Dead Wax

Music + tech nerds: rise up! On this episode of DeadWax, Ryan and Jack and co-host Kane Ritchotte welcome special guests Devin Kerr and Rob Stenson from Goodhertz! The conversation quickly becomes a deep dive into the musical inspirations behind their groundbreaking audio plugins. They give insight into the creative process that brings sound to life through the use of plugins. Discover more about the world of audio technology, including how retro sounds, lo-fi aesthetics, and personal storylines influence their innovative designs. HUGE thank you to our guest(s) for this episode: Rob Stenson and Devin Kerr from Goodhertz! And thank you to our special co-host, Kane Ritchotte!

In this episode of DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with Sean Watkins, renowned singer-songwriter and one-third of the Grammy-winning band Nickel Creek. They dive deep into the intricacies of songwriting and music production and spend some time zooming in on Nickel Creek's "Somebody More Like You". They explore Sean's journey as a solo artist and where he draws inspiration from for his creative projects, while also touching on his collaborations with iconic musicians like Matt Chamberlain. The conversation is full of personal anecdotes, including an insightful discussion about the emotional weight of unfinished songs and the artistry that comes from spontaneous moments in music creation. In the Patreon extended episode, Sean also shares all about Gillian Welch and her song “The Way It Will Be”. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Grammy-winning engineer Dave Way breaks down his mixing process, including how he crafted Fiona Apple’s "Extraordinary Machine." He shares tips on capturing live performances, using space and headroom, and making quick, inspired decisions. Dave also talks about working with top artists, legendary producers, and the magic of simple yet powerful mixes. Plus, he reveals his favorite techniques for creating clarity and room in recordings. Don’t miss this inside look at the art of mixing some of the biggest hits!

This week on Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan sit down with Dan Wilson, Grammy-winning songwriter and frontman of Semisonic. Dan discusses his fascination with imperfect lyrics—the ones that stay in, reveal the writer’s hand, and make a song uniquely human. He explores the beauty in flaws through the work of Leonard Cohen, Kacey Musgraves, Smokey Robinson, Phoebe Bridgers, and Prince. In the extended Patreon episode, Dan dives deeper into the lyrical worlds of Joni Mitchell, Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, and Ben Folds.

On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with songwriter Madi Yanofsky to unpack her formula for writing the perfect pop song. Together, they break down what makes hits like Adele’s “Someone Like You” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” so irresistible — from melody and structure to emotional storytelling and production choices. In the Patreon-exclusive extended episode, Madi dives even deeper, analyzing Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” and revealing how she balances craft and instinct, and why simplicity can be the hardest thing to master in modern pop.

On this week’s Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan sit down with Grammy-winning producer and multi-instrumentalist Fede Vindver to explore the three-year creative odyssey behind Justin Timberlake’s Everything I Thought It Was. Vindver pulls back the curtain on what it was like collaborating with Timbaland and a roster of top-tier producers to craft Timberlake’s No Angels —sharing insights into his production philosophy, his unique use of “starters,” and how emerging AI tools are reshaping his musical workflow. He also breaks down Timberlake’s process in the studio and the collaborative energy that drives modern pop innovation. In the Patreon-exclusive extended edition, Fede discusses one of his deepest musical influences—the Argentine supergroup Serú Girán and their classic song “Llorando en el Espejo.” He reflects on the band’s artistry, its impact on his own style, and how their legacy continues to inform his work today.

On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with acclaimed producer Dennis Herring to unpack the making of “Float On” by Modest Mouse — the song that defined a generation of indie rock. Herring walks through the creative process behind the track, from the first takes to the final mix, sharing how instinct, tension, and trust shaped one of the most unlikely hits of the 2000s. Along the way, he offers a rare glimpse into the collaborative chaos and magic that made Good News for People Who Love Bad News a timeless record. In the extended Patreon-exclusive edition, Dennis charts his remarkable journey from his early days as a Los Angeles session musician working with Quincy Jones to establishing himself as a producer in his own right. He reflects on the lessons learned in those formative studio years, the mentors who shaped his craft, and the moments that led him to become one of the most quietly influential producers in modern rock.

On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan do something a little different — no guest, just the two of them sitting down to listen to and talk about some of their favorite songs. They dive deep into the tracks that have shaped their musical lives, from the haunting storytelling of Andy Shauf and the dreamy textures of The Shins, to the timeless songwriting of Buddy Holly, Feist, and Harry Nilsson. Along the way, they explore everything from Maurice Ravel’s harmonic genius to the hazy beauty of Duster and the classic soul of Dusty Springfield, uncovering the threads that tie their shared inspirations together. In the extended Patreon-exclusive edition, Jack and Ryan go even deeper — sharing rare finds, deep cuts, and from their personal collections. They reflect on how these songs have influenced their own work, how taste evolves over time, and why certain melodies stick with you forever. It’s an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the ears and hearts behind DeadWax.

On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with legendary producer Tony Berg to explore the music that has shaped his life and career. From the timeless influence of Stevie Wonder and Peter Gabriel to his groundbreaking collaborations with modern artists like Beck and Phoebe Bridgers, Berg shares the songs and voices that have inspired him most. With decades of experience bridging generations of artistry, he offers a rare perspective on what makes great music endure. In the extended Patreon-exclusive edition, Tony dives into his experience producing Undressed by Sombr, sharing what it’s like to work with the next generation of groundbreaking musicians. He discusses the excitement of nurturing new voices, how he approaches guiding young artists, and why the future of music inspires him as much as its past.

"On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan welcome Blake Mills to discuss his new album That Wasn’t a Dream, created in collaboration with renowned bassist Pino Palladino. Blake talks through his production philosophy, his approach to capturing guitar tones, the experience of working with one of the world’s most accomplished bassists, and the incorporation of fretless guitar into the record. In the extended Patreon-exclusive edition, Blake breaks down All In Me by Brandy along with other pop songs that have shaped his sense of production, explaining what he draws from them and how they inform his own work."

On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Bruno Major to talk about his deep love for Nick Drake and the timeless influence Drake’s music has had on his own artistry. Bruno reflects on how Nick Drake’s delicate songwriting, haunting melodies, and emotional honesty continue to shape the way he writes and performs today, offering rare insight into the impact of one of folk’s most enduring voices. In the extended Patreon-exclusive edition, Bruno takes the conversation further, shining a light on Molly Drake—Nick Drake’s mother—whose beautiful songs remain lesser-known yet profoundly moving. He discusses how even the greatest works can be lost to history, and why rediscovering voices like Molly’s matters to our understanding of music and legacy.

Jack and Ryan sit down with Ruairi O’Flaherty, the mastering engineer behind tracks for some of music’s biggest names. Ruairi shares his emotion-first mastering philosophy, revealing how he stays open and available to the music—whether working on chart-topping records for Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter or championing intimate indie projects. He walks us through his career journey, explores how he skillfully balances high-profile clients with underground artistry, and explains his commitment to being present and responsive to every sound. From mastering for major artists to nurturing emerging talent, Ruairi underscores what it really means to practice good listening, and to make it feel like the record is truly done. In the Patreon-exclusive edition, Ruairi dives deeper into his admiration for Daniel Lanois, sharing insights into Lanois’s music, influence, and a heartfelt personal story from when they connected while Ruairi was living in Ireland. HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode Ruairi O'Flaherty!

On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with Jonathan Rado — musician, producer, and founding member of Foxygen. Rado discusses the making of Take the Kids Off Broadway and then dives into his acclaimed work as a producer on records for Miley Cyrus, The Lemon Twigs, and The Killers. He also reflects on his ongoing partnership with Shawn Everett, offering insight into their creative process and how their collaboration has shaped some of the most adventurous music of the past decade. From Foxygen’s boundary-pushing beginnings to his production work with some of today’s biggest artists, Rado shares rare stories from both sides of the glass. In the extended Patreon-exclusive edition, Rado opens up about Richard Swift — his artistry, his influence, and the deep impact he left on Rado’s own career.

Jack and Ryan sit down with legendary tastemaker Chris Douridas — the iconic KCRW host often hailed as one of the last great curators of modern music. Douridas reflects on his journey shaping the Los Angeles music scene, his philosophy on what makes a great song, and shares the remarkable story of how he personally introduced Burt Bacharach to Elvis Costello, sparking a celebrated collaboration. He also revisits the moment he first championed Beck, helping to bring a groundbreaking new voice to the world stage. From spotlighting fresh voices to connecting musical legends, Chris reveals rare insights into the art of curation and the evolving role of the tastemaker in an era dominated by algorithms.

Jack, Ryan, and guest co-host Kane Ritchotte sit down with legendary drummer John "J.R." Robinson, often called the most recorded drummer of all time. From laying down grooves with Chaka Khan and Michael Jackson, to bringing his unmistakable feel to Daft Punk’s Grammy-winning Random Access Memories, Robinson reflects on the sessions that defined modern pop and R&B. He also shares his perspective on how AI is reshaping the role of musicians, the craft of drumming in an evolving industry, and what it takes to leave an indelible mark on music history. Big thank you to our guest this week John "J.R." Robinson!

Jack and Ryan sit down with Tiny Habits to explore how they craft their signature vocal arrangements—from reharmonization to blend to breath. The trio breaks down their arranging process, shares how they developed their group sound, and performs two stunning live renditions: Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” and (over on our Patreon), Imogen Heap’s “Hide and Seek.” Along the way, they reflect on their origins as a band and what it takes to make three voices feel like one.

Jack and Ryan sit down with Grammy-winning producer & mixing engineer Shawn Everett to delve into his groundbreaking work on Miley Cyrus’s latest album. From crafting bold new sounds in the studio to pushing artistic boundaries, Everett shares the creative process behind working with one of pop’s most dynamic voices. The conversation also dives into his acclaimed work with Alabama Shakes, his biggest influences, and the winding path that led him from small-town Canada to becoming one of the most sought-after producers and mixers in modern music.

Jack and Ryan sit down with bassist Anna Butterss to talk about Anna's path to becoming a pro, touring with Jason Isbell, and why they think Willie Weeks’ solo on Donny Hathaway’s “Voices Inside (Everything Is Everything)”—Live at the Troubadour—is the greatest bass solo of all time. Anna dives into their journey as a working musician, how they developed their unique voice on the bass, and the artists who continue to inspire them. Huge thanks to Anna Butterss for joining us on this episode!

On today’s episode of DeadWax, hosts Jack and Ryan sit down with acclaimed producer and mix engineer Cian Riordan to talk about his work on St. Vincent’s new album Man on Fire. Cian gives an inside look at the production process, the studio sessions with St. Vincent, and the creative choices that shaped the album’s bold, genre-pushing sound. He also shares how artists like Dr. Dre and Duke Ellington have influenced his approach to music, mixing, and sonic storytelling.

On this episode of Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan sit down with legendary producer and engineer Eric Valentine to explore his groundbreaking work with Third Eye Blind, Persephone’s Bees, and Queens of the Stone Age. Eric reveals behind-the-scenes stories from the studio, shares innovative recording techniques, and discusses how he’s shaped the sound of modern rock. From pioneering cutting-edge production methods to crafting some of the most iconic alternative rock albums, this conversation highlights Eric’s lasting impact on music production and engineering.

On this episode of Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan sit down with bassist, songwriter, and producer Kaveh Rastegar to break down his top punk bass lines, featuring Bad Brains, Jane’s Addiction and Peter Tosh. He dives into what makes these bass lines so iconic and their impact on punk and alternative music. Over on our Patreon, Kaveh shares more of his favorite bass lines, and he goes on to break down a song from his former band Kneebody and shares stories about his experience in the studio with De La Soul.

On this episode of Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan sit down with singer, songwriter, and guitarist David Ryan Harris for a deep dive into Jeff Buckley’s iconic album Grace. As a friend and contemporary of Buckley, David shares personal stories, insights into Jeff’s genius, and why Grace remains one of the most underrated albums of all time. They break down the album’s most powerful tracks, its lasting impact on music, and what made Buckley’s artistry so unique.

PART 2 -- We unintentionally cut the episode short of what was mentioned in the title actually being discussed - so here is PART 2 of our conversation with Jon Castelli, where we discuss "Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish. Enjoy!

On this episode of DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with top mix engineer Jon Castelli to break down his work on Billie Eilish’s new album and Omar Apollo’s latest project. He opens up about his perfectionist approach to mixing, the pressure of shaping an artist’s sound, and why he’s obsessed with Mariah Carey’s music.

On this episode of Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan are joined by singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ethan Gruska for a deep dive into his work with Remi Wolf and Ryan Beatty. They explore his creative process, sonic approach, and the art of bringing an artist’s vision to life—plus, Ethan breaks down his own song Attacker and the story behind it.

Jack and Ryan sit down with Greg Wells to dive into two pivotal aspects of his storied career. Greg opens up about how Grace Jones’ iconic track “Slave to the Rhythm” profoundly shaped the way he approaches production, revealing its lasting impact on his artistry. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights into his role as Executive Producer on the Wicked movie's soundtrack.

On this episode of Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan are joined by drummer and bandleader Kane Ritchotte for a deep dive into the genius of Talk Talk. Together, they explore the band’s profound legacy and its lasting influence on musicians today. For the EXTENDED episode, subscribe to our Patreon!

Jack and Ryan sit down with Philip Etherington to break down three pivotal songs that shape his approach to producing for artists. From their unique sonic textures to their emotional resonance, Philip shares how these tracks inform his creative process and fuel his artistry. Together, they explore the profound influence of these songs on his work and the wider music landscape. HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode: Philip Etherington!

Jack and Ryan sit down with Hohnen Ford to delve into the timeless artistry of Judee Sill. From her poetic lyrics to her intricate compositions, Hohnen shares insights into what makes Judee’s music so enduring and influential. Together, they celebrate Sill’s legacy, exploring the profound impact she’s had on Hohnen and the broader music world. HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode: Hohnen Ford!!

Jack and Ryan sit down with Andrew Bird to dive into the jazz influences behind his latest record, Sunday Morning Put On. From classic standards to bebop legends, Andrew shares the stories and sounds that inspired his unique blend of style and substance on the album and gives us a lesson in live looping.

Jack and Ryan are joined by acclaimed singer-songwriter and band leader of Lawrence, Clyde Lawrence. Together, they dive into the unique storytelling and production style of Randy Newman’s work, exploring what makes his music resonate across generations. Clyde also shares insights from his own career, how Randy Newman inspires his songwriting and so much more. HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode: Clyde Lawrence!!!

"On today’s episode of Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan sit down with legendary composer and synthesizer pioneer Anthony Marinelli to explore his fascinating contributions to one of the most iconic albums of all time—Michael Jackson's Thriller. From working alongside Quincy Jones to the challenges of bringing new electronic sounds to a mainstream pop record, Marinelli reveals how his innovative work helped push the boundaries of pop music in the early 80s. Please leave us a comment below and tell us what you would like us to react to next. HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode: Anthony Marinelli

Jack and Ryan sit down with singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and member of Vulfpeck Joey Dosik to discuss the best national anthem performances of all time. The trio dives into some of the most iconic renditions, including José Feliciano’s groundbreaking 1968 performance and Whitney Houston’s unforgettable rendition at the NFL Super Bowl. They explore what makes these performances stand out, their cultural impact, and if they'd be willing to stake their reputation on their art.HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode: Joey Dosik!!

Jack and Ryan are joined by renowned guitarist/producer/songwriter Wendy Melvoin. Together, they delve into the unique mix and production of Earth, Wind, and Fire’s 1975 hit, “Shining Star.” They also discuss Wendy's early career, including playing in Prince’s band at just 19 years old, and the ramifications of transitioning from entertainer to artist. HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode: Wendy Melvoin!!!

On today’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with legendary mix engineer Manny Marroquin to dive deep into the creation of Kanye West’s iconic track, "Stronger." Manny reveals the creative process behind the mix and what it was like working with Kanye. Get an inside look at the technical and artistic decisions that made "Stronger" a groundbreaking hit. HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode: Manny Marroquin!!!

Legendary producer Malay talks about his journey into Producer-hood, his approach to gear, and the tricks to used to create CHANNEL ORANGE with Frank Ocean.

Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet) takes Jack and Ryan through some of his favorite songs and dissects what he loves about them.

Dweezil Zappa gives his primer on his dad's music, talks about what made Frank so unique, and what it's been like for him to continue his father's legacy.

Joe Gore takes Jack and Ryan through the process of recording guitar for Tom Waits' "Goin' Out West" on his album, Bone Machine. They get into the nuances of gear, Waits' sense of humor, how he elicits great performances, mixing, Tchad Blake, and how Joe's approach to harmony is influenced by his love of medieval music.

Jim takes Jack and Ryan through his favorite tracks he's played on and produced throughout his legendary career.

Jack and Ryan sit down with Jack Stratton (Vulfpeck, Vulfmon, Vulf Records) and break down why Esther Phillips cover of Bill Withers hit “Use Me” may be even funkier than the original.

Jack and Ryan dig in to one of their favorite Phantom Planet songs with two members of the band. They also discuss how and why the band re-recorded their album "The Guest".

In this Deadwax episode, Jack Conte and Ryan Lerman are joined by singer-songwriter/guitarist Madison Cunningham to talk about one of her favorites: Bjork. While they listened to Bjork's "Venus As A Boy", the trio discusses Bjork's production, vocal approach, lyrics, sonic world, etc. and how Bjork is one of the greatest ever.

On today’s episode of DeadWax, Jack and Ryan are joined by singer-singwriter/guitarist Ariel Posen as they dissect the magic of Sting’s hit “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” and attempt to solve the riddle of why musicians and non-musicians alike are obsessed with Sting.

In this episode of DeadWax Jack and Ryan sit down with legendary drummer Jim Keltner to break down his evolution into one of greatest drummers of all time, listening to and dissecting the songs that shaped him along the way.

In this FIRST Deadwax episode of SEASON TWO, Ryan and Jack dive deep into the Radiohead universe, unraveling the brilliance behind “Bodysnatchers.” As the duo dissects the track, they explore the intricate layers of instrumentation, Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals, and the song’s unique ability to blend frenetic energy with haunting beauty, making a compelling case for why “Bodysnatchers” stands as an absolute masterpiece in Radiohead’s illustrious discography.

Nerd out with us about music here on this feed as well as on YouTube, every other week starting January 9!