Interview with Brian: Insights from a Music Producer

1. Non-Alcoholic Beverages for Energy and Inspiration

Brian: You can say that again! Intensity, focus, and creativity are all part of the creative process alright. It’s kind of ironic because I don’t drink alcohol, never even tasted it. I know it’s strange for an Irishman, but there you go. I have a healthy obsession though with drinking tea, so that’s what helps me. It’s more than a drink, it’s therapy. Ask any Irish person. Long studio sessions I’m not a massive fan of either. Sure, they’re required a lot of the time, but I think you can lose perspective quickly.

2. Productivity Routines and Practices

Brian: I’m not sure I have a unique routine or ritual, but there are certain things I do to optimize my productivity. I’m not crazy about early starts in the morning. I can do them no problem, but if I had to choose, I prefer nighttime. So, with that in mind, I like heading to bed around 1am after running at night – I feel more ‘relaxed’ about what might happen the following day. I can’t function without having some lovely oatmeal and some tea in the mornings. I need about an hour or two to fully get into the day before I attack the day. So, I guess if we’re talking about ‘routines’, it probably revolves around what happens at the end of the previous day and the start of the day to be ‘productive.’
I never think about ‘how productive will I be today?’ I have a schedule designed, and stick to it, with many points within it littered for changes for how fast things can change day to day, week to week. I’m rarely ever late and I hate people being late. My job either involves me being at the studio or at a live music event. Both are different dynamics mainly one must happen within one take, the other we have a bit more time to figure out.

I don’t listen to any of the motivational podcasts or say the usual top 3 tips for ‘growth mindsets’ or any of that stuff. Go to therapy instead. They’re excellent businesses and ideas, and yes occasionally can be interesting to hear snippets if you’re scrolling on Instagram, but they’re not for me. I’m more interested in listening to comedy podcasts (I need to laugh daily) or lately being quite interested in what Allistair and Rory have to say on the ‘The Rest Is Politics’ podcast.

3. Creating the Perfect Studio Environment

Brian: I’m glad you asked this question. I’ve been in a few instances where even I struggled to function in a strange atmosphere and ambience, never mind the Artist. It’s everything. The room, the people, the feel, the vibe, the hour of the day, and understanding what might be blocking all of this. When I was designing my current studio here in Carlow, I wanted the ‘live room’ end to feel more like a meditation space rather than a place for work. Comfortable couches, no direct bulb lighting, a space to chill and talk and just drink coffee…no expectations… stuff like that. The complete opposite to say a clinical commercial space for instance where everyone has a lanyard. I have this thing about lanyards, sorry…. Both have a place for sure, but I occasionally think to myself ‘Do I want to be a lanyard boss or a boss that blends in’. I think lanyards and folders can sometimes feel like shields for something else. Other times of course they’re needed for obvious reasons. Hopefully you know what I mean.

4. Advice for Aspiring Music Producers and Mixers

Brian: Advice can be strange to give because I’m just talking about my current experiences and I’m nowhere near what I want to be ultimately and who really knows? I don’t. But here’s some things I’d say if I had to say more: Understand it’s a passion and probably a lifelong thing. Understand it’s your hearing and taste. Understand it’s not 9-5. Understand it’s extremely tough and it’s generally a business first and foremost, which is changing every few months. Network like crazy. A few hits will bring you a good distance. Don’t do drugs. Save your money. Exercise. Be interested in things that are not music. You can also not listen to these pieces of advice and still be ‘successful’ – another piece of wisdom there for you! Ha. Everyone has an opinion.

In terms of maintaining perseverance, I’m not sure I have advice here. I tend to draw my strength for this stuff from my family and very close friends, or surprisingly from how Navy SEALs operate.