Skip to content
Disc Makers Blog
  • Music Business
    • Disc Manufacturing & Design
    • Free Guides
    • Music Business & Music Management
    • Music Industry News
  • Music Marketing & Promotion
    • Crowdfunding for Musicians
    • Social Media for Musicians
    • YouTube & Music Videos
  • Performance & Rehearsal
    • Booking Shows & Touring
    • Live Performance
    • Musical Equipment & Gear Reviews
    • Singing Tips
  • Recording & Mastering
    • Audio Recording
    • Film and Authoring
    • Home Studio
    • Audio Mastering
    • Studio Gear
  • Songwriting
    • Music Licensing, Copyrights & Publishing
    • Songwriting tips
  • DISCMAKERS.COM

Author: Keith Hatschek

four takes on big yellow taxi

Anatomy of a cover song: Four takes on “Big Yellow Taxi”

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023 Keith Hatschek

So you picked a cover song, now what? Rather than copying the original version note-for-note, the best covers typically take the essence of the original and reshape it, so that the performing artist makes the song their own while adding something special and recognizable to their repertoire. Read more.

audio engineer using compressors in a recording studio

Using compressors and limiters in your home studio

December 18, 2022December 19, 2022 Keith Hatschek

Using compressors and limiters when recording and mixing allows you to smooth out passages to better control a track. Read the post.

use of reverb and delay in six classic tracks

Using reverb and delay: Lessons from six classic tracks

December 9, 2022December 9, 2022 Keith Hatschek

One way to better understand the adept use of recording techniques is to study classic hits. We’ve got six examples of expertly crafted songs that showcase creative use of reverb and delay. Read the post.

guitar intonation issues

Guitar intonation: How to recognize and fix tuning issues

November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 Keith Hatschek

Many factors can cause your stringed instrument to have intonation problems, including old strings and fluctuations in weather and humidity. Maintain and protect your instrument to keep your guitar in tune. Read the post.

music mastering

Why does my music need mastering?

October 6, 2021August 2, 2022 Keith Hatschek

Home recording is easier and more affordable than ever, which makes the role of mastering ever more important. Here are some objective reasons that make the case for mastering your recordings. Read the post

recording acoustic guitar

Recording acoustic guitar: Experiment with mic placement

September 7, 2021September 8, 2021 Keith Hatschek

The mics you use on any instrument in your home studio recording are a major variable in how your recording will sound, but mic placement is a big part of capturing the best tone for your recording. Read the post

protect your hearing

Practical strategies to protect your hearing as a musician

August 10, 2021August 17, 2021 Keith Hatschek

Most hearing loss associated with exposure to loud noises, or noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), is permanent, painless, and preventable. If you are a musician, you need to be proactive when it comes to minimizing risks to protect your hearing. Read the post.

home recording studio

Thinking about building a home recording studio? Answer these questions first.

July 16, 2021October 13, 2021 Keith Hatschek

Thinking of putting a home recording studio together? Here are five things to consider before you start investing in materials and gear. Read the post.

A musician demonstrating some slide guitar techniques.

Slide guitar: A tutorial in six videos

October 11, 2018January 15, 2019 Keith Hatschek

If you haven’t ever tried to play slide guitar, all you need is a metal or glass slide, some patience, and to apply a few basic tips, as presented in these six videos. Read the post.

songwriting lessons from John Lennon

Songwriting lessons from John Lennon

September 26, 2017September 27, 2019 Keith Hatschek

We settled on three compositions that provide virtual songwriting lessons from John Lennon: “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” “Julia,” and “Watching The Wheels.” Read More.

Copyright Termination

Copyright termination: McCartney, Duran Duran, and the YMCA.

June 12, 2017December 18, 2017 Keith Hatschek

Copyright termination is giving music artists the opportunity to reclaim the rights to their songs. The stories of Duran Duran, Paul McCartney and The Village People’s Victor Willis tell the tale. Read More.

George Harrison's songwriting

George Harrison’s songwriting brilliance

January 13, 2017September 16, 2019 Keith Hatschek

From his earliest work to his successful career as a solo artist and collaborator, the simplicity of George Harrison’s songwriting belies the brilliance of one of popular music’s great artists. Read More.

Four vocal performers that have suffered due to a neglect of vocal health.

Maintaining vocal health for singers

November 16, 2016November 26, 2018 Keith Hatschek

Could Kanye West, Meghan Trainor, Sam Smith, and Chad Kroeger have avoided their recent vocal issues? We have tips for maintaining vocal health for singers. Read More.

Are you ready to work with a vocal producer?

November 10, 2015November 12, 2015 Keith Hatschek

vocal producer in the studioTraditionally, a record producer is tasked with the big picture – the entire recording process. A vocal producer is a specialist who concentrates on getting the best vocal performance possible. We spoke with David Pramik to learn more about the role of a vocal producer and what benefits an artist receives when working with one. Read more.

guitar care

Guitar care: humidity extremes can damage your instrument

February 18, 2015November 22, 2016 Keith Hatschek

Just how serious a risk are extreme climate conditions to your instrument’s well being? Bob Taylor, co-founder and president of Taylor Guitars, stated that, “At one time, probably 70% of the repairs performed in our service center could have been avoided if the guitar had not been exposed to humidity extremes.” Read more.

  Older posts

Newsletter Signup

Recent Posts

  • close up of guitarist playing a natural harmonic on an acoustic guitar

    Unleashing the Magic of Natural Harmonics on the Guitar

  • animated image of female singer getting thumbs-down criticism

    How to Deal With Criticism as an Artist

  • woman producing music in a home studio

    How to Produce Music

  • young musician recording in his bedroom

    What is Bedroom Pop?

  • young woman working to memorize music playing a piano

    Memorizing Music: Benefits and Tips to Unlocking Auditory Memory

Disc Makers Resources

The Disc Makers Audio Catalog
15 Effective Music Promotion Strategies
Making a Great Master
How To Make More Money With Music - The Complete Guide

Resources

Disc Packages & Vinyl
Services
Help
Pricing
Do Not Share or Sell My Personal Information
Editorial Policy
Free Resources
1-800-468-9353

Connect on Social

  • Join us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Join us on YouTube
  • Follow us on Instagram
© Disc Makers Blog. All Rights Reserved.