163. Using EQ Effectively While Mixing

Ever wondered how to balance motherhood and a career in music without having to choose between the two? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with musician, producer and artist Catherine Anne Davies, also known as The Anchoress, to explore the realities of motherhood in the music industry. Catherine shares her journey through pregnancy loss, raising her daughter while continuing to make music, and navigating the challenges of touring, childcare and creative work. She also offers practical advice on managing time, building a support network and staying creatively productive, while discussing the barriers women and mothers face in the industry and why motherhood should never mean the end of a music career.DistroKid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount on the first year of their annual subscription. Use the following link to redeem your discount: http://distrokid.com/vip/mpwResources 👉 Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership 👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen/ More from The Anchoress: Website: https://www.theanchoress.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanchoressofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/iamtheanchoressLatest Album – As We Once Were: https://iamtheanchoress.bandcamp.com/album/as-we-once-were

Ever wondered how to create a visual identity that truly reflects your sound? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with Malawian artist, producer, DJ, and community organizer Chmba to explore how culture, sound, and personal experiences can shape an artist’s visual world. Chmba shares their journey from making mixtapes in Malawi to performing internationally, how their cultural heritage influences both their music and visuals, and why authenticity and simplicity can be more powerful than perfection. They also discuss creating impactful visuals on a limited budget, embracing genre fluidity and finding creative ways to translate your sound into a visual identity.Resources 👉 Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen/More from CHMBA: Website: https://www.chmbamusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chmbaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv_jz8fpyAo7cBotcfyeTIA

Ever wondered how the role of a music producer has evolved in today’s rapidly changing industry? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with Grammy-nominated producer and mixing engineer Adrian Breakspear to explore the modern producer’s workflow, the impact of remote collaboration, and the balance between technical skills and artistic vision. Adrian shares insights on working with artists, building sustainable creative practices, and the importance of intentionality in sound design and production. Resources 👉 Become a member of MPW:https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomen/More from Adrian Breakspear: Website:https://www.adrianbreakspear.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrian_breakspear_producer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AdrianBreakspear 

Ever wondered why being creative can come with such intense emotional highs and lows, especially in an industry changing so rapidly because of AI? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with clinical psychologist and author Julie Crabtree to explore the connection between creativity, mental health and the growing impact of AI on musicians. Julie shares practical insights on managing anxiety, rejection and negative self-talk, alongside why artists should value their own originality, build strong relationships and develop self-care practices that support a sustainable creative career.Resources 👉 Become a member of MPW:https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration-150571👉 Instagram: / musicproductionforwomen More from Julie Crabtree: Website: https://zebrapsychology.comSubstack: https://substack.com/@drjuliecrabtree

Ever wondered how just five minutes could change the way you approach making music? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with producer, educator and author Brian Funk to explore how small, consistent creative actions can help overcome procrastination and keep you making music. Brian shares the thinking behind The Five Minute Music Producer, alongside practical insights on using limitations to spark creativity, building momentum through action, and focusing on the process rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscription! Use the following link to redeem the discount:⁠ http://distrokid.com/vip/mpw Resources 👉 Become a member of MPW:https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration-150571👉 Instagram: / musicproductionforwomen More from Brian Funk: Website: https://brianfunk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianfunkmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrianFunkMusic 

Ever wondered what makes an artist feel comfortable enough to give their best performance in the studio? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with award-winning producer Greg Haver to explore the psychology behind successful recording sessions. Greg shares how communication, environment, and understanding each artist’s individual needs can shape a performance, alongside practical advice for handling pressure, imposter syndrome, and those moments when a session doesn’t go to plan. Resources 👉 Become a member of MPW:https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration-150571👉 Instagram: / musicproductionforwomen More from Greg Haver: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-haver-producer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greghaver/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gregoryhaver

Ever wondered what it really takes to build an international career in music? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer Chris "Tek" O'Ryan, who shares how perseverance, preparation, and consistently delivering high-quality work helped him go from Australia to working with some of the world's biggest artists. From networking and vocal production to protecting your creative rights, Tek offers practical advice for anyone building a sustainable career in music. Resources 👉 Become a member of MPW:https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/webinar-registration-150571👉 Instagram: / musicproductionforwomen More from Chris “Tek” O’Ryan: Website: https://tekzenmusic.com/about/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tekzenmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TekzenMusic

Ever wondered what Dolby Atmos actually is and why more producers are starting to embrace immersive audio? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with Myles to demystify Dolby Atmos, exploring how it differs from traditional stereo, why it isn't just for major studios, and how producers can start creating immersive mixes using the tools they already have. Whether you're simply curious about spatial audio or considering adding Atmos to your workflow, this conversation breaks down the technology in a practical and approachable way.Resources👉  Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/m...👉 Free Intro to Music Production Masterclass: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/w...👉 Instagram:  / musicproductionforwomen  More from Myles Clarke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylesbclarkeLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mylesbclarke/

What if the secret to a better mix isn't boosting more EQ, but cutting the right frequencies? In this episode, Xylo Aria is joined by renowned audio engineer and author Bobby Owsinski to explore the fundamentals of EQ, covering everything from managing low end and avoiding muddiness to using high-pass filters, dynamic EQ, and critical listening. Resources👉 Grab your free ticket to SoundLab: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/events👉 Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomenMore from Bobby: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyowsinskiWebsite: https://bobbyowsinski.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BobbyOwsinskiMedia

Do you notice how some artists seem to effortlessly juggle the double life of a producer as well? In this episode, Xylo sits down with artist and producer, Emeree, who shares her journey from being a classical musician to becoming a successful producer/artist, offering insights on balancing multiple roles, social media strategies, and maintaining creativity throughout her journey.Resources👉 Grab your free ticket to SoundLab: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/events👉 Become a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicproductionforwomenMore from Emeree: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsemereemusic/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.itsemeree.com