Finn McKenty, Author at Unstoppable Recording Machine

DAVE OTERO & DEAN LAMB: Recording hyper-technical metal, studio compromises, speed-rap influences

Producer Dave Otero has made a name for himself engineering some of modern extreme metal’s most punishing and distinct-sounding records, including landmark albums for Cattle Decapitation, Allegaeon, and Cephalic Carnage. He joins the podcast along with Dean Lamb, guitarist for the Canadian technical death metal phenoms Archspire. Together, they break down the intense, collaborative process behind the band’s groundbreaking album, *Relentless Mutation*.

In This Episode

Dave and Dean chop it up about what it takes to make a record that pushes the boundaries of both speed and musicality. They get into the weeds on Archspire’s intense pre-production, their old-school “all in a room” writing style, and the importance of having a unanimous vote on every riff. Dave breaks down his studio philosophy, from maintaining a structured work schedule to avoid burnout to navigating the delicate compromises between a musician’s comfort and what’s best for the tone (like swapping a player’s favorite pick for a Dunlop Tortex). They also discuss Archspire’s unique live setup, the classical and speed-rap influences that shape their sound, and the athletic-level discipline required to play this fast. For producers, this is a masterclass in artist-producer collaboration, managing expectations, and capturing a hyper-technical performance without losing the human element.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[6:43] How Archspire sought out Dave Otero after hearing his work with Cattle Decapitation
[12:12] Why the band wanted a hands-on producer, not just an engineer
[15:11] Dave on how well-prepared Archspire was for the session
[18:18] The importance of a structured Monday-to-Friday work schedule in the studio
[24:33] Surviving “music prison”: dealing with cabin fever, slow wifi, and drunk Monopoly
[31:10] Archspire’s surprisingly old-school writing process: all in a room together
[34:52] The freeing feeling of scrapping a part if one member isn’t into it
[44:08] The band’s live philosophy: recreating the album perfectly using in-ears with stems
[49:06] Dave tells a story about Nile’s rig failing and them playing their best show ever
[54:04] How edited drums created a new generation of impossibly good drummers
[56:30] How Archspire’s vocalist incorporates influences from speed rap like Tech N9ne
[1:06:26] Archspire’s brand identity: “Stay Tech”
[1:14:50] The producer vs. musician compromise: instrument setup vs. optimal tone
[1:18:22] How using a different guitar pick totally changed Dean’s approach to recording
[1:22:40] Why you should trust the producer you hired (and not backseat produce)
[1:33:23] Dean breaks down the mechanics of playing fast (hint: it’s about multiple muscle groups)
[1:47:33] The Mozart influence behind the guitar solo in “Involuntary Doppelgänger”
[1:59:54] The story behind recording real gunshots for “Calamus Will Animate”
[2:02:28] Dave’s approach to getting drums that sound polished but still natural and heavy

FINN MCKENTY & DAN TSURIF: The myth of buying success, the truth about buy-on tours, lessons from DIY rappers

Finn McKenty is a marketing strategist and the mind behind the popular YouTube channel The Punk Rock MBA, where he analyzes the business side of the music scene. Dan Tsurif is an artist manager who has worked with acts like Black Veil Brides and Zakk Wylde and previously worked at Sumerian Records.

In This Episode

Finn McKenty and Dan Tsurif join the podcast to tackle a big question: can you actually buy success in the music industry? They get real about the myth that a big budget is a golden ticket, using examples like the failed Metal Army blog and big-budget movie flops to prove that money can’t save a bad product. The conversation explores what money can do, like securing better production or opening a few doors, but emphasizes that without a solid, authentic product that resonates with an audience, it’s all wasted cash. They break down the pragmatic realities of things like buy-on tours—exploring the stigma, the cost, and the rare situations where they might make sense. They also offer killer advice on where your money is actually well spent, such as paying for honest consultations from industry pros you respect. The guys differentiate between valuable industry events like NAMM and predatory “pay-to-network” schemes that prey on aspiring musicians. The discussion pivots to what actually works without a budget, drawing parallels between the DIY punk scene and today’s SoundCloud rappers who build careers on authenticity and a relentless stream of content. This episode is a masterclass in separating hype from reality, helping you focus your resources—whether it’s time or money—on what truly moves the needle.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[3:16] The myth of buying success in the music industry
[6:59] The story of Metal Army vs. Metal Sucks
[14:03] What money can actually buy (good production, packaging, etc.)
[15:20] Why advertising doesn’t make people like a bad product
[19:58] The real reason people blame money for their own project’s failure
[24:09] How to tell if your product is good enough to spend money on
[35:32] Why paying for an honest, expert opinion is one of the best investments you can make
[41:20] When should you put money into advertising something?
[55:06] Are paid job sites like LinkedIn Premium or Mandy.com worth it for producers?
[59:17] A band manager’s unfiltered take on buy-on tours
[1:04:31] The stigma attached to being a “buy-on” band
[1:15:05] Are industry events like NAMM or the URM Summit worth the cost?
[1:22:41] The difference between valuable networking events and predatory ones
[1:28:31] Why buying social media followers is a terrible idea
[1:34:53] Why URM’s Facebook content strategy changed (and what bands can learn from it)
[1:47:30] The single biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when starting out
[1:56:33] What the metal scene can learn from today’s DIY rappers
[2:08:12] How underground scenes *really* build through word-of-mouth
[2:21:05] Why producers don’t need a huge following to be successful
[2:27:38] The power of authenticity: “Make the video and song that you want to watch”

COLIN BRITTAIN: Developing Your Taste, Vocal Production, Building a Beach for Papa Roach

Producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Colin Brittain has built a killer discography that seamlessly blends modern rock with pop sensibilities and electronic elements. He has worked with a diverse roster of artists including Papa Roach, One Ok Rock, Five Seconds of Summer, All Time Low, and Dashboard Confessional, consistently delivering tracks that are both technically impressive and commercially successful.

In This Episode

Colin Brittain stops by for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable, top-tier production career. He gets into the importance of developing your musical “taste” and why it’s ultimately more valuable than any piece of gear or technical skill. Colin also shares his philosophy on vocal production, explaining why capturing the right energy early is crucial and how to keep sessions moving to avoid burning out your singer. He stresses the importance of networking, mentorship, and collaborating with your friends, sharing how his long-term relationship with engineer Alex Pasco developed. Most importantly, Colin talks about the mindset required to succeed—from swallowing your fear to move to a major music city to knowing when to say “no” to projects. He also tells one of the wildest studio stories ever about creating a vibe for Papa Roach by dumping seven cubic yards of sand in the studio parking lot to build a temporary beach.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[7:41] The early 2000s growing pains of blending electronics with heavy music
[12:20] The Rick Rubin “mastermind” approach and focusing on the big picture
[15:13] Why your “taste” is the most valuable thing a client pays for
[17:15] The fine line between specializing to get known and limiting your potential
[19:39] Turning down projects you’re not passionate about is essential for doing your best work
[28:38] The crucial role of mentorship in a complex field like rock production
[38:01] How long-term relationships and helping your friends lead to success
[45:16] Colin’s philosophy on producing powerful vocals
[50:12] The biggest mistake young producers make: doing way too many takes
[53:22] Why vocals in metal are just as important as in pop music
[1:00:42] Making every instrument part have the most impact possible
[1:03:08] The insane story of building a “beach vibe” for Papa Roach with a dump truck full of sand
[1:08:19] Dare to suck: Why you need to experiment and risk failure to get good
[1:13:34] You can’t make world-class music if you don’t appreciate world-class music
[1:20:47] Why a lack of fear is a producer’s greatest professional asset
[1:25:55] On giving up a record deal and a long-term relationship to move to LA
[1:32:23] How your style develops naturally from the gear and workflows you enjoy

Michael Beinhorn: Producing Korn’s Untouchables, His Grammy with Herbie Hancock, The “No Plan B” Mentality

Michael Beinhorn is a producer and musician who got his start co-writing the Grammy-winning hit “Rocket” with Herbie Hancock. He went on to become a go-to producer for some of the biggest names in heavy and alternative rock, helming landmark albums for artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Hole, Ozzy Osbourne, and Korn, including their sonically ambitious and wildly expensive record, Untouchables.

In This Episode

Michael Beinhorn joins the podcast for a super deep and honest conversation about the realities of a life in production. He kicks things off with the wild story of how he went from buying his first synth to winning a Grammy with Herbie Hancock, followed by the brutal, lean years that taught him the value of having no “plan B.” This one gets into the heavy stuff, as Michael shares his firsthand experience navigating the dark side of the industry, working with brilliant artists battling substance abuse and personal demons. He also pulls back the curtain on the making of Korn’s legendary Untouchables, detailing the insane budget, the bleeding-edge 96k recording tech they used, and the absolute necessity of its seven-month pre-production phase. For any producer who deals with the human element of making records, this is a must-listen.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[0:04:39] How Beinhorn got his start and co-wrote “Rocket” with Herbie Hancock
[0:07:05] The creative “Petri dish” of New York City in the late ’70s/early ’80s
[0:12:03] The creative concept behind “Rocket”: “What if Herbie Hancock encountered hip-hop?”
[0:15:36] Why his career got *harder* after a massive hit song
[0:17:51] Turning down a $5,000 gig while facing eviction because the music sucked
[0:25:18] The philosophy of having no “Plan B”
[0:25:39] How he landed the Red Hot Chili Peppers production gig
[0:29:40] Why the “rock stars need drugs to be creative” myth is a total misconception
[0:32:08] The difference between artists who manage their demons and those who can’t be saved
[0:38:17] His first (and terrible) meeting with Korn
[0:39:58] The real story behind the massive budget for Korn’s Untouchables
[0:41:23] Using bleeding-edge 96k recording technology before Pro Tools supported it
[0:45:01] The crucial importance of extensive pre-production
[0:51:53] The concept of “intent” from his book Unlocking Creativity
[0:56:06] Debunking the myth that artists lose their edge when they get sober
[0:59:33] The “give them enough rope to hang themselves” approach to firing musicians
[1:00:59] Turning a tense situation with Ozzy’s drummer into a triumphant performance
[1:06:57] Beinhorn’s philosophy on editing drums: avoiding the grid and focusing on feel

Billy Decker: Becoming fearless, Nashville mixing secrets, and handling difficult clients

Billy Decker is a world-renowned country music mixer based in Nashville. Known for an incredibly efficient and powerful workflow, his credits are on albums that have sold over 35 million copies and he’s racked up more than a dozen #1 hits. He’s worked with a who’s who of modern country, including artists like Rodney Atkins and Sam Hunt, helping define the sound of the genre for the last couple of decades. He’s also a URM Summit regular and has appeared on Nail The Mix in the past.

In This Episode

Billy Decker is back on the podcast to chat about the powerful mindset shift that came from beating cancer and how it made him fearless in his career and personal life. He gets into his “whatever it takes” philosophy of mixing, explaining where he draws the line between mixing and production and why he’s not afraid to add harmonies or even drop-tuned metal guitars to a country track if it serves the song. Billy gives an insider’s look at the shockingly high standards and lightning-fast workflow of the Nashville scene and talks about his recent experiences dipping his toes into mixing heavier rock music. He also drops some serious wisdom on managing difficult clients, staying motivated, and why you should never, ever air your dirty laundry online. It’s a killer conversation packed with pro insights on workflow and professionalism that apply to any genre.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[0:04:21] How beating cancer made him fearless
[0:10:15] Fear in the early stages of a career
[0:12:40] Being fearless but not reckless
[0:17:43] Decker’s “do what it takes” approach to mixing (and when he’ll add his own parts)
[0:22:52] The insane speed of Nashville recording sessions
[0:26:05] Applying a “rock” workflow (overdubbing) to country music
[0:28:23] Why he gravitates towards female-fronted rock bands
[0:29:48] His technical approach to mixing rock vs. country
[0:31:41] Knowing when to stick with what you know vs. chasing new techniques
[0:38:03] Why you must do your homework before cold-calling your heroes
[0:42:26] The “Aha!” moment of discovering parallel compression
[0:52:19] How to handle disgruntled clients
[0:54:49] Why you should never air dirty laundry on the internet
[0:59:55] What keeps him motivated after so many chart-topping hits
[1:03:59] Dealing with days when your ears feel “off”
[1:06:56] Decker’s simple and effective approach to parallel compression
[1:09:04] A new plugin that’s become a staple (and one he immediately disliked)
[1:11:00] Hiding a Def Leppard snare sample in a modern country mix
[1:15:52] Decker’s straightforward mastering chain