Children's Music Album as a member of Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band. He's also contributed to projects that topped the charts and earned industry recognition, including Wouter Kellerman and Ricky Kej's "Winds of Samsara," which reached #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart and won a Grammy for Best New Age Album. Robert Eibach +3 Joining Eibach is songwriter and artist ÅNGEL 004, and together they trade insights on what it really takes to turn inspiration into finished work — from finding confidence in the creative process to navigating the highs and lows of a career built on making music with (and for) some of the industry's biggest names. Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation about what happens behind the scenes of the songs you love.

• Transcript

Sound Thinking with DJA

Join Hooktheory founders Chris and Ryan in our next episode of Sound Thinking with DJA, writer, producer, DJ and so much more. He's worked with some of the top artists like Diplo, M.I.A., Lana Del Rey and counting. In this episode we dive into his creative mind about music, theory, his creative workflow, working with brilliant minds and continuing to show up as a creative.

• Transcript

Sound Thinking with Brandon Peralta

Join Hooktheory and NYC-based producer, songwriter, mixer, and studio owner Brandon Peralta for an inspiring conversation about songwriting, music production, creativity, and building a career in music. Brandon has worked with artists at every level, from contributing atmospheric mixing work for Chappell Roan projects to collaborating with local NYC bands and independent artists. In this episode of Sound Thinking, we dive into Brandon's journey as a producer, his creative process, his relationship with music theory, and the tools he uses to bring songs to life. Whether you're an aspiring songwriter, music producer, artist, or creative entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights on getting started, developing your craft, and navigating a career in the music industry. Topics covered: - Songwriting techniques and creative workflow - Music production and mixing advice - How music theory can help (or hinder) creativity - Building a career as an independent producer - Working with artists at different stages of their careers - Finding inspiration and overcoming creative blocks Subscribe to Hooktheory's Sound Thinking Podcast for more conversations with songwriters, producers, and music industry professionals.

• Transcript

Sound Thinking with Cadence Hira

Hooktheory co-founder Ryan sits down with composer, sound designer, and YouTube creator ‪@CadenceHira‬ to talk about how we hear music theory. They dive into Cadence’s beginnings arranging Zelda tunes by ear, her journey from Berklee to YouTube, and how the pandemic reshaped her creative path. Together they unpack her “ears-first” philosophy, video game scoring, and her idea of Relative Axis Interchange—a modern way to understand harmony beyond traditional rules. They also explore why theory is “kind of all right, I suppose,” the beauty of constraints in composition, and how to keep learning music theory fun, accessible, and endlessly inspiring.

• Transcript

Sound Thinking with Howard Ho

Hooktheory co-founder Ryan sits down with playwright, composer, sound designer, journalist, and YouTube creator ‪@HowardHoMusic‬ to talk about the magic of musicals. They dive into Howard’s self-taught piano journey, his breakthrough Hamilton analysis videos, and why Broadway is one of the most powerful storytelling mediums. They also explore film scores, representation in theater, and Howard’s own creative projects.

• Transcript

Sound Thinking with How To Write Songs

Join two of our founders, Ryan and Dave, as they chat with Keppie and Benny from @htws, creators of How To Write Songs — a thriving ecosystem of tools, processes, and community for songwriters. We dive into practical ways to get unstuck (like song mapping), how to balance lyrics and music, and how they protect time to write and release their own band project, Names of Birds.

• Transcript

Sound Thinking with David Bennett

In our first episode of 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 by Hooktheory, our co-founder Ryan Miyakawa sits down with UK-based composer, pianist, and beloved music theory YouTuber, ‪David Bennett. Join us as we unpack his journey from self-taught pianist to one of the internet’s top music educators, his thoughts on why the Beatles remain untouchable, and how modern pop production is shaping the future of music. 🎶 We also dive into David’s own songwriting process, why music theory should start with the music, and his optimistic take on AI’s place in creativity. You can listen to David Bennett's original music on Spotify or download his new EP at Bandcamp