On this week’s episode, veteran producer, engineer, and Grammy nominee Bruce Sugar explains why staying relevant means embracing new tools without sacrificing the feel and emotion that make music connect.
Bruce shares how a short engineering gig with Ringo Starr became a working relationship spanning more than two decades, how artists like Ringo and Joe Walsh balance feel with perfection, and how his own workflow has evolved from cutting tape to in-the-box production, Atmos mixing, and AI-assisted songwriting.
He also reflects on working with Ozzy Osbourne, the fast-paced Nashville session culture that shaped his approach, and how AI is changing both the possibilities and value of music production.
Throughout the conversation, Bruce explains why engineers should avoid letting technical perfection get in the way of a great performance, keep sessions moving, and make technology serve the music rather than dominate it.
You can hear it at bobbyoinnercircle.com, or via Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Mixcloud, Spotify, Deezer, and TuneIn Radio.
Also, a video version of this podcast is now available on YouTube as well.
