MusicMusic InterviewsTechnology

Master Your Mix Podcast

Mike Indovina

Helping musicians, engineers and producers create professional recordings and mixes from home so you can showcase your talents in the best way possible and grow your career.

Play

Open in

22 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 13 min
English

Support the show

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Support the show!

Episodes 22

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S1 · E315
Wednesday · 1 hr 33 min
Craig Parker Adams: Adapting to every client
Craig Parker Adams is a Los Angeles-based recording and mixing engineer, producer, and guitarist with over 25 years of studio experience at his Hollywood-based Winslow Ct. Studio. He's contributed to 8 Grammy-nominated projects with 2 wins across Blues, Folk, Americana, and Latin Pop, including co-producing and engineering Dave & Phil Alvin's Common Ground and recording Gaby Moreno's ¡Spangled! with Van Dyke Parks. Since 2014, he's served as the exclusive mixing engineer for the Zappa Family Trust, overseeing archival releases drawn from Frank Zappa's legendary Vault, including The Hot Rats Sessions and The Mothers 1971. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why he staggers when each band member walks in the door The moment a legendary drummer got offended by his notes, and what happened next What it's like mixing for a listener who catches every single mistake What goes into mixing over a thousand Frank Zappa songs Why adding your own take can quietly work against someone else's vision The real reason clients send referrals before they've even heard the mix Why he had to learn an entirely new recording system in five days To learn more about Craig Parker Adams, visit: https://craigparkeradams.com/ and http://www.winslowctstudio.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E314
August 19 · 1 hr 14 min
Howie Beck: The Advantages of Working with Limitations
Howie Beck is a Toronto-based mixer and producer whose credits include Feist, Barenaked Ladies, Ron Sexsmith, Walk Off The Earth, and Charlotte Day Wilson, whose breakout single "Work" he mixed and co-produced. Before turning to mixing full-time, Beck built a cult following as a solo artist, writing, performing, and recording every instrument on albums like Hollow and How to Fall Down in Public himself. He's been nominated for three Juno Awards in three separate categories: Album, Recording Engineer, and Producer of the Year, a rare spread that reflects his range. He now runs Studio H, a Dolby-approved Atmos mix room in Toronto's Queen West. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How four-track and ADAT recording forced him to commit to musical decisions Why unlimited tracks can work against the editing process instead of helping it The Prince song with no bass on it, and what it says about restraint How Howie stays objective when working on his own music Why he goes to tape for certain projects and what it changes sonically His drums-first mixing workflow and the reasoning behind it How he approaches vocal depth and space to make vocals feel forward in a mix The tradeoffs of heavy vocal compression (breaths, sibilance, mouth pops) Why he pulls up an artist's rough mix before he opens the real session How demoitis shows up more today than it used to, and how he talks clients through it Training his ears and body to trust his monitoring environment at different volumes To learn more about Howie Beck, visit: https://www.howiebeck.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E313
August 12 · 57 min
Brendan Dekora: Understanding an Artist’s Vision
Brendan Dekora is a Los Angeles-based mixing engineer and producer whose two-decade climb through top studios like EastWest culminated in a full-time engineering post for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, earning him a Grammy for his work on Pixar's Soul score. His credits also include Foo Fighters' Concrete and Gold, Steven Wilson's Hand. Cannot. Erase., Billy Idol, Danzig, Muse, and Deafheaven. He now mixes and produces independently from his home studio, focused on rock and art-rock artists. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The two questions he asks every client before touching a single fader What he does when a client hands him references that contradict each other How to pick the right reference tracks Why "I don't want to sound like anyone else" is the hardest brief he gets How he decides whether to keep a "wrong" sound in a mix or fix it Why he considers "putting his own stamp on everything" a mistake, not a selling point Working with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross on Nine Inch Nails tracks and film scores How he balances his own creative instincts against what the artist is actually asking for To learn more about Brendan Dekora, visit: https://www.brendandekora.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E312
August 5 · 1 hr 4 min
Steven Lee Tracy: Mixing Fast To Stay Objective
Steven Lee Tracy is the owner, producer, and mixing engineer at Saint Cecilia Studios in Tucson, Arizona. Before he was behind the board, he was on stage: a decade as guitarist and songwriter in Seattle indie-rock band The Myriad, whose single "A Clean Shot" became MTV's most-played video in spring 2008 after the band won MTV2's Dew Circuit Breakout. That artist-first background shapes his mixing today; a self-described "production-style" approach built for records that sound like the artist's favorite albums, not just a polite balance of tracks. At Saint Cecilia, Tracy has worked with acts spanning Seattle indie rock to Tucson's Latin-music scene, including Orkesta Mendoza and the Morrissey tribute act Mexrrissey, alongside sync and commercial work for MTV, Adobe, and Axon. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why your 50th listen is lying to you about what's wrong with the mix The one thing Steven does in the first 30 seconds of every new song Why he builds drums, bass, and vocals in the same order every single time What separates a song that needs help from a song you just need to get out of the way of The mistake Steven made early on that he'd undo if he could start over Why lower overhead led to better work, not less of it What changed the moment he stopped saying “yes” to every opportunity To learn more about Steven Lee Tracy, visit: https://www.saintceciliastudios.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot Delay: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E311
July 29 · 1 hr 24 min
Joe Caithness: Mastering for Video Game Soundtracks
Joe Caithness is a mastering, transfer, and restoration engineer based in Nottingham, UK, with over 18 years of experience and more than 1,500 completed projects to his name. He's become the go-to engineer for video game soundtrack vinyl and digital releases, having mastered over 260 titles for Laced Records alone, including Resident Evil, Bloodborne, Borderlands, and Dead Cells. In 2025, he mastered the vinyl edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Nintendo and Laced Records the first official Nintendo physical music release in the West in generations and worked on the physical rollout of the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 soundtrack, which went on to hit #1 on the physical albums charts in both the UK and France. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why passion for music matters when becoming an audio engineer Why mastering attracts introverts What mastering for video game soundtracks involves The specific technical challenges of turning a game score into a listenable album release The tools Joe uses to rescue overprocessed, hard-limited mixes/masters Why Joe starts with his limiter before touching any EQ or compression The gain-normalization step he does before any processing and why it makes everything easier Why mastering is really about context and consistency, not stereo processing How he creates cohesion across 9+ hours of wildly varied audio His approach to vinyl QC Why he tells clients not to listen to their masters in their studio To learn more about Joe Caithness, visit: https://www.joecaithnessmastering.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E310
July 22 · 56 min
Bruno Barcella: The Analog Sound in a Digital Mix
Bruno "Brown" Barcella is a recording, mixing, and production engineer based in northern Italy. He got his start behind a drum kit, touring the US and Europe with bands like Miss Chain & The Broken Heels before crossing to the other side of the glass. After studying sound engineering in Milan, he joined TUP Studio in Brescia in 2011, an analog-focused room built around a Neotek console and Studer 2" tape where he's spent the better part of 15 years crafting records rooted in garage rock, punk, and rock 'n' roll. He's the engineer behind the catalogs of Bee Bee Sea, The Peawees, Faz Waltz, The Apers, and dozens more. In 2020 he launched his freelance career, collaborating with studios across northern Italy, doing live sound for artists, clubs, and festivals, and increasingly mixing records remotely for artists from around the world. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The one-monitor rule: why Bruno mixes exclusively on Sennheiser HD 650s and never switches between sources while working The tools he adds to headphone mixing to get closer to a speaker-like experience The arc every mixer goes through for getting good Why artists shouldn't be in the room during a mix session How doing less usually gets you better mixes Getting mixes to feel warm, but not muddy The benefit of using analog saturation plugins across multiple tracks in a mix How he thinks about blending saturated and clean microphone signals together Why he aims for low-tuned, dry drums, and how that affects the saturation and tone decisions he makes Why being willing to fail is still the most important thing a young engineer can do To learn more about Bruno Barella, visit https://brownbarcella.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E309
July 15 · 1 hr 13 min
Toby Lloyd: The Studio As A Therapeutic Space
Toby Lloyd is a Music Producer, Studio Owner, Mixing Engineer, Artist, and Film Score Mixer from New Zealand who has worked with artists such as Shapeshifter, Nightmares on Wax, Hollie Smith, Blindspott, and Stan Walker, and has also worked on films like Avatar 2, The Hobbit Trilogy, and Hunt For The Wilderpeople. He runs Tiny Triumph Recordings, a bespoke rooftop recording studio in the heart of New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. He has also started releasing music under the artist name Paper Mountains, which blends folk, soul, and pop music, and is about to release his debut album in July. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why he almost quit the industry entirely and what stopped him The one thing that makes or breaks your relationship with clients (it's not your mix) Why the studio is a therapeutic space, and what that means for how you work with artists Why your mixes feel flat even when the individual sounds are good The low-end approach Toby uses to stop kick and bass from fighting each other What film audio teaches you about stereo mixing that most engineers never learn Why he EQs guitars based on what it does to the vocal, not what it does to the guitar To learn more about Toby Lloyd, visit: https://www.tinytriumphrecordings.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E308
July 8 · 1 hr 19 min
Justin Cortelyou: From Intern to Directing Paul McCartney
Justin Cortelyou is a Grammy-award nominated, multi-platinum mixing engineer/producer. Justin started his career working with Chuck Ainlay at Soundstage Studios in Nashville before moving to Los Angeles to work with mix-master Mike Shipley at The Animal House. Justin teamed up with artist/producer Tommy Henriksen and in 2008, moved their operation back to Nashville and began working with legendary producer, Bob Ezrin. Through the years, Justin has worked with artists Paul McCartney, Alice Cooper, Ke$ha, Taylor Swift, Jerrod Niemann, Phish, Chingy, Vince Gill, Andrea Bocelli, U2, Randy Travis, KISS, Will I Am, Lady Gaga, and many others. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The ice maker moment that turned his internship into a job What the Mike Shipley editing process taught him about standards Why the engineers who get the biggest clients keep raising the bar long after they've "made it" The moment Justin had to tell Paul McCartney to do another take — and what happened next What constructive feedback actually sounds like when it's working Why being great at your craft isn't enough to build a career The hard lesson about putting 90% of your work with one client To learn more about Justin Cortelyou, visit: https://www.justincortelyou.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot Delay: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E307
July 1 · 1 hr 30 min
Sam Moses: How to Know What a Mix Needs Before Listening
Sam Moses is a Nashville-based mastering engineer and owner of Moses Mastering, with roughly 15 years in the business. He describes his work in short as helping artists "finish their record and bring peace of mind that it's ready for release." He is a multi-RIAA Platinum and Gold Record mastering engineer, a voting member of the Grammy Recording Academy and AES, and a Grammy NEXT class alumnus. Most notably, Moses is a Grammy Award–winning mastering engineer for Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll's "Hard Fought Hallelujah," which won Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 2026 Grammy Awards. He is also a multi-Dove Award winner and 10-time Dove Award nominee, with wins spanning Brandon Lake/Jelly Roll's "Hard Fought Hallelujah" and Blessing Offor's "Brighter Days." His client list spans Christian/worship (Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Skillet, Tenth Avenue North, Kari Jobe, Passion), mainstream pop and rock (The Aces, Smallpools, Nightly, Joan, Underoath), and country/mainstream artists (Dolly Parton, Kesha, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ashley McBryde, Maddie & Tae). IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The three-meter system: how RMS, dynamic range, and momentary LUFS reveal the tonal balance of any song before you touch a plugin What RMS values tell you about low-end weight Why LUFS momentary reflects top-end brightness, not just loudness Why Spotify normalization doesn't make songs sound equally loud and what actually causes perceived volume differences Why Sam never aims for a target LUFS and what he looks for instead Why Sam uses only limiters, not compressors, and how he approaches mid-range How to compare your meters against a commercial reference using normalization off in Spotify How to know when a master is done (and why most engineers don't have a clear answer) The advice Joe Barresi and Andrew Scheps gave Sam that led him to move to Nashville Why niching down to mastering only was the career decision that changed everything How Sam's mentor taught him to listen first and ignore the gear entirely Why the most important question Sam asks every client is one most of them have never thought about To learn more about Sam Moses, visit: https://www.mosesmastering.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E306
June 24 · 1 hr 28 min
Dave McNair: Reinventing His Career, Again and Again
Dave McNair is a mastering engineer, producer, and recording engineer with over four decades in the music industry and more than 900 credits spanning rock, blues, country, pop, and world music. Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, he came up through the working-studio world of New York City, including a stint at The Hit Factory, before spending years producing and engineering in Los Angeles and Austin. He's now based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he operates Dave McNair Mastering from a studio in his own home, monitored on a high-end audiophile playback system. What sets McNair apart is the breadth of his pre-mastering career. He toured as a drummer with indie/alt-country band The Silos, engineered and mixed landmark sessions with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Cyndi Lauper, and produced artists like Buddy Guy and Kelly Willis in the Austin music scene. That lived-in understanding of how records are made from the ground up, tracking, arranging, mixing, deeply informs his mastering philosophy. His approach emphasizes what he calls "mastering with mixing in mind," treating the bass and vocals as the true anchors of any record. McNair's audiophile background is equally distinctive. He spent time working the sales floor at high-end audio retailers Innovative Audio and Sound By Singer in NYC, and that world of critical listening hardware never left him, he credits it with transforming his approach to monitoring and sound judgment. His 2024 Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) for Bokanté's History represents recent recognition, but his catalog, which includes David Bowie's The Next Day, Shovels & Rope's Little Seeds, and mixed credits on SRV's In Step, reflects decades of work at the highest level. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The moment he realized a mentor's "amazing room sound" was actually a tiny dead room and a heavily compressed mic Why losing head-to-head comparisons to another engineer became one of his biggest learning tools What changed in his approach after sitting in on a session with one of the most respected mixers in the business The exact moment Dave knew he needed to change direction, and what tipped him off Why he didn't tell any of his old clients he was getting into mastering until he felt ready How 20 years of sitting in on other people's mastering sessions became the foundation for his new career Why he says the chasing and reinventing never really stops, even now To learn more about Dave McNair, visit: https://www.davemcnairmastering.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E305
June 17 · 1 hr 4 min
Greg Gordon: Putting the Groove First
Greg hails from Detroit’s vibrant rock scene. He’s lived in New York and Los Angeles. In 2015, he relocated to Pittsburgh, producing and mixing at his Wood Hollow studio, and recording and exploring ATMOS mixing at The Vault studios. Greg Gordon has produced, engineered, and mixed a wide spectrum of classic ‘big beat’ groups and artists of every genre. His discography reads like a three-decade history of cutting-edge music. Embracing all types of passionate sonic expression, Greg thrives on using his knowledge of music and recording techniques to build a foundation of traditional integrity and cross-pollinate elements to introduce unexpected, ear-opening events. Greg’s #1 piece of advice to any new engineer/mixer - “Listen for the record - it’s easy to get caught up with the technology and possibilities, and lose sight of the song… The record will reveal itself if you’re listening for it. There will be a moment when you forget that you’re working on a track, and you’re just listening to a favorite record … PRINT!!!!!!” IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Jumping into opportunities even when you're scared How the old-school mixing approach as a performance changes the way your mixes feel How Jimi Hendrix treated the studio as an instrument, not a documentation tool What it actually means to "capture the moment of discovery" when tracking Why Greg avoids click tracks and how that affects the energy of a performance How stepping away and returning to a mix creates the objectivity you can't get from staring at it for hours Why producers weren't allowed in the room for Motown sessions How your headphone mix affects whether a singer nails the pitch or misses it The automation trick that makes mixes feel like live performances instead of static playback To learn more about Greg Gordon, visit: http://www.gregordon.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E304
June 10 · 1 hr 27 min
Austin Seltzer: Breaking the Loudness Rules
Austin Seltzer is a multi-platinum mixing and mastering engineer whose work bridges the gap between modern pop polish and emotionally impactful, dynamic sound. After getting his start in electronic ghost production, Austin refined his craft through formal studio training at The Blackbird Academy in Nashville. During his time there, he learned from renowned engineers and producers who appeared as guest mentors, including Andrew Scheps, Jacquire King, Vance Powell, and Dave Pensado. After graduating, he expanded into cinematic music, further developing the sense of depth, scale, and emotion that now defines his mixing style. Now based in Oklahoma, he has built a reputation for creating mixes that feel simultaneously expansive, powerful, and deeply musical. Austin’s profile rose significantly after mixing and mastering Dasha’s global breakout hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” one of the defining crossover records of 2024. In addition to his work with Dasha, he has collaborated with artists including LE SSERAFIM, Maggie Lindemann, Natalie Jane, BloodPop, A.G. Cook, and Hudson Mohawke. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: - Why he starts every mix with the loudest section - Why he intentionally clips his mixes six dB over zero during the entire mixdown - How to balance your low end while intentionally clipping the output - Why most limiters destroy the punch in your kick and snare - How to create cinematic width without using the LCR method - Why treating people well matters more than your technical skills - How he completes professional mixes in 90 minutes or less - Why he only listens to the full mix once during the mixing process - The next-morning routine that catches problems before sending to clients - How he uses multiband stereo width to create cinematic depth - How hitting compressors 10-20 dB actually makes vocals sound better - Why he moved from LA to Oklahoma, and his work increased Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio: Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/ Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/ Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/ Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25 Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E303
June 3 · 1 hr 29 min
Chris Athens: Creating Traction With Your Career (Revisited)
Chris Athens is a mastering engineer with over 30 years in the industry. Formerly working at Sony Music Studios and Sterling Sound, he has founded his own studio, Chris Athens Masters in Austin Texas. Chris has mastered for some of the biggest names in hip-hop such as DJ Khaled, Drake, and Mac Miller as well as some rock artists including Coheed & Cambria, Architects, and Of Mice and Men. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: Taking chances, even when you don’t feel prepared Learning from mistakes Surrounding yourself with the right people Work/life balance Working to the point of burnout Why you need to get good at networking and marketing Inheriting clients vs. creating clients Finding people to partner with for your studio business Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses The advantages of working quickly How to preserve your objectivity Broad-stroke vs. surgical EQ Getting big clear low end To learn more about Chris Athens, visit: https://chrisathensmasters.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E302
May 27 · 48 min
Jason Perry: Making Records Without Musical Theory
Jason Perry is a UK-based record producer, mixer, and songwriter known for shaping the sound of modern rock and alternative music. He first made his mark as the frontman of the band A, before transitioning behind the scenes to build a highly successful production career. Over the years, Jason has worked with a wide range of artists including Don Broco, You Me At Six, Trash Boat, McFly, and Mallory Knox, helping them craft records that balance raw energy with a polished, contemporary edge. His productions are known for their punchy drums, tight arrangements, and powerful, radio-ready vocals. Bringing an artist’s perspective into the studio, Jason is especially respected for his collaborative approach and his ability to push bands to deliver their strongest performances—both creatively and technically. His work has played a key role in defining the sound of the current UK rock scene. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why Jason never uses vocal booths or talkback mics when tracking singers How not knowing how to play an instrument can be a superpower as a producer The first-listen method he uses to find every weak point in a song Why most bands overcomplicate their bridge sections (and what causes it How he produces himself on his own records without losing objectivity Why he starts recording vocals on day two instead of waiting for the band to finish tracking The pep talk he gives every band before starting a session Why placing limits on yourself forces better creative decisions What actually makes a great song when you strip away all the technique To learn more about Jason Perry, visit: https://www.jasonperry.london/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E301
May 13 · 1 hr 2 min
Brian Howes: The "Swedish Math" Behind Hit Songs
Brian Howes is a Canadian producer, songwriter, and former recording artist known for crafting commercially successful rock and pop records with a strong emphasis on melody, structure, and radio appeal. After beginning his career as a frontman in bands like DDT and Closure, he transitioned into production and quickly made a name for himself with breakthrough projects such as Hinder’s Extreme Behavior and Hedley’s self-titled debut. His work is characterized by hook-driven songwriting, polished arrangements, and a seamless blend of rock energy with pop sensibility. Over the course of his career, Howes has collaborated with a wide range of major artists, including Skillet, Daughtry, Nickelback, Simple Plan, and Boys Like Girls, earning multiple JUNO Awards for Producer of the Year along with Grammy and Dove Award recognition. Based in Vancouver, he operates largely from his own studio, where he combines songwriting and production into a single, integrated process. Known for his analytical approach to hit-making—often described as studying the “math of songwriting”—Howes continues to be a sought-after collaborator for artists aiming to achieve a polished, radio-ready sound. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How “Swedish math" is responsible for shaping hit songs The three-hook chorus structure Brian uses on radio records Why melody should drive the arrangement, not the other way around How to map tempo and BPM to vocal cadence The most common songwriting mistakes producers need to fix Knowing when to get out of the way How Brian approaches pre-production with bands who are married to their demos Why Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel” broke all the rules and still became a massive hit Making the switch from being an artist to producer How to give "punk rock energy" in soccer-mom music Working on Airbourne's new record To learn more about Brian Howes, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Howes Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E300
May 6 · 1 hr 30 min
David Trumfio: The Future of Studio Ownership
Dave Trumfio doesn’t just make records, he builds the rooms where records come alive. A Los Angeles–based producer, mixer, engineer, and musician, Trumfio has quietly shaped decades of indie and alternative music, with a sonic fingerprint that runs through artists like Wilco, Built to Spill, OK Go, and Sia. He first broke through in the 90s as co-founder of The Pulsars, a cult synth-pop duo with his brother Harry that earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of greatest one-album wonders. At the same time, he embedded himself in the underground as bassist and co-songwriter for the long-running post-punk collective The Mekons, adding grit to an already unruly legacy. Behind the console, Trumfio became a go-to architect for artists chasing character over polish, with credits spanning My Morning Jacket, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Dogstar. But his biggest innovation might be the spaces themselves. As founder of Kingsize Soundlabs, he pioneered a modern “producer-driven” studio model, later expanding that vision through partnerships with Gold-Diggers and 64 Sound, blending hospitality, community, and high-end recording into a new creative ecosystem. Outside the studio, he channels his restless energy into Damaged Disco, a label and LA event series steeped in post-punk and darkwave, while continuing to release music as Nervous Boy and perform electronic sets as DAT68. Trumfio’s career is less a straight line and more a feedback loop, artist, engineer, entrepreneur, repeat. The common thread: a lifelong obsession with sound, and the instinct to build the culture around it, not just capture it. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Should you start your own studio or use existing studios? Why he sold a $300K+ Neve console and what he replaced it with The 5-year industry cycle that dictates which studios survive Why the "if you build it, they will come" mentality kills most studios The real reason big studios are disappearing (and what's replacing them) Why "greatest hits" gear beats boutique esoteric pieces every time How AI is pushing everything toward perfection will create demand for raw, human recordings The one thing you need to invest in if you're starting a studio today Future-proofing your studio To learn more about David Trumfio, visit: https://www.kingsizesoundlabs.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E299
April 29 · 1 hr 4 min
Mike Schuppan: Why Great Engineers Don't Chase Perfection
Mike Schuppan is a Los Angeles–based mix engineer, recording engineer, and producer with over 20 years of experience working across alternative, pop, electronic, and experimental music. Originally from Nashville, he developed his career through hands-on studio work and long-term collaborations with producer and multi-instrumentalist Justin Meldal-Johnsen, contributing to both recording sessions and live touring environments. Over the years, Schuppan has built a diverse and high-level discography, working with artists such as Paramore, M83, Lady Gaga, Poppy, Jimmy Eat World, and Ziggy Marley. His credits span major-label releases, Grammy-winning projects, and records that have achieved gold and platinum status. His work on Paramore’s self-titled album and After Laughter, along with M83’s Fantasy, highlights his ability to navigate sonically dense, emotionally driven productions while maintaining clarity and musicality. Schuppan is known for a mix style that emphasizes feel, depth, and translation—balancing modern polish with the integrity of the original performance. Whether working on layered pop productions or more organic alternative records, he focuses on preserving emotional intent while ensuring mixes translate across streaming platforms and playback systems. In addition to music releases, he has also contributed to film and television projects as a score mixer and engineer, reflecting a broader technical range that extends beyond traditional record production. His career represents a hybrid of classic studio engineering and modern mixing workflows, making him especially relevant to today’s generation of producers working across both analog and in-the-box environments. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why Mike records way more microphones than he'll ever use (and how it saves his mixes later) The exact session layout he borrowed that he still uses on every project How he decides when to go minimal vs. using complex setups Why thinking about the mix during tracking is the only way to avoid "fix it later" disasters His approach to creating space and depth without losing clarity in dense productions Finding problematic, masking frequencies How he knows when a mix is actually done Why his goal is to never be "the best" at anything The one frequency range he's obsessed with on bass His go-to bass micing setup Working with artists like Paramore, Ziggy Marley, and M83 Incorporating feedback into your process To learn more about Mike Schuppan, visit: https://www.mikeschuppan.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E298
April 22 · 1 hr 19 min
Sonny DiPerri: Why the Best Engineers Get Out of the Way
As a producer, engineer, and mixer, Sonny DiPerri has worked alongside artists such as Nothing, She’s Green, Julie, Narrowhead, Wisp, DIIV, Animal Collective, Late Night Drive Home, These New Puritans, Deradoorian, Protomartyr, Emma Ruth Rundle, Portugal. The Man, Lord Huron, The Drums, Dirty Projectors, and many more. A third-generation drummer, DiPerri started playing in bands and studying music at an early age. He quickly discovered he was fascinated by the studio, leaving band life behind and pursuing a career as an engineer. He moved from Boston to LA, quickly landing an apprenticeship for legendary British record producer Flood, working with 30 Seconds to Mars. Excited by the experience and atmosphere of the studio, he took Flood up on the offer of an assistant position, moving to London, where he assisted both Flood and Alan Moulder. Upon his return to Los Angeles, Sonny worked as an engineer for Trent Reznor, My Bloody Valentine, M83, Dave Sardy, and David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors, among others. Sonny now splits his time between producing and mixing. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How Sonny went from zero studio experience to apprenticing under Flood on a 30 Seconds to Mars record as his first ever credit. The session prep approach he's used for nearly two decades Why he never dials in a sound in solo Why he spends more time in pre-production than he does actually making the album — and how that makes tracking faster and more focused What the "inversions" process with Animal Collective actually looked like in practice How he handled working alongside Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Alessandro Cortini — running a room with multiple synchronized computers The "overnight mix" technique Why he thinks every engineer should make at least one record under serious limitations — and what that teaches you about commitment Why you should always "mix like you're already getting fired" To learn more about Sonny Diperri, visit: https://www.sonnyrecordsthings.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E297
April 15 · 59 min
Justin Gray: Breaking Into the Songwriting Industry
Justin Gray is a Canadian born/ LA based Songwriter, Producer & Composer. The breadth of credits & accolades during his 20+ year career has him considered among an elite group of creators in the music and entertainment landscape. Accumulating 8+ billion global streams from his artist collaborations & development projects, Gray has found success with some of the world's biggest stars such as Mariah Carey, John Legend, Avril Lavigne & even Glen Campbell. Justin’s work has appeared on countless influential playlists, had multiple viral hits, Top 10 Shazamed songs, and dozens of global number ones with artists like New Zealand’s Six60, K-pop superstars NCT 127 and SuperM, as well as China’s Chris Lee and Roy Wong. Justin is also well-known as an early collaborator of Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone. Beyond his frontline success, he has earned a reputation as a true developer of talent, as well as being one of the most sought-after songwriters and producers for Film and TV in the world. His extensive reach in Sync licensing has landed 100’s of placements in Film, TV, Ads, and Video Games. Justin’s music and productions have appeared in trailers and in-picture on scores of projects, including Toy Story 4, Lego Movie: Ninjago, Hocus Pocus 2, Grey’s Anatomy, Bull, and The L Word; with key partners such as Netflix, Paramount, Hulu, Starz, and Disney. Some of the brands having used Justin’s music include Target, AT&T, Nissan, and NordicTrack. 2022 was a pivotal year, as Justin co-composed the score and wrote original music for the film, ‘Spinning Gold’ (a biopic of Casablanca Records Founder, Neil Bogart: only in theaters March 31, 2023), where he also serves as a co-producer on the film. He also wrote and performed the theme for Netflix Jr’s “Big Tree City Rescue.” 2023 finds Justin writing, producing, and composing the full original motion picture soundtrack and score with long-time creative collaborator Evan Bogart (and other half of Bogart & Gray) for the film “Verona” (currently in production), where again, he is not only an executive music producer, but also a co-producer of the film. Being a successful creator is only part of this professional entrepreneur. Justin is also the Founder and CEO of a music tech start-up, SonifyMusic.ai, as well as Co-Founder of the music publishing & talent management venture, Anti Gravity Entertainment. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why writing “bad” songs is actually the fastest way to improve How to get into songwriting rooms (even if you’re not a great writer yet) The importance of building a broad skillset—and how it makes you more valuable How to figure out whether you should write for yourself or for others Why community matters more than talent in the long run How to start songwriting sessions without wasting hours The hidden “hierarchy” in the room—and how to navigate it When to push for your idea… and when to let it go To learn more about Justin Gray, visit: https://www.iamjustingray.com/ and https://www.sonifymusic.ai/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!
S1 · E296
April 8 · 1 hr 27 min
Dave Fortman: Focusing on the Song Above All Else
Dave Fortman is an American record producer, songwriter, and musician, recognized for his role as guitarist in the hard rock band Ugly Kid Joe and for producing and mixing albums for prominent acts in the rock and metal genres, including Evanescence's Fallen (2003), Slipknot's All Hope Is Gone (2008), and Godsmack's The Oracle (2010). Born in Orlando, Florida, Fortman began his music career as a guitarist with Ugly Kid Joe, contributing to their albums America's Least Wanted (1992), which achieved double platinum status, Menace to Sobriety (1995), and Motel California (1996). The band's breakthrough hit "Everything About You" from America's Least Wanted reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992 after featuring in the film Wayne's World. Transitioning to production, Fortman co-owned Balance Productions and worked on projects for metal and alternative rock artists, including Mudvayne's The New Game (2008), Superjoint Ritual's Use Once and Destroy (2002), and Eyehategod's Confederacy of Ruined Lives (2000). His production on Evanescence's debut album Fallen sold over 17 million copies worldwide and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004. Fortman's engineering and mixing credits also extend to 12 Stones, Boysetsfire, Crowbar, Otep, and Simple Plan. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why most “mix problems” are actually arrangement problems What to listen for when evaluating your own songs How to make songs more engaging without adding more layers The biggest mistake people make when giving feedback How to suggest changes without killing the vibe in a session Why referencing other songs is the fastest way to improve Dave’s exact approach to pre-production and decision-making To learn more about Dave Fortman, visit: https://www.davefortman.com/ Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors: Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com Please leave a rating and review: https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes