Heading to NAMM next week in Anaheim?

Let’s all remember to be excellent to each other. The area’s been through some tough times, so let’s bring positivity, collaboration, and good vibes.

2024 Vanguard Conversations Retrospective: Part 2

Derek Bargaehr’s podcast series, Vanguard Conversations, dives deep into the music industry with some of the best and brightest minds. From Grammy-winning producers to innovative engineers, each guest offers unique perspectives on the art and craft of music production.

Here’s a look back at some of the standout conversations in 2024 and what’s to come in 2025.

“The time has come,” the Walrus said… 🐚

In the words of Lewis Carroll, it’s time to talk about everything from cabbages and kings to the boiling sea. Or, in our case, the magic and madness of music production.

Highlights from 2024 Episodes

19 April: Engineer Steve Genewick

🎧 “Mayor of LA Recording” Steve Genewick, with over 30 years of experience at Capitol Studios, shares insights from working with legends like Al Schmitt, Sir Paul McCartney, and Quincy Jones. Derek and Steve’s conversation is packed with wisdom and anecdotes from the finest studios worldwide. 🎙️

Listen Here

17 May: Yoni Kessler

🎷 Vegas Audio Engineer & Sax Virtuoso Yoni Kessler talks about balancing artistry and engineering, from recording full orchestras to playing with jazz icons. Whether mixing tracks or performing with legends like Eric Marienthal, Yoni offers a fascinating glimpse into his multi-faceted career. 🎙️

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6 July: John Mark Nelson

🎸 Middle-Class Musicians & Mental Health Derek chats with LA-based multi-instrumentalist and producer John Mark Nelson about thriving creatively in today’s music business. Topics include sanity, careers in pro audio, quirky instruments, and—yes—the evolution of his impressive beard. 🎙️

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23 August: Grammy-Winning Producer Chuck Ebert

🎸 From Metal to Gospel Chuck Ebert shares his journey from LA hair bands to Grammy wins. His enthusiasm for music and his role in bringing diverse genres to life is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in to hear about his projects with Don Henley, Rooted in Song, and more. 🎙️

Listen Here

25 October: Kyle Manner

🎶 Building Studios & Music’s Emotional Pull Nashville’s Kyle Manner, an engineer with credits spanning Bob Seeger to Disney’s Cars 2, discusses studio-building pains and the future of the music industry. Don’t miss his tips on staying connected to the emotional core of music. 🎙️

Listen Here

1 November: Brad Smalling

🎛️ Atmos Mixing & Studio Burnout Brad Smalling, owner of Evergroove Studio in Colorado, shares his journey managing a mountain-based Atmos mixing studio. From mic’ing for Atmos to combating burnout, this episode is full of valuable advice for studio owners and engineers. 🎙️

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15 November: Chris Diener

🎤 Live vs Studio Work with Kelsea Ballerini’s FOH Engineer Chris Diener discusses his work as a front-of-house engineer, simplifying live setups, and his love for the Vanguard V44S gen2 mic. Learn about his approach to live sound and how it differs from the studio environment. 🎙️

Listen Here

Looking Ahead to 2025

Stay tuned for more Vanguard Conversations in 2025. Expect fresh guests, cutting-edge topics, and plenty of insights into the ever-evolving world of music production.

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