In this special episode we're thrilled to welcome our first guest, John Elleson-Hartley, a seasoned mixing and mastering engineer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Based in Horsham, UK, John has worked with a diverse array of composers and has contributed to high-profile projects like Nainita Desai’s Deepest Breath soundtrack on Netflix, Miguel Doliviera’s Ibiza Narcos on Sky, and Ian Livingstone’s Formula 1 2023 video game soundtrack for Codemasters. With credits that include work for Universal, BBC, and ITV, John’s expertise is unparalleled.

In our conversation, we dive into what mastering truly entails and how the process has evolved with advancements in technology. John shares his thoughts on the subjective nature of 'the best' in audio, emphasizing the importance of intuition over rigid processing chains. We also explore the concept of loudness and how digital streaming platforms adjust LUFs through their algorithms.

John highlights the critical role of referencing mixes on various speaker systems and the importance of building a strong network for professional growth. We also discuss why it's crucial to continue promoting your music long after its release and how maintaining an attitude of gratitude can fuel long-term success in the industry.

https://www.musiklab.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/johnehartley/

Drop us an email with any thoughts or topics you'd like us to discuss. Give us a follow on our socials if you want to see more of our journeys.

thesoundmindpod@gmail.com

James: https://www.instagram.com/jamesberkeleymusic
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_hedges_composer

In this episode James explores essential life guidelines to help you stay on track, even when faced with challenges. Discover why prioritising physical and mental health is the foundation of sustained creative success, and how focusing on your environment can naturally enhance the quality of your work.

James talks about the importance of setting boundaries, emphasising why it’s crucial to prioritise your own well-being over the expectations of others. Learn why taking action often trumps perfect planning, and how to keep moving forward despite uncertainties.

Join us for a practical and motivational conversation about building a resilient creative life, where health, environment, and proactive steps lead to lasting success.

Drop us an email with any thoughts or topics you'd like us to discuss. Give us a follow on our socials if you want to see more of our journeys.

thesoundmindpod@gmail.com

James: https://www.instagram.com/jamesberkeleymusic
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_hedges_composer

In this episode we explore the essential elements of nurturing creativity and mental clarity for artists. We discuss the benefits of taking time off to reset your mind and the power of working less but diving deeper into your projects for more profound results.

Learn how to set yourself up mentally for a creative headspace, drawing on techniques from the renowned "Artist’s Way" program. We also address common struggles such as impatience and envy, offering strategies to focus more on what you can control and less on external factors.

Join us as we share insights on cultivating a balanced and productive artistic life, empowering you to create with clarity and purpose.

Drop us an email with any thoughts or topics you'd like us to discuss. Give us a follow on our socials if you want to see more of our journeys.

thesoundmindpod@gmail.com

James: https://www.instagram.com/jamesberkeleymusic
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_hedges_composer

This episode is a little different to normal, while Marcus is deep into a project I thought I'd jump in and do a solo quest! This episode is all about audience growth, resetting expectations when releasing, and how minimising the stakes can take the pressure off and allow you to progress without any desperation.

I go over some areas that can help maximise these including - consistent release schedule, actively aiming for rejections and failures, focusing on impact instead of reach and bringing more of yourself into your online presence to help people fully connect with you as a person.

Drop us an email with any thoughts or topics you'd like us to discuss. Give us a follow on our socials if you want to see more of our journeys.

thesoundmindpod@gmail.com

James: https://www.instagram.com/jamesberkeleymusic
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_hedges_composer

In this episode we dissect the intricacies of success, failure, and the pursuit of recognition, all through the lens of our creative endeavours. Reflecting on the overbearing influence of ego on our sense of fulfilment. Listen in as we discuss the paradox of balancing our ambitions with contentment, and the constant dance between personal achievements and the allure of public recognition.

We share the profound emotional journey that creativity entails, from wrestling with self-doubt to the liberation that comes with embracing uncertainty. We explore the art of recalibrating our success metrics and finding joy in the creative process - a journey of letting go and celebrating the paths our lives take.

Drop us an email with any thoughts or topics you'd like us to discuss. Give us a follow on our socials if you want to see more of our journeys.

thesoundmindpod@gmail.com

James: https://www.instagram.com/jamesberkeleymusic
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_hedges_composer

In this episode we delve into the multifaceted journey of musical and career development.. Gain valuable insights from observing and learning from those more experienced, understanding the power of mentorship in your growth.

We discuss the debate on formal education in music—whether attending university or college is necessary for success in the industry. Learn the art of asking the right questions to truly grasp complex concepts, employing first principles thinking to deepen your understanding.

Embrace the importance of consistency in your progress, and how small, steady efforts can lead to significant achievements over time. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on blending technical skill, continuous learning, and strategic thinking to craft a successful and fulfilling career in music.

Drop us an email with any thoughts or topics you'd like us to discuss. Give us a follow on our socials if you want to see more of our journeys.

thesoundmindpod@gmail.com

James: https://www.instagram.com/jamesberkeleymusic
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_hedges_composer

In this episode we explore the complexities of growing an audience in today's digital landscape. Discover why sometimes, overthinking and micromanaging don't necessarily yield better results, and how drowning in information can lead to decision paralysis.

We delve into the challenge of finding balance between seeking advice and trusting your intuition, especially when the abundance of guidance can be overwhelming. Explore the pitfalls of trying to emulate other artists' paths to success without considering the shifting landscape of the industry.

Uncover the impact of shorter attention spans on music creation and consumption, and the importance of adapting your approach to resonate with today's audiences. Finally, zoom out with us as we discuss the value of patience and having a long-term perspective on growth, recognizing that success often unfolds gradually over time.

Drop us an email with any thoughts or topics you'd like us to discuss. Give us a follow on our socials if you want to see more of our journeys.

thesoundmindpod@gmail.com

James: https://www.instagram.com/jamesberkeleymusic
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_hedges_composer

In this episode, we embark on a journey through the ups and downs of freelance life, uncovering the secrets to success and fulfilment. Join us as we explore consistency in writing, embracing those pockets of inspiration that propel us forward in our creative endeavours. We confront the realities of imbalance in our lives, recognizing that sometimes, it's necessary to prioritize certain areas to make meaningful progress.

Navigate the common fears and uncertainties of freelance life, from the worry about work drying up to the empowering realisation of having sole control over your income. Discover the delicate art of saying no to projects and the invaluable skill of making decisions swiftly and confidently.

Join us as we uncover the strategies for making progress, and mastering the art of decision-making in the dynamic landscape of freelance work. Tune in for practical insights and heartfelt reflections on the joys and challenges of life as a freelancer.

Drop us an email with any thoughts or topics you'd like us to discuss. Give us a follow on our socials if you want to see more of our journeys.

thesoundmindpod@gmail.com

James: https://www.instagram.com/jamesberkeleymusic
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_hedges_composer