RSR525 - Alan Evans - Why Simplicity Might Be the Secret to Better Records

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
What if fewer mics could help you make better records? Alan Evans (Soulive) joins me to talk 4-track recording, Iceland sessions, AI in music, and how simplicity, mindset, and health can fuel your best creative work. Watch now!

My guest today is Alan Evans, a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer, producer, and musician based in Western Massachusetts. Alan’s probably best known as the drummer and co-founder of Soulive, but over the past 30 years, he’s also built a deep discography engineering, producing, and shaping the sound of hundreds of recordings.

He grew up in a musically rich household in Buffalo, NY, soaking in the sounds of Miles Davis, Ray Charles, and Jimi Hendrix which ignited his interest in music. As a teenager, he hit the clubs and started recording bands, teaching himself the craft of recording, mixing, and production from the ground up.

These days, Alan continues to push boundaries through his label, Vintage League Music, with projects spanning jazz, funk, reggae, rock, and Americana—including recent recordings with Oteil Burbridge and MonoNeon at Floki Studios in Iceland, and a new album with Charlie Hunter and Ella Feingold at Pilot Recording Studios in Housatonic, MA.

Alan’s been on the show before in episodes RSR183, RSR339, and RSR440—and I’m psyched to have him back again, this time in person for video at Ready To Rock Studios.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Intro and setup challenges
02:58 – Alan’s musical journey and Soulive origins
06:09 – Nashville’s evolving music scene
09:08 – Studio updates and creative inspiration
11:59 – Teaching audio at Hart School of Music
14:58 – Classic vs. modern recording techniques
17:51 – Recording with emotional connection
21:02 – Audiobooks, workouts, and new habits
23:57 – Downsizing the studio for better sound
27:57 – Authenticity in music production
34:49 – Collaborating with Charlie Hunter & Ella Finegold
56:39 – The joy of four-track recording
59:26 – Creative tracking and mic techniques
1:10:08 – Simplicity in music creation
1:19:19 – AI and its role in music production
1:25:49 – Using AI for website design
1:26:25 – Recording in Iceland: process and lessons
1:30:53 – Rethinking creative timing
1:32:21 – How life changes affect creativity
1:34:32 – Overflowing creative experience
1:36:50 – Staying healthy and sharp in the studio
1:39:00 – Morning routines and focus
1:41:43 – Taking breaks for better creativity
1:44:44 – Managing expectations with clients
1:46:39 – Growth through personal shifts
1:52:15 – Collaborations and future projects
1:59:38 – Evolving production tools and workflows
2:02:49 – Creating the right sound in the studio
2:05:44 – Tracking techniques that make a difference
2:09:16 – Learning through studio mistakes
2:12:45 – Tape vs. digital decision-making
2:17:09 – Working with creative artists
2:22:18 – Why self-care is essential in music

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

The Ultimate Mixing Masterclass: http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
SAE Institute: https://usa.sae.edu/
iZotope: https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
Native Instruments: https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
Adam Audio: https://www.adam-audio.com
Make Believe Studio: https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!
Recording Studio Rockstars Academy: https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/...
The Toy Box Studio: https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1F1...

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review


CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/525