From Rough Demos to Finished Tracks: My Three-Stage Production Framework

A simple, repeatable three-step framework to help you stop overthinking, capture raw ideas, and actually finish your music.

May 27

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Sonic Toolkit: Creating Vocal Clarity with Spectral Unmasking

Learn how to carve out precise space for your lead vocals using unmasking plugins like pure:unmask or Curves Resolve for a transparent, professional…

May 13

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April 2026

Outsourcing Your Sound: The Hidden Cost of AI in Music Production

Don't let AI dilute your sound. There are risks to outsourcing your music production - make sure you preserve your sonic fingerprint.

Apr 29

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Sonic Toolkit: The Digital Utility Belt for Modern Songwriters

Essential digital tools for music production. Plus, get a free trial to The Music Factory Suite, the ultimate ad-free utility dashboard for music…

Apr 15

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March 2026

The Upside-Down Rhythm of the Musician Lifestyle

Touring life can be a battle against your own biology. This article explores how unusual a musician's workday can be, along with show-day routines and…

Mar 31

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Sonic Toolkit: Surgical Vocal Processing to De-Harsh Vocals Without Losing Clarity

By separating the pitched and unpitched components of a vocal signal, you can apply more targeted processing to each.

Mar 17

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What a Music Producer Actually Does (and Why It Matters)

While recording equipment is now more accessible than any time in the past, the traditional role of the producer remains as vital as ever.

Mar 3

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February 2026

Sonic Toolkit: Four Ways to Sidechain a Kick & Bass

How to apply transparent or creative sidechain processing to balance your rhythm section in any genre.

Feb 16

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The Coarse Sandpaper Approach: Why Your Demos Should Start Rough

"Rough and messy" is the ideal starting mindset for discovering your next best song idea.

Feb 3

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January 2026

My Sonic Toolkit: Fixing Harsh Mixes Without Killing the Tone

How to use Soothe2 and other spectral tools to keep the character while cutting the clutter.

Jan 20

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STEAL My "30-Minute Mining" Music Production Template!

See how I set up my Pro Tools music production template to quickly generate creative ideas (plus a free 32-page production guide + checklists, $47…

Jan 6 • Dave Johnston, DMA

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Exciting update: New paid tier launch + free '30-Minute Mining' guide for all subscribers!

Gift for All Subscribers: 30-Minute Mining Guide. Thanks for Your Support!

Jan 5

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