William Garrett - From Sweeping Floors to 10 Billion Streams

William Garrett - From Sweeping Floors to 10 Billion Streams

Author: Brian Funk March 25, 2025 Duration: 1:52:39

William Garrett is a mixing and recording engineer and producer, and studio builder and manager. He managed a studio for Sony in New York City for 15 years and was Senior Music Producer for Spotify Singles, recording and mixing more than 900 tracks that have over 10 billion streams to date. William has worked with countless artists like Jack White, Miley Cyrus, Shania Twain, John Cale, Cyndi Lauper, The National, Norah Jones, Elton John… the list goes on and on… it might have been easier to mention who he hasn't worked with! 

William shared his story from humble beginnings sweeping the floor of a studio to working with some of the greatest artists of all time. 

Listen on Apple, SpotifyYouTube

Takeaways:

  • William started his career sweeping floors in a recording studio.
  • He learned valuable lessons from observing Aerosmith and Carly Simon.
  • Sight lines in the studio are crucial for band communication.
  • Vulnerability in the creative process can derail a session.
  • The Boston music scene provided a rich environment for growth.
  • Transitioning to New York was a significant step in his career.
  • Building relationships in the industry is key to success.
  • Every session is a learning experience, regardless of the artist. Recording technology has evolved significantly over the years.
  • Creative limitations can enhance the music-making process.
  • Time constraints often lead to more focused and energetic recordings.
  • The spirit of spontaneity can lead to unique musical moments.
  • Mixing is an art that requires both skill and intuition.
  • Experimentation is key to discovering new sounds.
  • Reading the room is crucial for producers to facilitate creativity.
  • The vibe in the studio can significantly impact the outcome of a session.

Links:

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk


Brian Funk hosts the Music Production Podcast, a space where the technical meets the personal in the world of making music. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of conversations that feel like dropping into a studio with a knowledgeable friend. As a working musician, songwriter, teacher, and Ableton Certified Trainer, Brian approaches each topic with a practitioner's curiosity. Discussions flow naturally from the specifics of a piece of gear or a production technique into broader reflections on creative philosophy and the artistic process. You'll hear about the tools of the trade, but always through the lens of how they serve an idea or unlock a new way of working. The podcast thrives on informal dialogue, whether Brian is sharing his own experiences or talking with guests, making complex topics accessible and immediately relevant. It’s for anyone who builds songs from the ground up and thinks about the why just as much as the how. Tune in for honest, nuanced talks that go beyond simple tips and tricks, offering a deeper, more human perspective on the craft of music production.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Music Production Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Craft of Songwriting with Andrea Stolpe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:04
Andrea Stolpe is a renowned, multi-platinum creative consultant whose methodology for songwriters and music artists has been taught worldwide. A writer with 20+ years of experience in the music industry, Andrea has writt…
KIN TALA - Building an EP from Scratch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:44
KIN TALA is a musical duo from Blackpool, England, who just released their debut EP, Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost. They created the album entirely on their own, learning to produce and mix along the way. I spoke wit…
Ian Temple - Soundfly CEO on Overcoming Creative Obstacles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:08
Ian Temple is the CEO and Co-Founder of the online music school, Soundfly. Soundfly offers courses in a variety of topics related to music-making and music production. Ian is a pianist, composer, and plays in the band So…
Thomas Glendinning - ELPHNT, Sound Designer, Music Maker, Educator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:12
Thomas Glendinning is a music producer, educator, and sound designer. He creates some of the finest Ableton Live and Max for Live devices available at his site ELPHNT. Tom recently released his new album Micro((osmos und…
Michelle Moog - Bob Moog Foundation, History of Moog Synthesizer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:53
Michelle Moog is the executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation and daughter of synthesis pioneer Bob Moog. The Bob Moog Foundation's Mission Statement is to inspire creative thinking by providing interactive educatio…
Carter Vail - Musician, Songwriter on his new album 100 Cowboys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:01
Carter Vail is a musician, producer, and video creator. His fast-paced, lighthearted short-form songs have garnered him hundreds of thousands of followers across social media. His new album, 100 Cowboys, combines upbeat…
David Alexander - Audio Engineer, Producer, Musician [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:03
David Alexander is an audio engineer, producer, and musician originally from Portland, Oregon and now based in Los Angeles. He has over 20 years of experience working in all genres, with roots in the subcultures of hardc…
Evan Frankfort - Songwriter, Sound Designer, Film and TV Composer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:43:52
Evan Frankfort is a Songwriter, Sound Designer, and TV and Film Composer. His TV and film credits include Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild, The Harlem Globetrotters: Pay it Forward, 90210, and The 100. He writes music a…
Francis Preve: The Man in the Synth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:05:03
Francis Preve is a sound designer, producer, and synthesizer programmer. He programs factory presets for the leading synthesizer manufacturers including Sequential, Roland, Korg, Oberheim, Serum, and many more. He is the…