In the first episode, Grammy-winning engineer Andrew Dawson takes you deep into the creative foundations of Phantogram’s “Mister Impossible”.
This is where the sound begins, from rhythmic concepts to melodic ideas and sound selection. Andrew shows how he captures the early spark of inspiration, layering drum machines, analog synths, and organic performances into a cohesive sonic identity that feels both intimate and cinematic.
You’ll see how he sets up his session for creative flow, uses contrast between textures to create emotion, and commits to tones early to keep the production focused. He shares why trusting instinct and committing sounds at the source matters more than endless tweaking, and how intentional choices in the early stages shape the entire direction of the record.
This episode reveals the mindset and discipline that define modern hybrid production: making bold moves early, balancing experimentation with clarity, and always keeping the artist’s vision front and center.