Mixing Music | Music Production, Audio Engineering, & Music Business

Going on tour and need a rider that actually delivers? In this solo episode, Lu breaks down how to plan, pack, and execute reliable live sound on a world tour. Learn why your tech rider is a blueprint, not a wishlist, how to prioritize monitors and IEMs so the artist always hears a clear mix, and how to design sensible substitutions and backups for real-world venues. We cover FOH and monitor workflows, Dante-based recording to Nuendo Live for virtual soundchecks, adding crowd ambience mics to in-ears, carrying your own talkback, RTA mic, DI boxes, and the checklists that keep a team on time. We also get into mindset: punctuality, preparation, and owning mistakes. If you want fewer surprises and better shows, this is your playbook.What you’ll learnHow to write a rider that venues can actually fulfillFOH and monitor roles when the artist runs IEMsSensible substitutions for consoles and wireless systemsWhy UPS power and gear redundancy save showsUsing Dante Virtual Soundcard and Nuendo Live for multitrack recordingVirtual soundcheck to build mixes before the band arrivesAmbience mic placement for more natural in-earsPacking the essentials: talkback, RTA, DI, cables, backups, show filesWhy organization and accountability beat “more gear” every timeSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is AI going to replace mixers, producers, and engineers? In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu explain why they’re not afraid of artificial intelligence — and why you shouldn’t be either.They break down how competing on price is the fastest way to kill your career, and why the future belongs to mixers and producers who focus on brand, community, and storytelling. Instead of selling “just music,” you’re really selling trust, identity, and an experience — things no AI can replicate.We also talk about:How to build a business model AI can’t undercut.Why service, communication, and reliability matter more than ever.What artists like Post Malone actually “sell” (hint: it’s not songs).The difference between creation vs. curation in an AI-driven world.Why AI is a tool to support you, not replace you.If you’ve been worried about the rise of AI in music production, this episode will give you practical strategies and mindset shifts to stay relevant, protect your career, and build a brand that lasts.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Learn how to cut endless revision cycles, manage client expectations, and keep projects moving smoothly without losing trust. In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lew share proven systems for reducing back-and-forth, building strong client relationships, and delivering mixes that get approved faster. From intake forms and reference tracks to strategic phone calls, Zoom sessions, and real-time feedback tools, discover the workflow tweaks that save time and boost client satisfaction. Whether you’re working with indie artists or major labels, these insights will help you protect your brand, streamline communication, and keep clients coming back.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

📝 Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Dee Kei and Lu get real about the biggest mindset shift you need to survive and thrive in the music industry. Spoiler: it’s not out to get you.They break down the common myths that cause people to become bitter and give up — from ideas about gatekeeping and parasitic elites to survivorship bias and luck. You’ll learn why success in music has less to do with who you know and more to do with being practical, reliable, and emotionally aligned with the life you're building.This episode dives deep into the psychology of rejection, ego traps, and the hard truth that many people don’t want to hear: you’re not owed anything — but you can earn everything.🔑 Topics Include:Why most people misunderstand how the industry worksWhat bitterness, gatekeeping, and “the game is rigged” narratives missHow low conscientiousness sabotages creative careersWhy success favors the reliable, not just the talentedThe myth of selling your soul to make itPassion vs. alignment — and why some should keep music a hobbyThe survivorship bias in music success storiesWhat "selling cool" actually means in brandingSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

JOIN OUR PATREON AND GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://mixingmusicpodcast.com/exclusiveI WRITE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: https://deekeiandkayoko.comHIRE DEE KEI: links.deekeimixes.comHIRE LU: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/1419...HIRE JAMES: https://www.jamesparrishmixes.com/Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbyluTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbyluJoin the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord:   / discord  The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show was filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at mixingmusicpodcast@gmail.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Dee Kei and Lu dive into the controversial 2025 remix of Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance. While technically cleaner and more modern, the new mixes raise a big question: What happens when you remaster or remix a nostalgic album? Do you risk losing the magic that made it timeless?This is more than just a critique of a remix — it's a deep conversation about emotion vs. clarity, client intent, nostalgia bias, and how sometimes, chasing perfection can kill the very thing people loved in the first place.Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a professional engineer, or someone who’s been burned by a remix of your favorite record, this episode is for you.🔑 Topics Include:The difference between remixing, remastering, and rereleasingWhy modern clarity can strip away emotional weightMixing for vibe vs. mixing for fidelityWhat mixers can learn from fan backlashThe danger of overvaluing your own taste as an engineerWhy nostalgic albums are hard to “improve”Parallels to ego, faith, and even parentingHow your judgments of others often reflect your own insecuritySUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

JOIN OUR PATREON AND GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://mixingmusicpodcast.com/exclusiveI WRITE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: https://deekeiandkayoko.comHIRE DEE KEI: links.deekeimixes.comHIRE LU: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/1419...HIRE JAMES: https://www.jamesparrishmixes.com/Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbyluTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbyluJoin the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord:   / discord  The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show was filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at mixingmusicpodcast@gmail.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Dee Kei and Lu unpack the common mistake of oversharing your process with clients — and why it can damage trust, reduce perceived value, and kill your confidence.This isn’t about keeping secrets or playing power games. It’s about curating a better experience, protecting your workflow, and communicating like a professional. From discussing mic placement and plugin chains to giving away discounts and doubting your own V1 mix, this episode covers the subtle ways engineers unintentionally sabotage themselves.They also share personal stories (including working with Jazze Pha and multi-platinum engineers), and draw comparisons to chefs, barbers, doctors, and even electricians — all to hammer home the truth: clients pay you for results and confidence, not explanations.🔑 Topics Include:Why showing how the sausage is made makes you look uncertainHow oversharing your workflow invites micromanagementThe power of silence in service-based businessesConfidence vs. ego: how to strike the right toneWhy you should never undercut your rates out of fearSetting boundaries without sounding defensiveCommunicating like a creative director, not a tech support repHow to get paid fairly and earn trust without over-talkingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Dee Kei and Lu explore the art and science of stereo vs. mono recording, the dangers of over-miking, and why intentionality always beats complexity. From phase alignment to comb filtering, they break down the physics and the philosophy behind capturing big, clean, powerful sounds — using fewer tools and smarter techniques.They discuss multi-mic setups, stereo width tricks, reverb placement, and how small changes in mic distance can make or break your mix. There's plenty of studio wisdom, live sound context, and even some fun talk about perfect pitch, nostalgia, and listening preferences.Whether you're tracking a full drum kit or just trying to get your guitars to sit right, this episode will teach you how to think more clearly, record more intentionally, and get better results by doing less.💡 Topics Include:How to make mono sources sound wide and deepWhat comb filtering is (and how to fix it)Best practices for multi-mic setupsThe Nashville Guitar TrickUsing room mics creativelyWhy phase is more important than people thinkWhen breaking the rules makes art, not noiseSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LUFind Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this no-holds-barred episode, Dee Kei and James dive deep into the toxic myths, vague advice, and ego-driven illusions that still dominate the world of mixing and audio education. From the false promise of "secret sauce" techniques to the cult of gear and performative certainty, they break down why so many mixers cling to superstition — and how it’s holding back real growth.They also explore why even elite mixers often give ambiguous or misleading advice, how language shapes misunderstanding, and why certainty is often just a mask for insecurity or marketing.Plus: Japanese philosophy, baseball rituals, self-diagnosed autism, and why Rick Rubin might actually have it all figured out.🎙️ Topics include:Why certainty in audio is usually a performanceSuperstition vs. skill: why mixers invent magicGear worship and the illusion of controlThe cultural psychology of mixing adviceHow to spot BS advice (and what to do instead)The “DAW insecurity test” (Do you flinch when someone says they use a different DAW?)Why great mixers sound uncertain — and that’s a good thingSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LUFind Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy