Recording Studio Rockstars

What happens when a tree destroys your home and studio - and it leads you to a new creative life across two continents?
In this episode, I talk with Ronan Chris Murphy, the world-traveling producer, engineer, and artist known for his work with King Crimson, Steve Morse, and Tony Levin, and for teaching hundreds of musicians how to finish their records through his Recording Bootcamp and RIPA Festival of International Sound.
Ronan shares how losing his home and studio in the mountains north of Los Angeles became a turning point that reshaped his creative life - leading him to rebuild from scratch in the Berkshires of Massachusetts and a medieval hill town in Italy. We dig into how his surroundings inspire creativity, how he balances his own artistic work with client projects, and why finishing creative ideas matters more than chasing perfection.
We also talk about building community through workshops and retreats, finding joy in collaboration, and creating music that connects people across cultures. Along the way, Ronan offers hard-won advice on protecting your studio and data, trusting your creative instincts, and staying productive when life throws you curveballs.
Ronan’s story is a reminder that art, resilience, and curiosity can keep us inspired - no matter where we make our records.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026
https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK30 to get 1 month free of NI 360!
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/
https://pickrmusic.com
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7EVNgxULrlqKpykk9MDT8B?si=w9unZYn_QPi8EZp3It6yww
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/554

What happens when you stop chasing shiny gear and start listening more carefully?
In this episode, Locke Davis, founder and CEO of the Pickr Music app, shares how his deep dive into Nashville's studio culture and Blackbird Academy shaped his approach to building a platform that connects professionals and democratizes the recording industry. We explore the importance of community, the nuances of studio etiquette, and how technical tools can complement but not replace the human element in music creation.
Locke also reflects on the subtle art of setting the emotional tone, how gear doesn't create magic but rather creates opportunities, and the value of genuine relationships over polished online personas. From his background in touring to launching Pickr during the pandemic, Locke offers insights into blending efficiency with authenticity.
We talk about practical ways to build community through studio events, social media, and smart use of technology - plus how to stay prepared, adapt, and succeed by focusing on 'making your own luck.' Whether you're a home studio artist or a seasoned professional, this episode aims to remind us that the heart of good music is rooted in connection, craft, and community.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026
https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK30 to get 1 month free of NI 360!
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/
https://pickrmusic.com
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Apple:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/game-changer/1722135644
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-opportunity-to-help-somebody-through-it/1564332436?i=1564332438
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/driving-alone-at-night/1783038435
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/553

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of staying creative - even when life gets messy. Tim and I talk about recording at home, the beauty of imperfection, Logic shortcuts, AI tools, Costa Rica inspiration, punk rock sound gigs, and songwriting prompts that dig into the soul.
We also laugh a lot about “Spanish Inquisition Part 2,” fart algorithms, “The Wrong Burrito” in Nashville, and how to survive creative burnout by reconnecting with nature. Whether he’s building Logic sessions in his home studio or drumming for meditation, Tim’s philosophy always circles back to one idea: just make something today.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026
https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK30 to get 1 month free of NI 360!
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/
https://pickrmusic.com
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2TGTuwEoVXoRwf9W5lFpLk?si=IgQaLRT0RF2RR1AMUPR8Dg
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/552
Mentioned in this episode:
Native Instruments 360
Take your music further with Native Instruments 360—over 150 plugins and 24,000 loops and sounds, giving you everything you need to turn your ideas into release-ready tracks. Explore sampled instruments, powerful synths, and creative effects all in one place. Get 1 month free on monthly or annual plans at Native-Instruments.com using code ROCK30.

Meghan Gohil is a producer, mixer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. He runs Hollywood Recording Studio and GoHill Records, where he helps artists make professional-sounding records with smart workflows, hybrid mixing, and practical indie-release strategies. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
In this episode, Meghan and I talk about the process of building a modern home-studio setup that competes with commercial rooms, how to blend analog gear with digital tools, and the best ways to keep your music career moving forward without getting bogged down in perfectionism or industry red tape. We dive into his hybrid mix chain, using iZotope Ozone, Atmos mixing, AI-powered tools, Chartmetric analytics, and how to handle copyrights, PRO registration, and releases so your music actually earns and keeps growing.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026
https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.adam-audio.com/
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5w9E4YLwH6hizr5gJmUZu3?si=WV3cLJCxSriMt5626Kc7vA
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/551

Have you ever wondered how embracing chaos and intuition can transform your creative process? Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
In this episode, Laura Crapo shares her journey through music, film, healing, and the importance of staying authentic to your unique voice. We explore the parallels between art forms, the influence of environments, and how trusting your inner voice can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Laura discusses her experiences with analog sound, filmmaking experiments, spiritual practices like Reiki, and how they all interconnect in her artistic life. Whether you're a musician, filmmaker, or creative soul, her insights invite you to step into your true self and let the process guide you.
In this candid conversation, Laura reveals how her background growing up around art and music shaped her approach to creativity, her adventures in guerrilla filmmaking, and the importance of honoring imperfections. We talk about balancing the critic and intuition within, the impact of environments on artistic expression, and how life's unpredictable moments can be opportunities in disguise.
She also emphasizes the role of self-love and trusting in your own process as essential elements for making authentic art and music.This episode is packed with reflections on the spiritual dimension of creativity, the value of live performance, and making peace with the messy, imperfect moments.
Laura's stories about her experiences in Montreal, Chicago, and even her inside knowledge of legendary figures like Steve Albini add depth to a discussion about trusting your instincts and staying true to your art.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026
https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.adam-audio.com/
https://www.spectra1964.com
https://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cvvqYC1O24b2xxI02IEzq?si=0t_MlY1pQg2X9p0ue7MePQ&pi=G_gWFsKlTrCPO
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/550