An extensive hardware-based set-up versus a laptop-and-DAW rig: what’s better when it comes producing tracks? It’s an endless discussion and guest-blogger Michiel Buisman knows that he couldn’t possibly settle it once and for all here. But, like he says, he’s smug enough to think he has something to add to the debate. Here goes.

Done recording your podcast? Then it’s time for the editing phase. If you prefer to keep things vanilla, this won’t take too long, but if you’re looking for a more professional radio-sound complete with jingles and background music, then you’ve got your work cut out for you. Read on for a step-by-step guide!

As a band, whether it’s conscious or not, you develop your own unique character and image, which not only gives your music some colour and identity but your gigs as well. Some well styled photos can do wonders when it comes to putting your band in the spotlight and presenting the right image, but how do you go about making a good set of photos?

Busy making music on a computer in your living room or bedroom simply because there’s nowhere else you can do it? Why not make something that’s more in keeping with the interior design and build yourself a stylish production studio? Here, Guestblogger Michiel Buisman takes an old and battered upright acoustic piano, empties it out and adds some extreme mods to turn it into a fully equipped studio workstation.

Guestblogger Niels Winter compares his experience of recording in a fully decked out professional studio and at home. Both options come with their advantages and disadvantages, but one thing is certain: recording your own songs – especially if you’re working on a complete album – is a big job that takes a big investment.

Know the deal? I’d be surprised if you didn’t: another rejection letter in your inbox in response to your latest gig-fishing email. It seems that the majority of the bands that are sending out their bio and demo to venues receive a ‘no’ – if they receive a reply at all.

While working with analogue gear is great and rewarding, it can also be complicated and costly — but it doesn’t have to be! The 500 series format, also known as the Lunchbox system, is known for keeping things simple, affordable and overseeable for smaller studios that are looking to build a serious collection of synth and FX hardware.

Ever wonder how some producers churn out a track a day while it takes you months to finish just one? Guest-blogger Melvin Rijlaarsdam shares his top ten tips for speeding up your music production workflow without compromising the quality of your tracks.

Guest-blogger Hens Zimmerman returns to show you how you can draft up tracks with Ableton Note before turning them into fully-fledged songs in Ableton Live.

The imaginative power of a podcast is a great way to take your audience on a journey in their own head. Step by step, you evoke mental images through storytelling, but what’s the best way to tell that story? Guest-blogger and radio DJ Sander de Heer is here to explain the nitty-gritty.

When it comes to figuring out who to ask to be on your podcast, the answer is simple if you ask guest-blogger and radio DJ Sander de Heer: anyone who’s got a story to tell and can tell it well. Of course, that story does have to be relevant to the subject of your podcast. You’re the one who’s in charge of the format, prepares the interview or conversation, and takes your listeners by the hand.

Guestblogger Rob Brummans (AKA Mindru) shares five simple tips to help live-streaming DJs to make things more interesting for themselves and their viewers and listeners. He also gives us a look inside the kitchen where he preps his live streams.