Master Your Mix Podcast

Harry Hess: Making Songs Sound “Finished”

Harry Hess is a stalwart figure in the music industry, amassing a remarkable three decades of experience. As the owner and operator of HBomb Mastering, a distinguished facility, he seamlessly transitioned into the specialized world of mastering. With a focus on using the finest analog and digital gear, Harry has become a go-to mastering engineer, crafting #1 hits for acclaimed artists like Barenaked Ladies, Billy Talent, and more.
HBomb Mastering stands out as an Apple-approved "Mastered for iTunes" facility, attesting to Harry's commitment to meeting industry standards. His influence extends beyond individual artists to major record labels such as Disney, Warner, Universal, Sony, and EMI. His dedication to delivering high-quality audio mastering services has solidified his reputation as a key player in achieving chart-topping success.
In addition to contemporary hits, Harry Hess has left his mark on reissues and compilations, contributing his skills to projects involving iconic artists like Ed Sheeran, Madonna, Ray Charles, and others. This underscores his versatility and lasting impact on the sonic landscape, further establishing Harry as a respected force in the ever-evolving world of music mastering.
To learn more about Harry Hess, visit: http://www.hbombmastering.com/
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Getting work when you don’t feel prepared
Finding the balance of how much processing is too much
Defining what a finished record sounds like
Being mindful of the demands of your genre
The importance of great converters
Getting loud masters
Mastering full albums: How to make the tracks sound cohesive
Working on remaster projects
Not being afraid of clipping your signal
True Peak limiters: Are they good things?
Using multiple limiters vs. only one
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Alex Gamble: Engineering With Intention

Alex Gamble, a seasoned professional in the realm of audio production, has built a distinguished career as a versatile force, excelling as a Mixing Engineer, Dolby Atmos Mixer, Recording Engineer, and Producer. Guided by a commitment to dismantling technical barriers, Gamble's focus lies in creating atmospheres that empower artists to step beyond their comfort zones and actively participate in the production process. Beginning their journey at Union Sound Company, Gamble's career highlights include significant contributions to the award-winning "Antisocialites" by Alvvays, and collaborations with notable artists such as Fucked Up, Broken Social Scene, Arkells, Sarah Harmer, Tanika Charles, and Bruce Cockburn, spanning across labels like Universal Music Canada, Arts & Crafts, Sub Pop, Six Shooter, Royal Mountain, and Bonsound.
Gamble's passion for challenging the status quo and fostering creativity has resulted in a rich tapestry of critically acclaimed recordings. Their relentless dedication to breaking down technical barriers and creating a conducive environment for artistic expression positions Alex Gamble as a driving force in the ever-evolving landscape of audio production. With an extensive portfolio of award-winning works and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, Gamble continues to shape the sonic landscapes of the industry.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Taking the leap from a comfy day job to pursue music
Making the most out of audio college
Finding your own process
The secret to capturing great vocals
The important conversations you need to have with artists before starting a project
Getting clear on your vision before you start recording
Working with analog tape
Committing to a sound
Questions to ask yourself when recording any instrument
Getting fat-sounding snares
Tuning drums to the player’s techniques
How to get your drums in phase
Adding drum samples
Dolby Atmos mixing: What you need to know before getting into it
Who is paying for Atmos mixes?
To learn more about Alex Gamble, visit: https://www.audiogamble.com/
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Mike Indovina: Your Mixing Problems Are Likely Recording Problems

The new book by Mike Indovina is now out. It’s called The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio. In this episode, we dive into the book, what you can expect from it, and how it can help you see massive improvements in the quality of your home recordings.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Why your mixing problems are likely recording problems
The importance of following a specific order of events in the production process
The impact that small details in your recording chain can make
How Gene Simmons’ story about poop might relate to your mixes
Hot to work smarter, faster, and achieve better results with your music
What you can expect to find inside The Recording Mindset book
Get your copy of The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio by visiting: https://therecordingmindset.com
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

David Bendeth: Adapting to Change (Revisited)

David Bendeth, born in London, England, has had a multifaceted career in the music industry as a guitarist, songwriter, producer, and A&R executive. Initially self-taught on the guitar, he later studied at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Bendeth's early years involved traveling between London and Toronto, and he performed with renowned drummers like Billy Cobham and Lenny White. In 1980, he reached the top of the UK charts as a blue-eyed soul crooner with the single "Feel the Real" and released three albums before joining CBS/Sony Canada as a staff producer.
Bendeth's career continued to flourish as he became a songwriter with Chrysalis Music, penning tracks for artists like Joe Cocker and Jeff Beck. His A&R roles at BMG Canada and RCA Records in the late '80s and early '90s resulted in signing acts such as Cowboy Junkies and Crash Test Dummies. In 2002, he oversaw the production of Elvis Presley's "30 #1 Hits," which became a massive success, selling nearly 14 million records worldwide.
In 2003, Bendeth transitioned to an independent role as a producer, mixer, and writer. His extensive discography includes working with artists like SR-71, Bruce Hornsby, Vertical Horizon, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Breaking Benjamin, and Paramore, with several records achieving platinum status. Over the years, he has maintained a diverse musical palette, drawing inspiration from artists like Miles Davis, Earth Wind & Fire, and Jeff Beck. Bendeth's impact on the industry is evident through his involvement in over 60 million records sold and his continuous contributions to the evolving music landscape.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
The hustle of working as a musician turned producer
The world of A&R and what it takes to become a major artist
How to differentiate every project
How to adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry
David’s new adventures in creating hip-hop loops and dipping into new genres
Dealing with criticism and turning it into encouragement
How to achieve drums that slam hard and cut through a mix
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Joe Lambert: The Process of Mastering

Grammy-nominated mastering engineer, Joe Lambert, is originally from Western New York and attended Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. He worked his way up at several NYC studios and eventually opened Joe Lambert Mastering in 2008. Currently in Westchester, Joe has a state-of-the-art room that clients love. He has worked with Moby, City and Colour, The National, Animal Collective, Sofi Tukker, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Dirty Projectors, and many, many more great artists.
To learn more about Joe Lambert, visit: https://joelambertmastering.com/
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
To niche down or not?
Not putting your career in the hands of others
Fitting your job to your personality
His mastering process
Why mastering should be simple
Automating changes during the mastering process
What level should you master to?
The -14LUFS myth
Setting your output levels
What sample rates should you use to record?
The key to monitoring your tracks accurately
To learn more about Joe Lambert, visit: https://joelambertmastering.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Ryan Haft: Achieving Clarity With Heavy Music

Ryan Haft is a mixer, engineer, and producer based in Miami FL. Private Studio Owner of Sunburn Sound. He specializes in guitar-driven rock, metal, and indie productions largely for the independent music community in search of unique recordings. Guitarist for bands Capsule and Wrong. 2023 Latin Grammy Winning Mixer for Chuco Valdes and Paquito Riverias Latin Jazz Record of the Year "I've Missed You Too!"
Credits include Torche, Jacuzzi Boys, Donzii, Mustard Service, and many more
To learn more about Ryan Haft, visit: https://www.ryanhaft.com/
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Starting to charge clients
Working on live sound vs. in the studio
How working live sound will make you faster in the studio
Learning to adapt to new rooms
Dealing with translation issues
Achieving clarity with heavy music
Should you layer your tracks?
How to create dynamics in dynamic-less music
Adding saturation to your mixes
Driving mic preamps
Using room mics on guitars
Sidechaining room mics
Creative room mic techniques
Self-producing: How to avoid being overly critical of your work
To learn more about Ryan Haft, visit: https://www.ryanhaft.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Nicolas Vernhes: Finding Individuality in Artists

Nicolas Vernhes is a Grammy award-winning producer, engineer and mixer, internationally recognized for his work with artists such as Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors and Deerhunter.
Since 1995, Vernhes owned the beloved Brooklyn studio Rare Book Room, which spawned many critically acclaimed albums, from Silver Jews’ American Water, Deerhunter’s Microcastle, Animal Collective’s Strawberry Jam, Spoon’s Transference, Dirty Projectors' Bitte Orca and The War on Drugs’ Lost In The Dream. He received a Grammy in 2018 for his work on The War On Drugs’ A Deeper Understanding.
He recently moved to the California desert near Joshua Tree, CA and has completed an upgraded mix room with a live room to follow in 2021.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Making space for each instrument
Production decisions vs. what sounds best naturally
Segmenting the songwriting from the production process
Leaning into your musical influences vs. finding your unique sound
The importance of headphone mixes
Your job as a producer
Creating ambiance in your recordings
How to shape your reverb/effect tracks
Automating compression controls
Using saturation to create cohesion
Avoiding option-paralysis
To learn more about Nicolas Vernhes, visit: https://www.littleundergroundmanagement.com/nicolas-vernhes
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Cory Bergeron: Making $100k Selling Audio Services on Fiverr

Corey Bergeron is a versatile force in the music industry, known for his roles as a Producer, Mixer, and Guitarist. As a pivotal member of the band Locket, signed to Fearless Records, Corey's guitar skills and stage presence have graced audiences across over 10 different countries.
In addition to his impressive performance career, Corey also holds the esteemed position of Studio Manager and Head Engineer at Pebble Studios. With over a decade of experience under his belt, he has honed his craft in the studio, specializing in writing, producing, and mixing music.
Throughout his illustrious career, Corey has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, amassing an extensive catalog that boasts tens of millions of streams. His proficiency in the studio has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a sought-after producer and mixer.
Outside of his studio and live performance endeavors, Corey shares his expertise with a dedicated following on his YouTube channel, "corybergeronrecordings," where he imparts valuable insights to over 7,000 subscribers. With an unwavering passion for music and a wealth of experience, Corey Bergeron continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Being hungry with your career
Breaking “rules” with your recordings
Not being shy when dialing in settings
Selling your services on Fiverr
How Cory made over $100k on Fiverr
Understanding Fiverr’s algorithm
Optimizing your systems for speed & efficiency
His systems for client communication and file delivery
His process for mix prep
Getting big, full snare sounds
Picking the right drum samples
Using AutoAlign when working on drums
To learn more about Cory Bergeron, visit: https://www.pebblestudios.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Brad Garcia: Working in Music Publishing

Brad Garcia is an accomplished musician and storyteller whose career began in 2012 with the alt-rock band Safe to Say. Rising to prominence through albums like 'With Everything in Between' and 'Down in the Dark', Garcia led the band across international tours and later rebranded as Locket in 2019. His early years, enriched by diverse musical influences in a household filled with genres from country to '90s grunge, laid the foundation for his dynamic musical journey.
Garcia's talents extend beyond performance; since 2020, he's made a mark in the music industry as a composer, songwriter, and producer with Concord. Collaborating with artists across various genres, from Bulow to Felix Snow, he brings stories to life through music. His ability to infuse vulnerability into his compositions connects deeply with audiences, showcasing his flair for creating emotionally compelling music.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Getting into music publishing
Diversifying your skillset
Creating your musical portfolio
Studying music for inspiration
Learning to understand the language of clients
Creating opportunities to grow your network
The value of meeting people in person
Taking chances with your music
Work-for-hire jobs vs. traditional publishing
Getting paid to write songs
Writing music that is licensable
Dealing with rejection
To learn more about Brad Garcia, visit: https://www.bradxgarcia.com/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Cassie Petrey: Marketing Your Music

Cassie Petrey is the woman behind the world’s most iconic artists’ social media marketing including Backstreet Boys, Camila Cabello, Paramore, Nickelback, and more. Cassie is the co-founder of Crowd Surf, a leading marketing and music management firm. She is an original fan girl whose admiration for the Backstreet Boys at age 12 led her to create a newsletter that reached fans worldwide — then years later she helped seal the band’s decades-long superstardom by re-introducing them to next-generation fans. At age 17 as a college rep for Warner Music Group, Cassie was among the first in the music industry to recognize the vast marketing potential of nascent mid-2000s platforms Myspace and Facebook. Her company Crowd Surf has worked with tech giants Apple and Google, and labels such as Universal, Disney, Sony, Warner and more. Cassie is a Forbes 30 Under 30 and Billboard 30 Under 30 recipient and a leading social media and artist management Hollywood powerhouse.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Thinking of your music career as a business
Having a consumer mindset with your music marketing
Where to begin with marketing your music
How far in advance should you plan your marketing?
How to get Spotify to want to promote your music
Releasing singles vs. albums
What kinds of content you should be creating
Which metrics matter
How often should you post social media content?
What platforms should you use?
Should you use scheduling tools?
Being an “influencer”
When to hire a social media manager
To learn more about Cassie Petrey, visit: https://crowdsurf.net/
For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/
Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes? Check out my new coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/
Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/
Get your copy of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mixing Mindset – The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/
Join the FREE MasterYourMix Facebook community: https://links.masteryourmix.com/community
To make sure that you don’t miss an episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on Android.
Have your questions answered on the show. Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com
Thanks for listening! Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!