Finn McKenty, Author at Unstoppable Recording Machine

MATT BROWN: Perfect Drum Sounds at the Source, The Physics of Drumheads, Why Tuning to Notes is a Myth

Matt Brown is one of the industry’s go-to drum techs and engineers, known for his deep, scientific approach to getting killer drum sounds at the source. He’s worked alongside producers like Elvis Baskette, Jason Suecof, and Mark Lewis, and has served as a tech for monster drummers like Alex Rüdinger and Anup Sastry. From modern metal to classic rock, Matt is the guy you call when you need drums to be perfect.

In This Episode

Drum guru Matt Brown joins the show to discuss the concepts behind his Ultimate Drum Production course and drops some serious knowledge bombs along the way. He explains why getting a world-class drum sound has less to do with the mix and everything to do with understanding the source. Matt breaks down the physics of how drumheads actually move, why tuning to specific musical notes is a waste of time, and how to find a drum’s sweet spot where it truly “opens up.” He dives into his “sonic Legos” philosophy, where every component—from the shell and hoops to the heads and mics—is a deliberate choice that builds the final tone. For producers who want to make the mixing process a creative joy instead of a salvage mission, this episode is a masterclass in how to engineer incredible raw drum tracks that sound like a record from the moment you hit play.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[3:35] Why top-tier pros often don’t share their secrets
[5:41] Matt’s philosophy: “I’m not holding any secrets back”
[7:50] Why recording drums is the true benchmark of a great engineer
[11:06] Anatomy of a drum: Every part has its own sonic fingerprint
[15:15] The drumhead is the biggest contributing factor to the sound
[18:39] The “source is king” principle applied to drums
[20:38] The psychological impact of a great drum sound on the drummer’s performance
[24:51] The science of how drumheads actually move (it’s not just up and down)
[26:20] How to kill overtones with tiny pieces of Moongel by knowing where to place them
[29:32] Why snare overtones (the good kind) are crucial for cutting through a mix
[35:29] Debunking the myth of tuning drums to specific musical notes
[39:49] How to properly tune two heads together to strengthen the drum’s fundamental tone
[42:10] What to listen for: The point where a drum “opens up” and its volume increases
[47:40] How to make the most of a drum room that isn’t perfect
[50:22] Thinking of microphones as the very first source of EQ
[53:31] Why cymbal selection is a make-or-break decision
[1:00:14] The Luke Holland session: Using 28 inputs on a four-piece kit
[1:04:47] How learning other genres makes you a better producer
[1:09:49] Matt’s insane challenge: Guessing the entire gear list from Karnivool’s “Sound Awake” by ear

John Douglass: Gorilla recording, workflow automation, and why producers need voice lessons

John Douglass is a versatile engineer, producer, and URM educator whose work spans TV shows like Star Wars: Rebels, Rick and Morty, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force, as well as a ton of heavy music. He’s done additional engineering for major artists like Fall Out Boy and Devildriver and worked with metal titans like Cannibal Corpse and Steel Panther. Beyond the credits, he’s also the mind behind URM’s comprehensive Pro Tools Fast Track course, helping producers master their DAW from the ground up.

In This Episode

This is a deep dive into the real-world skills you need to level up your production career. John Douglass gets into the mindset required to succeed, from overcoming the social anxiety of networking to the value of specializing in high-demand skills like drum editing and vocal production. He shares why taking voice lessons made him a better producer and how a “gorilla recording” approach, like renting an Airbnb to track drums, can yield killer results without a commercial studio. The conversation also gets technical, exploring the critical importance of active referencing against pro mixes, building templates from Nail The Mix sessions, and developing a systematic workflow with macros to work faster and smarter. It’s a killer conversation packed with practical advice for turning your passion into a profession.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[4:50] Getting past insecurities to put yourself out there
[9:05] Why being comfortable yourself makes clients feel comfortable
[11:14] The drive and intensity of up-and-coming producers
[16:49] Seeing big industry moves happen to “real people” demystifies the process
[17:40] How chance meetings and being prepared create career opportunities
[25:20] How to approach a producer you want to work for
[28:55] The “win” of getting a drummer to hear themselves recorded well
[32:11] Why John took voice lessons to become a better vocal producer
[34:46] Keeping vocalists out of their own head during a session
[40:25] Going the extra mile as a musician to improve your production skills
[47:45] “Destination recording” in an Airbnb
[52:38] Using Nail The Mix tracks to create your own mix templates
[53:43] Using a frequency analyzer to compare your mix to a reference
[58:35] The importance of having a mentor or reference material to know where the bar is
[1:01:47] Using Nugen Master Check Pro for volume-matched A/B referencing
[1:05:34] Why a physical controller for A/B switching is a game-changer
[1:17:05] How an Evertune bridge can drastically shorten a guitar session
[1:19:59] New track preset features in Pro Tools 2018
[1:32:02] How to avoid getting hung up on tiny details when editing
[1:36:33] Recognizing repetitive tasks and creating macros to speed up your workflow

Alex Morgan: Building a Creative Career, Why You Shouldn’t Specialize, and Photographing Metal Legends

Alex Morgan is a photographer, video producer, and branding specialist at his company, Alex Morgan Imaging. While his work spans multiple genres from weddings to political campaigns, he’s known in the metal world for his striking images of bands like Gojira, Metallica, Slayer, and Cannibal Corpse. He’s also an accomplished drummer, which has given him a unique perspective when working with musicians.

In This Episode

Photographer Alex Morgan joins the show for a seriously inspiring conversation about the hustle and mindset it takes to build a creative career from the ground up. He breaks down why avoiding specialization was key to his growth and how staying just outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens. Alex shares stories from his early days, like traveling across the country for low-budget shoots and using his wedding photography business to fund his passion for shooting bands. He gets into the growing pains of success, like managing a packed schedule, learning to delegate, and the pressure of one-upping your best work. Throughout the conversation, Alex drops tons of knowledge on taking calculated risks, channeling envy into motivation, and how his experience as a drummer gave him a major advantage when connecting with and shooting other musicians. It’s a deep dive into the real-world strategies that apply to any producer trying to make their mark.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[0:07:09] The problem with specializing in just one niche
[0:12:20] Why being “comfortable” is dangerous for a creative person
[0:15:45] How personal “passion projects” attract real clients
[0:20:46] The importance of traveling and showing up in person for opportunities
[0:25:28] Taking calculated risks on jobs outside your comfort zone
[0:30:03] Softening risk with tons of preparation and pre-production
[0:33:22] The pressure of having to one-up your own successful work
[0:37:24] The challenge of time management when you get too busy
[0:39:17] Learning to delegate and let go of being a perfectionist
[0:45:24] How being a musician helps you work with other musicians
[0:55:45] Using a “day job” (like shooting weddings) to fund your creative career
[1:03:55] Channeling envy into a motivational catalyst for your own success
[1:11:20] How haters and jealous people rarely progress in their own careers
[1:19:38] Focusing on helping your clients succeed instead of just making money
[1:24:41] The importance of reinvesting in your business and infrastructure
[1:46:50] What do labels actually look for in promo photos?
[1:51:20] Getting inexperienced bands to look professional on camera
[1:59:21] Being honest with clients about realistic expectations
[2:03:08] Alex’s go-to cameras and lenses for low-light situations

JAMES PAUL WISNER: Producing Underoath & Dashboard, Building a Studio From Scratch, The Power of Mindset

James Paul Wisner is a producer and mixer known for his work on landmark albums in the emo and post-hardcore scenes. His credits include Underoath’s influential They’re Only Chasing Safety and Dashboard Confessional’s The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most. He’s also worked with a diverse range of artists like Paramore, Hands Like Houses, The Dangerous Summer, and I See Stars, consistently delivering polished, high-energy productions.

In This Episode

James Paul Wisner joins the podcast for a super insightful chat that’s less about specific plugins and more about the mindset and hustle it takes to build a career from the ground up. He shares his story of going from delivering pizzas to building his own studio, emphasizing the single-minded focus required to push past technical frustrations and self-doubt. James gets into the crucial pre-production conversations he has with bands, covering everything from establishing a shared vision to ensuring the drummer can actually groove to a click. He breaks down his production philosophy, explaining how simplifying arrangements is key to achieving clarity and impact, and details his process for capturing powerful, emotional vocal takes. This episode is packed with real-world advice on communication, managing expectations, and the determination needed to make it in the industry.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[3:18] Emulating The Beatles’ recording techniques on a 4-track as a kid
[22:00] The importance of a drummer not just playing to a click, but grooving with it
[28:49] Why he wants ideas to come from the band first, not him
[31:29] Having bands get on the same page *before* tracking to avoid re-doing work
[35:22] Why creative tension and breakdowns are often necessary to get a great result
[43:13] The “spiritual moment” that made him stop waiting for things to happen and take control of his career
[47:22] The power of single-minded intention and not having time for your own “negative crap”
[49:42] Why you have to actively manage your personal space and cut out negativity
[56:28] Hustling in the early days: placing ads and approaching artists at open mic nights
[1:11:32] The chain of events that led to working with Dashboard Confessional and Underoath
[1:22:18] Learning the value of simplicity in arrangements from David Bendeth
[1:24:13] How to explain to a band why not every instrument can be the loudest thing in the mix
[1:29:15] James’s process for tracking vocals and pushing singers to get more emotional takes
[1:33:54] Why investing in a high-end digital clock made a huge difference in his sound
[1:36:34] The importance of clean power and upgrading your power conditioner
[1:46:55] Using ASC Tube Traps to make a home studio drum room work
[1:49:15] His plugin chain for getting vocals to be clear and powerful
[1:50:48] How he handles mix notes for songs he didn’t produce

Sean O’Keefe: Making Take This to Your Grave, The Hawthorne Heights Lawsuit, The Gold Record Myth

Producer Sean O’Keefe joins the podcast this week to share some serious wisdom from his extensive career. He’s the guy behind some of the most iconic records of the 2000s, having worked with bands like Fall Out Boy, Hawthorne Heights, The Plain White T’s, and Motion City Soundtrack, earning multiple gold records along the way.

In This Episode

Sean O’Keefe gets real about what it’s actually like to have a successful career in music production. He pulls back the curtain on what happens after you get that first gold record (spoiler: the struggle isn’t over) and shares some wild stories, including the infamous lawsuit between Hawthorne Heights and their label. Sean breaks down his workflow evolution, from starting on 2” tape and a vintage Neve console to his current in-the-box setup, and explains why the old-school mentality of committing to sounds is still crucial. He also dives deep into the making of Fall Out Boy’s classic Take This to Your Grave, discussing the guitar and bass tones, Patrick Stump’s vocal arrangements, and his hard-panned mixing style. It’s a super insightful chat about navigating the industry, trusting your instincts, and focusing on the emotional impact of a mix above all else.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[2:07] Did Sean set out to work with iconic bands or did it happen naturally?
[3:38] The feeling of getting his first gold record
[6:52] Dealing with the anxiety of sending a mix to an artist
[12:35] The nerve-wracking experience of mixing Fall Out Boy’s debut album with no recall
[15:27] How listening to music in the car inspired him to get into recording
[18:09] Dropping out of recording school to pursue an internship
[20:22] How getting his rent cut off forced him to become a full-time producer
[24:56] How he knew the members of Fall Out Boy from other bands before they formed
[26:38] The myths and truths about what a gold record actually does for your career
[36:19] The story behind the Hawthorne Heights vs. Victory Records lawsuit
[43:49] Sean’s workflow evolution from analog tape to hybrid to fully in-the-box
[49:07] The importance of committing to sounds, even with unlimited options
[52:23] His experience making a 100% analog record recently
[57:39] The guitar and bass tones on Fall Out Boy’s Take This to Your Grave
[1:01:53] Vocal production on Take This to Your Grave and using tape speed to nail high harmonies
[1:10:07] Sean’s “absolute” panning philosophy: left, right, or center
[1:11:53] How he approaches mixing to enhance the emotion in a song
[1:15:24] Why trusting your instincts and working quickly is key to a great mix