#208 - Overcoming the Curse of Perfectionism

In this episode, Carl shares his recent experience creating a backing track for a high-stakes live event. Discover how mixing for a live venue requires a complete shift in priorities and techniques compared to crafting tracks for streaming platforms. From exaggerating dynamics to strategically reinforcing rhythmic elements, you'll learn about how to empower performers and electrify live audiences. Get ready to expand your mixing toolkit and approach your next project with a whole new perspective!Topics we discuss:Why standard mixing techniques can fall flat in a live arenaThe counterintuitive approach to dynamics that makes backing tracks pop in a huge venueHow to strategically reinforce rhythmic elements to keep performers locked in, even in chaotic live conditionsThe secret-sauce of great gang vocalsWhy clear communication about mix decisions is crucial when working with non-audio professionalsConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss how their respective backgrounds as a bassist and a drummer shape their approach to music production and mixing. They delve into the influence of their live performance experiences and traditional training on their production techniques, emphasizing intentionality and minimalism. Topics we discuss:Intentionality and minimalismPacing and instrumentationSimplicity in arrangements - adding character, not clutter The physicality of low end in mixingConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss the transition from being live performers to working in the studio. They share personal anecdotes and insights into the skills and experiences that have informed their studio work, such as checking egos, understanding tempo, effective communication, conflict resolution, and the importance of arrangement. They also highlight the unique nuances of live versus studio performances and how knowing many songs can expand creative possibilities.Topics we discuss:Serving the song and checking the ego at the doorThe importance of tempo Interpersonal skills and conflict resolutionLive arrangements and studio adaptationsLearning songs efficientlyConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Join Ben and Carl for a peek behind the podcast curtain as they reflect on the journey of Secret Sonics and explore exciting new directions for the show. In this candid conversation, they share their vision for weaving in fresh perspectives through guest interviews while preserving the magic of their duo dynamic. Discover the thought process behind the show's evolution and learn how you, the listener, can help shape the future of Secret Sonics. Get ready for an insider's look at building a podcast that educates, entertains, and empowers the music community.Connect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Teamwork really DOES make the dream work. In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into assembling a roster of pros who can take your projects to the next level. From identifying the right specialists for each song to fostering a culture of trust and creative alchemy, you'll learn how to build a team that amplifies your strengths and delivers even better results. Let your ego take a backseat to the joy of synergy in action.Topics we discuss:Why even top producers and engineers outsource tasks to specialized prosHow to identify and articulate the unique skills each song needs to level upThe art of pitching collaborative productions to clients for a win-win-win outcomeWhy checking your ego at the door is the key to unlocking your team's full potentialThe surprising joy and freedom that comes from letting go of "doing it all" and leaning into your genius zoneConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Are you constantly chasing the elusive "perfect" mix or agonizing over every tiny detail in your productions? In this episode, Ben and Carl share their hard-won insights on overcoming perfectionist tendencies that can stifle creativity and slow progress to a crawl. They share practical strategies for breaking free from the perfectionist's curse, trusting your instincts, and embracing the imperfections that make music magic. Topics we discuss:Why striving for perfection can be the biggest obstacle to finishing strong mixesHow to recognize when perfectionism is masquerading as procrastinationThe surprising upsides of working with imperfect audio in the early stages of your careerWhy imposing strict deadlines could be the secret to banishing perfectionist paralysis for goodThe liberating power of the "80% mix" mindset for nailing vibe and avoiding overthinkingConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Ben and Carl delve into their go-to songs for mix references across various aspects of sound including bottom end, top end, mid-range, depth, stereo field, dynamic range, and transients. They explore a wide range of music from artists like Radiohead, Adele, Daft Punk, and Billie Eilish, to name a few, providing insights into why these tracks serve as the perfect benchmarks for assessing and achieving the desired sound quality in their own mixes. Topics we discuss:The Art of Selecting Reference TracksAnalyzing Room Acoustics and Speaker QualityThe Pensado's Place Inspired Challenge: Analyzing Music CharacteristicsReference Mixes for Individual InstrumentsThe Wow Factor MixOur Benchmark Personal MixesListen to our Ultimate Mix Reference Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KNQgSPwNoRaNadSYvc65E?si=d2876096fe7141aeConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Does music theory belong in the mixing engineer's toolbox? In this rapid-fire episode, Ben and Carl explore the surprising ways a solid grasp of music theory can elevate your mixes from amateur to awesome. Discover how to wield the power of harmony, melody, and chord progressions to troubleshoot tricky mix issues, enhance arrangements, and take your productions to the next level!Topics we discuss:The #1 mix element that most often requires music theory interventionHow to use your theory chops to create complimentary arrangements that solve masking and clutterThe simple music theory move that can add instant harmonic interest and sophistication to basic progressionsWhy experimenting with keys and tempos is a critical (but often overlooked) part of the production processHow to leverage your knowledge of scales and intervals to melodically Melodyne your way out of any mix disasterConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

Want to know how to create release-ready mixes with confidence every single time? In this episode, Ben and Carl reveal their approaches for achieving reliable mix consistency no matter the song. Discover the mindset shifts, little-known technical tricks, and proven workflow strategies that will help you nail your mix vision faster, with fewer frustrating detours and do-overs. Get ready to level up your consistency and mix with confidence!Topics we discuss:The simple monitoring move that will jumpstart your ability to make confident mix decisionsHow your mix bus processing chain could be sabotaging your consistencyA counterintuitive mix approach that ensures your choruses always deliver the right emotional impactWhy your favorite mix engineers never mix a song from start to finishThe critical mix buss metering insights that take the guesswork out of gain staging and balancingConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/

In this week's episode, Ben and Carl unmask the mystery of masking (pun very much intended). They talk about frequency masking, rhythmic masking, transient masking, and more. There are plenty of "aha!" moments that will change the way you approach mixing, so tune in now and elevate your mixes from cluttered to crystal-clear!Topics we discuss:The little-known mixing villain that's sabotaging your mixes (hint: it's not just frequency masking!)How to diagnose and eliminate "rhythmic masking" to unlock airtight groovesThe #1 rookie mixing mistake that's holding your mixes back - and how to break the habit for goodWhy muting is the most underrated weapon in your mixing arsenal (and how to wield it like a pro)The simple stereo field trick that can eliminate muddiness and clutter in seconds flatConnect with us:Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonicsBen - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/Thanks to our sponsors!Progressions with Travis Ference - https://www.progressionspodcast.com/listenLearn more:https://www.benwallick.com/https://www.carlbahner.com/370 Social Media Ideas for Studio Pros - https://branding.carlbahner.com/free-social-media-promptsThis episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/