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Zach Bryan released his first album in 2019, and in the short time since he has become one of the biggest names in country. His biggest album, “American Heartbreak”, broke single-day album streaming
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Miley Cyrus was born into the music industry, and has spent her career channelling her Nashville and Hollywood roots into a diverse discography stacked with hits. Add to that countless covers that are
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Before the invention of TikTok, many music artists gained popularity through YouTube. However, similar to the TikTok stars of today, people in the music industry saw ‘YouTube bands’ as lesser because
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Google has done it. They have created an AI that can generate music from text descriptions. The announcement of this is timely because recently Chat GPT, (a language learning model created by OpenAI
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What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...
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Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?
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What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...
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As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...
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Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...
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Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...
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Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...
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Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....
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Mixing is an art form that requires not only technical skill but also a keen ear and attention to detail. Many producers and engineers fall into common traps, leading to subpar mixes that could have been avoided with the right approach. Let’s dive into the top 10 mixing mistakes and how to prevent them from sabotaging your tracks.
Compression is essential for controlling dynamics, but overusing it can strip your mix of life and energy. Solution: Learn to use compression subtly. Set attack and release times appropriately for the material, and use parallel compression to retain dynamics while controlling peaks. Famous producers like Rick Rubin emphasize natural dynamics over excessive compression in his work.
Pushing levels too hard can lead to digital clipping and distortion, ruining the clarity of your mix. Solution: Always monitor your gain staging. Use meters to ensure you’re not overloading your mix bus or any individual tracks. This approach was vital for Daft Punk when crafting their clean, polished sound.
Incorrect EQ moves, such as boosting low-end on every instrument, can create a muddy, unclear mix. Solution: Focus on subtractive EQ first, cutting problem frequencies before boosting. Take inspiration from Timbaland, who’s known for creating space in his mixes with carefully crafted EQ.
Low frequencies can build up and overwhelm the mix if not controlled. Solution: Use high-pass filters on non-bass instruments, and consider side-chaining the bass to the kick drum for better separation. EDM artists like Calvin Harrisare masters at creating a punchy yet controlled low end using these techniques.
When multiple mics are used or tracks are layered, phase issues can lead to cancellation, thinning out your sound. Solution: Always check for phase issues, especially when layering sounds like drums or guitars. Use a phase meter or flip the phase button on your DAW to resolve phase cancellations.
While reverb, delay, and modulation can enhance a mix, overusing them can clutter your sound. Solution: Apply effects with moderation and consider using sends instead of inserting effects on every channel. Look at producers like Brian Eno, who applies effects tastefully to create spacious yet clear mixes.
Leaving all instruments in the center of your stereo field can lead to a flat, crowded mix. Solution: Pan instruments to create width and separation. Refer to the iconic George Martin, who’s known for his innovative panning techniques with The Beatles, creating depth and clarity in their recordings.
Mixing in isolation without comparing to professional tracks can lead to poor tonal balance. Solution: Use reference tracks from similar genres to calibrate your ears. Famous mix engineers like Chris Lord-Alge swear by referencing their mixes against well-known hits to ensure competitive quality.
A static mix with no volume or effect automation can feel lifeless. Solution: Use automation to create movement and interest. From subtle volume rides to dramatic filter sweeps, automation can elevate your mix to a professional level. Skrillex is known for using automation to add dynamics and excitement to his electronic music.
Mixing on poor-quality speakers or in untreated rooms can lead to bad decisions. Solution: Invest in decent monitors or headphones and treat your room for a balanced acoustic environment. Producers like Hans Zimmer work in well-treated rooms with high-quality monitoring systems, ensuring accurate mixes.
By being aware of these common mixing mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can dramatically improve the quality of your mixes. Famous producers and engineers have faced these challenges and found solutions, so take inspiration from their techniques to elevate your own mixing game.