<![CDATA[The Mindful Musician]]>Everything music and music education as analyzed by a musician and music educator. Here we will analyze current trends in the mainstream and underground music. We will cover everything from AI in music to teaching music in different formats. We break it all down in this podcast! For any personalized courses that may be mentioned in the podcast can be found in Mack's Music Collective by clicking the name.

]]>https://www.skool.com/macks-sax-academy-2637/aboutRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 29 May 2026 15:44:06 GMTFri, 06 Feb 2026 23:44:57 GMT60Mack<p>Everything music and music education as analyzed by a musician and music educator. Here we will analyze current trends in the mainstream and underground music. We will cover everything from AI in music to teaching music in different formats. We break it all down in this podcast! For any personalized courses that may be mentioned in the podcast can be found in <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/macks-sax-academy-2637/about" target="_blank">Mack's Music Collective</a> by clicking the name.</p>episodicMackmackssax@proton.meno<![CDATA[Production Isn't Composition]]>In this episode, we explore how modern music production often prioritizes speed and convenience over true musical craftsmanship. We discuss the differences between composers and producers, the impact of loops and presets, and why returning to human intentionality is essential for meaningful music. For more discussions like this visit us at Mack's Music Collective!

Key Topics:

  • The distinction between composers and producers: creation versus assembly
  • Historical perspective: Bach and classical masters as true composers
  • How modern mainstream producers rely on loops, presets, and software shortcuts
  • The importance of starting from silence versus starting with pre-made sounds
  • Why loops flatten musical thinking and eliminate development
  • The psychological and cultural impacts of outsourcing musical thought
  • The importance of mastery, form, and long-term thinking in music
  • The societal consequences of valuing convenience over skill in music
  • The call for a return to human intention and higher standards in music

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - Introduction: The purpose of this episode and the importance of musical integrity
  • 00:32 - The difference between artistic concept and technological assembly
  • 01:57 - Why most mainstream producers are not true composers
  • 03:03 - The classical concept of composition: Bach and mastery of form
  • 04:25 - The shift to modern production: starting with sounds, loops, and presets
  • 06:39 - The fundamental distinction: composers start with silence, producers with sound
  • 08:21 - Aristotle's philosophy applied to music: the importance of development and form
  • 09:32 - How loops and repetition lead to sensory overload rather than emotional depth
  • 10:17 - The decline of musical lineage: from Bach to jazz and orchestration
  • 11:44 - Why loops remove friction and the challenges of musical growth
  • 12:38 - The industry’s reliance on templates and the outsourcing of musical thought
  • 14:19 - The societal implications: losing the ability to listen, understand, and feel music deeply
  • 15:16 - The necessity to prioritize human intention and craftsmanship in music
  • 16:01 - The dangers of a culture built around convenience and the decline of musical standards
  • 17:13 - A call to action: rediscovering the knowledge and skills of true composers
  • 17:41 - Invitation to join the Max Music Collective and engage in meaningful discussion
]]>f8f9b580-cd9a-4519-98e8-1e3615dc0e5eSat, 21 Feb 2026 02:29:22 GMT<p>In this episode, we explore how modern music production often prioritizes speed and convenience over true musical craftsmanship. We discuss the differences between composers and producers, the impact of loops and presets, and why returning to human intentionality is essential for meaningful music. For more discussions like this visit us at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/macks-sax-academy-2637/about" target="_blank">Mack's Music Collective!</a></p><p></p><h6><b>Key Topics:</b></h6><p></p><ul><li>The distinction between composers and producers: creation versus assembly</li><li>Historical perspective: Bach and classical masters as true composers</li><li>How modern mainstream producers rely on loops, presets, and software shortcuts</li><li>The importance of starting from silence versus starting with pre-made sounds</li><li>Why loops flatten musical thinking and eliminate development</li><li>The psychological and cultural impacts of outsourcing musical thought</li><li>The importance of mastery, form, and long-term thinking in music</li><li>The societal consequences of valuing convenience over skill in music</li><li>The call for a return to human intention and higher standards in music</li></ul><p></p><h6><b>Timestamps:</b></h6><p></p><ul><li>00:00 - Introduction: The purpose of this episode and the importance of musical integrity</li><li>00:32 - The difference between artistic concept and technological assembly</li><li>01:57 - Why most mainstream producers are not true composers</li><li>03:03 - The classical concept of composition: Bach and mastery of form</li><li>04:25 - The shift to modern production: starting with sounds, loops, and presets</li><li>06:39 - The fundamental distinction: composers start with silence, producers with sound</li><li>08:21 - Aristotle's philosophy applied to music: the importance of development and form</li><li>09:32 - How loops and repetition lead to sensory overload rather than emotional depth</li><li>10:17 - The decline of musical lineage: from Bach to jazz and orchestration</li><li>11:44 - Why loops remove friction and the challenges of musical growth</li><li>12:38 - The industry’s reliance on templates and the outsourcing of musical thought</li><li>14:19 - The societal implications: losing the ability to listen, understand, and feel music deeply</li><li>15:16 - The necessity to prioritize human intention and craftsmanship in music</li><li>16:01 - The dangers of a culture built around convenience and the decline of musical standards</li><li>17:13 - A call to action: rediscovering the knowledge and skills of true composers</li><li>17:41 - Invitation to join the Max Music Collective and engage in meaningful discussion</li></ul>no00:18:24Production Isn't Compositionfull<![CDATA[Why Most Modern Music Is Designed Not to Be Listened To]]>In this episode, we dive into the importance of intelligent listening in today's music landscape, highlighting how modern production often favors simplicity over depth. Discover why understanding the internal logic of music can elevate your listening experience and reconnect you with the rich traditions of composition and human expression.

For more discussion and exploration visit us here at Mack's Music Collective: https://www.skool.com/macks-sax-academy-2637/about

KEY TOPICS:
* The shift from composition-based music to looped, algorithm-driven sounds
* What truly constitutes intelligent listening versus surface-level engagement
* How historically, music was built on systems of harmony, tension, and long-range thinking
* Differences between older classical and jazz traditions and current mainstream practices
* How modern music's focus on instant gratification reduces the listener's capacity for depth
* The intentional design of older music to reward attentive listening
* The decline of harmonic progression and thematic development in popular music
* The cultural implications of music designed for quick consumption
* Why studying masters like Bach and Mozart nurtures musical depth
* Practical steps to cultivate more meaningful, attentive listening habits

]]>1237326d-6deb-4598-8fd3-4f7a6da91323Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:32:18 GMT<p>In this episode, we dive into the importance of intelligent listening in today's music landscape, highlighting how modern production often favors simplicity over depth. Discover why understanding the internal logic of music can elevate your listening experience and reconnect you with the rich traditions of composition and human expression.<br /><br />For more discussion and exploration visit us here at Mack's Music Collective: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/macks-sax-academy-2637/about" target="_blank">https://www.skool.com/macks-sax-academy-2637/about</a><br /><br />KEY TOPICS:<br />* The shift from composition-based music to looped, algorithm-driven sounds<br />* What truly constitutes intelligent listening versus surface-level engagement<br />* How historically, music was built on systems of harmony, tension, and long-range thinking<br />* Differences between older classical and jazz traditions and current mainstream practices<br />* How modern music's focus on instant gratification reduces the listener's capacity for depth<br />* The intentional design of older music to reward attentive listening<br />* The decline of harmonic progression and thematic development in popular music<br />* The cultural implications of music designed for quick consumption<br />* Why studying masters like Bach and Mozart nurtures musical depth<br />* Practical steps to cultivate more meaningful, attentive listening habits</p>no00:22:43Why Most Modern Music Is Designed Not to Be Listened Tofull<![CDATA[How Tech is Killing Music (Explained)]]>In this episode, Mack dives into the cultural and technological shifts transforming modern music. He examines how tools once used to preserve and enhance performance are now often replacing human expression, leading to a homogenized, superficial sound.

Key Topics:

  • How technology shifted from being a creative tool to a corrective and compositional shortcut
  • The impact of auto-tune, quantization, and algorithms on musical authenticity
  • The decline of groove, emotional depth, and improvisation in mainstream music
  • The role of compression, loudness wars, and uniformity in flattening emotional expression
  • The importance of flawed, human elements in creating memorable and expressive music
  • Why depth and experimentation are essential for musical evolution

Timestamps:

00:10 - Welcome and discussion on how technology affects music's human feel
00:36 - Why does modern music feel less human despite technological advances?
01:24 - Technology as a tool vs. technology as a replacement
02:22 - The shift from capturing performance to correcting it with tools like Auto-Tune
03:38 - How formulas and sameness dominate current hits
04:58 - The similarity between top 40 tracks and the loss of creativity
05:25 - Human trust vs. reliance on technology for artistic expression
06:37 - The expressive power of natural imperfections, exemplified by Aretha Franklin
07:55 - Why perfection via auto-tune strips emotion from singing
11:23 - The death of groove due to quantization and routine beats
12:46 - How compression and loudness flatten emotional dynamics
15:00 - The importance of flaws, mistakes, and imperfections in authentic music
16:36 - Algorithms favor superficiality; music shaped more by playlist metrics than creativity
17:34 - The superficiality of modern hits and the necessity of depth
19:00 - The danger of music becoming content-based rather than emotionally meaningful
20:43 - The need for musicians and creators to rely on experience over tools and presets
21:39 - Moving towards deeper musical exploration instead of regression
22:09 - Invitation to join Max Music Collective and keep music human

]]>340fab40-f6c4-48f0-b39f-32cda681a50cWed, 18 Feb 2026 21:26:22 GMT<p>In this episode, Mack dives into the cultural and technological shifts transforming modern music. He examines how tools once used to preserve and enhance performance are now often replacing human expression, leading to a homogenized, superficial sound.</p><p></p><h6><b>Key Topics:</b></h6><p></p><ul><li>How technology shifted from being a creative tool to a corrective and compositional shortcut</li><li>The impact of auto-tune, quantization, and algorithms on musical authenticity</li><li>The decline of groove, emotional depth, and improvisation in mainstream music</li><li>The role of compression, loudness wars, and uniformity in flattening emotional expression</li><li>The importance of flawed, human elements in creating memorable and expressive music</li><li>Why depth and experimentation are essential for musical evolution</li></ul><p></p><h6><b>Timestamps:</b></h6><p>00:10 - Welcome and discussion on how technology affects music's human feel<br />00:36 - Why does modern music feel less human despite technological advances?<br />01:24 - Technology as a tool vs. technology as a replacement<br />02:22 - The shift from capturing performance to correcting it with tools like Auto-Tune<br />03:38 - How formulas and sameness dominate current hits<br />04:58 - The similarity between top 40 tracks and the loss of creativity<br />05:25 - Human trust vs. reliance on technology for artistic expression<br />06:37 - The expressive power of natural imperfections, exemplified by Aretha Franklin<br />07:55 - Why perfection via auto-tune strips emotion from singing<br />11:23 - The death of groove due to quantization and routine beats<br />12:46 - How compression and loudness flatten emotional dynamics<br />15:00 - The importance of flaws, mistakes, and imperfections in authentic music<br />16:36 - Algorithms favor superficiality; music shaped more by playlist metrics than creativity<br />17:34 - The superficiality of modern hits and the necessity of depth<br />19:00 - The danger of music becoming content-based rather than emotionally meaningful<br />20:43 - The need for musicians and creators to rely on experience over tools and presets<br />21:39 - Moving towards deeper musical exploration instead of regression<br />22:09 - Invitation to join Max Music Collective and keep music human</p>no00:23:09How Tech is Killing Music (Explained)full<![CDATA[Sound Waves & the Brain]]>The conversation explores the impact of sound waves and frequencies on the brain, the history of music tuning standards, and the influence of music on human behavior and emotions. It delves into the science of sound, brain wave entrainment, and the potential effects of changing music frequencies. It also discusses the lost tradition of church bells and their connection to community resonance and human routines. For more in depth conversations like this visit us at Mack's Music Collective.

Takeaways

  • Sound waves and frequencies can guide brain states and impact brain activity.
  • The history and influence of music tuning standards raise questions about the cultural and psychological impact of music.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Church Bells, Frequency, and Lost Rituals
]]>d3a69dbd-f4bc-4dee-9990-df4f87c31b52Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:52:22 GMT<p>The conversation explores the impact of sound waves and frequencies on the brain, the history of music tuning standards, and the influence of music on human behavior and emotions. It delves into the science of sound, brain wave entrainment, and the potential effects of changing music frequencies. It also discusses the lost tradition of church bells and their connection to community resonance and human routines. For more in depth conversations like this visit us at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/macks-sax-academy-2637/about" target="_blank">Mack's Music Collective</a>.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Sound waves and frequencies can guide brain states and impact brain activity.</li><li>The history and influence of music tuning standards raise questions about the cultural and psychological impact of music.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Church Bells, Frequency, and Lost Rituals</li></ul>no00:12:4514Sound Waves & the Brainfull<![CDATA[Modes in Pop Music]]>The episode explores the role of modes in modern music and how depth can coexist with catchiness. It discusses strategies for using modes in music, the advantages of emerging artists in using modes, and practical steps for aspiring musicians. The takeaways emphasize the importance of character over complexity and the idea that the next wave of popular music will win by being deeper, not louder. For more in depth discussion visit us at Mack's Music Collective.

]]>2c3b7a91-af3c-41c2-9332-8d6307a4f3dcTue, 10 Feb 2026 22:54:10 GMT<p>The episode explores the role of modes in modern music and how depth can coexist with catchiness. It discusses strategies for using modes in music, the advantages of emerging artists in using modes, and practical steps for aspiring musicians. The takeaways emphasize the importance of character over complexity and the idea that the next wave of popular music will win by being deeper, not louder. For more in depth discussion visit us at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/macks-sax-academy-2637/about" target="_blank">Mack's Music Collective</a>.</p>no00:09:2313Modes in Pop Musicfull<![CDATA[Exploring Musical Modes]]>Discover how musical modes shape emotional expression beyond the familiar happy and sad dichotomy. This episode dives into the significance of modes in music, why they disappeared from mainstream pop, and how they can expand your musical vocabulary and listening experience.

Key Topics

  • The fundamentals of musical modes and how they differ from scales
  • Why modes create richer emotional flavors and their historical presence
  • Examples of modal music in jazz, rock, film scores, and vintage tracks
  • Reasons modes are avoided in today’s chart-topping pop (algorithm preferences)
  • How to recognize modal influence in popular songs and film music
  • The impact of modes on listener perception and musical exploration
  • The shift of modes into jazz, film scores, and niche genres
  • Why embracing modes enhances emotional complexity and musical understanding
]]>5d223b54-2eea-4002-965c-f27eef403451Sun, 08 Feb 2026 16:29:01 GMT<p>Discover how musical modes shape emotional expression beyond the familiar happy and sad dichotomy. This episode dives into the significance of modes in music, why they disappeared from mainstream pop, and how they can expand your musical vocabulary and listening experience.</p><p></p><h5><b>Key Topics</b></h5><p></p><ul><li>The fundamentals of musical modes and how they differ from scales</li><li>Why modes create richer emotional flavors and their historical presence</li><li>Examples of modal music in jazz, rock, film scores, and vintage tracks</li><li>Reasons modes are avoided in today’s chart-topping pop (algorithm preferences)</li><li>How to recognize modal influence in popular songs and film music</li><li>The impact of modes on listener perception and musical exploration</li><li>The shift of modes into jazz, film scores, and niche genres</li><li>Why embracing modes enhances emotional complexity and musical understanding</li></ul>no00:13:41Exploring Musical Modesfull<![CDATA[Why All the Hits Sound the Same]]>The podcast episode explores the reasons behind the similarity in popular music, delving into chord progressions, harmony, emotional color, melodies, voice leading, rhythm, texture, form, emotion, lyrics, and technology's impact. It highlights the need for deeper listening and understanding of music beyond its surface level.

Takeaways

  • Music theory for regular listeners
  • Understanding the elements of modern music
  • The impact of technology on music

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Problem with Unchallenged Music
]]>2a3d9aa6-1315-467c-8f9e-941a2166f760Sat, 07 Feb 2026 19:39:01 GMT<p>The podcast episode explores the reasons behind the similarity in popular music, delving into chord progressions, harmony, emotional color, melodies, voice leading, rhythm, texture, form, emotion, lyrics, and technology's impact. It highlights the need for deeper listening and understanding of music beyond its surface level.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Music theory for regular listeners</li><li>Understanding the elements of modern music</li><li>The impact of technology on music</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Problem with Unchallenged Music</li></ul>no00:11:3511Why All the Hits Sound the Samefull