• Uncover the secrets of musical genius with CJ Vanston in this exciting interview! (Rerun)



    Due to unforeseen issues, Chris and Jody rerun this special episode. We revisit the captivating interview with the musical maestro and acclaimed producer, CJ Vanston.

    ️ Encore Presentation: CJ Vanston Unplugged

    Join Chris and Jody as they take you on a musical journey through the insightful interview with CJ Vanston. Discover the stories behind the hits, the secrets of his production wizardry, and the wisdom gained from years of shaping the soundscapes of renowned artists.

    Behind the Curtain: Insights into CJ’s Creative Process

    Relive the moments where CJ unravels the mysteries of his production process. Gain a deeper understanding of his creative choices, favorite recording techniques, and the unique perspectives that have made him a standout figure in the world of music production.

    Musical Wisdom: CJ’s Lessons for Aspiring Producers

    Reimmerse yourself in CJ’s valuable lessons for aspiring producers. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, production tips, or simply curious about the music industry, this interview provides a treasure trove of insights that stand the test of time.

    And, of course, relish in the enjoyable banter and a touch of nonsense that make every Inside the Recording Studio episode a delightful experience.

    Whether you missed it the first time or want to revisit the magic, this rerun of the CJ Vanston interview promises to be a timeless exploration of music, production, and the artistry behind the hits. Tune in and join us Inside the Recording Studio!

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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

  • Talking Life, Music, Strings and more with Stevie Blacke

     

     

    What happens when you combine the storytelling energy of Inside the Recording Studio with one of the most in-demand string arrangers in the world? You get a powerhouse episode featuring the one and only Stevie Blacke—the “one man orchestra” behind dozens of top ten hits and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music.

    Stevie’s résumé reads like a hall of fame playlist: P!nk, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Beck, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Timbaland feat. Elton John, Kylie Minogue feat. Keith Urban, Alice in Chains, Colbie Caillat, Gary Clark Jr., Cher, Joe Cocker, Foreigner, Garbage, Avenged Sevenfold, Snoop Dogg—the list is staggering. Even Steve Vai once said: “He has the most diverse and impressive resume I’ve ever seen.”

    In this episode, Chris and Jody talk with Stevie about how he approaches string arrangements, how he became the go-to orchestrator for A-list artists, and how he adapts across wildly different genres. From lush pop ballads to aggressive rock anthems, Stevie reveals how strings can elevate a track from good to unforgettable.

    Expect insights into workflow, arranging philosophy, and even a few laughs as the guys dive into both the serious artistry and the fun nonsense that always finds its way into an Inside the Recording Studio episode. Whether you’re curious about building arrangements with home studio gear, hunting for recording setup tips, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories about your favorite artists, this episode is loaded with gems.

    Sit down, strap in, and get ready for an inspiring ride into the world of one of music’s most versatile arrangers.

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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

  • Talking Music, Life, Creation and more with Venus Theory



    An In-Depth Conversation with Venus Theory

    Every once in a while, a creative voice comes along that blends artistry, curiosity, and relentless innovation into something bigger than music alone. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody sit down for a power-packed 90-minute interview with Cameron, better known as Venus Theory—a creative powerhouse whose journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional.

    Venus Theory didn’t take the typical path into music. From what Chris and Jody jokingly call his “humble beginnings on Mount Olympus” to carving out a niche in sound design, production, and creative storytelling, Cameron’s story is equal parts myth and reality. He’s a producer, a YouTuber, a thinker, and someone who’s continually exploring how technology and artistry intersect.

    What You’ll Hear in This Episode

    Chris and Jody guide the conversation across a wide range of topics that go beyond gear talk (though yes, there’s plenty of that too):

    • The unique journey Venus Theory took into music and sound design.
    • Insights into creativity—how to find inspiration, overcome roadblocks, and keep pushing forward.
    • The realities of modern production in a world of DAWs, plugins, and home studio gear.
    • Discussions about life, balance, and staying grounded while building a creative career.
    • A dive into workflow, recording setup tips, and habits that keep projects moving.

    This isn’t just an interview—it’s a wide-ranging conversation that’s as much about life as it is about music. With humor, candid insights, and the occasional tangent (because what’s an Inside the Recording Studio episode without some nonsense?), Chris and Jody uncover what makes Venus Theory tick and how his perspective can resonate with musicians, producers, and creatives everywhere.

    Why It Matters

    Whether you know Venus Theory from his music, his tutorials, or his thoughtful online presence, this episode offers a chance to hear the person behind the work. You’ll gain not only practical advice but also a deeper appreciation for the mindset that fuels creativity in today’s music world.

    So grab your favorite set of headphones, settle in, and prepare for a 90-minute ride full of wisdom, laughs, and inspiration.

    For more on Cameron, visit www.venustheory.com.

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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

  • Inside the World of ‘Bad’ TV, Composer Mike Greene



    Mike Greene Talks Bad TV, Realitone, and Bowie

    If you’ve ever yelled at your DAW because a virtual instrument just wasn’t cutting it, there’s a good chance you’ve wished for someone like Mike Greene to swoop in and save your session. Songwriter, producer, and the brain behind Realitone, Mike has spent years building sample libraries that are as fun as they are functional. But before he became the VI wizard we know today, he was busy writing songs, producing records, and even sneaking his work into some (let’s be honest) questionable TV shows.

    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody sit down with Mike for a conversation that’s part gear talk, part career confessional, and part comedy show. If you thought virtual instruments were all dry tech talk, think again.

    From Bad TV to Realitone Genius

    Mike openly admits it: you’ve probably heard his music in TV shows you wouldn’t exactly brag about watching. (Think guilty-pleasure reality shows, not award-winning prestige dramas.) But those projects helped shape his perspective, teaching him how to deliver quickly, creatively, and—most importantly—on budget. That hustle eventually led him into the world of virtual instruments, where he figured if nobody else was going to make the tools he wanted, he’d just make them himself. Thus, Realitone was born.

    Making VIs That Don’t Suck

    Let’s face it: some sample libraries feel like they were designed by robots with zero sense of humor. Not Mike’s. Realitone has a personality—equal parts playful and powerful. Chris and Jody dig into Mike’s approach to design, talking about how he balances making tools that sound professional with making them actually enjoyable to use. Spoiler: he’s got strong opinions on both.

    The Bowie Bombshell

    And then there’s the wild card: somewhere in Mike’s journey, he ends up with an unexpected connection to David Bowie. We won’t spoil the details here, but trust us—it’s not every day you go from making TV cues to brushing shoulders (figuratively or literally) with one of music’s greatest icons. Chris and Jody press for the story, and Mike delivers.

    Gear Talk Without the Snore

    Sure, there’s plenty of talk about workflow, home studio gear, and how to avoid overthinking your recording setup tips, but this isn’t some dry lecture on “optimizing metadata” (thankfully). Instead, you get stories, laughs, and a peek behind the curtain of how Mike balances songwriting, producing, and building instruments for the rest of us. Plus, you’ll walk away with a few nuggets of wisdom that might just help you stop fighting your plugins and start making music faster.

    Why You’ll Want to Listen

    This episode has it all: laughs, Bowie, a dash of nonsense (because, let’s be real, it’s Chris and Jody), and enough gear insights to keep your inner audio nerd happy. Whether you’re into writing, mixing, or just discovering the hidden features in studio gear, you’ll leave with a smile—and probably a new respect for the guy behind Realitone.

    So grab your coffee, put your DAW in save mode, and hit play. Mike Greene’s story is proof that the path to making great music (and great tools) doesn’t have to be boring.

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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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