Master Your Mix Podcast

Episodios

• 
  Bruno Barcella: The Analog Sound in a Digital Mix 22.07.2026 56m

  Bruno "Brown" Barcella is a recording, mixing, and production engineer based in northern Italy. He got his start behind a drum kit, touring the US and Europe with bands like Miss Chain & The Broken Heels before crossing to the other side of the glass. After studying sound engineering in Milan, he joined TUP Studio in Brescia in 2011, an analog-focused room built around a Neotek console and Studer 2" tape where he's spent the better part of 15 years crafting records rooted in garage rock, punk, and rock 'n' roll. He's the engineer behind the catalogs of Bee Bee Sea, The Peawees, Faz Waltz, The Apers, and dozens more. In 2020 he launched his freelance career, collaborating with studios across northern Italy, doing live sound for artists, clubs, and festivals, and increasingly mixing records remotely for artists from around the world.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:The one-monitor rule: why Bruno mixes exclusively on Sennheiser HD 650s and never switches between sources while workingThe tools he adds to headphone mixing to get closer to a speaker-like experienceThe arc every mixer goes through for getting goodWhy artists shouldn't be in the room during a mix sessionHow doing less usually gets you better mixesGetting mixes to feel warm, but not muddyThe benefit of using analog saturation plugins across multiple tracks in a mixHow he thinks about blending saturated and clean microphone signals togetherWhy he aims for low-tuned, dry drums, and how that affects the saturation and tone decisions he makesWhy being willing to fail is still the most important thing a young engineer can doTo learn more about Bruno Barella, visit https://brownbarcella.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.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio:Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
• 
  Toby Lloyd: The Studio As A Therapeutic Space 15.07.2026 1h 14m

  Toby Lloyd is a Music Producer, Studio Owner, Mixing Engineer, Artist, and Film Score Mixer from New Zealand who has worked with artists such as Shapeshifter, Nightmares on Wax, Hollie Smith, Blindspott, and Stan Walker, and has also worked on films like Avatar 2, The Hobbit Trilogy, and Hunt For The Wilderpeople. He runs Tiny Triumph Recordings, a bespoke rooftop recording studio in the heart of New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. He has also started releasing music under the artist name Paper Mountains, which blends folk, soul, and pop music, and is about to release his debut album in July.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why he almost quit the industry entirely and what stopped himThe one thing that makes or breaks your relationship with clients (it's not your mix)Why the studio is a therapeutic space, and what that means for how you work with artistsWhy your mixes feel flat even when the individual sounds are goodThe low-end approach Toby uses to stop kick and bass from fighting each otherWhat film audio teaches you about stereo mixing that most engineers never learnWhy he EQs guitars based on what it does to the vocal, not what it does to the guitarTo learn more about Toby Lloyd, visit: https://www.tinytriumphrecordings.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.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio:Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Justin Cortelyou: From Intern to Directing Paul McCartney 08.07.2026 1h 19m

  Justin Cortelyou is a Grammy-award nominated, multi-platinum mixing engineer/producer. Justin started his career working with Chuck Ainlay at Soundstage Studios in Nashville before moving to Los Angeles to work with mix-master Mike Shipley at The Animal House. Justin teamed up with artist/producer Tommy Henriksen and in 2008, moved their operation back to Nashville and began working with legendary producer, Bob Ezrin. Through the years, Justin has worked with artists Paul McCartney, Alice Cooper, Ke$ha, Taylor Swift, Jerrod Niemann, Phish, Chingy, Vince Gill, Andrea Bocelli, U2, Randy Travis, KISS, Will I Am, Lady Gaga, and many others.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:The ice maker moment that turned his internship into a jobWhat the Mike Shipley editing process taught him about standards Why the engineers who get the biggest clients keep raising the bar long after they've "made it"The moment Justin had to tell Paul McCartney to do another take — and what happened nextWhat constructive feedback actually sounds like when it's workingWhy being great at your craft isn't enough to build a careerThe hard lesson about putting 90% of your work with one clientTo learn more about Justin Cortelyou, visit: https://www.justincortelyou.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.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio:Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/Slapshot Delay: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25Subscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Sam Moses: How to Know What a Mix Needs Before Listening 01.07.2026 1h 30m

  Sam Moses is a Nashville-based mastering engineer and owner of Moses Mastering, with roughly 15 years in the business. He describes his work in short as helping artists "finish their record and bring peace of mind that it's ready for release." He is a multi-RIAA Platinum and Gold Record mastering engineer, a voting member of the Grammy Recording Academy and AES, and a Grammy NEXT class alumnus.Most notably, Moses is a Grammy Award–winning mastering engineer for Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll's "Hard Fought Hallelujah," which won Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 2026 Grammy Awards. He is also a multi-Dove Award winner and 10-time Dove Award nominee, with wins spanning Brandon Lake/Jelly Roll's "Hard Fought Hallelujah" and Blessing Offor's "Brighter Days." His client list spans Christian/worship (Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Skillet, Tenth Avenue North, Kari Jobe, Passion), mainstream pop and rock (The Aces, Smallpools, Nightly, Joan, Underoath), and country/mainstream artists (Dolly Parton, Kesha, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ashley McBryde, Maddie & Tae).IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:The three-meter system: how RMS, dynamic range, and momentary LUFS reveal the tonal balance of any song before you touch a pluginWhat RMS values tell you about low-end weightWhy LUFS momentary reflects top-end brightness, not just loudnessWhy Spotify normalization doesn't make songs sound equally loud and what actually causes perceived volume differencesWhy Sam never aims for a target LUFS and what he looks for insteadWhy Sam uses only limiters, not compressors, and how he approaches mid-rangeHow to compare your meters against a commercial reference using normalization off in SpotifyHow to know when a master is done (and why most engineers don't have a clear answer)The advice Joe Barresi and Andrew Scheps gave Sam that led him to move to NashvilleWhy niching down to mastering only was the career decision that changed everythingHow Sam's mentor taught him to listen first and ignore the gear entirelyWhy the most important question Sam asks every client is one most of them have never thought aboutTo learn more about Sam Moses, visit: https://www.mosesmastering.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.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio:Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
• 
  Dave McNair: Reinventing His Career, Again and Again 24.06.2026 1h 28m

  Dave McNair is a mastering engineer, producer, and recording engineer with over four decades in the music industry and more than 900 credits spanning rock, blues, country, pop, and world music. Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, he came up through the working-studio world of New York City, including a stint at The Hit Factory, before spending years producing and engineering in Los Angeles and Austin. He's now based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he operates Dave McNair Mastering from a studio in his own home, monitored on a high-end audiophile playback system.What sets McNair apart is the breadth of his pre-mastering career. He toured as a drummer with indie/alt-country band The Silos, engineered and mixed landmark sessions with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Cyndi Lauper, and produced artists like Buddy Guy and Kelly Willis in the Austin music scene. That lived-in understanding of how records are made from the ground up, tracking, arranging, mixing, deeply informs his mastering philosophy. His approach emphasizes what he calls "mastering with mixing in mind," treating the bass and vocals as the true anchors of any record.McNair's audiophile background is equally distinctive. He spent time working the sales floor at high-end audio retailers Innovative Audio and Sound By Singer in NYC, and that world of critical listening hardware never left him, he credits it with transforming his approach to monitoring and sound judgment. His 2024 Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) for Bokanté's History represents recent recognition, but his catalog, which includes David Bowie's The Next Day, Shovels & Rope's Little Seeds, and mixed credits on SRV's In Step, reflects decades of work at the highest level.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:The moment he realized a mentor's "amazing room sound" was actually a tiny dead room and a heavily compressed micWhy losing head-to-head comparisons to another engineer became one of his biggest learning toolsWhat changed in his approach after sitting in on a session with one of the most respected mixers in the businessThe exact moment Dave knew he needed to change direction, and what tipped him offWhy he didn't tell any of his old clients he was getting into mastering until he felt readyHow 20 years of sitting in on other people's mastering sessions became the foundation for his new careerWhy he says the chasing and reinventing never really stops, even nowTo learn more about Dave McNair, visit: https://www.davemcnairmastering.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.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio:Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
• 
  Greg Gordon: Putting the Groove First 17.06.2026 1h 4m

  Greg hails from Detroit’s vibrant rock scene. He’s lived in New York and Los Angeles. In 2015, he relocated to Pittsburgh, producing and mixing at his Wood Hollow studio, and recording and exploring ATMOS mixing at The Vault studios.Greg Gordon has produced, engineered, and mixed a wide spectrum of classic ‘big beat’ groups and artists of every genre. His discography reads like a three-decade history of cutting-edge music. Embracing all types of passionate sonic expression, Greg thrives on using his knowledge of music and recording techniques to build a foundation of traditional integrity and cross-pollinate elements to introduce unexpected, ear-opening events.Greg’s #1 piece of advice to any new engineer/mixer - “Listen for the record - it’s easy to get caught up with the technology and possibilities, and lose sight of the song… The record will reveal itself if you’re listening for it. There will be a moment when you forget that you’re working on a track, and you’re just listening to a favorite record … PRINT!!!!!!”IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Jumping into opportunities even when you're scaredHow the old-school mixing approach as a performance changes the way your mixes feelHow Jimi Hendrix treated the studio as an instrument, not a documentation toolWhat it actually means to "capture the moment of discovery" when trackingWhy Greg avoids click tracks and how that affects the energy of a performanceHow stepping away and returning to a mix creates the objectivity you can't get from staring at it for hoursWhy producers weren't allowed in the room for Motown sessionsHow your headphone mix affects whether a singer nails the pitch or misses itThe automation trick that makes mixes feel like live performances instead of static playbackTo learn more about Greg Gordon, visit: http://www.gregordon.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.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio:Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Austin Seltzer: Breaking the Loudness Rules 10.06.2026 1h 27m

  Austin Seltzer is a multi-platinum mixing and mastering engineer whose work bridges the gap between modern pop polish and emotionally impactful, dynamic sound. After getting his start in electronic ghost production, Austin refined his craft through formal studio training at The Blackbird Academy in Nashville. During his time there, he learned from renowned engineers and producers who appeared as guest mentors, including Andrew Scheps, Jacquire King, Vance Powell, and Dave Pensado. After graduating, he expanded into cinematic music, further developing the sense of depth, scale, and emotion that now defines his mixing style.Now based in Oklahoma, he has built a reputation for creating mixes that feel simultaneously expansive, powerful, and deeply musical. Austin’s profile rose significantly after mixing and mastering Dasha’s global breakout hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” one of the defining crossover records of 2024. In addition to his work with Dasha, he has collaborated with artists including LE SSERAFIM, Maggie Lindemann, Natalie Jane, BloodPop, A.G. Cook, and Hudson Mohawke.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:- Why he starts every mix with the loudest section- Why he intentionally clips his mixes six dB over zero during the entire mixdown- How to balance your low end while intentionally clipping the output- Why most limiters destroy the punch in your kick and snare- How to create cinematic width without using the LCR method- Why treating people well matters more than your technical skills- How he completes professional mixes in 90 minutes or less- Why he only listens to the full mix once during the mixing process- The next-morning routine that catches problems before sending to clients- How he uses multiband stereo width to create cinematic depth- How hitting compressors 10-20 dB actually makes vocals sound better- Why he moved from LA to Oklahoma, and his work increasedLooking 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.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio:Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Chris Athens: Creating Traction With Your Career (Revisited) 03.06.2026 1h 30m

  Chris Athens is a mastering engineer with over 30 years in the industry. Formerly working at Sony Music Studios and Sterling Sound, he has founded his own studio, Chris Athens Masters in Austin Texas. Chris has mastered for some of the biggest names in hip-hop such as DJ Khaled, Drake, and Mac Miller as well as some rock artists including Coheed & Cambria, Architects, and Of Mice and Men.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Taking chances, even when you don’t feel preparedLearning from mistakesSurrounding yourself with the right peopleWork/life balanceWorking to the point of burnoutWhy you need to get good at networking and marketingInheriting clients vs. creating clientsFinding people to partner with for your studio businessKnowing your own strengths and weaknessesThe advantages of working quicklyHow to preserve your objectivityBroad-stroke vs. surgical EQGetting big clear low endTo learn more about Chris Athens, visit: https://chrisathensmasters.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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Jason Perry: Making Records Without Musical Theory 27.05.2026 48m

  Jason Perry is a UK-based record producer, mixer, and songwriter known for shaping the sound of modern rock and alternative music. He first made his mark as the frontman of the band A, before transitioning behind the scenes to build a highly successful production career.Over the years, Jason has worked with a wide range of artists including Don Broco, You Me At Six, Trash Boat, McFly, and Mallory Knox, helping them craft records that balance raw energy with a polished, contemporary edge. His productions are known for their punchy drums, tight arrangements, and powerful, radio-ready vocals.Bringing an artist’s perspective into the studio, Jason is especially respected for his collaborative approach and his ability to push bands to deliver their strongest performances—both creatively and technically. His work has played a key role in defining the sound of the current UK rock scene.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why Jason never uses vocal booths or talkback mics when tracking singersHow not knowing how to play an instrument can be a superpower as a producerThe first-listen method he uses to find every weak point in a songWhy most bands overcomplicate their bridge sections (and what causes itHow he produces himself on his own records without losing objectivityWhy he starts recording vocals on day two instead of waiting for the band to finish trackingThe pep talk he gives every band before starting a sessionWhy placing limits on yourself forces better creative decisionsWhat actually makes a great song when you strip away all the techniqueTo learn more about Jason Perry, visit: https://www.jasonperry.london/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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Brian Howes: The "Swedish Math" Behind Hit Songs 13.05.2026 1h 2m

  Brian Howes is a Canadian producer, songwriter, and former recording artist known for crafting commercially successful rock and pop records with a strong emphasis on melody, structure, and radio appeal. After beginning his career as a frontman in bands like DDT and Closure, he transitioned into production and quickly made a name for himself with breakthrough projects such as Hinder’s Extreme Behavior and Hedley’s self-titled debut. His work is characterized by hook-driven songwriting, polished arrangements, and a seamless blend of rock energy with pop sensibility.Over the course of his career, Howes has collaborated with a wide range of major artists, including Skillet, Daughtry, Nickelback, Simple Plan, and Boys Like Girls, earning multiple JUNO Awards for Producer of the Year along with Grammy and Dove Award recognition. Based in Vancouver, he operates largely from his own studio, where he combines songwriting and production into a single, integrated process. Known for his analytical approach to hit-making—often described as studying the “math of songwriting”—Howes continues to be a sought-after collaborator for artists aiming to achieve a polished, radio-ready sound.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:How “Swedish math" is responsible for shaping hit songsThe three-hook chorus structure Brian uses on radio recordsWhy melody should drive the arrangement, not the other way aroundHow to map tempo and BPM to vocal cadenceThe most common songwriting mistakes producers need to fixKnowing when to get out of the wayHow Brian approaches pre-production with bands who are married to their demosWhy Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel” broke all the rules and still became a massive hitMaking the switch from being an artist to producerHow to give "punk rock energy" in soccer-mom musicWorking on Airbourne's new recordTo learn more about Brian Howes, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_HowesLooking 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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  David Trumfio: The Future of Studio Ownership 06.05.2026 1h 30m

  Dave Trumfio doesn’t just make records, he builds the rooms where records come alive. A Los Angeles–based producer, mixer, engineer, and musician, Trumfio has quietly shaped decades of indie and alternative music, with a sonic fingerprint that runs through artists like Wilco, Built to Spill, OK Go, and Sia.He first broke through in the 90s as co-founder of The Pulsars, a cult synth-pop duo with his brother Harry that earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of greatest one-album wonders. At the same time, he embedded himself in the underground as bassist and co-songwriter for the long-running post-punk collective The Mekons, adding grit to an already unruly legacy.Behind the console, Trumfio became a go-to architect for artists chasing character over polish, with credits spanning My Morning Jacket, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Dogstar. But his biggest innovation might be the spaces themselves. As founder of Kingsize Soundlabs, he pioneered a modern “producer-driven” studio model, later expanding that vision through partnerships with Gold-Diggers and 64 Sound, blending hospitality, community, and high-end recording into a new creative ecosystem.Outside the studio, he channels his restless energy into Damaged Disco, a label and LA event series steeped in post-punk and darkwave, while continuing to release music as Nervous Boy and perform electronic sets as DAT68.Trumfio’s career is less a straight line and more a feedback loop, artist, engineer, entrepreneur, repeat. The common thread: a lifelong obsession with sound, and the instinct to build the culture around it, not just capture it.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Should you start your own studio or use existing studios?Why he sold a $300K+ Neve console and what he replaced it withThe 5-year industry cycle that dictates which studios surviveWhy the "if you build it, they will come" mentality kills most studiosThe real reason big studios are disappearing (and what's replacing them)Why "greatest hits" gear beats boutique esoteric pieces every timeHow AI is pushing everything toward perfection will create demand for raw, human recordingsThe one thing you need to invest in if you're starting a studio todayFuture-proofing your studioTo learn more about David Trumfio, visit: https://www.kingsizesoundlabs.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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Mike Schuppan: Why Great Engineers Don't Chase Perfection 29.04.2026 1h 4m

  Mike Schuppan is a Los Angeles–based mix engineer, recording engineer, and producer with over 20 years of experience working across alternative, pop, electronic, and experimental music. Originally from Nashville, he developed his career through hands-on studio work and long-term collaborations with producer and multi-instrumentalist Justin Meldal-Johnsen, contributing to both recording sessions and live touring environments.Over the years, Schuppan has built a diverse and high-level discography, working with artists such as Paramore, M83, Lady Gaga, Poppy, Jimmy Eat World, and Ziggy Marley. His credits span major-label releases, Grammy-winning projects, and records that have achieved gold and platinum status. His work on Paramore’s self-titled album and After Laughter, along with M83’s Fantasy, highlights his ability to navigate sonically dense, emotionally driven productions while maintaining clarity and musicality.Schuppan is known for a mix style that emphasizes feel, depth, and translation—balancing modern polish with the integrity of the original performance. Whether working on layered pop productions or more organic alternative records, he focuses on preserving emotional intent while ensuring mixes translate across streaming platforms and playback systems.In addition to music releases, he has also contributed to film and television projects as a score mixer and engineer, reflecting a broader technical range that extends beyond traditional record production. His career represents a hybrid of classic studio engineering and modern mixing workflows, making him especially relevant to today’s generation of producers working across both analog and in-the-box environments.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why Mike records way more microphones than he'll ever use (and how it saves his mixes later)The exact session layout he borrowed that he still uses on every projectHow he decides when to go minimal vs. using complex setupsWhy thinking about the mix during tracking is the only way to avoid "fix it later" disastersHis approach to creating space and depth without losing clarity in dense productionsFinding problematic, masking frequenciesHow he knows when a mix is actually done Why his goal is to never be "the best" at anythingThe one frequency range he's obsessed with on bassHis go-to bass micing setupWorking with artists like Paramore, Ziggy Marley, and M83Incorporating feedback into your processTo learn more about Mike Schuppan, visit: https://www.mikeschuppan.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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Sonny DiPerri: Why the Best Engineers Get Out of the Way 22.04.2026 1h 19m

  As a producer, engineer, and mixer, Sonny DiPerri has worked alongside artists such as Nothing, She’s Green, Julie, Narrowhead, Wisp, DIIV, Animal Collective, Late Night Drive Home, These New Puritans, Deradoorian, Protomartyr, Emma Ruth Rundle, Portugal. The Man, Lord Huron, The Drums, Dirty Projectors, and many more.A third-generation drummer, DiPerri started playing in bands and studying music at an early age. He quickly discovered he was fascinated by the studio, leaving band life behind and pursuing a career as an engineer. He moved from Boston to LA, quickly landing an apprenticeship for legendary British record producer Flood, working with 30 Seconds to Mars. Excited by the experience and atmosphere of the studio, he took Flood up on the offer of an assistant position, moving to London, where he assisted both Flood and Alan Moulder.Upon his return to Los Angeles, Sonny worked as an engineer for Trent Reznor, My Bloody Valentine, M83, Dave Sardy, and David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors, among others. Sonny now splits his time between producing and mixing.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:How Sonny went from zero studio experience to apprenticing under Flood on a 30 Seconds to Mars record as his first ever credit.The session prep approach he's used for nearly two decadesWhy he never dials in a sound in soloWhy he spends more time in pre-production than he does actually making the album — and how that makes tracking faster and more focusedWhat the "inversions" process with Animal Collective actually looked like in practiceHow he handled working alongside Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Alessandro Cortini — running a room with multiple synchronized computersThe "overnight mix" techniqueWhy he thinks every engineer should make at least one record under serious limitations — and what that teaches you about commitmentWhy you should always "mix like you're already getting fired"To learn more about Sonny Diperri, visit: https://www.sonnyrecordsthings.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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
• 
  Justin Gray: Breaking Into the Songwriting Industry 15.04.2026 59m

  Justin Gray is a Canadian born/ LA based Songwriter, Producer & Composer. The breadth of credits & accolades during his 20+ year career has him considered among an elite group of creators in the music and entertainment landscape.Accumulating 8+ billion global streams from his artist collaborations & development projects, Gray has found success with some of the world's biggest stars such as Mariah Carey, John Legend, Avril Lavigne & even Glen Campbell. Justin’s work has appeared on countless influential playlists, had multiple viral hits, Top 10 Shazamed songs, and dozens of global number ones with artists like New Zealand’s Six60, K-pop superstars NCT 127 and SuperM, as well as China’s Chris Lee and Roy Wong. Justin is also well-known as an early collaborator of Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone.Beyond his frontline success, he has earned a reputation as a true developer of talent, as well as being one of the most sought-after songwriters and producers for Film and TV in the world.His extensive reach in Sync licensing has landed 100’s of placements in Film, TV, Ads, and Video Games. Justin’s music and productions have appeared in trailers and in-picture on scores of projects, including Toy Story 4, Lego Movie: Ninjago, Hocus Pocus 2, Grey’s Anatomy, Bull, and The L Word; with key partners such as Netflix, Paramount, Hulu, Starz, and Disney. Some of the brands having used Justin’s music include Target, AT&T, Nissan, and NordicTrack.2022 was a pivotal year, as Justin co-composed the score and wrote original music for the film, ‘Spinning Gold’ (a biopic of Casablanca Records Founder, Neil Bogart: only in theaters March 31, 2023), where he also serves as a co-producer on the film. He also wrote and performed the theme for Netflix Jr’s “Big Tree City Rescue.”2023 finds Justin writing, producing, and composing the full original motion picture soundtrack and score with long-time creative collaborator Evan Bogart (and other half of Bogart & Gray) for the film “Verona” (currently in production), where again, he is not only an executive music producer, but also a co-producer of the film.Being a successful creator is only part of this professional entrepreneur. Justin is also the Founder and CEO of a music tech start-up, SonifyMusic.ai, as well as Co-Founder of the music publishing & talent management venture, Anti Gravity Entertainment.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why writing “bad” songs is actually the fastest way to improveHow to get into songwriting rooms (even if you’re not a great writer yet)The importance of building a broad skillset—and how it makes you more valuableHow to figure out whether you should write for yourself or for othersWhy community matters more than talent in the long runHow to start songwriting sessions without wasting hoursThe hidden “hierarchy” in the room—and how to navigate itWhen to push for your idea… and when to let it goTo learn more about Justin Gray, visit: https://www.iamjustingray.com/ and https://www.sonifymusic.ai/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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Dave Fortman: Focusing on the Song Above All Else 08.04.2026 1h 27m

  Dave Fortman is an American record producer, songwriter, and musician, recognized for his role as guitarist in the hard rock band Ugly Kid Joe and for producing and mixing albums for prominent acts in the rock and metal genres, including Evanescence's Fallen (2003), Slipknot's All Hope Is Gone (2008), and Godsmack's The Oracle (2010).Born in Orlando, Florida, Fortman began his music career as a guitarist with Ugly Kid Joe, contributing to their albums America's Least Wanted (1992), which achieved double platinum status, Menace to Sobriety (1995), and Motel California (1996). The band's breakthrough hit "Everything About You" from America's Least Wanted reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992 after featuring in the film Wayne's World.Transitioning to production, Fortman co-owned Balance Productions and worked on projects for metal and alternative rock artists, including Mudvayne's The New Game (2008), Superjoint Ritual's Use Once and Destroy (2002), and Eyehategod's Confederacy of Ruined Lives (2000). His production on Evanescence's debut album Fallen sold over 17 million copies worldwide and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004. Fortman's engineering and mixing credits also extend to 12 Stones, Boysetsfire, Crowbar, Otep, and Simple Plan.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why most “mix problems” are actually arrangement problemsWhat to listen for when evaluating your own songsHow to make songs more engaging without adding more layersThe biggest mistake people make when giving feedbackHow to suggest changes without killing the vibe in a sessionWhy referencing other songs is the fastest way to improveDave’s exact approach to pre-production and decision-makingTo learn more about Dave Fortman, visit: https://www.davefortman.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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
• 
  Bobbi Giel: Knowing Your Gear 01.04.2026 1h 5m

  Bobbi Giel is a mastering engineer based in Nashville, Tennessee. She relocated to Nashville in October 2017 and spent four years at Georgetown Masters, where she trained under Chief Mastering Engineer Andrew Mendelson. In 2022, she was named Head Mastering Engineer at Welcome to 1979, a multi-faceted, analog-centric studio offering both digital and vinyl mastering services. Bobbi began her career at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Production and Technology in 2015 with a concentration in Classical Piano and a minor in Business Administration. She then spent two years working across a range of recording and post-production studios in New York City, including MSR Studios (now Sound on Sound Studios in Montclair, New Jersey), Atlantic Records’ Atlantic Studios, and LVLY Studios. In addition to her mastering work, Bobbi is a member of the Audio Engineering Society and the Producers & Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy. Her mastering credits - spanning both digital and vinyl formats - include artists such as Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Paramore, Kehlani, Tinashe, Zac Brown Band, and Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Finding niche industries in audioLearning production before masteringFixing mastering issues in the tracking stage vs later stagesDo your mix levels matter?Boosting vs cutting with EQFinding the input gain sweetspot with gear/pluginsWhen to use analog vs digital gear in a hybrid mastering setupHow the level you listen at affects how you hear your mixFinding reference tracks to compare your mix toPrepping for vinyl cuttingThe differences between digital and vinyl mastersRecording directly to vinylTo learn more about Bobbi Giel, visit: https://welcometo1979.com/mastering/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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
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  Barrett Jones: Getting Mix-Ready Sounds During Tracking 25.03.2026 53m

  Barrett Jones is a veteran producer, engineer, Musician and studio owner whose work helped shape the sound of modern alternative rock. A native of Arlington, Virginia, Jones founded Laundry Room Studio in 1984 — originally built in the laundry room of his childhood home — and established the studio as a creative hub for D.C. punk and indie acts before relocating to Seattle in the early 1990s. Jones recorded early sessions with a young Dave Grohl and went on to produce three Nirvana tracks and to produce and engineer the Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut, an LP recorded over an intense five-day run in 1994. That debut later sold more than 1.5 million copies.Across four decades, Jones has combined technical curiosity with a musician’s sensibility, moving seamlessly between tape-era tracking and modern production workflows. His credits span influential artists and scenes: Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Melvins, Jimmy Eat World, Presidents of the United States of America, and contributions from members of Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others. Jones has also toured as a live and studio engineer and served as drum tech and sound engineer on major tours early in his career.Laundry Room Studio — the recording studio Jones has operated since the 1980s in multiple homes and locations between Arlington and Seattle — remains central to his work. Since 2007, Laundry Room studio has been located in a custom-built area in Barrett’s home in Seattle, featuring multiple live rooms, iso booths, and a large control room that attracts both established artists and rising acts. Recent and ongoing projects include work with musicians across rock, folk, and indie genres; Jones is known for his ability to capture raw performances while bringing clarity and musical balance to recordings.With a lifelong commitment to hands-on recording, Jones blends old-school tape-era techniques with modern mixing and production tools, prioritizing performance, tone, and emotional immediacy. He remains active as a producer, mixer, and session musician, and continues to run Laundry Room Studio as a creative home for artists looking for an organic, performance-first approach to recording.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Being a self-taught engineerRecording the first Foo Fighters recordBeing set up for efficienciesGetting the mix sound at the tracking stageHis go-to approach for guitars and drumsHow to get fuzzy, yet articulate guitar tonesThe Can: The mysterious, rare amp used on the first Foo Fighters record, made out of a gas canThe importance of room sounds for drumsThe mic trick he uses for getting small drum rooms to feel biggerTo learn more about Barrett Jones, visit: https://www.laundryroomstudio.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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
• 
  Monte Vallier: Being Creative as a Differentiator 18.03.2026 1h 3m

  Monte Vallier is a San Francisco–based producer, mixer, and audio engineer known for his adventurous approach to sound and his ability to bring out the character and identity of the artists he works with. His career began as a bassist in the early post-punk/indie scene, first touring with his band Half Church before joining the acclaimed 1990s group Swell. After years of recording and performing internationally, Vallier shifted his focus behind the console, developing a reputation for creative recording techniques, unconventional mic placements, and a deep commitment to capturing emotion and uniqueness in every project.Today, Vallier operates Ruminator Audio, where he continues to collaborate with an eclectic range of artists, including Wax Idols, Weekend, The Soft Moon, Tommy Guerrero, Los Days, and Oxbow. His work spans production, recording, mixing, and mastering—reflecting a holistic understanding of the craft shaped by decades of experience both onstage and in the studio. Known for blending experimentation with meticulous sonic detail, Vallier is recognized as a versatile, artist-focused collaborator whose mixes and productions consistently elevate the musical vision at hand.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Running a studio on your own terms vs working for someone elseUsing commercial work to cover the bills so you can afford to work with smaller bandsThe impact of AI in music licensingHow to differentiate yourself from AIEmbracing imperfections/uniquenessUsing reamping as a creative toolCreating ambience in a mixUsing contrast to evoke a 3D feel to a mixCreative ways to experiment with a trackTo learn more about Monte Vallier, visit: https://ruminatoraudio.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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
• 
  Brian Rajaratnam: Engineering Great Vocals 11.03.2026 1h 9m

  Brian Rajaratnam is an American audio engineer best known for his Grammy-winning work on Flowers by Miley Cyrus. He won a Grammy Award at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for his contributions to the global hit, collaborating alongside Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson, Michael Pollack, Spike Stent, and Joe LaPorta. The song became one of the most commercially successful releases of 2023, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify and earning six Grammy nominations. Rajaratnam received two nominations connected to the project and was ultimately recognized in the Best Engineer/Mixer category for his role in shaping the record’s polished, radio-dominant sound.Born and raised in New Jersey to Sri Lankan parents who immigrated to the United States, Rajaratnam initially pursued a pre-med track in New York with aspirations of becoming a doctor, following a traditional path often encouraged within South Asian families. However, midway through his studies, he made the pivotal decision to leave medicine behind and commit fully to music—a passion rooted in childhood visits to Sri Lanka, where he first learned piano at his aunt’s home before expanding to multiple instruments. Determined to build a career in the music industry, he enrolled at Berklee College of Music, earning a degree in audio engineering in 2017. After graduation, he worked his way up through studio roles, eventually becoming an assistant to Kid Harpoon and contributing to major projects, culminating in his breakthrough success as an award-winning engineer on “Flowers.”IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Why “nothing really matters” when trackingTransitioning from pre-med studies to audio engineeringBeing open to diverse projectsBuilding confidence in your skillsHaving flexibility with your workflowAnticipating the next moveWorking on Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers”Making revisions to your songsCompartmentalizing the stages of your workflowWhat great vocal engineering consists ofSetting up your sessions for speedRecording Kings Of LeonGetting solid bass tonesTracking with compressionTo learn more about Brian Rajaratnam, visit: https://www.soundbetter.com/profiles/278196-brian-rajaratnamLooking 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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!
• 
  Nathan Yarborough: Engineering for Heavy Music 04.03.2026 1h 1m

  Nathan Yarborough is a Grammy-nominated recording engineer based in Nashville, TN. His credits include albums from Deftones, Korn, Code Orange, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, and Halestorm. Nathan began his career as a musician who eventually realized he loved the craft of recording more than playing and performing. After attending recording school in North Carolina, he moved to Nashville to look for work in a recording studio. An internship at Blackbird Studio opened the door to a 20-year career and allowed him to learn from some of the best engineers and producers in the industry.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:How Nashville studios record 5 full songs in under 3 hoursTracking live off the floor vs. recording instruments separatelyAdapting your engineering to the production styles of different producersPreserving the signature sound of artists like Deftones, Korn, and Alice In ChainsHow to track drums with a focus on clarity, separation, and body.Finding weird places to put micsSpot-micing cymbalsThe challenge of maintaining phase relationships between multiple micsCapturing heavy guitar tonesTo learn more about Nathan Yarborough, visit: http://nathanyarborough.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.comThe 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/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave 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!