The Soul Surplus Podcast

When it comes to Detroit hip-hop, you'd be hard pressed to not hear Apollo Brown's name come up in conversation. The veteran beatsmith hopped on the Soul Surplus Podcast this week to chop it up with Wes & Smythe. After giving the fellas a glimpse into the successful path he's taken over his career, it's easy to see that the future looks even more promising for Apollo. With over 20 albums under his belt, Apollo continues to go back to the lab to crank out more classics for us to vibe to. Enjoy! --------------------------- Apollo Brown on the web Website - https://apollobrown360.bandcamp.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ApolloBrown/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/apollobrown/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/apollobrown/ _____________________ Music provided by: Jawn Stockton

Earlier this month we partnered with producer, STLNDRMS (pronounced Stolen Drums), sponsoring an episode of his live bump session. Not only is the Soul Surplus team fans of STLNDRMS, but he's amassed quite the following over the last few years with his unique gift to showcase his music talent in both audio and video formats. We had a chance to sit with him in episode 11 of The Soul Surplus Podcast, and get his backstory and hear what he's currently working on, and elaborating on our relationship. --------------------------- STLNDRMS on the web Website - https://stlndrms.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stlndrms Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stlndrms/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXsY8CL2UYFF_iI0uolEWMQ Twitter - https://twitter.com/stlndrms

On episode 9, Wes & Smythe record from the new Soul Surplus office for the first time! The fellas cover drum programming, some of their go-to techniques, and workflow. The main points covered in this episode are: Sampling breaks vs. programming sounds Which side do you fall on more often? Where do you usually find your drum sounds? Sampling What sound of kits/what genre of music do you usually sample breaks from? Chopping vs. Looping breaks Programming What process do you use to program one shot sounds into drum loops? Do you start your song with drums or melody/chords? Processing drums EQ/Compression/Saturation techniques Knock vs. Tuck vs. Everywhere in between How to get your drums to knock, and how to tuck them Processing one shots and drum sounds vs. processing breaks Importance of where the drum sits in a song ___________________________ 3 Tip For Programming Drums Picking high quality sounds/breaks will start your further along in getting your drums to sound how you want them to Drums set the tone for a song, so an interesting pattern/break will keep listeners tuned in. Drums are an important part of the song, but they have to work together with every other element in order for them to truly be appreciated.

Wes and Smythe are back from summer break, tackling the subject of compression in music production. In this episode they'll cover: What is compression/limiting? Difference between compression and limiting When to use compression (the “right” way, and the “broken rules” way) When not to use compression (the “wrong” way) Pros and cons of compression Favorite compressor hardware/plugin Favorite compressor settings for Vocals Bass Guitar Samples Drums Keys/Synths

In this week's episode of the Soul Surplus Podcast, the fellas do a deep dive into sampling. There are so many pros and cons to the art form, and in this episode you'll hear points from both ends of the spectrum. A few points covered in this episode: * Picking the right portion of a sample * Talk about our favorite flips/chops done by our favorite producers * Looping vs. chopping * Mixing and fitting a sample in with the rest of your track/processing used to mix beats with samples *** Subscribe on iTunes - bit.ly/SoulSurplus_Podcast Stream the music from this episode on Apple Music - itunes.apple.com/us/artist/soul-surplus/1348170089 Stream the music from this episode on Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/0P7vilsKtalVZkaxFYwlCq

In this week's episode of the Soul Surplus Podcast, Wes and Smythe discuss mixing with EQ. A few points covered in episode 6 are additive and subtractive EQ, their pros and cons, using EQ before/after compression, and favorite plugins/hardware. Former blog post discussed in episode - Gear Corner :: Warm Audio EQP-WA & WA76 - https://soulsurplus.com/blogs/news/gear-corner-warm-audio-eqp-wa-wa76 *** *** Subscribe on iTunes - bit.ly/SoulSurplus_Podcast Stream the music from this episode on Apple Music - itunes.apple.com/us/artist/soul-surplus/1348170089 Stream the music from this episode on Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/0P7vilsKtalVZkaxFYwlCq

In episode 5 of The Soul Surplus Podcast, the fellas discuss the importance of keeping up with your network. Inherently, both Smythe and Wes are introverts which affects the way they interact with their own respective networks, and how they build new relationships. They discuss the ways they overcome that tendency to run to isolation, and break out of their comfort zone for the sake of maintaining a healthy network. Some bullet points from this week's episode: The danger of being isolated. Clique mentality - how it can be very positive, and keep you sharp. Also has the potential to negatively affect others when there is a prideful approach to the clique mentality. Being a giver, and not a taker. Discerning friendship, and professional relationships, while learning certain boundaries. The use of manners, etiquette, courteousness, and professionalism. *** *** Subscribe on iTunes - bit.ly/SoulSurplus_Podcast Stream the music from this episode on Apple Music - https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/soul-surplus/1348170089 Stream the music from this episode on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0P7vilsKtalVZkaxFYwlCq

In episode 4 of The Soul Surplus Podcast, Wes & Smythe discuss alternative ways to make money as a music producer, and musician. They discuss the unique paths that led them to where they are today, as well as sharing the importance of knowing what is working and what isn’t in your current journey. Some of the highlights of the episode include: - Having priorities in check - Making money vs. following a passion and moments when they align vs. when they clash - The importance of timing, quitting your job *** Subscribe on iTunes - bit.ly/SoulSurplus_Podcast Stream the music from this episode on Apple Music - itunes.apple.com/us/artist/soul-surplus/1348170089 Stream the music from this episode on Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/0P7vilsKtalVZkaxFYwlCq https://soulsurplus.com/

On this week's episode of The Soul Surplus Podcast, Wes & Smythe share tips on adding certain elements to your music production. These elements can raise its overall value, bringing a more complete composition to life. Elements like tape hiss, and guitar amp feedback can be the cherry on top that you weren't even looking for. Like and share! Subscribe on iTunes - bit.ly/SoulSurplus_Podcast Four Ways To Incorporate Guitar In Your Next Production - http://bit.ly/SoulSurplus_FourWaysGuitar Stream the music from this episode on Apple Music - https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/soul-surplus/1348170089 Stream the music from this episode on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0P7vilsKtalVZkaxFYwlCq Click here to download our free Library Sampler - bit.ly/SoulSurplus_LibrarySampler Follow us on Instagram - www.instagram.com/soulsurplus Follow us on YouTube - www.youtube.com/soulsurplus https://soulsurplus.com/

On this new episode of The Soul Surplus Podcast, Wes & Smythe discuss the importance of creating an efficient workflow as producers and musicians. As a producer, you're dealing with multiple files, sounds, and projects, sometimes all at once. Locking down smarter and efficient ways of working makes room for a more creative environment, and helps to keep you focused on the task at hand. The fellas shared the importance of templates, color coding, labeling and other techniques in this episode. Like and share! Subscribe on iTunes - http://bit.ly/SoulSurplus_Podcast Gear Corner :: Analog Love - http://bit.ly/SoulSurplus_GearCorner_AL Click here to download our free Library Sampler - bit.ly/SoulSurplus_LibrarySampler Follow us on Instagram - www.instagram.com/soulsurplus Follow us on YouTube - www.youtube.com/soulsurplus https://soulsurplus.com

Welcome to the first episode of The Soul Surplus Podcast. On The Soul Surplus Podcast we will discuss new sample packs, instruments, hardware, music production, techniques, and pretty much anything doing with our company and brand. In the first episode, host Wes Pendleton is joined by Soul Surplus team member, John Smythe, to discuss the newly released Strat Sample Pack, as well as what we can expect from John joining the Soul Surplus team officially. Subscribe on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-soul-surplus-podcast/id1368767567?mt=2 Click here to listen to a demo of the new Strat Pack - http://bit.ly/SoulSurplus_StratPack Click here to download our free Library Sampler - http://bit.ly/SoulSurplus_LibrarySampler Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soulsurplus/ Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/soulsurplus https://soulsurplus.com/