The Music Survival Guide Podcast

Boredom is a surprisingly powerful tool which WILL help you solve your creative problems. Only question is, will you allow yourself to get bored? Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

There's certain types of posts I see everyone doing on social media. Here's the question, is it fulfilling, or is it copying? Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is chatting with Sam of Daytura We talk about: -Finding the right people for your band who you gel well with -The importance and value of recording your band rehearsals -The value of networking Daytura on Instagram Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

The last thing you want is to be disappointed by a release because you didn't follow your gut and trust how it should feel. In this episode Phil discusses things to consider when working out your approach to recording your next release. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is chatting with Death Warmed Up. We talk about: -Meeting in school and starting the band young -The benefits (and drawbacks) of recording at their college recording studio -A challenging gig in Whitehaven Death Warmed Up on Instagram Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

AI is here to stay, what should we do about it? It's a scary moment so lets talk about what we can do to keep things real and human. The documentary about Suno and AI on Youtube Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is chatting with Reawaken. We discuss: - Different ideas about writing riffs - Malfunctioning house drum kits - The place of the accordion in modern music Reawaken on Instagram Gill's Drum Youtube Channel Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

Taking the time to record things optimally at source will help your music come on leaps and bounds. Join Phil for a brief discussion of how... Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is in discussion with Joe Marsh, a producer from the UK. We talk about: - How he has brought efficiency to his process so he can focus on creative tasks - How being a parent has helped his producing career - Climbing Trees Joe Marsh on Instagram Bands discussed: Twin City (previously Zephyr) Blockade Nights Like Thieves Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

REPOST (from 2024) - too good to not re-share: Here we are hurtling to the end of the year! What should you consider? How can you plan for the year ahead. Join Phil for a ramble through a few topics Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

REPOST FROM 2023 - it's too helpful! Spotify Wrapped is useful... or is it? Join Phil for a discussion on this tool, how it might be helpful and how it may be seriously damaging to you. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

How easy is it to find your music when people discover you on social media? It should be as EASY AS POSSIBLE! Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is talking with most of Sabotage. We discuss: - Organising rehearsal time effectively - Dealing with difficult gig situations - The 'Look up from your pint' moment Sabotage On Instagram Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

Social media sucks! But it's essential in this day and age whether we're happy about that or not. Work out how to harness it for yourself and build a fanbase. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is talking with Alex and Dan of Ronin Veins! We discuss: - Brining their own hype to each gig to make the atmosphere - Building their own music festival to build a scene around them - Spending a mad day filming 4 music videos in 16 hours! Ronin Veins On Instagram Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

The mythical goal of being a 'tight' band, what does it mean? And how can you get there? Join Phil for a discussion about tightness, energy and listening to what other band members are playing. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This is a fun one. I'm in discussion with Marc of Let Man Loose - a crazy story how an email led to supporting Queens of The Stone Age at their festival! Let Man Loose on Instagram Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

Bands producing themselves at home is great, it's democratised creativity in the studio, but have you considered the extras, the ear candy that can elevate a production? In this episode Phil discusses those extra touches that can make your next release that little bit better Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is talking with David, the Producer and owner of Red City Studios in Manchester. We discuss: - How David got started and stumbled upon an ideal studio space - How he works collaboratively with bands to develop songs as their biggest fan - Tuning toms to match the song - Building trust with bands over time The Silver Lines - Hotel Room David on Instagram Red City Recordings Website Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

Putting boundaries on yourself can unlock creativity you didn't previously know existed! In this mini episode Phil suggests a few ways you can find your creativity through limitations and how they help. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is talking with most of Simulation Theory. We talk about bringing music to the rehearsal rooms and adapting it to the musicians in the band, keeping your live sets interesting for yourselves and just LOVING playing drums. Simulation Theory on Instagram Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

Recording drums, in many ways the hardest thing you can do when recording yourselves! It is a challenge but NOT impossible.  Join Phil for a brief rundown for what equipment is needed, how to get the best value for money and where to position everything. This is a BIG topic so after listening please do reach out to me if you have any questions. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is talking with the boys from Keep This Up. We talk about challenges booking gigs after they changed their sound, when writing working out which songs to keep and which to chuck and shenanigans around pubs closing before they could play! Keep This Up On Instagram Brainache Promotions Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

The music scene is saturated, you NEED to stand out! Phil this week discusses how to think through making your unique style that's authentic to you. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is talking with Ben James - guitarist of The Heavy Souls. We discuss, surviving through thick and thin to get success in the music scene, jamming and instinctively feeling if a song is right and the joys of longer tracks on albums.  The Heavy Souls on Instagram Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

You NEED to promote your own music in 2025! Join Phil for a discussion on social media, using advertising and actually pushing your gigs to your audience. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is talking with Izzy McPhee - part of the Weird Jungle mastering collective. We talk about finding her place in the music scene, following her musical instincts when mastering, and investing in the important equipment you need to harness your skills. Izzy McPhee on Instagram Dreamwife Music Amahla Music Saffron 2% Rising Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

What does it mean to be 'in the pocket', how can you get better at it? Join Phil for a little discussion on this essential but under-discussed skill. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil is talking with November Now. We discuss taking time to find and define your sound, song writing and trusting your instincts and the challenges of gigging in London, November Now On Instagram Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected]

When stuff goes wrong it sucks, right? But there are practical steps you can do. In this mini-episode Phil discusses: How to handle mistakes in a gig Should you ignore it or make a joke of it What to do when your release doesn't go to plan, or if a gig doesn't go well How do you learn from your mistakes? What you can do better What can you do NOW to fix it? What ISN'T in your control and cannot be fixed? Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil chats with all of This New Dawn. In this wide ranging (and relatively unserious) chat we talk about demoing music in the rehearsal room, the band whatsapp (how its used and misused) and of course, writing lyrics on the bus. Pesave the new single 'Wasted' here This New Dawn on Instagram Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Arrangement can make or break your song, how much do you think about it? Join Phil for a discussion on arrangement, making the most of your music and the use of tension in your song. Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil chats with Luke and Tom of When They Riot. We discuss, writing lyrics after the music has been written, using Pirate Studios for rehearsal and recording and, of course, the mystery of the folding guitar! When They Riot on Instagram Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This is a repost from an episode originally uploaded in January 2024 whilst I'm on holiday. It still holds true now! Well here we are in 2024! You have limited time to work on music, do you use it well? Join Phil for a brief discussion on tightening up your music time. Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

In this episode, Phil talks with Matt and Jonny of Electric Black. We discuss 1. How the pandemic was a good restart point 2. Testing out a producer with a smaller release before a full album 3. Getting to grips with social media in the modern world Electric Black on Instagram Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Here we are hurtling to the end of the year! What should you consider? How can you plan for the year ahead. Join Phil for a ramble through a few topics Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil chats with Natasha, the events Manager of the Fighting Cocks in Kingston. We discuss building a strong local music scene, their approach to finding good support bands and (of course) why confetti at your gig might be a bad idea The Fighting Cocks on Instagram Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Music Promotion - I've had a lot of thoughts on it lately. I've collated them into a slightly scattergun podcast for you to pick and choose from. Try using music videos as a REWARD for high performing songs, not something to initially kick off with When talking about the songs, emphasise the THEMES to draw people in Come and follow me on Instagram! I am at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil chats with the boys from We The Sun. We discuss: using social media to show their personality, why they prefer the recording studio to a home studio, and the strange story of their first gig in a closed-looking pub We The Sun on Instagram Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Mixing is fun (believe me!) but also frustrating, so why do it yourself? Join Phil for a discussion on the ups and downs of mixing your own music Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

This week Phil chats with Toby Campen all about what a mastering engineer brings to the table, mastering for vinyl and tape and using headphones for mastering Toby Campen on Instagram Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Instagram! It's the main social media for bands nowadays, but how should you use it? Join Phil for a brief discussion on the do's and don'ts. Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Join Phil for a chat with Liam and Will of Tribal Jury - talking about the challenges of finding gigs, harnessing your online image effectively and spending your money wisely! Tribal Jury on Instagram Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Join Phil for a deep dive into recording in a non-ideal space, and how he overcame challenges to create a great outcome! Listen to the song here: Earthtide - Cat Among The Pigeons Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Phil is joined by Kimberley and Tom of Rogue Awakening this week. We discuss: how they met in a children's playground, blending your different tastes to create a band sound and balancing parenting and band life! Rogue Awakening on Instagram Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Finding the right engineer/producer is really important. But how do you go about it? What factors matter? Join Phil for a chat about this! Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Join Phil for a chat with Sam Bloor - a producer working out of Lower Lane Studios. We discuss: effective collaboration with bands, coming to the studio with an open mind and why he often records drums last! Find Sam on Instagram Email Sam Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Taking time to review where you've come from and where you're going is invaluable! Do it!  Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

Join Phil for a chat with Keryn of Zac The Locust about working with band management, balancing being in a band with family life and how to take criticism well! Zac The Locust on Instagram Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.vortissoundstudios.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]

It's too easy to go into autopilot, but to make the most of your situations you MUST work out why you're doing it! Time to reflect... Join us on our Facebook Group: Music Survival Guide Community Come and follow us on Instagram! We are at: Music Survival Guide Podcast Phil's Page Phil can be found at: www.philthemixengineer.com Phil can be emailed at: [email protected] If you want to get in contact with us at the podcast, email us at: [email protected]