Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle Podcast

Music career longevity is what separates artists who last from those who burn out chasing the wrong metrics.

Too many aspiring musicians hand control to social platforms, grinding out content as servants to algorithms while the industry gaslights them with success measures that have nothing to do with real longevity. Keith Jopling spent 25 years inside the business, including time at Spotify, then interviewed 80 artists and bands to write Riding the Rollercoaster, and the creative director model he extracted from that research shows musicians how to flip the equation: command the platforms, define your own hit, and build...

On this week's episode, Bobby speaks with Dr. Bill Evans, audio scientist, producer, educator, and inventor of the Performance Restoration methodology.

Bill believes that drum recording has always involved a painful tradeoff, but it doesn't have to.

Most engineers accept mic bleed as an unavoidable character of a drum sound, questioning whether removing it could actually alter the drummer's true performance DNA.

Bill spent seven years answering exactly that question. His concept of the Virtual Audio Workstation, involves a new audio file format that remains compatible with WAV files while carrying additional performance...

Female artists who hire producers risk losing creative control before a single song is released.

On this week's podcast episode, Xylo Aria, founder of Music Production for Women(MPW), tells us how she learned this the hard way, by paying for sessions where male producers overrode her vision, leaving her with music she never put out and studios where personal safety competed with creative freedom.

Seven years building MPW taught her that the real barrier isn't technical knowledge, but confidence and the self-imposed belief that production simply isn't for women.

On this week's episode, Elliot Easton, guitarist for The Cars and Creedence Clearwater Revisited, takes us through his journey with the band and beyond.

Easton looks back at The Cars' origins, from getting a label deal the old fashioned way, to connecting with famed producer Roy Thomas Baker, to recording the band's initial albums, to how his many influences shaped his solos in the studio.

He then tells us about his time with Creedence Clearwater Revisited, and the broken tour with The New Cars where bad management sunk a potentially good thing.

Finally...

Music business professionals who still see major labels as career partners need to hear what Bobby Owsinski lays out plainly: Universal Music Group's pursuit of a $3 billion Spotify stock sell-off signals that labels have shifted from artist development engines into financial instruments that happen to license music. 

The failure mode is assuming the label is on your side when, as Bobby explains, artists are a line item on a balance sheet. 

His counterintuitive fix is to stop waiting for label validation and recognize that AI flooding submissions without capturing listeners, and stagnating streaming growth, are si...

What matters more in the music business, mastering every plugin, or becoming the kind of person people want to hire again?

On this episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby talks with songwriter, producer, engineer, and educator Gary Gray about music licensing, post production, rhythmic integrity, AI, immersive audio, and the character traits that keep people working in a changing industry.

Gary shares how his early life as a drummer, his music theory training, and his work alongside artists and mentors like Quincy Jones shaped the way he approaches production and problem solving. He...

What can a 1956 recording console teach us about the future of music production?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby talks with Tom Camuso, Director of Engineering at The Les Paul Recording Studio, and Michael Braunstein, 3rd Generation Les Paul Manager.

They discuss the newly restored Les Paul Recording Studio in Los Angeles, Les Paul’s groundbreaking recording innovations, and why his original Fairchild based console still feels ahead of its time today.

Tom and Michael take us inside the restoration of Les Paul’s original gear, including his 1956 consol...

What makes a compressor become one of the most trusted pieces of gear in modern recording studios? In this episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby talks with Dave Derr, founder of Empirical Labs and creator of the legendary Distressor.

Dave shares the story behind the Distressor’s development, including how early studio challenges, dead drum sounds, 1176 experiments, and real-world testing helped shape one of the most widely used analog compressors in music production. He also talks about the creation of Nuke mode, the thinking behind Brit mode, the evolution of the Distressor, and how products li...

What does it really take to turn a good voice into a sustainable music career? In this episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, Bobby talks with vocal coach, singer, songwriter, and artist developer Patrice Peris about the voice, the business, and the habits that help independent artists move from practice room to real performance.

Patrice shares why today’s singers need more than technique, including branding, web presence, booking strategy, emotional delivery, and a real understanding of the music business. She also breaks down the differences between classical, musical theater, and contemporary singing, why pitch perfection is no...

What happens to iconic guitar shops when the founders want to step away, and who makes sure those legendary brands do not disappear? 

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby talks with Ben Montague, Founder and CEO of The North American Guitar Global, TNAG, about vintage guitars, legacy music retail, trusted online selling, and the future of some of the world’s most respected guitar stores. 

Ben shares how he went from touring musician and guitar trader to building The North American Guitar, expanding into Nashville, partnering with Carter Vintage, and acquir...

What does it take to keep a commercial recording studio thriving as the music industry keeps changing? In this episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, Bobby talks with Tom Weir, Grammy-winning engineer, producer, mixer, and owner of Studio City Sound, about how his studio continues to grow by expanding beyond traditional music recording into ADR, voiceover, livestreaming, Dolby Atmos, podcast production, and AI augmentation sessions.

Tom shares how Studio City Sound adapted from its longtime location into a larger North Hollywood space, why commercial studios have to diversify to stay competitive, and what he is seeing firsthand...

What happens when a world-class mastering engineer tries to replace himself with AI, and fails? On Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby sits down with Jonathan Wyner, mastering engineer at M-Works, professor at Berklee College of Music, head of artistic technology initiatives for BEATL, and past president of the Audio Engineering Society, for a sharp, eye-opening conversation about AI mastering, music production, education, and the future of human creativity in the studio. 

Jonathan explains why AI mastering still cannot match the listening pass, judgment, and intention that a human mastering engineer brings to a record. He als...

What is the biggest problem in mixing right now, and why are so many modern sessions making that problem worse? 

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby sits down with multi-platinum mixer and engineer Richard Chycki, known for his work with Rush, Dream Theater, Aerosmith, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, and Pink, to unpack what is really hurting mixes today. Richard explains why too many recording decisions are being postponed, how immersive audio changes the way mixers create space, and why clearer standards are needed if Atmos mixes are...

Can compressor presets really fix a weak vocal, or are most mixers solving the wrong problem first? 

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Bobby sits down with author, musician, and lecturer Craig Anderton to unpack the art and science of vocal production, from performance psychology and gain envelope “microsurgery” to why a single vocal can connect more directly than a doubled one. The conversation also moves into inside out mixing, recording vocals flat, plugin minimalism, DIY creativity, and the mindset required to keep evolving with music technology. Craig Anderton is an internationally recognized authority on musi...

What does it really take to stay relevant in today’s music business when private equity is reshaping pro audio, viral success is far rarer than people think, and YouTube keeps gaining influence? 

In this solo episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby breaks down the latest music industry news and production trends, connecting the dots between business shifts, platform power, legacy gear, and loudness myths so artists, producers, mixers, and music creators can better understand where the industry is heading.

Bobby digs into Native Instruments filing for insolvency, what that could mean for u...

Is AI really coming for your gig, or are most musicians worried about the wrong things entirely? In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle Podcast, author, musician, and lecturer Craig Anderton breaks down what AI actually means for working artists, producers, and songwriters, and why the real advantage is still the human fingerprint that machines cannot touch.

Craig unpacks new listener data that shows real pushback against AI-generated music, why fans still want to support human artists, and how musicians can stop trying to “out-computer a computer” and instead double down on feel, emotion, and creati...

What role do commercial recording studios really play in today’s home studio world? In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Bobby sits down with Sam Rudy, founder of Pro Studio Time, to explore whether studios are still necessary for modern music production, or simply a creative luxury. From writing camps and residential studios to AI disruption and changing booking habits, this conversation dives deep into how artists, managers, and labels are navigating studio choices in 2025.

Sam shares insights from working with over 130 studios globally, explains why so many studio inquiries never turn into bookings, and...

What if immersive audio is not about the future at all, but about going back to how music was always meant to be heard?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Bobby sits down with Adrian Weidmann, CEO and founder of Immersive Design Labs, to unpack why Dolby Atmos and immersive audio have left so many engineers scrambling, and how the real breakthrough is not technology, but clarity. Adrian shares how his background in test and measurement, studio microphones, and live capture shaped a radically simple philosophy, accuracy over novelty.

From designing a pr...

What if the biggest thing holding musicians back is not talent, but mindset?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Bobby sits down with DJ Bander, Zach Schnall, CEO of Bander Productions, to explore how artists can build real career momentum in today’s music business. From jazz roots to electronic dance music success, Zach shares how he transitioned genres, built a brand, invested in marketing, and developed the business skills most musicians ignore.

This is a deep dive into branding, social media strategy, financial literacy, EDM production standards, and why waiting to be d...

Is the gig economy really built to support musicians and freelancers, or is it setting them up to fail?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby talks with Ben Ikwaugwu, CEO of SoundCheck Live, about why the freelance economy is growing faster than the tools designed to support it. Drawing from his background as a professional vocalist and supply chain professional, Ben explains why fragmented communication, lack of systems, and one time execution pressure make it harder than ever for musicians and gig operators to run a sustainable business.

Ben also sh...

What really matters in music production when AI can generate songs, demos, and arrangements almost instantly? 

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Bobby sits down with legendary Nashville engineer and producer Ed Seay to unpack how AI, modern songwriting practices, and changing production tools are reshaping the music business. From demo studios being bypassed to why human instinct still cannot be replaced, this conversation offers an inside look at where music has been and where it is headed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• “90% of the people in the world aren’t pros. It’s all about...

Why Do Musicians Still Struggle to Grow a Fanbase in 2026?

This week on Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, Prospect Hill drummer and FanFlowy co-founder Mark Roberge reveals how the music industry still lacks the systems that every other business takes for granted. From cost-per-acquisition to automated fan engagement, Mark shares why most artists burn out - and how FanFlowy was built to fix that. If you're serious about building a music career that scales, this is a must-listen.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• The music industry lacks core systems like cost-per-acquisition tracking
• Why so many talented artists give...

What happens when a lifelong audio engineer suddenly can’t work in a studio anymore?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, Bobby sits down with Luke Delalio, engineer, educator, cognitive artist, photographer, and creative force at Korneff Audio. Luke shares the deeply personal story of how tinnitus changed everything, forcing him to step away from music production just as his career was thriving.

But what began as a devastating setback became the catalyst for an entirely new creative life. From theater to photography, plugin design to painting, Luke’s journey shows how curiosity, expe...

Can one sync placement change your entire music career?

On this episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, I’m joined by Chris SD - producer, engineer, songwriter, and founder of Sync Songwriter. Chris has helped artists get $30,000 placements, land Billboard features, and book world tours through sync licensing. In this deep-dive conversation, he breaks down how sync really works today, why connections matter more than ever, and how indie artists can win big in film and TV without major label backing.

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting your music into movies, shows, or commercials, this...

What does a life in music look like when you follow curiosity instead of chasing titles? In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, 7-time Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and songwriter Brent Maher shares a remarkable journey across genres, generations, and creative mediums. From recording legends like Elvis and Duke Ellington to discovering The Judds and inventing a new format - a musical novel - Brent’s stories reveal how passion and patience can outlast trends and change the industry from the inside.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Success is doing what you love, not chasing recognition
• Brent’s path fro...

What does the future really hold for music in 2026?

In this solo episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle Podcast, Bobby delivers a rapid-fire rundown of where the industry is headed, and what musicians, producers, and music pros need to prepare for right now. From AI-generated music to streaming platform shifts, gear market slowdowns, and major label controversies, these predictions cut through the hype and hit the heart of what’s changing.

If you care about the music business, you can’t afford to miss this one.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Streaming prices are rising as sub...

2025 was wild. Is the music business finally changing for good?

In this solo edition of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, Bobby breaks down the most important developments across music, audio, and tech in 2025. From AI-generated hits to Spotify insiders cashing out, this episode is packed with sharp insights that every music creator, producer, or business insider needs to hear. Whether you're trying to keep up or stay ahead, this annual year-in-review will leave you better informed and ready to thrive in 2026.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• AI-generated artists like Velvet Sundown gained massive traction - before the tr...

Is your music really yours in the age of AI?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, Marc Gray, CEO of SonicOrigin, dives into the future of audio verification. From watermarking that survives TikTok filters to tracking AI-generated content, Marc shares why authentication is becoming essential in today’s music and media industries. If you’re a creator, label, engineer or just curious about where music tech is heading, this episode will open your eyes to the tools that may soon become standard.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Why people no longer trust what they see or hea...

What happens when a teenage house party promoter takes on one of the biggest forces in live music?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, Bobby sits down with Tommy Dorfman, a veteran club promoter and founder of Juice Entertainment. Tommy shares how he built a powerhouse promotion empire from scratch, packed out venues across New Jersey and New York, pioneered the East Coast house music scene, and went head-to-head with Live Nation. His story dives deep into the grind of promotion, the mafia encounters, and a David-versus-Goliath lawsuit that could reshape the live music industry...

What makes a brand partnership truly authentic in music today?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Bobby sits down with Katie Nowak, VP of Marketing and Partnerships at TBA Agency, to explore how meaningful collaborations are redefining success for artists. Katie shares behind-the-scenes stories about building the “Here and There” festival with Courtney Barnett, partnering with brands like Microsoft and Levi’s, and using creative strategy to connect niche artists with deeply engaged audiences.

Whether you're an artist, marketer, or industry insider, this episode reveals the power of authenticity, community, and stra...

Is high-end studio gear still worth it today?

For this milestone 600th episode, Bobby welcomes back fan-favorite Dennis Moody, a world-renowned studio and live mixer who’s appeared on every 100th episode since the podcast’s launch. In this revealing conversation, Dennis opens up about the biggest shifts he’s seen over the last decade in music production, gear, touring, and what truly matters when it comes to crafting a great sound. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just gear-curious, this episode will change how you think about tools, tone, and tech.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

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What can a nightclub DJ teach you about running a business?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, we sit down with DJ, author, professor, and speaker Amani Roberts - also known as DJ AMRo - to unpack how his pivot from corporate America to the turntables led to a purpose-driven creative career. Amani shares insights from his book DJ’s Mean Business, his work teaching music business at Cal State Fullerton, and what DJing can reveal about reading a room, adapting under pressure, and staying relevant in the age of AI. This conversation is pack...

What does a $44 million video game sound like?

This week on Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, game composer Tim Larkin breaks down the high-stakes world of e-sports music. From scoring Dota 2 tournaments with 100-piece orchestras to building adaptive music systems that respond to gameplay, Tim reveals what it takes to create soundtracks that elevate the gaming experience. If you’ve ever wondered how music in games works or how orchestras fit into digital worlds, this episode is a must-listen.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• How Tim Larkin scored the $44M Dota 2 International tournament
• The structure of dynamic, reacti...

🎙️ Is AI the biggest disruption the music industry has ever seen?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle, Bobby welcomes Matt Adell, COO of Musical.ai, a trailblazer in bridging the gap between rightsholders and AI developers. With a career spanning Napster, Beatport, and Native Instruments, Matt offers deep insight into the seismic shift AI is bringing to music - bigger than file sharing or streaming. He explains how attribution, fair compensation, and licensing are being redefined for a new digital era.

This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom, music tech history, and a clear...

Why is tinnitus still a taboo in the music industry?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Bobby dives deep into one of music’s most ignored health crises with Sven Köllmann and Jack Rubinacci of Tinnitus Quest. Tinnitus affects up to 1 billion people worldwide, yet it remains misunderstood and overlooked, even as it wrecks lives and careers. Sven and Jack explain why hearing loss is just the beginning, why research has been misdirected for years, and what it’s really like living with the chronic condition. They also reveal how Tinnitus Quest is fast-tr...

What if the biggest roadblock in music licensing wasn’t legal complexity, but outdated systems? In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, we dive deep into the wild world of music rights with Grayson Sanders, CEO of Chordal. A former film composer turned tech founder, Grayson reveals how his sync clearing platform is transforming the way music gets licensed, making it faster, easier, and smarter. We explore the landmark TikTok deal, the rise of AI-generated music, and how real artists can survive and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Discover why mo...

How do you build merch that actually connects with fans? In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, I sit down with Seamus Menihane, CEO of Armada, a top-tier merch company helping artists, from indies to heavy hitters, turn merch into a true brand extension. 

If you've ever wondered what merch sells best, how to price it, or how to avoid costly mistakes, Seamus breaks it all down. With his roots as a touring drummer and years running Downright Merch, he’s built Armada into a full-scale merch partner that delivers everything from...

How Mark Wood Reinvented the Violin and Inspired a Generation

On this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, I’m joined by recording artist, performer, inventor, Emmy-winning composer, and music education advocate Mark Wood. Known as the original string master of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mark shares how he revolutionized the world of string instruments with his electric violin designs and helped ignite a movement in music education with his Electrify Your Symphony program. We explore the intersection of classical training and rock performance, the birth of his iconic Viper violin, and the entrepreneurial drive that...

Barry Coffing has lived every corner of the music business, from opera scholarships to songwriting for Hollywood films, and now, innovating the licensing space. As founder of MusicSupervisor.com and WeGetArtists.com, Barry has reshaped how independent musicians connect with opportunities in film, TV, and beyond.

In this episode, Barry shares his journey from club gigs to scoring major placements, the evolution of his licensing platform, and why transparency and fairness for artists drive everything he builds.

We also dig into the challenges and possibilities of AI in music...

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle podcast, I sit down with Francois Barrillon, Neural DSP’s plugins product manager and product lead for their new vocal plugin Mantra.

Francois shares how he went from building guitar pedals in his spare time to leading development on one of the most innovative vocal tools available today.

We talk about Neural DSP’s expansion beyond guitars, how Mantra was designed to be an all-in-one studio solution, and what it takes to create plugins that blend analog feel with digital power.

In This Episode:

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