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What An Amazing Day! *Release* 

Today is the day that my first EP, This Is How I Feel, released on all platforms.  It's amazing to think how a small idea grew into four tracks that are being heard by other people.  And it is even more amazing to know that this music is impacting others.  Whether it is motivating people to workout (groovy beats, and thumping house bass :), or having some music to play while they're on a long drive.  As an artist, it's great to know the work is supported.  I am grateful for all of the listeners and giving my music a chance to be heard! 

This project began with the first song "Giving Up".  I was going to release it as a single, but because the lyrics resonated with me so much, I thought I could compile some tracks and ideas to create a project.  I also feel that a lot of work goes into a release, so why not create something where people can listen to multiple songs?  

I was nervous prior to the release, but now I can breathe.  It feels awesome to receive great support from friends, family members, and fans.  It is truly a great feeling!  #thisishowifeel 

If you haven't heard the EP yet, you can check it out on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and all other digital outlets.  I have set this page up just for you! : 

https://djunprotected.com/this-is-how-i-feel 

-DJ UNPROTECTED-

What Production Tools Do I Use? 

Good question!!! It's always cool to know what musicians use when they're creating their tracks.  Here's what gets regular use in my studio:

Digital Audio Workstation:  Logic Pro X

Favorite Plug-In Suite:  Waves

Software Synths:  reFX Nexus, Sylenth, and the good ol' ES2 ;)

I used to be a plug-in hoarder from 2010 - 2013 and then I learned some valuable lessons, haha. 

-DJ UNPROTECTED-

2019 - I'm Not Done Yet! 

IMPORTANT DATES:

hOUR Session DJ Set @ Webhouse (San Antonio) - September 25

Producing audio for "Unrestricted With Ryan Johnson" Podcast *release*- September 30

The Greatest Halloween Party - October 26

Christmas House Album *release* - November 29

New Track: My Squad 

I said it before and I will say it again... I LOVE SUMMER!  New music, pool parties, and great times with friends.  This song was inspired by my time at the beach and I really wanted to express energy and fun.  Please enjoy this track on Spotify, Apple Music, and EVERYWHERE else!  Let your speakers have fun for once with this one.  ENJOY!

- DJ UNPROTECTED -

New Track: I Want Your Soul *November 21st* 

Very few things excite me more than cherry pie... but releasing a song is definitely on that list.  I WANT YOUR SOUL is a track that I had composed about a month ago and was wanting to record my own lyrics.  I was able to find other vocals for it and it was AMAZING how things matched up.  Don't miss out on this release on November 21st!

 - DJ UNPROTECTED -

 

Grabbing Inspiration! 

This is one of the best visual representations that I can offer about how I grasp inspiration within the studio.  I reach out!  Sometimes this happens from within, or physically with my arms trying to grab something from thin air.  No matter what, I don't pull inspiration or ideas out of my ass.  Everything with music has a purpose to me.  Each note, drum beat, chord, and effect has a purpose to fulfill some type of emotion.  It's all real to me. 

Advice To Myself In 5 Years 

Have you ever wondered where you would be in 5 years?  What would you say?  We have all had these questions before, whether we are on dates, job interviews, hanging with your Mother, etc.,  Here is a video of the advice I would give myself in FIVE years:

 

From Writers Block, Comes New Sounds! 

I will be putting out a video this week about my journey through writers block.  It was QUITE the journey.  But I'm back, baby!  New track in the works with plans to record in the next week or two.

Morale of the story... make your mind do what the hands have to do!

-DJ UNPROTECTED-

 

 

I'm In LA! The City of Dreams! 

I'm on a trip to Los Angeles to produce a podcast.  This is an amazing opportunity and I'm glad to be on board with this project.  I've never been to LA before and what a better opportunity to knock it off the bucket list by working audio for the project.  I've only been here for a day, but I can say that I want to come back already.  It does feel like another country tho.... Also, does it really take 20 mins to get everywhere in LA?!  #bullshit

OMG... Can't Wait! New TRACK!!! 

I am very, very, VERY excited to release my next single.  Here's the cover art, isn't it amazing?!  This track is called MIDNIGHT LOVER.  It's deep, passionate, and filled with climax! Well... you be the judge.  Look for it at the end of this month!

BTS: Getting to the fun STUFF! 

So here we are!  Now we have established a static mix and will begin adding FX to taste.  I love this part because it's where you can experiment with Reverbs and Delays to begin adding space to the mix. 

If you've been a fan of my music, you will probably notice that I layer my elements.  This basically means that space is important.  Have you ever tried to sleep with three pillows on top of each other?   Not that enjoyable, right?  Well, when you space the pillows out it gets MUCH MORE comfortable doesn't it.   That's why space is important in the mix. This is deep I know...

BTS: Getting my mix on! 

It's a one man show as I take on all the production tasks.  So what's that like?  Well, here's the dirty grind of post-production... getting in to the mix!  Coffee + Baileys Creme = this type of video... Enjoy!

BTS: Preparing A Track For The Mix 

Here's the stream of me doing what I do in the studio.  Went live on Twitch this weekend to go thru some of the clean-up processes and last stage of production.  It can be tedious but the end result is worth all the work!  Part 2 is coming out this week.  If you don't follow me on Twitch.tv, you need to make that happen.  There's a link in my post from a few months back. How often do you get to watch someone conquer writers block?! :)