Podcast

EP 217: Gordon Raphael – Embracing the Magic of Raw Recordings

master your mix podcast, ep 217 gordon raphael

Gordon Raphael is best known for producing Is This It and Room On Fire by The Strokes and Regina Spektor’s ingenious Soviet Kitsch. He was born in New York, grew up in Seattle, and now lives in West Yorkshire, UK. From the age of 13, Gordon has been a keyboard player and later became obsessed with analog synthesizers, recording, and songwriting. His band Sky Cries Mary played a form of tribal space rock, with a 1960s-style multi-projector light show during the grunge scene in Seattle. This summer (2024) he released his 12th solo album, now streaming worldwide.

Gordon’s memoir, The World is Going To Love This (Up From The Basement With THE STROKES) was published in London by Wordville Press in 2022. Stories in his book include meeting Wendy Carlos and Dr. Robert Moog, detailed conversations from the recording sessions for Is This It, working with Ian Brown, Skin, The Libertines, Ian Astbury, and many others. Gordon has always taken a unique approach in his musical tastes as well as his production methods— which have kept him well outside of the traditional music industry!

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Working on your own music vs. working on music from others
  • Being critical of your own music
  • Dealing with rejection
  • Pushing forward even when you don’t have everything figured out
  • Perfectionism vs. control
  • Finding the magic in raw recordings
  • Working with The Strokes
  • Getting the vocal sound of The Stokes
  • Using saturation during the tracking stage
  • Getting tight drum sounds
  • The benefits of recording live-off-the-floor
  • His special drum room mic technique
  • Having a minimalistic approach, even when working with lots of equipment
  • How he tackles compression in his mixes
  • Embracing imperfections

To learn more about Gordon Raphael, visit: https://www.gordotronic.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: 

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show: 

 

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!

EP 216: Alex Venguer – Creating Balanced, Organic Mixes

master your mix podcast, ep 216 alex venguer

Alex Venguer is an engineer who is comfortable with recording and mixing as small or large a project as can come and who has had great experience working with the top names in styles as varied as jazz, rock, folk, classical, pop, hip hop, broadway, R&B, electronic, film scores and many others.

Some examples of the artists he’s worked with include: Sting, John Legend, Maria Schneider, Marcus Miller, Aretha Frankiln, Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming, Juan Luis Guerra, Herbie Hancock, Lady Gaga, Woody Allen, Philip Glass, Christian McBride, Cassandra Wilson, Sufjan Stevens, Regina Spektor, Train, Punch Brothers, My Brightest Diamond, Loudon, Martha and Rufus Wainwright, John Patitucci, Hildur Guonadottir, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Mark Ronson, Carter Burwell and many others. 

In 2009 he was awarded a Grammy for recording and mixing Loudon Wainwright III’s record “High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Pool Project” (“Best Traditional Folk”), then, in 2010 he won his second Grammy for John Legend & The Roots album “Wake Up” (“Best R&B”) and in 2018 he won his first Latin Grammy for Pedro Giraudo’s “Vigor Tanguero” (Best Tango Album) which he produced, recorded and mixed. Two years later, in 2020 he won his second Latin Grammy for Gustavo Casenave’s album “Fuelle y Cuerda” (Best Tango Album) and his third Grammy for his work on the score for the film “Joker” (Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media). He’s also been involved in various other Grammy winning and nominated albums such as “Barbie” with Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa, Maria Schneider’s “Sky Blue”, John Legend’s “Evolver” and the song “Shine,” Punch Brother’s “The Phosphorescent Blues” as well as the cast albums for the Broadway productions of “Shrek” and “9 to 5” and Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble “Sing Me Home” which he helped produce and record.

Besides working on records and Broadway cast albums, he’s also been very involved in various movies and tv shows such as “Joker,” “Barbie”, “A Dog’s Purpose,” “Mother,” “The Revenant,” “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” “Fosse/Verdon,” “Little Voice” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Studying the techniques of other productions
  • The role of a producer vs engineer in the modern-day
  • Making organic-sounding mixes
  • Not overdoing your processing
  • Hearing small mix details in an untreated toom
  • How to optimize your home studio on a budget
  • Focusing on frequency balance, rather than on the instruments
  • Getting the groove of a song right in a mix
  • Setting up ambiance to make your audience feel like they’re in a specific environment with the artist
  • Determining what effects to use
  • Should you use pre-delay on reverb?
  • How to approach room micing for size and frequency balance

To learn more about Alex Venguer, visit: https://alexvenguer.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: 

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show: 

 

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!

EP 215: James Meslin – Creating Massive Guitar Tones

master your mix podcast, ep 215 james meslin

James ‘Jimmy T’ Meslin is a Grammy winning recording engineer, mixer, and live sound engineer. While his range of work supersedes any one genre, his best known work is with prog-metal giants, Dream Theater. With years of experience in recording studios and international touring, JTM’s goal remains simple – make great sounding records and mix inspiring shows that are true and authentic to the artist.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Working with Dream Theatre
  • Being a playback engineer
  • Backing Tracks: Why big artists use them
  • Having a practical approach to recording
  • Navigating family life while working on the road and in the studio
  • How to get massive guitar tones
  • James’ approach to multi-micing guitar cabinets
  • Why you should always record with a DI
  • Using microphones instead of EQ
  • Maintaining phase relationships when multi-micing
  • Focusing on getting great performances, rather than fixing in editing

To learn more about James Meslin, visit: https://www.jamesmeslinaudio.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: 

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show: 

 

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!

EP 214: Sean Johnson – How to Be a Better Singer

master your mix podcast, ep 214 sean johnson

Sean Johnson got his start as a musician who toured the world multiple times with his DIY Bands, covering everything from pop to metal.

Since then, he has gone on to become a vocal coach who has helped over 4,000 students unlock their true voice.

His content and lessons have been part of multiple YouTube channels with a combined subscriber count of over 800,000 subscribers

He has also been repeatedly featured on publications such as:

Metal Injection, MetalSucks, Esquire Magazine, The Chive, TubeFilter, and the covetous front page of Reddit.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Learning to sing
  • How your emotions affect your ability to sing much more than you might think
  • Understanding the mechanics of your voice
  • Getting in the headspace for optimal singing
  • How to sing in key and correct pitch issues
  • Controlling your volume
  • How to prevent vocal burnout
  • Preventing issues such as sibilance and lip smacks

To learn more about Sean Johnson, visit: https://www.vocalacademy3.com/

To get a free vocal lesson with Sean, visit: https://funnel.vocalacademy3.com/masteryourmixlesson

To get his free Vocal Essentials Course, visit: https://www.vocalacademy3.com/masteryourmix

 

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: 

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show: 

 

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!

EP 213: Doug Weier – How to Make Your Tracks Sound Huge

master your mix podcast, ep 213 doug weier

Doug Weier is a 3 time Grammy nominated mix engineer based in Nashville, TN. With over 15 years of experience, Doug has had 21 billboard #1 singles to date spanning over 63 weeks. Notable artists include Walker Hays, Gary Levox, Claire Rosinkranz, Josh Ross, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Anberlin, The Maine, and many more.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Polishing mix “turds”
  • Relying on “hacks” in mixing
  • Making tracks feel wide
  • Slotting your instruments for frequency balancing
  • Using saturation instead of EQ
  • Where in the song to start mixing
  • Mixing with limiters
  • Checking your mixes on crappy speakers
  • Our go-to reference tracks
  • Using the Waves S1 imaging tool
  • Mixing with filters applied to the mix to help with mix translation

To learn more about Doug Weier, visit: https://www.dougweier.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: 

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show: 

 

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!

EP 212: Ian Shepard – Creating Dynamic Mixes & Masters

master your mix podcast, ep 212 ian shepard

Ian Shepherd is a British mastering engineer and MD at Mastering Media Ltd. Over the course of his career he has worked on thousands of CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays for all of the major record labels, TV stations and independents, including several number one singles and award-winning albums. He also runs the popular Production Advice website, and hosts The Mastering Show podcast.

He is a fierce critic of the so-called Loudness Wars, and in 2010 founded Dynamic Range Day, an online event intended to raise awareness of the issue.

He has developed several acclaimed mastering plugins with MeterPlugs: Perception AB, which received an AudioMedia Gear Of The Year Award; Dynameter which helps users achieve optimal audio dynamics for their music and the Loudness Penalty website, plugin and Studio desktop application.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Common mastering mistakes
  • Why a “one size fits all” method doesn’t work in mastering
  • Simplifying your mastering chain
  • Should you factor in loudness during the mixing stage?
  • How to find a good balance of loudness and volume
  • What to focus on in order to create consistency between tracks on an album
  • Keeping perspective and objectivity when mastering your own music
  • What does “translation” really mean? What you need to be listening for
  • Making “one master to rule them all”: How does this account for various listening scenarios (eg. non-normalized streaming and/or clubs)?
  • Dynamics vs. loudness
  • How to know if your tracks have a good dynamic range
  • The problem with aiming for “target levels”

To learn more about Ian Shepherd, visit: http://www.productionadvice.co.uk/about

http://www.themasteringshow.com

Plugins mentioned in this episode:

Dynameter – https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-3.html

Loudness Penalty – https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-5.html

Perception AB – https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-2.html

K Meter – https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-4.html

LCAST Loudness Meter – https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-6.html

 

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: 

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show: 

 

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!

EP 211: Marcela Rada – The Role of Education in Audio

master your mix podcast, ep 211 marcela rada

Marcela is a talented and accomplished audio engineer with experience both in the studio and the classroom teaching university-level students the skills of becoming professional audio engineers and music producers. She has worked across music genres recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio for independent artists. Marcela also has experience in and a passion for creating immersive audio environments using software and speaker configurations that can be utilized in both live rooms and on recordings.

Marcela has taught music production and audio engineering at Algonquin College, Interlochen Centre for the Arts, Berklee College of Music, and the University of Lethbridge. She is passionate about using the latest audio and video technology to create innovative and immersive projects and is constantly expanding her knowledge through academic research.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Do you need schooling to get jobs in the music industry?
  • Approaching education as an investment
  • Work/life balance
  • How to strengthen your audio skills
  • Why you should experiment within different areas of the audio industry
  • The future of audio education
  • Embracing AI in music production
  • Creating standards for immersive audio

To learn more about Marcela Rada, visit: https://marcelarada.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: 

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show: 

 

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!

EP 210: Piper Payne – Understanding the Vinyl Manufacturing Process

master your mix podcast, ep 210 piper payne

Piper Payne, a Mastering Engineer based in Nashville, TN, is known for her dedication to audio quality and equality. After moving her mastering studio to Nashville, she ventured into vinyl manufacturing, opening Physical Music Products, which, through Piper’s innovations, has set industry-leading turn times and quality benchmarks. As a former National Trustee of the Recording Academy and Co-Chair of the P&E Wing Steering Committee, Piper actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the industry. With a background in music and a focus on technical excellence, she approaches mastering and manufacturing as a blend of feel and precision. Piper shares her expertise in mastering and recording as an esteemed audio professor and frequent guest lecturer. Her impressive discography includes notable artists like Janis Ian, Madame Gandhi, Dolly Parton, The Go-Go’s, and more.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Working your way into the mastering industry
  • Building your client base
  • Focusing on your niche
  • The power of being accessible
  • Starting a vinyl pressing company
  • The process of manufacturing vinyl records
  • What mastering engineers and artists need to know in order to ensure the highest quality results with vinyl pressing
  • Should you mono your bass tracks or not?
  • What frequencies are problematic with volume?
  • Can you trust the manufacturer to preserve the quality of your masters?
  • How much time do you need to factor into your album-release schedule for vinyl manufacturing?

To learn more about Piper Payne, visit: https://www.piperpayne.com/ and https://www.physicalmusicproducts.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:

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show:

 

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!

EP 209: Jermaine Hamilton – Working in Niche Audio Services

master your mix podcast, ep 209 jermaine hamilton

Jermaine Hamilton is a seasoned music engineer-producer who began his career in the early 2000’s. With a rich portfolio that includes projects with iconic bands such as Green Day, U2, and artists like Drake, Ed Sheeran, and Trippie Redd, Jermaine has established himself as a versatile and skilled professional in the music industry. His expertise extends beyond music, having worked on projects for major companies like Disney, the New York Times, NPR, Audible, and the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, his talents have been sought after in the video game industry, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel across various media platforms.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Working at Green Day’s studio
  • Splitting guitar signals
  • Overcoming obstacles throughout his career
  • Diversifying your services
  • Balancing feast and famine cycles in your business
  • Getting into commercial audio
  • Finding niche audio services
  • Relying on word of mouth
  • Maintaining work/life balance
  • Knowing when to optimize your processes
  • Preventing burnout
  • Setting client boundaries
  • How to find clients in small niches

To learn more about Jermaine Hamilton, visit: https://jermainehamilton.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:

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show:

 

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!

EP 208: Marc Daniel Nelson – The Power of Having Good People Skills

master your mix podcast, ep 209 marc daniel nelson

Marc Daniel Nelson is a Grammy-winning, French Academy Award nominated mixing engineer, music producer, and creative director. He has been mixing, producing, and managing creative content for over 24 years.

His music credits include Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat, Eric Burdon / Ben Harper, Need To Breathe, Robert Duvall, Ozomotli, Reik and more. As Protégé for both legendary producer/engineer Bill Schnee and Ken Caillat, Marc has carried the torch for impeccable quality sound and production.

His film credits include Solo, Blade Runner, The Vietnam War, Mulan, The Expanse, Wild Horses, Point Break, No Manches Frida, Fractured, Amanda, Father Figures, Ya, Ty, Vin, Vona, and more. His creative management credits include executive producing the 13-episode PBS television series, creating and executive producing the national video campaign for Guitar Center, and creative directing for Alcon Sleeping Giant, ArtistMax, and Warner Chappell.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • The realities of climbing the studio ladder
  • Having the right attitude
  • The deception of audio colleges
  • Finding mentors
  • Making positive first impressions
  • Relationship building
  • His new plugin with Pulsar Modular
  • How converters impact sound
  • Making your tracks sound unique

To learn more about Marc Daniel Nelson, visit: https://www.marcdanielnelson.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:

 

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

 

Subscribe to the show:

 

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!

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