Brad Pack

What happens when you finally have time to create and nothing comes? It's a hard thing to do when you've been able to relax and then need to find instant inspiration. What do you do? Two words: Brian Eno. Brian Eno was a weird dude. He was a self-described "non-musician” that reinvented the recording process with a highly conceptual approach. His unique strategies changed the way we make music to this day. Continue reading →

Michigan native Khari Cain got his start in the music industry interning for Bad Boy Records, where he began producing as "Needlz." Now he makes hit records with artists like Ludacris, 50 Cent, Lupe Fiasco, Bruno Mars and The Lonely Island. We recently sat down with Needlz and chatted for our ongoing 20 Questions series. Read on to learn more about his love for Michael McDonald, his trick for kicking writer's block and some advice on getting the best kick sounds on an 808. Continue reading →

Can I be real for a second? Stocking stuffers are LAME. Socks. Soap. Maybe some awful smelling cologne/perfume if you’re lucky. This year, surprise your loved ones by stuffing something truly awesome in their stocking! Continue reading →

Jimi Hendrix is an icon. A rock legend, often described as the greatest guitarist of all time. But his career only lasted four short years before his life was cut tragically short at 27. In that time, he was able to release three albums with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Are You Experienced acted as their loud and flashy introduction. Electric Ladyland proved to be their grand finale, featuring some of their most memorable songs. Continue reading →

Let’s face it, you’d rather be doing something creative than spending hours with your extended family, struggling to make small talk. This year, give them (and you!) a gift they’ll actually appreciate — something entertaining to watch. A Christmas Story is great, but it’s not going to hold your Aunt’s attention long enough to keep her from asking you how “your little music stuff” is going. These are some of our favorite music and recording documentaries of 2017. Continue reading →

These Black Friday deals are no longer available, please click here to shop all current 2019 Black Friday promos. It’s that time of year again; the season of giving. When we put our wants aside and give back to those who — HOLY SH*T did you see these Black Friday guitar and synth deals? They're insane! Some of these units are limited stock too! One little present for yourself is OK… right? Continue reading →

These Black Friday deals are no longer available, please click here to shop all current 2019 Black Friday promos. If you've been thinking about upgrading your studio monitors, there's never been a better time to make your move. Read below to learn about monitors from Acoustic Energy, ADAM Audio, ATC, Barefoot Sound, Focal and ProAc. Continue reading →

Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours is a monument to excess; fueled by enormous budgets, sleepless nights and mountains of cocaine. Earlier this year, the album celebrated its 40th anniversary and we decided to take a look at what exactly went into the recording and mixing process of this classic album. Rumours was recorded over 12 months at The Record Plant in Sausalito, California in 1976. Even the studio owners thought Fleetwood Mac were going overboard. Chris Stone said, "They would come in at 7 at night, have a big feast, party till 1 or 2 in the morning. And then when they were so whacked-out they couldn't do anything, they'd start recording." Continue reading →

Michael Jackson’s Thriller may be the most significant piece of recorded music in human history. On the first day of recording, producer Quincy Jones walked into the studio and said “OK guys, we’re here to save the recorded music industry.” And then they did. 35 years on, Thriller is the still best-selling album of all time. At its peak, it sold more than 1 million copies per week. Since its release, it's sold an estimated 66 million copies in America, and over 105 million worldwide. In light of the title track's horror film-like lyrics and the album's upcoming anniversary, we decided to take a look at what it took to create a modern masterpiece. Continue reading →

Tracking vocals is hands-down the hardest part of the recording process, and not just because all vocalists are divas (kidding!). The voice is the only instrument you can’t tune. It’s also the most intimate instrument to perform in front of other people. The most important thing to remember when tracking vocals is that it’s all about the performance. You can fix a bad note in post, but there’s nothing you can do to turn a nervous performance into confident one. It’s ok if the singer is a little off-pitch, as long as they mean it. Continue reading →