What Brings Meaning to My Work in Music Production

Recently, I received an email that truly made my day. It was from a soon-to-be Berklee College of Music graduate who, at 49 years young, is fulfilling a lifelong dream by earning a master’s in music production. He mentioned how much he enjoyed the Reckoners album I had the immense pleasure of working on—which, of course, made me feel great!

But it was a thoughtful question he asked that really stuck with me:

“As I ponder what’s next, I’m wondering what provides you with a sense of meaning and satisfaction in the music production projects you take on at this stage in your career?”

I loved reflecting on this, and I wanted to share my answer because it holds true not only in music but also in life.

It’s About the People

For me, meaning and satisfaction in music production come down to one thing: the people I work with and, more specifically, the time we share together.

During the course of a recording session, we spend hours—sometimes days or weeks—together in close proximity. That time is what shapes the music. The conversations, the laughter, the silence—they all influence the ideas we share and the decisions we make as musicians, producers, engineers, assistants, and everyone else involved.

The truth is, who we are as people affects everything. So, who wants to spend all that time creating art with people who drain your energy? I certainly don’t.

Yes, I want to work on great music—but I’m not willing to trade time away from my family or other interests to work on “great” music with not-so-great people.

The People Behind the Music

Looking back on the many recordings I’ve been fortunate to be part of, my most cherished memories are tied to the people involved. Those shared vibes, conversations, and connections become embedded in the music itself.

I like to think—and hope—that when listeners hear that music, they feel that energy too.

Even in the Digital World, People Matter

This philosophy holds true even in today’s world, where much of my work involves mixing and mastering tracks sent to me by artists I’ve never met in person. Even through email communication, who we are as people shines through. That connection still matters.

Sometimes, I’ll spend weeks or even months collaborating this way, and the vibe between us makes all the difference. Over time, I’ve learned to recognize red flags and avoid projects where I can’t give my full passion and energy. If I can’t bring my best to the work, I’d be doing a disservice—not just to the artist and their supporters but to myself and the people who support me in my life.

The Broader Picture

This perspective isn’t limited to the recording studio or my mixing room. It’s how I approach life. Physical things come and go, but time is our most precious resource. It’s a one-way street, so I try to spend it with people who inspire me, challenge me, and make me feel alive.

Those experiences don’t just shape my world—they shape the world of everyone around me. So yes, what gives me a sense of meaning and satisfaction, in music and in life, is the people I choose to share my time with.

Aubrey

And just when I thought I’ve felt and heard it all, I get knocked flat on my butt!!  This morning, during a workout at the gym, I was listening to my new favorite podcast, Tetragrammaton.  Rick Rubin was chatting with Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend.  While I was only familiar with Vampire Weekend by name, I was psyched to learn more about them.

As they discussed Vampire Weekend’s albums, Rick played segments of their songs, which I found enlightening. When they got to their third album, a major creative leap for the band, they dove into the song "Step." Rick played the song in its entirety, and it definitely had a cool vibe. Ezra shared that "Step" was inspired by Souls of Mischief’s "Step to My Girl," which sampled Grover Washington Jr.'s cover of Bread’s song "Aubrey."

Rick played a snippet of Grover’s version, then went all the way back to Bread’s original "Aubrey." Whoa, wait a minute! What was that?! It felt like this little snippet of "Aubrey" reached deep into my soul and planted a new but familiar feeling inside of me. As soon as I got in my car after my workout, I found "Aubrey," hit play, and it’s been on repeat ever since.

It felt like this little snippet of “Aubrey” reached deep down into my soul and placed a new but familiar feeling inside of me.  As soon as I got in my car after my workout I found Aubrey, hit play and it has been on repeat ever since this morning!!  

This is the first time I’ve consciously decided to listen to Bread. I know I’ve heard a few of their songs in passing, but it always amazes me how and when a new song finds its way into my life. Yes, "Aubrey" came out in 1973, making it an “old” song, but I believe that for each individual, there are no old or new songs—they are always right on time. Some songs may date themselves more than others, especially with references to cell phones and social media, but who knows? Thirty years from now, some kid might find those songs transformative.

So yes, “Aubrey” has been on repeat this entire day.  I’ve been drawn deep inside its story and universe.  I’m not analyzing the lyrics, chord changes or sonics but simply basking in the pleasure it brings.  At the end of each play before it starts again, all I say is “Goddamn!!!  What an incredible song”

LIVING 5 TO 9

Back when I was a touring musician, I prided myself on being a healthy performer. Unlike many others, I didn't stay up late, drink excessively, or eat poorly. Yet, deep down, I knew something was off. One morning at home, I stepped on the scale and was shocked to see 153 lbs—a weight I hadn't been since before high school. As a 6 foot male this number was a wake-up call, inspiring me to change my life.

At first, I had no plan (which I later learned is crucial), but I knew I had to start with my diet. Over the years, I had tried veganism, thinking it was the "right thing," but I eventually accepted that it didn't suit my physiology. I then turned to my old standby workout routine, but it hadn't been effective for me. Fortunately, my son Kalen, who was studying Exercise Physiology with a focus on Strength and Conditioning, helped me design a new lifting program. On May 7, 2021, I joined a gym and began my slow and steady journey, which continues to this day.

Throughout this process, I've strengthened my commitment to my health and well-being by embracing the six pillars of Mental & Physical Health. Here they are, along with some examples of what I do:

Sleep

Enhancing my sleep using the QQRT protocol has been crucial to my transformation.

• Quality: I create a comfortable environment by regulating my room and body temperature and wearing a sleep mask to block out light. A sound machine Kim and I found in Iceland also helps.

• Quantity: I ensure I get 8 hours of sleep each night.

• Regularity: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate my internal clock. I go to sleep at 9 PM and wake up at 5 AM, with a 12 hour tech blackout period starting at 7 PM to help me wind down.

• Timing: I've aligned my sleep schedule with my natural circadian rhythm. As a natural morning person, I feel great now that I'm no longer fighting my natural state.

Light

Exposing myself to sunlight in the morning helps regulate my internal clock. Spending 8-10 minutes outside in the morning sets a positive mood for the day. I also avoid unnatural light in the evening.

Exercise

I exercise seven days a week, with 4-5 mornings spent at the gym, depending on my 12-week lifting plan. Each plan includes an 11-week workout phase followed by a deload week and a week off for recovery. In addition to gym workouts, I walk frequently and engage in cardio exercises like hiking.

Nutrition

I follow a nutritious diet that ensures I get all my micronutrients and macronutrients daily, optimizing my mental and physical performance. Keeping my meals simple and clean is key.

Relationships (Including Self)

I've made more time for my loved ones, whether it's going on walks together, listening attentively, or making phone calls instead of sending texts. Most importantly, I value my relationship with myself, knowing that improving my mental and physical health makes me stronger and more available for others.

Stress Management

I've made significant progress in managing stress and anxiety by:

• Eliminating news media consumption from television, radio, or print since 2020.

• Stopping alcohol consumption.

• Taking a cold shower each morning.

• Exercising and spending time outside daily.

• Reading books and listening to vinyl records.

• Eliminating social media use.

I am happier and healthier than ever weighing in at 190 lbs from adding on pure muscle. Recognizing that I am a process, not just a person who must conform to societal expectations, is liberating. Now, it's time for me to get outside and enjoy life. I hope you do the same today!