How to Mix Like a MUSICIAN Michael Curtis at Churchfront Conference 2024

Active Mixing - From Boring to Baller Episode Overview

In this episode, Michael Curtis shares practical strategies for creating more engaging, dynamic worship mixes. Drawing from his background as a professional bass player and mixer, he explores how intentionality and specificity can transform "boring" mixes into creative, engaging experiences that better serve worship environments.

Time Stamps & Key Points Introduction [00:48]

• Michael introduces the concept of "active mixing" versus boring mixing
• The challenge: Moving beyond "it sounds fine" to creating engaging, dynamic mixes
• Creativity as the antidote to boring mixing

Creativity Through Structure [01:41]

• Biblical concept of creation: bringing order from formlessness
• The playground analogy: Children with fenced playgrounds use 90% of the space vs. 30% without fences
• "Sometimes what feels like a straight jacket is actually a Narnia closet"
• Leadership through specificity and making finer distinctions

Strategies for Worship Pastors [05:52]

• Prescriptive leadership can be valuable when appropriate
  • The progression from 10 Commandments (prescriptive) to Sermon on the Mount (descriptive)
  • Matching leadership style to team maturity level
• Create "sit-down chords" - signals that create clear expectations
  • Setting up rhythms and cues that guide the worship team
• Organize tracks by function, not just instrument:
  • Percussion: Rhythm-driving elements
  • Foundation: Bass and low-end elements
  • Filler: Pads and ambient elements
  • Leads: Melodic elements that guide congregation
• Gamify growth paths for volunteers
  • Create progressive learning steps (like unlocking levels in a game)
  • Apply "arbitrary limits" that help beginners master fundamentals before moving on
• Name and assign musical ownership
  • Clarify who owns each musical element at any given time
  • Consider adding a dedicated "music producer" position

Strategies for Musicians [12:36]

• "Rhythm Randy needs a retirement party"
  • Moving beyond mindlessly strumming the chord chart
  • Playing a part rather than just playing the chart
• Use the whole playground within boundaries
  • Finding creative ways to express within structure
• Create "alley-oop" moments
  • Intentional handoffs between instruments
  • Setting up moments for other musicians to shine
• Beware of "bedroom vacuums"
  • Sounds created in isolation often take up too much sonic space
  • Smaller sonic footprint needed in larger ensembles
• Interesting is greater than good
  • Focus on creating compelling sounds, not just technically correct ones
• Hire both "Jekyll and Hyde"
  • Balance between foundational players and texture specialists

Strategies for Front of House Engineers [18:57]

• Be the guide - lead with your decisions
  • Take charge of the mix and make intentional choices
• Use contrast effectively
  • Create distinction between elements (can't have "close" without "far")
  • Highlight different instruments in different sections
• Anticipate "oops" moments, don't just react
  • Push faders before transitions, not after they happen
• Vary verse highlights
  • Intentionally feature different instruments in different verses
  • Keep congregation engaged through variety
• Develop common tonal language
  • The "5-1-2" system for describing frequency ranges
  • Creating shared vocabulary for sound issues
• Reference the real
  • Compare your mix to professional recordings
  • Combat ear fatigue by checking against references
• Mise en place - everything in its place
  • Strategic console layout for efficient mixing
  • Positioning faders for easy access during active mixing

Conclusion [24:25]

• Start with clear direction (10 Commandments approach) then move to principles (Sermon on the Mount)
• Have the courage to be specific with your team
• Embrace structure as a pathway to creativity

Key Quotes

• "Sometimes what feels like a straight jacket is actually a Narnia closet."
• "Move away from playing the chart to playing the part."
• "It is in that company's best interest to give you a patch that sounds great out of the box, but that's taking up a lot of real estate to make it sound good on its own."
• "Be the guide, take charge, lead your congregation with your decisions."
• "There cannot be close if there's not far, there cannot be wide if there isn't narrow."
• "Interesting is greater than or at least equal to good."

Practical Applications

1. For Worship Pastors:

   • Organize tracks by function rather than instrument type
   • Create clear growth paths for volunteers
   • Be appropriately prescriptive with newer team members

2. For Musicians:

   • Consider your sonic footprint within the full band context
   • Play intentional parts, not just the chord chart
   • Create sounds that are interesting, not just technically correct

3. For Sound Engineers:

   • Use your left and right hands strategically on the console
   • Intentionally highlight different instruments in different verses
   • Reference professional mixes to maintain perspective

Connect & Continue

For more insights on active mixing and creative worship production, connect with Michael Curtis and the Church Front team.

Apply to Join Churchfront Premium

Apply to Join Churchfront Pro

Free Worship and Production Toolkit

Shop Our Online Courses

Join us at the Churchfront Conference

Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront

Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront

Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront

Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN