• Christopher Allis Talks Touring Recording and Growth



    Every great recording starts long before the record button is pressed.

    This week on Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody welcome drummer Christopher Allis for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a career as a working musician. From his earliest gigs through performing with some of the coolest artists on the circuit, Christopher walks us through the experiences that shaped both his playing and his professional mindset.

    Rather than focusing only on drums, this episode explores the bigger picture of becoming a better musician. Christopher shares how every performance became another lesson, showing how preparation, consistency, and paying attention to the little details can create opportunities that last throughout a career. Whether you’re chasing your first paying gig or you’ve been recording for years, there is something here that will challenge the way you think about growth.

    Chris and Jody keep the conversation moving with plenty of thoughtful questions while giving Christopher room to tell the stories behind his journey. The discussion stays practical, making it easy to connect the lessons from the stage to the studio. If you’ve ever wondered why some musicians seem to make every recording session run smoothly while others struggle, you’ll appreciate Christopher’s perspective on the habits that make the difference.

    The conversation also dives into the relationship between live performance and the recording session. The skills developed in front of an audience often carry directly into the studio, and Christopher explains how experience performing live influences confidence, preparation, and decision making once the microphones are on.

    One of the highlights of the episode is simply hearing three experienced musicians talk openly about the realities of building a music career. The chemistry between Chris, Jody, and Christopher keeps the discussion relaxed while never losing sight of practical advice that listeners can immediately apply.

    There was so much valuable ground to cover that the conversation naturally expanded beyond a single episode. Instead of rushing through the stories and lessons, the team chose to split the interview into two parts, allowing every insight room to breathe. This episode is the first half of that conversation, setting the stage for what is still to come.

    If you’re interested in becoming a stronger musician, improving every recording session, or simply hearing the real experiences of a career musician, this episode delivers practical insights without unnecessary fluff.

    Subscribe to Inside the Recording Studio so you won’t miss Part Two of this conversation.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Percussion in Music Production Tips for Better Grooves



    Let’s get one thing straight. Percussion in music production is not just “extra stuff you throw in at the end.”

    It’s the difference between a track that feels alive and one that just… sits there like it forgot what rhythm is.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody crack open the world of percussion in music production and show you exactly how to use it without turning your mix into a chaotic mess. Because yes, there is a line. And yes, a lot of people cross it. Frequently. Loudly. With cowbells.

    From congas and cabasas to loops and one-shot FX, they walk through how percussion actually fits into your track. Not as decoration, but as a tool to shape groove, build tension, and create movement. The kind of movement that makes people nod their heads instead of skip your track.

    They also dig into recording setup tips and mixing strategies that help you avoid the classic mistakes. Like stacking too many percussion layers, fighting your own drum kit, or panning things so wildly your mix feels like it’s falling apart.

    Here’s the reality. Just because you can add another shaker doesn’t mean you should. Chris & Jody explain how to make smart decisions about what stays, what goes, and what gets turned down before it ruins everything.

    There’s also the eternal battle between live and programmed percussion. Are you a hands-on bongo slapper, or are you locked to the grid clicking in MIDI notes? Either way, they’ve got you covered with practical advice on making both approaches work without sounding stiff or overproduced.

    And of course, they manage to keep things entertaining while doing it. Because nothing says “learning experience” like solid production advice mixed with just enough nonsense to keep you awake.

    Friday Finds makes its return too, featuring gear and tools that might just end up in your next session.

    Bottom line? If your tracks feel flat, percussion might be the missing piece. Or the thing you’ve been overdoing this whole time.

    Hit play, fix your groove, and maybe… just maybe… use less cowbell.

    Subscribe for more home studio gear breakdowns and recording setup tips every week.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Life Behind the Kit: Christopher Allis on Being a Career Drummer



    What’s it really like to make a living behind a drum kit? Chris & Jody corner Christopher Allis and get the dirt—from his first bash at the skins to rubbing shoulders (and sticks) with big-name acts. Expect road stories, studio quirks, and a few laughs about the less glamorous side of the music grind. This is Part One of the chat, and it’s loaded with tasty fills, candid confessions, and enough inspiration to make you dust off that snare you’ve been ignoring. Spoiler: yes, we talk about home studio gear and the weird things drummers pack on tour.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Unlock the Secrets of Drum Programming vs. Live Drums!



    Ready to settle the score between drum programming and live drums? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the pros, cons, and surprising secrets of both worlds. From the unmistakable human feel of live drums to the precision and creativity of programmed beats, we explore:

    • Which music styles thrive with live drums and which ones are a match made in heaven for drum programming.
    • When to hit record on live drums for that larger-than-life sound—and when to let your DAW handle the groove.
    • Avoiding robotic rhythms: Common pitfalls of drum programming and how to keep it feeling fresh.
    • Why program drums anyway? Cost, control, and those tiny apartments that don’t fit a drum kit.
    • The best of both worlds: Tips for blending live and programmed drums or samples to craft a killer hybrid sound.

    Plus, there’s a mysterious Friday Finds that you won’t want to miss. And let’s be real—it’s also not unlikely that some nonsense will be discussed along the way.

    Whether you’re a purist who swears by sticks and skins or a MIDI maestro, this episode is packed with insights to level up your drum game!

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

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