Master Your Mix Podcast

Dave Cerminara is a Grammy-nominated producer and mixer. Originally from Pittsburgh, Dave landed in Los Angeles in 2015 and quickly amassed an impressive list of credits and collaborators. He began working alongside producer Lars Stalfors on pristine alt-rock recordings for Cold War Kids, Foster the People, and The Neighbourhood, and later became Jonathan Wilson’s go-to collaborator for the likes of Dawes and Father John Misty. His production prowess is evident on releases from Paris Texas and Bartees Strange, with “Wretched” — from Strange’s Farm to Table — earning critical acclaim and landing on countless year-end lists. In 2022, Dave reprised his role as engineer and mixer for Father John Misty’s Chloë and the Next 20th Century, earning him a Grammy Nomination for Best Engineered Album. His most recent credits include Phosphorescent, Flyte, Billy Lemos, Haich Ber Na, and Matilda Lyn.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Learning through observing othersFocusing on your speedKeyboard shortcutsSaying “yes” to all opportunities - Good idea or bad?Building a mix on top of the rough mixWorking from other people’s sessionsSetting your initial track levelsEstablishing the vibe of a mixShould you add effects on everything to make them cohesive?The power of automationMaking room around the vocalWorking with artists like Phosphorescent and Father John MistyHow big mixes don’t require dense track countsCalibrating your ears for different speakers and roomsTo learn more about Dave Cerminara, visit: https://davecerminara.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:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Want more Mixing or Mastering clients? Communicate your true value with MixFlip: https://mixflip.io/?affiliate=mym Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Rob Chiarappa is an award-winning producer, mixer, and songwriter based out of New Jersey.Rob works out of the world-renowned Barber Shop Studios in Hopatcong, NJ as his home base but has relationships with studios in major cities around the globe to make records happen in most places.Rob’s objective is to treat each project uniquely and work with artists to reach an end result that best represents their creative vision being as “hands on” or “hands off” as the artist is comfortable with.The Story So Far, Hot Mulligan, Mom Jeans, Midtown.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Why small basement studios can yield better resultsThe role of a producerTaking control of your own vision for your tracksDissecting the gold in a demoFinding the “pocket” of a songOvercoming demo-itisThings to pay attention to to help produce your own songsFulfilling the vision of the artists vs. your ownDeveloping songs from the ground upGetting paid fairly for your servicesShould you take songwriting royalties?Why Metric AB is the best plugin of all timeTo learn more about Rob Chiarappa, visit: https://robchiarappa.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:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Want more Mixing or Mastering clients? Communicate your true value with MixFlip: https://mixflip.io/?affiliate=mym Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Sean Moffitt is a 3 time Grammy winner, with over 70 billboard number 1’s over multiple genres. He has worked with Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Diplo, James Arthur, Lauren Daigle, Ben Rector, Lady A, Patrick Droney, Kane Brown, Kelsie Ballerina, Josh Groban, Ingrid Michelson, and many others.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Being a mixing-only engineerBuilding your portfolioWorking from the rough mixKnowing when to leave something alone in a mixBalancing the low end in your mixMixing like there’s no masteringWhat to look for in a mastering engineerMaking mixes that have movementCreative approaches to panningSean’s hybrid mix setupWorking in an open-concept mixing roomHis unique listening environment that ensures his mixes translate.Doing the “car test”To learn more about Sean Moffitt, visit: https://www.instagram.com/smoffitt13/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:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Want more Mixing or Mastering clients? Communicate your true value with MixFlip: https://mixflip.io/?affiliate=mym Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Nick Rad is a highly sought-after mixing engineer who has worked with major artists such as Rachel Platten, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Hilary Duff, Nick Fradiani, MAX, Anberlin, and Skillet. Nick began his musical career in the late 90s as a signed and touring musician in the punk rock band Hangnail (Tooth and Nail Records). He later switched gears to take over drums in the pop-rock band Acceptance (Columbia Records).While making records and touring for 7 years, his love of recording and production became his passion, which led him to where he is today. With a tasteful production sense, a highly tuned ear, and a strong midwestern work ethic, Nick delivers mixes that have made him a staple in the professional mixing scene.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Working with producers like Bill Stevenson, Stephen Egerton, Howard Benson, and Aaron SprinkleHaving an assembly-line approach to productionHiring help for your studioThe value of editingHow you don’t necessarily need to market your studio, as long as you do this one thing…Niching down your servicesMixing vocals to fit in the mixAuditioning vocal chainsUsing sidechaining to help with your low-endHow to prepare your mixes so they are optimized for deliverablesTo learn more about Nick Radovanovic, visit: https://nickrad.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:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej  Have questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Mike Cervantes is a Grammy-nominated, Juno award-winning multi-platinum mastering engineer with over 30 Billboard #1 songs and 9 Dove Award wins.At his studio The Foxboro, he has worked with select artists such as Kane Brown, Walker Hayes, Julia Michaels, Alan Walker, Lauren Daigle, Toby Mac, Flo Rida, Josh Ross, Brandon Lake, Mitchell Tenpenny, Russell Dickerson, Tyler Hubbard, Phil Wickham, Skillet, Lecrae, Yung Gravy, Avril Lavigne, Maverick City Music, Underoath, Misterwives, Against The Current, CeCe Winans, and many many more.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Taking the entrepreneurial journeyWorking for Scott Hull of MasterdiskDeciding to stop working at one of the biggest mastering studiosBuilding your clienteleUsing social media to sell your servicesWhy your gear doesn’t attract clientsThe benefits of switching from an analog to digital workflowManaging your time when you’re working on hundreds of projectsUsing Zapier to help streamline your business processes and save moneyMastering fastKnowing the needs of your clientsTo learn more about Mike Cervantes, visit: https://www.thefoxboro.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:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej  Have questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Tyler Smyth, a Grammy-nominated producer known for his work with rock bands like I Prevail and Falling in Reverse, shares insights on creating impactful music moments. He discusses his journey from musician to producer, emphasizing the importance of confidence in artistry. Tyler explores songwriting philosophies, contrasting structured approaches with creative freedom. He highlights the balance between radio hits and bold statements while advocating for taking creative risks. Listeners can also learn about his mixing techniques that enhance emotional impact and the significance of crafting a song's 'mission statement'.

Pete Min is a recording engineer, producer, and label owner based in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. His label Colorfield Records features artful collaborative explorations with musicians in unlikely configurations. Pete’s studio Lucy’s Meat Market has become one of the most in-demand spots for recording among a subset of musical artists with LA ties ranging from Ben Wendel and Larry Goldings to Andrew Bird and Feist.Min started Colorfield Records to pursue a less traditional approach to recording, one that he refers to as “sculpted chaos.”He says, “I want what’s in the subconscious. I don’t want it ironed out. When people are just doing it and it’s coming out, that’s what I’m interested in.”Since launching in 2021 the label has released records by Abe Rounds, Larry Goldings, Mark Guiliana, Sam Gendel, Anthony Wilson, Brad Allen Williams, and others.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Starting a studio businessGetting your first clientsCapturing improved musicNot sticking to songwriting “formulas”Embracing spontaneityOptimizing your studio space for speed and creativityBeing in service to the music, not your audio skillsWhy you should avoid using compression while recordingTo learn more about Pete Min, visit: https://petemin.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: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej  Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

Cody McWaters is an ARIA award-winning producer, engineer, mixer, and musician based in Brisbane, Australia. Under the mentorship of ARIA award-winning producer, Doug Roberts (INXS, John Farnham, Boom Crash Opera), Cody spent his formative years gaining an insight into a range of production approaches and the importance of nurturing musical relationships that play a strong role in developing the sound of emerging artists.With a talent for understanding and developing artists’ sounds, Cody has established himself as a leading engineer and producer in the Brisbane area, working closely with the likes of King Stingray, Selfish Sons, and Osaka Punch. His relaxed and easygoing approach provides a calm atmosphere in any creative environment, allowing artists to create and explore comfortably, resulting in the best musical outcome.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Working in multiple genresHelping artists define their soundWorking under Doug Roberts (INXS)Using gear that you don’t think should workWorking with artists like The Chats and FELONYFocusing on clarity in a mixNot being afraid to mute tracksStepping outside of your comfort zone as an engineerTop-down mixingHow to have perspective on your own mixesTo learn more about Cody McWaters, visit: https://www.codymcwaters.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: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej  Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

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 othersBeing critical of your own musicDealing with rejectionPushing forward even when you don’t have everything figured outPerfectionism vs. controlFinding the magic in raw recordingsWorking with The StrokesGetting the vocal sound of The StokesUsing saturation during the tracking stageGetting tight drum soundsThe benefits of recording live-off-the-floorHis special drum room mic techniqueHaving a minimalistic approach, even when working with lots of equipmentHow he tackles compression in his mixesEmbracing imperfectionsTo 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: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej  Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!

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 productionsThe role of a producer vs engineer in the modern-dayMaking organic-sounding mixesNot overdoing your processingHearing small mix details in an untreated toomHow to optimize your home studio on a budgetFocusing on frequency balance, rather than on the instrumentsGetting the groove of a song right in a mixSetting up ambiance to make your audience feel like they’re in a specific environment with the artistDetermining what effects to useShould you use pre-delay on reverb?How to approach room micing for size and frequency balanceTo 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: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej  Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!