It's Levels To This... (Podcast)
@itslevelstothis.bsky.social
Two longtime music pros (Sensei & Fatboi) go deep on what makes music great. A podcast for music producers, artists, and fans.
In this episode, we’re bridging the gap between analog nostalgia and modern digital chaos. We’re breaking down why "imperfection" is actually a production tool and how legends like George Clinton and Thundercat use creative friction to keep their music alive.
March 5, 2026 at 9:01 PM
In this episode, we’re bridging the gap between analog nostalgia and modern digital chaos. We’re breaking down why "imperfection" is actually a production tool and how legends like George Clinton and Thundercat use creative friction to keep their music alive.
While Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson tapped Eddie Van Halen to lace up Beat It with his pyrotechnics, Nile Rodgers and David Bowie went the other direction and got Stevie Ray Vaughn to take a minimal (but funky!) solo on Let's Dance
February 26, 2026 at 9:00 PM
While Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson tapped Eddie Van Halen to lace up Beat It with his pyrotechnics, Nile Rodgers and David Bowie went the other direction and got Stevie Ray Vaughn to take a minimal (but funky!) solo on Let's Dance
We got into the connection between dancing and processing emotions as we discussed David Bowie's collaboration with super producer Nile Rodgers on "Let's Dance"
It's Levels to This...
business #producer
It's Levels to This...
business #producer
February 23, 2026 at 10:26 PM
We got into the connection between dancing and processing emotions as we discussed David Bowie's collaboration with super producer Nile Rodgers on "Let's Dance"
It's Levels to This...
business #producer
It's Levels to This...
business #producer
At a time when he needed a break, David Bowie gambled on a new formula—and it paid off with his biggest record ever.
we’re doing a deep dive into “Let’s Dance.” :
Nile Rodgers’ rhythmic genius, iconic SRV blues licks and the surprising social consciousness of the music video
we’re doing a deep dive into “Let’s Dance.” :
Nile Rodgers’ rhythmic genius, iconic SRV blues licks and the surprising social consciousness of the music video
February 18, 2026 at 9:02 PM
At a time when he needed a break, David Bowie gambled on a new formula—and it paid off with his biggest record ever.
we’re doing a deep dive into “Let’s Dance.” :
Nile Rodgers’ rhythmic genius, iconic SRV blues licks and the surprising social consciousness of the music video
we’re doing a deep dive into “Let’s Dance.” :
Nile Rodgers’ rhythmic genius, iconic SRV blues licks and the surprising social consciousness of the music video
We complained about the state of current music last week, so it's only fair we try to come up with solutions…
how do we fix it?
Surround yourself with "No Men", or even "Wrong Men"
Superproducer Fatboi explains…
It's Levels to This...
how do we fix it?
Surround yourself with "No Men", or even "Wrong Men"
Superproducer Fatboi explains…
It's Levels to This...
February 5, 2026 at 12:29 AM
We complained about the state of current music last week, so it's only fair we try to come up with solutions…
how do we fix it?
Surround yourself with "No Men", or even "Wrong Men"
Superproducer Fatboi explains…
It's Levels to This...
how do we fix it?
Surround yourself with "No Men", or even "Wrong Men"
Superproducer Fatboi explains…
It's Levels to This...
10 writers on one song???!!!
Is this a ridiculous situation, or is there some redeeming logic behind it?
Our reaction to Rick Beato's reaction* to the contrast between the 2026 Grammy song of the year nominees with the Class of 1984 continues…
Is this a ridiculous situation, or is there some redeeming logic behind it?
Our reaction to Rick Beato's reaction* to the contrast between the 2026 Grammy song of the year nominees with the Class of 1984 continues…
January 30, 2026 at 9:38 PM
10 writers on one song???!!!
Is this a ridiculous situation, or is there some redeeming logic behind it?
Our reaction to Rick Beato's reaction* to the contrast between the 2026 Grammy song of the year nominees with the Class of 1984 continues…
Is this a ridiculous situation, or is there some redeeming logic behind it?
Our reaction to Rick Beato's reaction* to the contrast between the 2026 Grammy song of the year nominees with the Class of 1984 continues…
Here is Doechi with "Anxiety", which is basically built on top of Gotye's 2011 hit "Someone That I Used To Know", which in turn is a sample of Luis Bonfa's 1967 song"Seville"
Doesn't a song have to be more than a sample?
er #itslevelstothis
January 28, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Here is Doechi with "Anxiety", which is basically built on top of Gotye's 2011 hit "Someone That I Used To Know", which in turn is a sample of Luis Bonfa's 1967 song"Seville"
Doesn't a song have to be more than a sample?
er #itslevelstothis
After watching his video, we decided to react to Rick Beato reacting to Grammy nominees of 1984 to those of 2026, to explore his perceived decline in music quality and try to figure out: why does music suck now? Or are we overreacting?
New Episode out today!
New Episode out today!
January 14, 2026 at 9:02 PM
After watching his video, we decided to react to Rick Beato reacting to Grammy nominees of 1984 to those of 2026, to explore his perceived decline in music quality and try to figure out: why does music suck now? Or are we overreacting?
New Episode out today!
New Episode out today!
In tribute to the passing of Steve Cropper, we're looking at one of his biggest hits with Booker T & the MGs, "Green Onions"
this is a great example of how economical playing, sparse arrangements, and active listening can help make a song a hit, even when there's no words…
this is a great example of how economical playing, sparse arrangements, and active listening can help make a song a hit, even when there's no words…
December 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM
In tribute to the passing of Steve Cropper, we're looking at one of his biggest hits with Booker T & the MGs, "Green Onions"
this is a great example of how economical playing, sparse arrangements, and active listening can help make a song a hit, even when there's no words…
this is a great example of how economical playing, sparse arrangements, and active listening can help make a song a hit, even when there's no words…
"Green Onions" breakdown
In honor of the recently departed Steve Cropper, we're doing a deep dive into some of the great music he helped produce.
In honor of the recently departed Steve Cropper, we're doing a deep dive into some of the great music he helped produce.
December 10, 2025 at 11:38 PM
"Green Onions" breakdown
In honor of the recently departed Steve Cropper, we're doing a deep dive into some of the great music he helped produce.
In honor of the recently departed Steve Cropper, we're doing a deep dive into some of the great music he helped produce.
In our latest episode we pay tribute to one of the greatest guitarist / producers of all time, Steve Cropper
His musical legacy extends from the early days of Stax Records with Booker T and the MG's, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Rod Stewart, and so many more…
His musical legacy extends from the early days of Stax Records with Booker T and the MG's, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Rod Stewart, and so many more…
December 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM
In our latest episode we pay tribute to one of the greatest guitarist / producers of all time, Steve Cropper
His musical legacy extends from the early days of Stax Records with Booker T and the MG's, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Rod Stewart, and so many more…
His musical legacy extends from the early days of Stax Records with Booker T and the MG's, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Rod Stewart, and so many more…
We're thankful for all our great guests this year, so we're putting out a few of our Lightning Round Level Up segments to commemorate, here's Platinum selling, #1 charting producer Liby V!
November 27, 2025 at 11:00 PM
We're thankful for all our great guests this year, so we're putting out a few of our Lightning Round Level Up segments to commemorate, here's Platinum selling, #1 charting producer Liby V!
we're thankful for all our great guests this year, so we're putting out a few of our Lightning Round Level Up segments
Here's Grammy nominated engineer Scott Taylor, AKA Scotti
He’s leveled up from my Audio 101 class to the top of the charts with J.I.D. Rae Sremmund, & Travis Scott
Here's Grammy nominated engineer Scott Taylor, AKA Scotti
He’s leveled up from my Audio 101 class to the top of the charts with J.I.D. Rae Sremmund, & Travis Scott
November 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM
we're thankful for all our great guests this year, so we're putting out a few of our Lightning Round Level Up segments
Here's Grammy nominated engineer Scott Taylor, AKA Scotti
He’s leveled up from my Audio 101 class to the top of the charts with J.I.D. Rae Sremmund, & Travis Scott
Here's Grammy nominated engineer Scott Taylor, AKA Scotti
He’s leveled up from my Audio 101 class to the top of the charts with J.I.D. Rae Sremmund, & Travis Scott
We're thankful for all our great guests this year, so we're putting out a few of our Level Up segments to commemorate
first up, Tami LaTrell, a multi-platinum songwriter who's written for Whitney Houston, Keyshia Cole, Monica & SWV.
first up, Tami LaTrell, a multi-platinum songwriter who's written for Whitney Houston, Keyshia Cole, Monica & SWV.
November 27, 2025 at 6:56 PM
We're thankful for all our great guests this year, so we're putting out a few of our Level Up segments to commemorate
first up, Tami LaTrell, a multi-platinum songwriter who's written for Whitney Houston, Keyshia Cole, Monica & SWV.
first up, Tami LaTrell, a multi-platinum songwriter who's written for Whitney Houston, Keyshia Cole, Monica & SWV.
DJ Fatboi sounds off on Jam Master Jay and his outsized influence on his career
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
link in bio #musicproducer #audioengineer #beatmakers
#RUNDMC #JAMMASTERJAY
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
link in bio #musicproducer #audioengineer #beatmakers
#RUNDMC #JAMMASTERJAY
November 4, 2025 at 10:01 PM
DJ Fatboi sounds off on Jam Master Jay and his outsized influence on his career
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
link in bio #musicproducer #audioengineer #beatmakers
#RUNDMC #JAMMASTERJAY
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
link in bio #musicproducer #audioengineer #beatmakers
#RUNDMC #JAMMASTERJAY
DJ Fatboi on Jam Master Jay as a key influence in his career
Breaking down "Rockbox" by RUN-DMC
It's Levels to This...
Breaking down "Rockbox" by RUN-DMC
It's Levels to This...
October 29, 2025 at 9:00 PM
DJ Fatboi on Jam Master Jay as a key influence in his career
Breaking down "Rockbox" by RUN-DMC
It's Levels to This...
Breaking down "Rockbox" by RUN-DMC
It's Levels to This...
we're breaking down the elements that made "ROCKBOX" by RUN-DMC such an important moment in popular music
for one thing: putting ROCK GUITARS in HIPHOP🤘🤘🤘
It's Levels to This...
for one thing: putting ROCK GUITARS in HIPHOP🤘🤘🤘
It's Levels to This...
October 28, 2025 at 9:57 PM
we're breaking down the elements that made "ROCKBOX" by RUN-DMC such an important moment in popular music
for one thing: putting ROCK GUITARS in HIPHOP🤘🤘🤘
It's Levels to This...
for one thing: putting ROCK GUITARS in HIPHOP🤘🤘🤘
It's Levels to This...
We listen to the multi-tracks for "Human Nature" and DJ Fatboi breaks down the music theory of the cluster chords that influenced his production style in Trap Music and beyond
It's Levels to This...
It's Levels to This...
October 8, 2025 at 9:04 PM
We listen to the multi-tracks for "Human Nature" and DJ Fatboi breaks down the music theory of the cluster chords that influenced his production style in Trap Music and beyond
It's Levels to This...
It's Levels to This...
we dig into the really killer UAD Astra pedal, which, when paired with a little slapback delay, really helps dial the sound of the 80's, and works really well with Steve Lukather's part on Michael Jackson's "Human Nature"
October 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM
we dig into the really killer UAD Astra pedal, which, when paired with a little slapback delay, really helps dial the sound of the 80's, and works really well with Steve Lukather's part on Michael Jackson's "Human Nature"
Digging into the Steve Lukather's amazing guitar performance on Michael Jackson's "Human Nature"
especially the final chords, and the way they use clusters to enhance the tension of final question mark that is just…human nature?
to be continued…?
It's Levels to This...
especially the final chords, and the way they use clusters to enhance the tension of final question mark that is just…human nature?
to be continued…?
It's Levels to This...
October 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Digging into the Steve Lukather's amazing guitar performance on Michael Jackson's "Human Nature"
especially the final chords, and the way they use clusters to enhance the tension of final question mark that is just…human nature?
to be continued…?
It's Levels to This...
especially the final chords, and the way they use clusters to enhance the tension of final question mark that is just…human nature?
to be continued…?
It's Levels to This...
Finally figured out that Steve Lukather part!
as we continue with PART 2 of our deep dive into Michael Jackson's "Human Nature", we get into guitar effects, sound choices, music theory and the original demo from Steve Porcaro (also of Toto fame, like Steve)
as we continue with PART 2 of our deep dive into Michael Jackson's "Human Nature", we get into guitar effects, sound choices, music theory and the original demo from Steve Porcaro (also of Toto fame, like Steve)
October 3, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Finally figured out that Steve Lukather part!
as we continue with PART 2 of our deep dive into Michael Jackson's "Human Nature", we get into guitar effects, sound choices, music theory and the original demo from Steve Porcaro (also of Toto fame, like Steve)
as we continue with PART 2 of our deep dive into Michael Jackson's "Human Nature", we get into guitar effects, sound choices, music theory and the original demo from Steve Porcaro (also of Toto fame, like Steve)
Fatboi breaks down the lyrics of "Human Nature", which show us a different side of Michael Jackson and reflects the cultural zeitgeist of the early 80's
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
September 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Fatboi breaks down the lyrics of "Human Nature", which show us a different side of Michael Jackson and reflects the cultural zeitgeist of the early 80's
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
No one did "mystique" like Michael Jackson…
We're talking about the cultural impact of "Human Nature" and Michael on the latest episode of
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
We're talking about the cultural impact of "Human Nature" and Michael on the latest episode of
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
September 29, 2025 at 10:01 PM
No one did "mystique" like Michael Jackson…
We're talking about the cultural impact of "Human Nature" and Michael on the latest episode of
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
We're talking about the cultural impact of "Human Nature" and Michael on the latest episode of
It's Levels to This...
with @senseihollywood and @thefatboi_ out now, on Apple Podcasts & YouTube, and more…
This episode delves into a deep analysis of Michael Jackson's iconic song 'Human Nature.' Hosts Sensei & Fatboi explore the song's production, lyrics, and the complex persona of Michael Jackson, discussing how his experiences and the cultural context of the 80s shaped the music.
September 26, 2025 at 12:01 PM
This episode delves into a deep analysis of Michael Jackson's iconic song 'Human Nature.' Hosts Sensei & Fatboi explore the song's production, lyrics, and the complex persona of Michael Jackson, discussing how his experiences and the cultural context of the 80s shaped the music.
*I mis-spoke, it wasn't the Grammys, it was the '97 VMAs that Puffy had Sting make a guest appearance on…I guess Andy Summers' invite got lost in the mail)-Sensei
Listen to which elements Puffy sampled from "Every Breath You Take" into his remake/tribute "I'll Be Missing You"
Listen to which elements Puffy sampled from "Every Breath You Take" into his remake/tribute "I'll Be Missing You"
September 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM
*I mis-spoke, it wasn't the Grammys, it was the '97 VMAs that Puffy had Sting make a guest appearance on…I guess Andy Summers' invite got lost in the mail)-Sensei
Listen to which elements Puffy sampled from "Every Breath You Take" into his remake/tribute "I'll Be Missing You"
Listen to which elements Puffy sampled from "Every Breath You Take" into his remake/tribute "I'll Be Missing You"