Go inside the complete writing, production, and arrangement of Get the Message by The Paradox
What does it really take to turn an idea into a hit record?
In this exclusive masterclass, acclaimed producer, writer, and mixer Mike Pepe takes you inside the full production of Get the Message, the number one song by The Paradox, and shows you exactly how it came together, from the first riff written in the room to the final production that helped it dominate the charts.
Filmed inside Mike’s home studio in Lake Balboa, California, this course is a rare opportunity to explore a commercially successful record from the inside out.
You will see the real multitrack session, hear the story behind the songwriting, and learn how dozens of production decisions shaped the final song.
This is not theory.
This is a real hit record, explained by the producer who made it.
Inside the Production of a Hit Song
In this course, Mike breaks down the entire production session used to create the record.
You will explore how the song was written, arranged, and produced, including the drums, bass, guitars, synths, percussion, and vocals that make the track work.
You will also see the same production session that was delivered to legendary mixer Tom Lord-Alge.
Everything you hear on the record, from the plug-ins to the tracks themselves, is visible and explained.
What You’ll Learn
This course takes you step by step through the production process behind a number one record.
Songwriting and collaboration
Learn how the song was written in a collaborative session with the band and additional writers, and how chemistry in the room helped shape the final result.
Mike explains how the song started with a single guitar riff and evolved through writing sessions before becoming the finished track.
Building the rhythm section
Mike breaks down the drums, bass, percussion, and groove design that drive the entire record.
You will learn:
- how programmed drums helped shape the writing session
- why live drums were added for feel and personality
- how layered drum samples added depth
- how tuned percussion adds motion and energy to the track
- how bass becomes a motif that signals transitions in the song
Designing a powerful low end
One of the defining elements of the song is its massive low-end impact.
Mike shows how multiple bass layers were used to make the chorus explode while keeping the mix clear and focused.
You will see how tools like Serum and SubLab XL were used to build stereo width and sub-frequency depth.
Creating huge guitars with simple tools
One of the most surprising lessons in the course is how simple the guitar setup actually was.
The guitars were recorded using:
- a DI guitar
- straight into Pro Tools
- processed with plug-ins
The main tones were created using STL ToneHub with models based on the classic Soldano SLO-100.
The result is a massive guitar sound created with gear that can run on a laptop.
The real “wall of sound”
Mike explains how a massive stereo guitar image is created using careful layering and panning.
Instead of simply placing guitars hard left and right, he builds a layered stereo spectrum using:
- left and right rhythm guitars
- a centre distortion guitar
- octave guitars for harmonic reinforcement
- lead guitars placed strategically across the stereo field
This creates width, clarity, and impact without cluttering the mix.
Arrangement techniques that keep listeners engaged
A key lesson in the course is how arrangement keeps a listener engaged.
Mike explains how something changes every four to eight bars, whether that is instrumentation, rhythm, dynamics, or tone.
These small shifts maintain momentum and help prevent listener fatigue.
Subtle layers that make choruses explode
One of the most powerful production techniques in the course involves layers that you almost cannot hear.
Mike shows how synth layers were used to increase stereo width and harmonic energy in the chorus.
Using instruments such as Arturia OP-X and Serum, he creates depth and size that listeners feel rather than consciously hear.
Acoustic guitars as rhythmic energy
Another key element of the track is the use of acoustic guitars.
These are not meant to stand out in the mix.
Instead, they act almost like percussion, adding motion and rhythmic drive.
Inspired partly by the layered acoustic approach used by Third Eye Blind, these guitars help the song feel energetic and alive.
Blending rock and alternative influences
The production blends different musical influences.
The energy of bands like Blink-182 meets the melodic sensibility of Third Eye Blind.
This hybrid approach helped the song cross over into alternative radio, competing with artists such as:
- Foo Fighters
- Tame Impala
- Deftones
What’s Included in the Course
Inside this masterclass you will get:
Full multitrack production breakdown
Explore the entire session used to build the record, including the plug-ins, tracks, routing, and arrangement.
Writing and collaboration insights
Learn how the song developed from the first riff through multiple writing sessions and revisions.
Rhythm section production techniques
Understand how drums, bass, percussion, and sub frequencies work together to drive the track.
Guitar production deep dive
See how Mike builds huge guitars using DI recording, plug-ins, layering, and stereo placement.
Arrangement and dynamics strategies
Learn how to structure a song so the listener stays engaged from start to finish.
Practical home studio production lessons
Discover how a charting record can be produced without expensive gear.
Why This Course Matters
Many production courses show the final result without explaining the thinking behind it.
This one is different.
Mike explains not only what he did, but why.
Why the verse riff changes.
Why the bass gets cleaner in the chorus.
Why synth layers make the chorus feel massive.
Why arrangement decisions keep the listener engaged.
These are the decisions that separate a good production from a great one.
Mentors
Mike Pepe
Writer, producer, and mixer Mike Pepe is well known for his work in the Rock/Pop/Alternative sphere. His work with Taking Back Sunday on their LP Tidal Wave scored him a #2 Billboard Rock charting album, cementing his place in the genre. Following the LP, Mike has worked on Taking Back Sunday’s Twenty LP, in addition to various new songs and B-sides. Recently, Mike has been in the studio with Lil Lotus (Epitaph), As It Is (Fearless), Smrtdeath (Epitaph), HUDDY (Interscope), Sydney Sprague (Rude), The Higher, 44Blonde (TAG), Sundressed (Rude), My New York Summer (Pure Noise), Anarbor (One RPM), London Mars (Atlantic), Wilder (Rude) and Marlhy, amongst others taking on production, writing and mixing. Some of his other productions and cuts include: Bayside, Silverstein, Anthony Green, Emarosa, Sick Puppies, Hearts Like Lions, Small Talks, Glacier Veins, Silent Rival, Stitched Up Heart, Pretty Awkward, Too Close To Touch, Vigil of War, Of Limbo, and has also written and worked with members of Queens of The Stone Age, Haim, Holychild, The Get Up Kids, Sugar Ray and My Chemical Romance. He has landed synchs in Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Road Rules, The Real World, Best Ink, Ball and The Family and Teen Mom.
Learn MoreEndorsed by Legends and Pros Alike
Issac Slade
Jack Douglas
Joe Perry
John Krivit
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Don’t wait to get your hands on this amazing course. You can pick it up start learning right now. If for any reason you don’t feel that your productions and mixes have improved, simply shoot us an email within 30 days and we’ll give you a full refund, no questions asked.
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