Master Your Mix Podcast

Erik Ron: The Art of Songwriting

Erik Ron is an American producer, songwriter, and mixer based in North Hollywood, CA. Erik plays guitar/bass/keys, and is strong with concept/storytelling + dynamic melodies, giving him the capability to jump between genres. Over the course of his 15+ year career, Erik's production and songwriting has contributed to records that have been Grammy nominated, top 10 charting on Billboard 200, multiple gold + platinum certifications, seven #1s at modern rock radio, and a cumulative 2 Billion+ global streams. Erik is published exclusively by BMG Rights Management.
Recent artist collaborators include Ellise, HUDDY, Stela Cole, Pardyalone, Bad Omens, Lilyisthatyou, Chandler Leighton, HAVEN, Emei, Jutes, Sueco, Sophie Cates, Jxdn, Grandson, 44Phantom, Papa Roach, Lil Aaron, Jeris Johnson, Kailee Morgue, King Mala, Siiickbrain, Sk8, Mothica, Nothing Nowhere, MASN, poutyface, I Prevail, 93feetofsmoke, Charlotte Sands, Chri$tian Gate$, Neoni and more.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
People’s expectations of “perfection”
The importance of editing
How to get tight drum edits
Co-writing with artists
Negotiating songwriting credits/royalties
Working with Godsmack
Exercises for avoiding writer’s block
Giving yourself deadlines
Navigating the pro-production process
Getting used to rejection (and why it’s a good thing)
To learn more about Erik Ron, visit: https://www.erikron.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!

Chris Lyon: Writing Pop Music

Chris Lyon is a producer and songwriter from Bethesda, MD. He has written and produced songs for The Chainsmokers feat. Winona Oak (‘Hope’), AlunaGeorge feat. Bryson Tiller (‘Cold Blooded Creatures’), Carly Rae Jepsen, Phoebe Ryan, and Chelsea Lankes. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he works closely with Kyle Shearer and Nate Campany (Tove Lo, Martin Garrix, Dua Lipa).
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Working as a professional songwriter
Learning to write quickly
The pressures that come along with being a pro songwriter
Understanding “song math”
Breaking the “rules” of audio production
How to get started as a writer
Being an artist vs. a writer
Chasing perfection
Getting your compositions right
To learn more about Chris Lyon, visit: https://www.iamchrislyon.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!

Matt Foster: Creating Contrast Within Your Mixes

With extensive expertise in electronic, acoustic, and live music, Matt stands out as a seasoned professional sound engineer and producer. His journey began as a studio assistant at EMI Music Publishing studios in the mid-90s, where he had the opportunity to work with renowned artists like Jamiroquai, Primal Scream, Elastica, Guru's Jazzmatazz, and the Bluetones.
Transitioning to freelance work, Matt honed his skills in top London recording studios and became an engineer. He contributed to mixes for artists such as Tin Tin Out, The Corrs, Grant Nelson, Jungle Brothers, and even remixed an early UK Garage hit for Whitney Houston.
In the year 2000, Matt took on a pivotal role as the chief engineer at the prestigious UK record label MWA. In this capacity, he was entrusted with the management of two state-of-the-art studios, where his expertise and meticulous approach played a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of audio production. As the chief engineer, Matt not only oversaw the day-to-day operations of these remarkable studios but also held the vital responsibility of quality control for the label's output, with numerous major label collaborations and joint projects.
As the UK urban scene flourished in the new millennium, Matt collaborated with notable artists like Ms Dynamite, So Solid Crew, Lemar, Estelle, KRS One, Big Brovaz, Terri Walker, and worked on projects with Cold Cut, The Gorillaz, Lifford David, and Roebeck. His talent also extended to recording and mixing the BBC 1 Idents, broadcast over 100,000 times.
In recent years, Matt has continued to work with top UK and international artists, building a reputation for his exceptional sonic skills. He has maintained his excellence through collaborations with Miloco Studios, writing gear reviews for Tape Op magazine, and teaching an 'Advanced Mixing Course' at the London School of Sound.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Working in live sound vs. studio
Being an assistant at EMI’s demo studio
How to get big, balanced low-end
How analog recording affects your top-end
How to get your kick and bass to work well with each other
Sidechaining low-end
Using harmonic enhancement
The importance of adding mid-range to your bass
Creating contrast with EQ and automation
Using sidechained dynamic EQ
Why you should always reach for volume and panning before other plugins
Getting vocals to sound clear and focused
His go-to compressors for vocals
Dealing with sibilance
Using stock plugins
To learn more about Matt Foster, visit: https://realmix.online/
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 McGrath: Making the Most of What You Already Have

Joe McGrath is well known within the music industry and is an accomplished producer, and recording/mix engineer who leads the team at Hellfire Recording Studio Dublin. His ability to put people at ease, combined with brilliant technical skill has led him to work with a diverse list of acclaimed artists including Republic of Loose, Mary Coughlan, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, The Coronas, Johnny Mc Evoy, Loah, Stano, Fields, David Keenan, Wyvern Lingo, Niwel Tsumbu, and Yankari to mention but a few.
Joe studied acoustic design and has sat on the Programmatic Review panel for the Certificate, Diploma, and Masters courses in Music Technology at the Dundalk Institute of Technology. He designed the vast majority of the acoustic spaces in Hellfire Studio. His understanding of live rooms and how to quickly manipulate acoustics allow him to capture sonics that bring out an artist's originality. Acoustics and recording are Joe’s passions and live recording is Joe’s specialty. A session with him is performance-driven, keeping creativity and individuality center stage, whilst also being productive and fun.
“Collaboration to realize artistic visions” is what Hellfire Studio stands for to Joe. Producing for artists, working alongside engineers such as Rob Kirwan (Hozier, PJ Harvey), Ger Mc Donald (U2, Manic Street Preachers) and engineering for producer/composer Valgeir Sigurðsson ( Bjork, Feist, Sigur Rós) on Mary Couglans powerful “A Woman Undone” – has given him the insight and attention to detail to make great records and set the standard for Irish recording and production.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Using mic positioning to change the sound of an instrument
Providing value to your clients
Surviving a recession as a studio owner
Getting your first clients
Why your gear doesn’t matter to clients
Acoustic design: What actually matters?
Picking the right monitors for your room
Getting big studio sound in a small room
Why having a big room doesn’t always equal big sound
The importance of using a “random” mic
Micing your walls and floors
Starting sessions with the vision in mind
Creative freedom in engineering
Building trust with your clients
To learn more about Joe McGrath, visit: https://joemcgrathmusic.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!

Matthew Rifino: Mixing for the NBC Today Show

Matthew Rifino is 5-time EMMY winning mix engineer with 30 years' experience. Equally at home in the recording studio or broadcast studio he consistently delivers high quality mixes for major label and indie artists. Throughout his career he has mixed over 5,000 songs for artists such as Brandie Carlise, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow and many others.
A Chameleon of music genres. He is comfortable mixing Rock, Pop, Country, R&B, and just about every other style of music thrown at him. Matthew is currently the Music Mixer for the NBC Today Show working out of his control room at Studio 1A in Rockefeller Center NYC. He is also just as comfortable in the recording studio currently working with artists such as Spafford, Ari Joshua, Eggy, and Chris Battan and the Woods out of his personal studio located at the Barbershop Shop Studios in Lake Hopatcong, NJ.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Studying under the greats like Al Schmidt, Jack Joseph Puig, and Michael Brauer
Learning your mixing workflow
How to be prepared for the studio
Making mistakes and learning from them
Working music for the NBC Today Show
Making live recordings sound just as good as studio recordings
The importance of templates
What to do with automation to make your tracks sound exciting
Why the “duplicate” button can be your best friend and help your mixes
Utilizing tools like StereoMonoizer
How to use the solo button efficiently
To learn more about Matthew Rifino, visit: https://www.mattrifinomusicmixer.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!

Aaron Rubin: Working on Blink-182’s ”One More Time”

Aaron Rubin is a mix engineer, producer, writer, manager and musician who has worked with some big names in the industry including Ilan Rubin, Angels & Airwaves, Frank Turner and Blink-182.
Aaron has worn many hats in the industry and got his start working with his brother Ilan playing in bands and later managing his music career.  He has always been interested in the production side of music, which has led to his work with Tom Delonge and his various projects.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Broadening your network
Proving your value
Working with Tom Delong and Blink-182
Disagreeing with artists
Recording the new Blink-182 record with an Axe FX
How to get the Tom Delonge guitar tone
Blending amp sounds
The challenges of working on a record being made in multiple studios
Session organization
Updating mixes after an album has been released
How AI is going to change the game for mixing
The art of committing to sounds
Notable gear mentioned in this episode:
Stereo Manley Pultec: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/darLBk
To learn more about Aaron Rubin, visit: http://www.thisiscommand.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!

Shane Edwards: Mixing Vocals With Serial Compression

Originally from Sydney Australia and based out of Studio28 Bangkok Thailand, Shane Edwards has enjoyed an immensely successful and highly credited career, with an eclectic discography including the likes of Trophy Eyes, PS1, Hans Zimmer, The Libertines, Northlane, You Me At Six and many more. 
Shane's success's speak for themselves, with UK Gold & Silver records, an ARIA nomination, as well as over 5.6 billion streams to date on produced & mixed material. 
A mixing engineer and musician at heart, Shanes work with many genres can be heard worldwide. His versatility in mixing creates a unique sound, often cross blending genres and styles. From club bangers such as PS1’s remix of Elton John/Dua Lipa’s Cold Heart, to the anthemic rock anthems of Trophy Eyes to the subtle details of Thailand’s Tilly birds and Bowkylion’s modern yet delicate and exotic pop sounds. 
He is known by those who have worked with him as a very nurturing presence, instilling confidence in those around him. With a keen ear for details and the feeling of the music, he is always extracting the best from the artists he works with. 
With a love for audio gear and technology, Shane brings out the best of both analog and digital worlds.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Jumping into audio production full-time
How to get your foot in the door with artists
Does your location matter when trying to make a name for yourself?
Having diversity in the artists you work with
Working with Hans Zimmer
Engineering orchestral music
Pushing ideas to their extreme
Taking chances in the studio
His hybrid vocal chain
Running compressors in series
The challenges of working with a hybrid approach
Notable gear mentioned in this episode:
Waves CLA-3A: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/MmWmMn
1176: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/AWE4MR
Retro Doublewide: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jrBr9Z
Eventide H3000: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/JzWzM7
To learn more about Shane Edwards, visit: https://www.shaneedwards-music.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!

Bob Horn: Getting Big, Clear Low-End

Bob Horn is a multi-platinum, Grammy award winning mix engineer known for working with artists spanning many genres; R&B, Pop, Hip Hop, Rock, Adult Contemporary, and Jazz, as well as artists from countries around the globe including The U.S., Korea, Japan, Australia, Spain, Indonesia, Brazil, and China. 
Some of those artists include: BTS, Usher, Timbaland, Michael Jackson, NeYo, Marshmello, Kane Brown, DVRKO, Neon Trees, Kelly Clarkson, Brandy, Ashanti, Twice, Everglow, Little Monarch, Akon, Lupe Fiasco, Chinx, Stalley, Brian Culbertson, Everclear, Faith Evans, Brian McKnight, LeAnn Rimes, The Common Kings and many more.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Building a studio from the ground up vs. retrofitting a space
Downsizing to a home studio
The downside to amazing studio monitors
Making mixes for accuracy vs. feeling
Checking rough mixes
Should you mix with or without a bus compressor/limiter?
The importance of getting your “crest” factor right
Why mid-range is so critical to nail
Should you high-pass filter everything?
Creating contrast in a mix
How to get vocals that sound polished and controlled
Compression vs. automation
To learn more about Bob Horn, visit: https://www.bobhornmixing.com/
To learn more 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 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!

Collin Dupuis: Being Adaptable In The Studio

Detroit based multi Grammy nominated and two time Grammy winning mixer, producer, musician, and engineer Collin Dupuis has developed a sought after sound over the last fifteen years working with critically acclaimed artists and projects including Yves Tumor, Angel Olsen, Lana Del Rey, St. Vincent, Dr. John, The Black Keys, Ray LaMontange, Richard Swift, and many others.
Beginning his career playing in bands, running a DIY recording studio in Michigan, and doing tech work around the Detroit area, he quickly found himself working at FBT (The Bass Brothers) studio as an assistant engineer. Working there, he cut his teeth working with artists and producers of the likes of Mr. Porter, Eminem, Pharoahe Monch, and many more. Working at FBT studios along with working in the tech shop at Vintage King Audio helped to develop a deep understanding of studio work both technically and sonically.
This knowledge helped him make connections and bridge the gap into the rock and electronic worlds of the Detroit music scene. He soon got a call to set up a studio at Jack White's house and help out on the White Stripes’ “Get Behind Me Satan.” Shortly after that, Collin was hired at Carl Craig’s Planet-E records. He engineered for the next five years alongside Carl on remixes, production, live sound in Europe, mastering, and mixing.
Collin next got the call from Dan Auerbach to help him get his Akron studio up and running. This led to a move to Nashville and many critically acclaimed albums working as the lead engineer at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound. During his time at Easy Eye Sound he earned a Grammy win for engineering and mixing Dr. John’s “Locked Down”. Along with a Grammy win for engineering Cage The Elephants “Tell Me I Pretty”.
Currently, Collin is busy working and living in Detroit, MI. as a freelance musician, mixer and engineer, producing, recording, and mixing albums for artists including Yves Tumor, Angel Olsen, Lawrence Rothman, Special Interest, Boy and Bear, and many others. Along with playing in and co-creating with his band Zoos of Berlin.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
Saying “yes” to every opportunity
Being an entrepreneur vs. following a traditional engineer/assistant path
Setting goals for your career
Knowing when you are a good fit for a client
The hierarchy of what matters during tracking
Focusing on the feelings of the musicians vs. the sound of the record
Getting the most out of untreated studio spaces
Committing ideas for the sake of preserving your intentions
Embracing bleed in your recordings
How to fix bleed in your mixes
Dialling in reverbs right from the beginning of a session
How to eliminate “s” sounds from taking over your reverbs
Notable gear mentioned in this episode:
Audient EVO SP8: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/Or5L9Q
SE Microphones: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DK1Mbj
To learn more about Collin Dupuis, visit: https://www.collindupuis.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!

Syliva Massy: Creative Recording Techniques (Revisited)

This week we’ve decided to revisit one of my favorite episodes from the early days of the Master Your Mix Podcast.
Sylvia Massy is an American record producer, mixer, engineer, instructor and author. Massy is renowned for her multifaceted production/mixing and engineering skills, with her first major breakthrough occurring with 1993's Undertow, the full-length triple platinum-selling debut for Los Angeles alternative metal band Tool as well as her work with System of a Down, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Brazilian band South Cry.
She has been awarded over 25 gold and platinum records, including several Grammy nominated albums.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:
Her hybrid mixing style
Pre-production: What’s involved, why you need it, and what to be focused on in this stage
Wet vs. dry vocals: How to get the vocal to sit in front
Rick Rubin’s “Slippery Fader” technique
Being creative in the studio
The benefits of “adventure recording”
Creating lasting memories for the artists you’re working with
Notable gear mentioned in this episode:
GML8200: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/m5rAbX
Neve 1073: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/rQeZbR
Isotope Ozone: ​​https://sweetwater.sjv.io/JzoGD7
To learn more about Sylvia Massy, check out her website: https://shop.sylviamassy.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!