Eyal Levi, Author at Unstoppable Recording Machine

GEORGE LEVER: Producer Psychology, Setting Boundaries, Secrets to the Sleep Token Sound

George Lever is a UK-based producer, mixer, and engineer known for his work with groundbreaking artists like Sleep Token, Loathe, Wovenwar, and He Is Legend. Operating out of his G1 Productions studio, he’s recognized for crafting immersive and dynamic modern metal records that push creative boundaries while maintaining massive sonic weight.

Check out George Lever on Nail The Mix with Loathe

In This Episode

George Lever joins the podcast for a super insightful deep dive into the mindset and workflow of a modern producer. This isn’t about compressor settings; it’s about the stuff that actually gets you from the bedroom to making records that matter. George gets real about establishing a productive daily routine (including his attempt at the 5 AM club) and the importance of setting boundaries with artists from day one. He shares his approach to building the crucial trust that allows him to have real creative input, discussing the fine line between being a friend and being an authority figure. They also explore the psychology of vocal production, why he taught himself to sing to better communicate with artists, and how to combat the “option paralysis” that comes with modern tech. It’s a killer conversation about the business savvy, emotional intelligence, and disciplined habits required to build a sustainable career in music production.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[02:39] The 5 AM club for producers
[11:00] How a committed relationship established his work routine
[12:42] Why multitasking is a destructive myth
[26:13] The debate over being friends with the bands you work with
[28:26] Establishing authority from day one to avoid problems later
[33:55] How to build trust when you’re just starting out
[37:35] Matt Good’s trick: showing an idea instead of telling
[43:30] A crazy story about a band demanding a refund 18 months later
[46:04] The business consequence of unhappy people: they have big mouths
[57:57] Why the podcast focuses more on mindset than compressor settings
[1:12:48] The importance of believability in a vocal performance
[1:15:03] How to deal with a technically great singer who sounds “beige”
[1:17:31] Why George taught himself how to sing to become a better producer
[2:22:39] The negative impact of tech: option paralysis and the decline of songwriting fundamentals
[2:23:51] How computers have stopped bands from jamming and connecting with their music
[2:33:57] Getting the massive guitar tone on Sleep Token’s “Sundowning”
[2:37:08] The key to the dynamic Sleep Token vocals: automation, not compression
[2:40:42] His technique for tuning guitars without an EverTune
[2:41:35] Why you shouldn’t mix into a master bus limiter if you want dynamics
[2:46:59] How Adam “Nolly” Getgood taught him to tune drums

MATT GOOD: Building Trust with Bands, Fast & Efficient Workflow, and Navigating Make-or-Break Sessions

Matt Good is a producer, mixer, and multi-instrumentalist who has been a key player in the scene for years. He’s a member of bands like From First to Last and D.R.U.G.S., and his production credits are stacked with major acts, including Asking Alexandria, Sleeping With Sirens, The Word Alive, and Veil of Maya.

In This Episode

This conversation is a deep dive into the producer’s mindset, focusing on how to build trust with a band from the moment they walk in the door. Matt explains how a fast, efficient workflow, inspired by his time with John Feldmann, is crucial for capturing creative lightning in a bottle. He breaks down his philosophy of wowing clients on day one with a killer template that delivers impactful sounds instantly, creating the confidence needed to push artists into new territory. They also get into some real talk about the evolution of the music industry, the creative limitations of writing an entire record in one guitar tuning, and how to navigate those high-pressure, make-or-break sessions where a band’s future is on the line. It’s a masterclass in the psychology, speed, and preparation required to be a modern producer.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[30:51] Learning the importance of a fast workflow from John Feldmann
[35:09] The problem with writing an entire record in one guitar tuning
[43:52] How streaming services broke down rigid genre divides
[51:56] Surviving the Napster era when it felt like the industry was ending
[1:07:07] How Matt’s journey into EDM and sound design influenced his rock production
[1:12:47] Why it’s okay for new producers to work for free to gain experience
[1:21:28] Matt’s process for building trust with a new band
[1:24:29] Using a killer-sounding template to instantly “wow” clients
[1:33:14] The philosophy behind his writing template: making things impactful
[1:40:22] A breakdown of the drum sounds in his template
[1:45:19] Matt’s incredibly fast MIDI workflow in Pro Tools
[1:51:04] Using distortion to help synths and samples fit better in a rock mix
[1:54:22] The importance of establishing a shared vision with the band
[2:02:34] Why he prioritizes spending money on his vocal recording chain
[2:04:48] How to navigate a band’s “make-or-break” career moment
[2:07:58] Understanding the producer’s responsibility to a band’s entire career ecosystem
[2:11:19] Using a mental “palate cleanser” to regain perspective on a song
[2:13:54] How being publicly criticized helps develop crucial self-awareness

JESSE ZURETTI: Composing for Marvel, why talent isn’t enough, and the composer’s mindset

Jesse Zuretti is a composer and the guitarist for the progressive metal band The Binary Code. Known for his crushing, articulate rhythm tones, he first connected with URM when Eyal Levi produced his band’s 2013 album, Moonsblood. In recent years, Jesse has successfully transitioned into the world of composing, landing high-profile gigs writing music for Marvel properties and building a career beyond the band scene.

In This Episode

Jesse Zuretti joins the podcast to talk about his journey from metal guitarist to professional composer. He offers a real-world take on what it actually takes to break into a new field, emphasizing that networking, professionalism, and business savvy are just as crucial as musical talent. Jesse and Eyal get into the philosophical side of creativity, discussing why it’s not enough to be a technically great musician—it’s about how you apply that skill to serve the song. Jesse shares his personal workflow for composing to picture, including how he develops a sonic identity for a character like Captain America and how he works without visuals. They also dig into the mindset required for success, from the importance of being ruthless with your own ideas to understanding that inspiration is a bonus, not a requirement. This is a killer look into leveling up your career and the sacrifices it takes to get there.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[4:08] The reality of trying to “make it” in LA
[7:03] Why raw talent alone isn’t enough to stand out anymore
[10:43] Having a high level of skill vs. knowing how to use it effectively
[14:38] Jesse’s journey from aspiring shredder to a riff-focused, right-hand-dominant player
[16:55] The importance of making the guitar sound good unplugged, before it ever hits an amp
[20:17] The producer’s dilemma: navigating band politics when only one guitarist is good enough to record
[29:13] Why composers from band backgrounds (Hans Zimmer, Trent Reznor) often excel at creating powerful film scores
[39:52] The number one skill you need to get into composing (hint: it’s not musical)
[47:15] Why the networking style of the band world doesn’t work in the professional composing scene
[51:35] How Jesse’s work with his band The Binary Code led to an opportunity with Marvel
[58:38] Knowing when to pivot: recognizing when you’re swimming with the current vs. against it
[1:03:23] Why you should hire based on character, not just skills
[1:13:25] Learning when to say “yes” (at the beginning) and “no” (once you’re established)
[1:16:04] Jesse’s typical workflow when starting a composition for a client
[1:21:29] Finding the darkness in a character like Captain America to inform the score
[1:33:20] Being ruthless about killing your own ideas if they aren’t working
[1:48:28] The myth of constant inspiration: how often is a professional composer *actually* inspired?
[1:54:24] Danny Elfman’s “going away party” and the sacrifices required at the highest level
[2:15:22] Why you should treat haters and negative feedback as a metric for your own success

Michael Montoya: Producing for Juice WRLD, The Rise of Trap Metal, Working with Korn & Slipknot

Michael Montoya, also known as Morgoth Beatz, kicked off his career in the hardcore/deathcore band Goliath before leveling up to play guitar in Winds of Plague. He has since become a sought-after producer and songwriter, blurring the lines between genres and working with a diverse roster of artists including Issues, Scarlxrd, Bones, and hip-hop heavyweights like Lil Xan and Juice WRLD. His work on Juice WRLD’s Death Race for Love earned him a spot on a platinum, #1 album. He has also collaborated with icons like Jonathan Davis of Korn and Sid Wilson of Slipknot.

In This Episode

Michael Montoya breaks down his incredible journey from the DIY hardcore grind to collaborating with A-list artists across the musical map. He offers a super insightful look into the rise of trap metal and emo rap, explaining how he blends the aggression and aesthetics of metal with the foundations of modern hip-hop. Montoya shares his core creative philosophy: creating a unique voice by combining small, specific elements from a wide range of unexpected influences. He gets into the strategy behind his career moves, emphasizing the importance of getting into the right rooms and thinking several steps ahead rather than just cold-calling your idols. He also drops some killer practical advice on his writing process, like using a trove of old ideas to crush writer’s block and collaborating in a way that plays to everyone’s strengths. This episode is packed with gems for any producer looking to find their own lane and navigate the modern music industry.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[0:04:29] The value of the DIY grind in a small band
[0:11:34] Thinking a few steps ahead to level up your career
[0:14:14] The role of producers as gatekeepers for major artists
[0:19:45] How Montoya made the transition into hip-hop production
[0:24:05] Being at the start of a new genre (trap metal) vs. working within established ones
[0:33:25] The key to originality: combining influences from outside your main genre
[0:40:34] Working with Sid Wilson and understanding his role in Slipknot’s sound
[0:49:45] Working with Jonathan Davis and learning about Korn’s influences
[0:52:48] How he connected with members of Korn and Slipknot
[0:56:34] The right way to approach A-list artists for collaboration
[1:04:09] What “selling out” really means (and why he isn’t doing it)
[1:13:37] Why trap metal is filling the cultural space metal used to occupy
[1:24:46] How to approach co-writing with a band that has an established sound
[1:34:55] Issues’ writing process: starting with vocals over minimal production
[2:21:14] Montoya’s creative process: trusting your taste and stumbling into ideas
[2:25:32] The power of minimalism and recognizing “the big moment” in a song
[2:46:23] His strategy for beating writer’s block with a trove of old ideas
[2:50:48] Using a writing template to get ideas down quickly
[2:58:31] The business of melody packs and getting paid for your ideas

Joseph McQueen & Josh Gilbert: Producing As I Lay Dying, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building a career

Production duo Joseph McQueen and Josh Gilbert go way back, having met in the local Birmingham, Alabama metal scene in the early 2000s. Recognizing a shared, serious drive, they played in bands together before Josh landed the gig as bassist and clean vocalist for As I Lay Dying. After years of touring and honing their individual skills, they reunited in Los Angeles to form a production team. Together, they’ve produced, engineered, and mixed a number of high-profile artists, including Bad Wolves, Light the Torch, and Upon a Burning Body, culminating in their work on As I Lay Dying’s acclaimed comeback album, Shaped by Fire.

In This Episode

Joseph and Josh drop in to share their story of going from local scene grinders to an in-demand LA production team. They get into the psychology of being a producer, talking about how to overcome imposter syndrome, embrace failure as a learning tool, and build trust with artists—even when you’re butting heads. They also offer some real-world business advice, stressing the importance of setting clear client expectations to avoid burnout and the trap of overbooking yourself when you first start finding success. The guys share some incredible stories, from using the AILD tour bus as a moving truck to Joseph finishing the Shaped by Fire mixes just days after a near-death surgery. It’s a super honest look at the mindset, work ethic, and relationships it takes to build a sustainable career in music production.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

[2:04] How Joseph and Josh first connected in the Birmingham, AL music scene
[5:00] How Joseph ended up recording Josh’s tryout for As I Lay Dying
[10:25] How the As I Lay Dying hiatus pushed Josh to really learn recording
[17:18] Debunking the myth that LA is oversaturated for producers
[20:33] Using the As I Lay Dying tour bus to move their studio gear to LA
[27:22] Getting their first big gig mixing a Suicide Silence live DVD
[35:32] Learning to overcome introversion to network at big festivals
[44:17] How to use imposter syndrome as a tool for motivation
[51:23] Learning to embrace failure as a necessary part of growth
[1:00:34] Their policy on handling mix notes and revisions from clients
[1:06:42] Why you have to define expectations with bands upfront
[1:10:44] The trap of overbooking yourself when you first start getting successful
[1:20:06] The science of why sleep deprivation can sometimes boost creativity
[1:28:19] Joseph’s near-death health scare in the middle of finishing the AILD record
[1:33:20] How Joseph mixed through hearing loss after his emergency surgery
[1:42:51] Competing against Colin Richardson to mix the new As I Lay Dying album
[2:02:13] Joseph’s vocal production method for getting confident, passionate takes
[2:33:55] A deep dive into the 5-channel bass tone on the album *Awakened*
[2:38:40] Breaking down the huge snare sound on “Shaped by Fire”