Five key studio tips from The Parton Brothers

The Parton Brothers return to Jolene Records with a new four-track EP ‘JOLENE 04’ set for release on March 14th, 2025. The collection blends vintage 90s French house with modern production, staying true to their roots while exploring new territory.

Photo credit: Simon Chasseloup

Danny’s two tracks showcase his versatility. First with  ‘Blow’ delivering a vibrant disco house with bright synths that echo classic dance music, while on ‘Don Lobito’ offers an introspective journey with ethereal pads and refined vocal elements.

Mike’s contributions round out the EP with ‘Housewife’ featuring dark, hypnotic vocals and a funk bassline, while close with  ‘Aspirateur,’  offering soulful percussion and classic filter house elements.

To celebrate this upcoming release, Danny and Mike Parton invite us into their studio to share five essential production tips. Drawing from their extensive experience in crafting French house gems, the brothers offer invaluable insights on everything from maintaining creative authenticity to mastering your tools.

1. Make music for yourself first

Making music should first and foremost make you happy and satisfy yourself. Otherwise, it won’t work. Sincerity can be heard in music and felt on stage. Stay inspired and creative: try different things, break away from your habits or current trends.

Danny: “I listen to a huge variety of styles all day long. I love spending time discovering music that’s not necessarily close to what I produce. In fact, I barely listen to club music at home.”

Mike: “For a long time, I wanted to please certain labels I admired, so I made music “for them.” Mistake. Everything I produced was too generic, with no personal touch. Make music that excites you first, then only afterward think about who you could send it to!”

2. Less is more

There’s no need to buy every plugin on the market, the latest trendy gear, or overpriced vintage equipment. Focus on a limited number of instruments and master them perfectly. This will save you time and keep your creative flow intact, without being slowed down by technical issues or struggling with new software.

Danny: “I went through a phase where I only used hardware, with cabinets full of vintage and modular synths. It was an immense pleasure and a great source of inspiration to create my own textures. But recently, I switched to a fully software-based setup. And honestly, I’m enjoying it just as much, if not more! It’s much faster, I lose less momentum, and I’m way more productive now.”

Mike: “Just like Danny, I have a studio full of synths… which are now gathering dust! But everyone has their own way of working. I only use three VSTs, and that’s more than enough for me!”

3. Finish your tracks

Don’t get stuck endlessly on a loop. Either turn an idea into a full track or move on, but never delete anything! Revisit your unfinished ideas later with fresh ears.

Danny: “Last year, I worked on around 70 loops and only ended up with ten tracks I was happy with. For Jolene, I never spend more than an hour on a loop. If I haven’t started arranging it within an hour, I move on to another idea. But I often come back to old loops with a fresh perspective and new inspiration, and sometimes I finish them.”

Mike: “I know too many producers obsessed with making their arrangements perfect, and they never release anything. Honestly, I don’t think I’m the best arranger—I don’t like pushing that aspect to the extreme—but I always finish my tracks! And in the end, it works. It keeps me from getting stuck and making excuses not to move forward.”

4. Surround yourself with others

Go out, meet people, talk, and share your experiences. You learn a lot from exchanging with others. We sometimes give masterclasses, and even then, we learn new techniques and routines from students. It’s incredibly inspiring. And don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—pushing your limits is how you grow.

Danny: “I’ve learned so much through sharing! Giving is also receiving. We created Jolene Records to spread love, but probably also, unconsciously, to receive some in return.”

Mike: “Fun fact—I met Danny during a masterclass on modular synths. I had never sent a demo before. We talked a lot about our production methods, different labels, how to submit a demo… And from that day on, I started releasing my music.”

5. Send your demos

Share your music. If no one replies, don’t take it personally. Why not start your own label or collective with friends? Don’t let rejection discourage you. Accept it and keep going. And once again: enjoy the process!

Danny: “I often talk to talented artists who hesitate to release their music because they fear rejection or feel too shy, which I totally respect. But when it makes them unhappy, it gets to me. It’s better to channel your energy into something constructive and fulfilling rather than complaining or waiting without taking action. That’s also the essence of Jolene Records. We came from techno, but we no longer felt aligned with that scene, so we created something different that makes us happy. We don’t know if it will succeed, but we’re having a blast, and that’s already huge!”

Mike: “If you really want to release your music, you have absolutely nothing to lose by sending your tracks out. I love to repeat this quote: 100% of the winners played the lottery! You just have to take the plunge. As Danny said, getting a “no thanks” can be scary for some, but it’s part of the game, and you shouldn’t take it personally! And one last tip—aim high! You’d be surprised to know that even big labels actually listen to your demos!”

Danny Parton & Mike Parton’s ‘JOLENE 04’ is set for release via Jolene Records on March 14th, 2025.

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