Listen "Finding Your Higher Calling in Music with Quiet Son"
Episode Synopsis
SummaryIn this conversation, Connor Small, known as Quiet Son, shares his journey into music, detailing his early experiences, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and his insights into the role of a producer. He discusses the importance of collaboration, the creative process, and the emotional depth of his work, particularly in his album 'In Median'. Connor emphasizes the significance of building rapport with artists and the value of embracing imperfections in music production. In this conversation, Nathan and Connor Small (Quiet Son) delve into the intricacies of music production and songwriting. They discuss the creative process, the importance of feedback, and how musical influences shape their sound. The conversation also touches on the technical aspects of music production, starting points for creating music, and the significance of mixing techniques. Connor shares valuable advice for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the need to find one's purpose in music and the importance of living life to inspire creativity.Chapters00:00Introduction to Quiet Son01:12Early Musical Influences and Career Beginnings04:05Transitioning from New York to LA06:46The Joy of Music Production08:47The Role of a Producer11:35Building Artist Relationships14:27A Day in the Life of a Producer17:13Collaborative Studio Experiences19:50Exploring Genre Diversity in Music22:53The Evolution of Songs and Trusting Your Gut28:24The Living Entity of Music29:48Artist Empowerment and Collaboration31:51The DIY Revolution in Music Production33:41Breaking the Rules of Recording36:03The Journey of 'In Median'41:36The Struggles of Artistic Creation44:38Musical Influences and Their Impact50:09The Technical Side of Music Production55:12The Primal Connection to Rhythm59:10Crafting the Perfect Mix: Techniques and Tools01:03:48The Art of Compression and EQ01:09:17Finding Space and Silence in Music01:12:45Advice for Aspiring Musicians and ProducersTakeawaysHis passion for music ignited after discovering rock and hip-hop through his sister.Interning at a recording studio during high school was pivotal for his career.Connor values the collaborative nature of music production and artist empowerment.He believes everyone has a producer's perspective, even if they lack technical knowledge.Building rapport with artists is crucial for a successful creative process.The recording environment can significantly impact an artist's performance.Connor emphasizes the importance of embracing accidents in the creative process.His album 'In Median' explores deep personal themes and emotional journeys.He aims to create a safe space for artists to express themselves freely. The creative process often involves struggle and growth.Honest feedback from trusted individuals is crucial for artistic development.Blending genres can lead to unique and innovative music.Living life outside of music can provide fresh inspiration.Technical setup and tools play a significant role in production.Starting points for music creation can vary based on context.Mixing techniques, such as rhythm and space, are essential for a polished sound.Finding purpose in music can help navigate the pressures of the industry.Trusting your own taste is vital for artistic integrity.Sound Bites"Everybody is a producer in some sense.""Building chemistry with an artist is so important.""Music is its own language.""Trusting that gut is so important.""Embracing accidents is really cool.""Trusting your taste is crucial as a producer.""Rhythm is the most primal thing we feel in music.""Learning the restraint of silence is important.""Take the pressure off yourself to be perfect.""It's about finding your higher calling in music.""The audience has to come last.""You have to like the stuff you're putting out."
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