Produce Like A Pro

Do you use Amp Sims/Modellers? 🎸
YouTube only lets us list 4 options, so we know we’re leaving out great ones like Kemper and Headrush – let us know in the comments which one you use!

1 month ago | [YT] | 88

Produce Like A Pro

R.I.P Ozzy Osbourne, Heavy Metal Pioneer and Prince of Darkness

Ozzy Osbourne’s passing is a huge loss. To me, he wasn’t just the frontman of Black Sabbath or the “Prince of Darkness.” He was one of the most important and influential artists to ever walk onto a stage. Ozzy helped invent the very music that shaped so many of our lives. He was a pioneer in the truest sense, someone who didn’t follow trends but created a whole new world of sound and identity. His voice, his presence, his fearlessness, there was nothing like it before, and there never will be again.

Born in Aston, Birmingham on 3 December 1948, Ozzy came from modest beginnings but rose to become a global icon. When he joined forces with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward in 1968, something truly special happened. Two years later, the release of Black Sabbath did not just mark a band’s debut. It lit the fuse for an entire genre. That first album was the beginning of heavy metal, and Ozzy was its unmistakable voice.

For many of us, the first album, 'Black Sabbath' was life-changing. I still remember being 15 years old, sneaking out of school and going to my friend Cat’s house just to listen to it. As soon as those ominous church bells rang out at the start of the title track, it sent chills down our spines. The cover showed what looked like a witch standing in the mist. It scared the schnizzle out of me. But I was completely enthralled. It wasn’t just the darkness or the mood. It was the band’s sheer power. They were so tight, locked in together. That debut album felt like the true birth of heavy metal. The fact they recorded and mixed it on an 8 track in a day and a half is nothing short of astonishing.

Black Sabbath's sound was of Ozzy’s voice cutting through Tony Iommi’s thunderous guitar riffs, Geezer Butler’s ominous lyrics and bass, and Bill Ward’s powerful drumming. Albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath would become cornerstones of heavy music. After his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy launched a solo career beginning with Blizzard of Ozz, cementing his place as one of rock’s most enduring icons.

Ozzy was a symbol of resilience, his misfit humour, raw honesty and willingness to bare his soul endeared him to generations of fans. He sold over 100 million records across his solo work and Black Sabbath releases. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, received numerous awards, and left behind a catalogue that helped define an entire genre.
Ozzy’s influence extended far beyond music. He became a reality television star in The Osbournes, a pop culture icon, and a household name. Yet he never forgot where he came from. On 5 July 2025, he played one final concert in Birmingham, his hometown, at the Back to the Beginning event. Seated on a black throne due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, he performed to over 40,000 fans, with millions more watching online. It was a farewell worthy of a legend.

Ozzy Osbourne was not just a rock star. He was a movement, a mythology, and for many of us, the sound of adolescence, rebellion, and raw emotion. His music terrified us, inspired us, and gave us a place to belong. Rest in peace, Ozzy. Thank you for the dreams and for the nightmares!

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 2,526

Produce Like A Pro

The Fray’s Look After You has just passed 500 million streams, an incredible achievement for a song that was never even released as a single. It’s long been a fan favourite, and while it doesn’t boast the billions of plays that How to Save a Life or Over My Head (Cable Car) have earned, half a billion streams is a true testament to its lasting emotional impact.

Working on this track as part of How to Save a Life, one of the things that stands out about the entire album is its raw, unfiltered honesty. There’s no gridding, no heavy editing, and certainly no autotune. When Mark Endert mixed the single How to Save a Life, he told me he didn’t use any drum samples. What you hear is the real band, recorded in my old studio, Swing House. That room had such a wonderful vibe and it gave the record so much warmth and character.

At its core, Look After You is a heartfelt song about finding deep stability and comfort in another person when life feels chaotic. It’s an urgent plea for enduring connection, a mutual promise to offer unwavering support and acceptance. The lyric paints the partner as a vital “home,” a trusted sanctuary for one’s most vulnerable self. That emotional truth is what keeps listeners coming back, year after year.

open.spotify.com/track/5l6hpyTGBK0LAAxgPnqTQL?si=A…

1 month ago | [YT] | 377

Produce Like A Pro

Happy 19th Anniversary to the love of my life, Kasia, and the incredible mother of our children, Charlie and Lucy. Every one of these years has been a gift, filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments.

We’re celebrating in the stunning city of Prague, surrounded by beauty and history. Here we are on the iconic Charles Bridge and later by the Astronomical Clock, two perfect places to mark this amazing journey we’ve shared.

Here’s to a lifetime more of love, laughter and adventure. Kasia, I’m so grateful for you every single day.

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1 month ago | [YT] | 2,541

Produce Like A Pro

R.I.P Luis Jardim: The Maestro Behind the Music 1950 - 2025

Today, July 4th we lost one of the greats, I original;ly was going to post a happy birthday to him, sadly he died today aged 75 years old.

If you’ve ever tapped your foot to a hit record without knowing exactly why it grooves the way it does, there’s a good chance Luis Jardim had something to do with it.

Born in Madeira, Portugal, and based in London, Jardim was one of the world’s most respected percussionists, bassists, and producers, with a career spanning over four decades. Though his name may not be instantly recognizable to the average listener, his musical fingerprints are all over some of the biggest hits of the past 40 years.

The Sound Behind the Stars
Luis Jardim’s rhythmic magic supported an astonishing roster of legends:
    •    George Michael
    •    David Bowie
    •    Rolling Stones
    •    Grace Jones
    •    Seal
    •    Trevor Horn & The Art of Noise
    •    Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Yes, you read that right. From 80s synth-pop to rock and pop royalty, Jardim’s percussion, bass, and production work have helped shape the sound of multiple generations.

The Trevor Horn Connection
One of Jardim’s most enduring collaborations was with super-producer Trevor Horn (Buggles, Yes, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Grace Jones). Jardim became an integral part of Horn’s studio sessions, often called upon for his impeccable groove, creative instincts, and ability to elevate any track, without ever overshadowing the artists.

He was also a regular contributor to the iconic ZTT Records sound, where his playing added both power and finesse to countless iconic 80s hits.

Versatility at Its Finest
From pounding rock anthems to delicate acoustic ballads, Jardim’s versatility is legendary. His percussion added colour and emotion to recordings, while his bass playing anchored songs with warmth and precision.

In addition to his session work, Jardim also made waves as:
A music producer
A television personality in Portugal (serving as a judge on shows like Factor X)
A passionate advocate for music education and performance

Influences & Legacy
Jardim drew influence from a rich tapestry of music: from the Afro-Portuguese rhythms of his youth to the experimental edge of the 80s London scene. He mastered the art of subtlety in music, knowing exactly when to push forward and when to let the song breathe.

His work inspired countless musicians, particularly percussionists and bassists who admire his ability to blend seamlessly into the music while leaving a profound impact.

In an era where digital over perfection often take centre stage, Luis Jardim represents the timeless beauty of human touch in music. His rhythms are the heartbeat behind the hits, sometimes unnoticed, but always unforgettable.

If you love music that moves you, chances are, you’ve been grooving to Luis Jardim all along. Thank you for the amazing music Luis! Rest In Peace

1 month ago | [YT] | 911

Produce Like A Pro

I’m thrilled to share with you one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve had in a long time.

We recently spent a day with the phenomenal Ash Soan at his Windmill Studio in Norfolk, capturing an intimate session that blends performance, personal stories, and deep insight into what makes a great drummer truly great.

From the genius of Bernard Purdie and Steve Gadd to rare snares, vintage compression chains, and grooves that never stop breathing, Ash opens up about decades of session work, recording philosophy, and the timeless feel behind tracks like Set Fire to the Rain.

Download Ash’s exclusive drum loops and grooves → producelikeapro.lpages.co/ash-soan-drum-grooves-fo…

Whether you're a drummer, producer, engineer or just a music lover, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look into the artistry of one of the UK’s most recorded drummers.

Enjoy,
Warren

1 month ago | [YT] | 36

Produce Like A Pro

Growing up in a small village, far from any major studios or music industry connections, all I had was a guitar, a cassette deck, and an overwhelming love of music. The first time I heard A Night at the Opera by Queen, something clicked. It wasn’t just the songs—it was the imagination, the detail, the drama. I knew, right then, that music wasn’t just something I wanted to listen to. It was something I had to be a part of.

That moment started a journey that took me from homemade demos and late nights in rehearsal rooms to working in some of the best studios in the world with platinum-selling artists. And yet, what’s mattered most to me, then and now, is community.

That’s why I built Produce Like A Pro and Pro Mix Academy: to create a space where musicians, producers, and engineers can connect, learn from one another, and support each other, no matter where they are in the world.

To help even more people get involved, we’re offering some of the best deals we’ve ever run:

Produce Like A Pro Academy. Get instant access to 200+ multitracks. Join today for just $99/year: producelikeapro.thrivecart.com/yearly-membership-s…


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Learn from Grammy-winning producers and mixers

2 months ago | [YT] | 21

Produce Like A Pro

R.I.P Mick Ralphs
Delivered with love and admiration from a lifelong fan
Michael Geoffrey Ralphs, Mick to those who knew and loved him, was a man whose guitar helped define the sound of British rock across two generations. From the swaggering pulse of Mott the Hoople to the powerful, timeless anthems of Bad Company, Mick Ralphs was never one to chase the spotlight, yet he became the quiet architect of songs that still echo through the ages.
Born in Herefordshire in 1944, Mick started his musical journey humbly, a teenager in The Buddies, already wielding that unique blend of melodic instinct and rhythmic drive that would soon become unmistakable. By 1969, he had become a founding member of Mott the Hoople, whose raw, dramatic energy lit up the glam rock era. It was Mick who supplied the gritty bedrock of their sound, giving Ian Hunter’s lyricism a fierce sense of propulsion. And of course, it was Mick’s real-life guitar misadventure that gave us “All the Way from Memphis,” a moment of rock folklore immortalised in song.
Yet it was in Bad Company that Mick Ralphs truly found his place in the pantheon. “Can’t Get Enough,” with its chiming open C tuning and relentless drive, didn’t just launch a band, it launched a legacy. That track, like so much of Mick’s work, wasn’t flashy. It didn’t scream for attention. It simply was, confident, undeniable, and utterly unforgettable.
He had a touch, that’s what everyone always said. The kind of feel you can’t teach. He could write riffs that sounded like they’d existed forever, and solos that said exactly what needed to be said, then stopped, no waste, no ego, just pure musicality. Songs like “Ready for Love,” “Movin’ On,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” will long outlive trends, because they speak to something elemental in us, the way only great rock and roll can.
Mick was never one for fanfare. He turned down tours, avoided planes, and stayed grounded in the truest sense. Yet despite that, or perhaps because of it, he became the kind of musician other musicians quietly admired. David Gilmour brought him on the road. George Harrison co-wrote with him. Alison Krauss covered his work. He played with giants because he was one, even if he never asked to be.
In his later years, when the stadiums had quietened, he went back to his roots, forming the Mick Ralphs Blues Band, playing small clubs, chasing the same feeling that first lit him up as a boy. That speaks volumes. For Mick, music was never about glory. It was about groove, and soul, and the sheer joy of making a guitar sing.
Though a stroke in 2016 took him from the stage, it never diminished his legacy. Mick spent his final years in care, surrounded by the love of his family and fiancée, Susie. He passed on 23 June, aged 81, leaving behind two children, a lifetime of music, and a generation forever marked by the sound of his guitar.
Mick Ralphs never needed to shout to be heard. His guitar did the talking, and we listened.
Rest easy, Mick. You gave us more than enough.

2 months ago | [YT] | 579

Produce Like A Pro

A Celebration of All Fathers
To my father, Anthony Mordaunt Huart, a great painter and sculptor who inspired my love of art and music.
We lost him six years ago, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him.
Happy Father’s Day, Daddy. I miss you deeply and thank you for shaping so much of who I am.

2 months ago | [YT] | 1,713

Produce Like A Pro

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there! Our children shape us, teach us, and give our lives meaning, we wouldn’t be who we are without them. Wishing each and every father a wonderful day filled with love and appreciation.
A heartfelt thank you to my incredible wife Kasia, and all my love to our beautiful children, Charles and Lucinda, or as we call them, Charlie and Lucy! You are our everything.

2 months ago | [YT] | 1,213