A lot of artists and singer-songwriters are using loops to create their songs. This is a creative, easy, and fun way to get ideas going. However, often these loops need help to work together. They must create a coherent and consistent mix and production. This ensures they don’t distract listeners or feel wrong. In this example, the two separate drum loops used had very different kick sounds. So, I added a sample from my library, originally from my OP1, to the softer drum loop. This was done to make it feel more similar. Sometimes being a mix engineer means doing more than just balancing exactly the tracks I’m sent. This is where I draw on my Production and Musical skills and knowledge but also my strong ear that notices these things.
Tag: record producer
level up your logic pro drum production
new release – the end by cherry june
Mixing & additional production by me
Really enjoyed working on The End by Cherry June which came out on 27th June. A poignant, melancholy & dreamy indie folk song inspired by Phoebe Bridgers & Lucy Dacus. Written & recorded by Cherry June. Additional production, mixing & mastering by me. Bass, drums & synths by me. Guitars, vocals & synths by Cherry June.
produce faster with a default channel strip
This piece of content is for anyone using a DAW to create music who’s Ok with things being a bit less fiddly.
THE ALTERNATE UNIVERSE OF SMALL MIRACLES BY DAMON BROCK
Damon Brock, Small Miracles. Recorded, arranged, produced and mixed by me. The brief and vision for this was for the source sounds to all be ‘real’ instruments but to use effects, editing and processing to add layers of other-worldly atmospheres. To create a sense of space within an alternate, warped reality. At it’s root, the song has a fairly traditional melody and harmony and Damon didn’t want this EP to veer too far from a ‘band’ sound (I did get a bit carried away on this one tbh). The track count is pretty low & the overall sound feels like a blend of the familiar with the unfamiliar. . Vocals & acoustic guitar by Damon Brock Electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass, keys, drums & percussion by Steve Baker
music ‘me time’ – making a track on the fly in the studio.
mixing technique tutorial: use filters to create space and focus.
Just finished the mix for a beautiful song by Beth Sarah (unreleased). I used a low pass filter on the guitars. This keeps the focus on the vocal and gives the song a warm and welcoming feel.
production walkthrough – country urban dance pop (?)
First time for everything! Had a blast co-writing, arranging, producing, recording and mixing a Country tinged, urban dance pop track for a client whose references included the recent #beyoncé album. 12k streams so far (Spotify) but we still don’t know what genre it is. Never heard or made anything like it! Here’s a short edit of my production walk-through for those with short attention spans (so everyone!). Comment if you know the genre too.
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Track: Hazel Jean. Commissioned to launch fashion brand Hazel Jean
production breakdown – hazel jean by de’jon.
Only the real music production nerds will be interested in this 9 minute production breakdown. If that’s you, stick around for some inspiration. There is no bait or clever engagement tricks. It’s just me showing what I’ve made for the artist and fashion brand owner, De’Jon from @hazeljeanhq. Comment if you know what genre this song is! Want to work with me on your music? HMU:
the artist and songwriter’s goals for their music frames the entire production & mixing process
When I’m producing for an artist, it’s important to find out their goals, listen to their reference tracks and have a good pre-production session – all of this before I start building the initial track. I’m setting things up for success & staying on track. What are your goals for your next song or album? Work with me on your songs. I help solo artists, singer-songwriters and bands to sound better than they imagined.
Steve Baker 