Making a Scene Presents

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Doc Bowling Doc Bowling & His Blues Professors are the real deal—a powerhouse blues band built on grit, soul, and musical scholarship. Led by Doc Bowling, a seasoned vocalist and guitarist with decades of performing under his belt, the band brings together a lineup of master musicians who deliver authentic blues with fire, finesse, and heart. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - Ozone 12: How iZotope’s New Mastering Plugin Is Changing the Game Introduction If you’ve ever finished mixing a song and thought, “Why doesn’t this sound like the tracks on Spotify or the radio?”—you’re not alone. That final polish you’re missing is called mastering, and it’s the step that takes a track from good to professional. For years, mastering was expensive, mysterious, and mostly reserved for big studios with racks of gear. But then came Ozone, and everything changed. Now, in 2025, we’ve got Ozone 12, the newest version of iZotope’s legendary mastering plugin. This isn’t just a minor update. It’s a serious leap forward, blending powerful AI tools with hands-on control so musicians at every level can get results that sound pro. Let’s dive in. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Michael Allman Michael Allman, the eldest son of Southern rock legend Gregg Allman, has carved out his own place in the world of blues and rock with a voice and presence that carry forward his family’s iconic legacy. Based in Port Richey, Florida, Michael blends the raw soul of Southern rock with the grit of modern blues, creating a sound that is both familiar and distinctly his own. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Lord Bolt Lord Bolt is a Swedish musician, drummer, singer, and songwriter who refuses to follow the rules. His sound cuts across blues, rockabilly, jazz, swing, country, and roots rock—always raw, honest, and full of emotion. At the heart of his music is a deep love for the blues, powered by the drive of rock ’n’ roll and the soul of jazz and country. He doesn’t just nod to the past—he brings it roaring back to life. His 2025 album Cookin’ & Dancin’ proves the point, blending the smoky grooves of ’50s R&B and classic blues with bold brass and a modern swagger that makes it feel fresh and alive today. http://www.makingascene.org

PreSonus Studio One 7.2: A Deep Dive Review The provided text offers an in-depth review of PreSonus Studio One 7.2, highlighting its strengths as a fast, flexible, and professional Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) suitable for various music production roles. It traces the DAW's history, emphasizing its modern, clean-slate design compared to older software and how it evolved into an all-in-one solution for recording, mixing, mastering, and live performance. The review details new features in version 7.2, such as the Sub Zero Bass instrument, Nashville Number System, and improved recording and editing tools, while also discussing the practical applications of its AI-powered stem separation. Finally, it explores the significance of Fender's acquisition of PreSonus, suggesting potential future integrations and guitar-centric workflows, and concludes that Studio One 7.2 is a robust, time-saving tool for contemporary musicians and engineers. http://www.makingascene.org

AI Mastering for Indie Artists: A Practical Guide This document provides a comprehensive guide to audio mastering for indie artists, specifically focusing on the growing role of AI-powered tools. It begins by defining mastering and its importance in achieving a "radio-ready" sound for various listening environments and streaming platforms. The text then explains how modern AI mastering works, noting its ability to analyze and shape tracks by learning from successful masters, often using specific software examples like iZotope Ozone 11 and Audiolens. A significant portion compares the trade-offs between AI mastering and hiring a professional engineer, considering factors like speed, cost, consistency, creative input, and handling of complex scenarios such as vinyl or broadcast. Finally, the guide offers practical advice on when each approach is most suitable, including a step-by-step tutorial for using Ozone 11’s Master Assistant, along with a list of popular AI mastering services and their current pricing. http://www.makingascene.org

AI Marketing for Independent Musicians: A Simple Guide The provided text, "AI Marketing for Indie Musicians," explores how artificial intelligence can empower independent artists to grow their fanbase and manage their careers more efficiently. It emphasizes that AI acts as a smart assistant, not a replacement for creativity, by handling tasks such as personalizing fan communications, repurposing content for social media, analyzing audience data, and automating fan engagement. The source provides practical examples and tool recommendations for indie musicians to leverage AI for email campaigns, social media management, understanding their audience, and maintaining constant fan interaction, ultimately aiming to reduce burnout and foster independence. http://www.makingascene.org

Breaking Free: Decentralized Music for Indie Artists "Breaking Free: Indie Musicians and Decentralization," explores how Web3 technology and decentralization are empowering independent musicians to escape the limitations of the traditional music industry. It highlights how major record labels and streaming platforms operate like restrictive gatekeepers, offering artists meager earnings and limited control. The source then introduces decentralized alternatives like blockchain, NFTs, and DAOs as revolutionary tools that allow artists to directly connect with fans, retain ownership, and earn more fairly. It cites real-world examples of artists like RAC and Daniel Allan thriving through these new models, and outlines various platforms such as Audius, Catalog, and Royal.io that facilitate this shift. Ultimately, the text argues that decentralization fosters genuine artist-fan loyalty and is reshaping the music industry into a more equitable, community-driven ecosystem. http://www.makingascene.org

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for indie artists looking to build a home recording studio on a budget, emphasizing that expensive equipment isn't necessary for professional-sounding music. It outlines essential gear categories, including audio interfaces, microphones, headphones, and digital audio workstations (DAWs), offering specific, affordable product recommendations in each. The source also highlights what equipment can be acquired later as skills and budgets expand, drawing inspiration from successful artists like Billie Eilish who produced Grammy-winning work with modest setups. Ultimately, it encourages artists to prioritize creativity and songwriting over accumulating excessive gear, suggesting a foundational setup can enable high-quality recordings from the start. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mary Strand I never dreamed of being a writer as a kid. Nope. I had bigger plans—like joining the Harlem Globetrotters, skating with the Ice Follies, or becoming a U.S. Senator. While other little girls fantasized about being princesses, I wanted to be king. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Johnny Iguana Johnny Iguana, along with his longtime songwriting and producing partner JQ, is the composer behind the original score for the hit FX/Hulu series The Bear. Though Chicago has been his home for decades, Johnny still carries his East Coast roots proudly. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Brings you an interview with Brad "Guitar" Wilson Brad “Guitar” Wilson is quickly becoming a standout name in the modern blues rock scene, known for his fiery guitar work, soulful vocals, and magnetic stage presence. With a sound that blends classic influences and contemporary energy, Wilson continues to build a loyal fanbase across the U.S. and beyond. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - What is a Music DAO? How to Start or Join One and Take Control of Your Career If you’re an independent musician, chances are you’ve felt that nagging frustration: the music industry is built to keep power in the hands of labels, managers, and big platforms. They control the money, the exposure, and too often, the rights to your music. For decades, artists have been left fighting over scraps while corporations cash in. But what if you didn’t have to play that game anymore? What if you could gather your fans and collaborators into a community where everyone contributes, everyone benefits, and the rules are clear from day one? That’s the promise of a Music DAO. Don’t worry if the word sounds like alphabet soup. By the end of this article, you’ll not only know what a Music DAO is—you’ll also know how to join one, how to start one, and most importantly, how it can completely change the way you run your career. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - How AI Can Build Your Music Marketing Plan in Minutes Being an indie musician today means wearing a lot of hats. You’re not just the songwriter and performer—you’re also the marketer, designer, and promoter. In the old days, record labels had entire departments handling those jobs. Now it often falls on your shoulders, and that can feel overwhelming. Luckily, AI is stepping in to give indie artists a serious advantage. Artificial Intelligence is like a tireless digital assistant. It can write ad copy, design social posts, schedule campaigns, and even study your fans’ listening habits. What makes it so powerful is not that it replaces you, but that it speeds up the process. Instead of spending days or weeks trying to figure out your marketing plan, AI can give you a working blueprint in minutes—something you can adjust and personalize with your own story and voice. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Yates McKendree Producer Kevin McKendree puts it best: “Because of Yates’s lifelong dedication to blues and roots music, he’s developed a direct line from his soul to whatever instrument he picks up. When he sings and plays, you don’t just hear it—you feel it. On these recordings, you’ll hear him on guitar, drums, bass, upright bass, and organ. Beyond all that talent, he’s my son, and the joy of my life is making music with him. The musicians on this album are also our closest friends. We hope you feel that love in every note.” http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - AI in Mixing – The Rise of Smart Mix Assistants Mixing music has always been a blend of science, art, and gut feeling. For indie musicians working on tight budgets without access to high-end studios or pro engineers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. How do you know where to set your EQ? Should the vocals sit louder, or should the drums punch harder? This is where artificial intelligence is starting to make a huge difference. AI-powered mixing assistants like iZotope Neutron, Waves Clarity Vx, and even tools inside DAWs like Logic Pro’s Smart EQ are changing the way artists approach mixing. These programs can “listen” to your track, analyze it in real time, and then suggest fader levels, panning, EQ adjustments, or even compression settings to make everything clearer. Think of it like having a second set of ears in the room—ears that never get tired. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - AI for Merch & Fan Product Design: Turning Ideas into Unique Fan Experiences Merch has always been one of the most powerful tools indie artists have. Not only does it bring in money, but it also builds identity. A shirt, a vinyl sleeve, or even a sticker isn’t just an object—it’s a way for fans to carry your music into the world. The problem for many artists has always been cost. Professional designers can be expensive, and trying to do it yourself often feels limited. That’s where artificial intelligence comes in. Generative AI tools like Midjourney, Ideogram, and Stable Diffusion aren’t here to take creativity away from artists. They’re here to amplify it. Instead of thinking of AI as a replacement for human imagination, think of it as a creative partner that can unlock ideas you never would have thought possible. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's interview with Slyder Smith UK rock artist Slyder Smith returns with a powerful new single, “Nobody’s Listening,” out 15th August 2025. Raw, melodic, and unflinchingly honest, the track captures the frustration of trying to be heard in a world drowning in noise. “It’s about screaming for attention while everyone’s too distracted to notice,” Slyder explains. “We’re glued to phones, filters, and fast living — and in the process, real connection is slipping away.” http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Blind Lemon Pledge In 2021, Blind Lemon Pledge (aka Bay Area bluesman James Byfield) released “A Satchel Full of Blues”, an eclectic and wide ranging collection of original American Roots based songs set to a stripped down combo sound with drums, bass, guitar and harmonica. Garnering a slew of rave reviews, the album went to the top of the Blues charts, landing the #9 spot on the Roots Music Report’s Acoustic Blues Album Chart for 2021, and #85 on the RMR Top 200 Blues Albums. One critic in Britain hailed it as one of the top 25 blues albums of the year. “Oh So Good”, Pledge’s 10th album of originals and covers displays Pledge’s impressive compositional range with tunes ranging from Blues to Folk to Jazz to Cajun, with a startling and original take on the folk and blues classic “House of the Risin’ Sun”. http://www.makingascene.org

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms. More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music. HTTP://www.makingascene.org/breaking-chains http://www.makingascene.org