My reference is a little different.
I try to vibe with as much music as possible. It’s because I want to help on as much music as possible. It’s part of being of service on a song. Many folks don’t realize that we are in service to the artists and songwriters BEFORE the audience. I think that’s important to point out. It’s how you get work. It’s also actually what we are supposed to do.
There’s arguments online about reference tracks. I do not wish to enter that fray. I will say, it’s just listening, how does that hurt anything? But I’m talking about what the artists and writers listen to themselves and what they listen on. They’re going to love it if it sounds good in that realm.
I listen to a lot of music, several hours a day. But if you hire me, and I don’t know what you’re listening to, I’m going to have a hard time dialing in a custom order. I want it to sound great on your stuff in-between the artists already getting play there. So I ask, then I listen on my stuff. THAT is my reference. The audience doesn’t pay me anything. I’m a contractor for the folks who pay me. It makes sense to me that way.
Get your money’s worth.
I’ve hired a ton of mixing and mastering and ended up doing it myself not because of someone’s ability, but their decisions. They were making uninformed decisions and passing it off as experience or superior knowledge. Without a doubt, this kind of relationship ends in turmoil. It’s unfulfilling for the artist.
Goals.
I am rooting for new music. I want it to blow me away. I want success for everyone. If it comes out and you love it, that’s success. Job well done. The audience agreeing with you has nothing to do with that. A successful job is making the artists happy. Period.
I’m an artist too. My goal is to carve on something a while until I like what I hear. Sometimes I have the ability for that. Sometimes I don’t. I’m fortunate to know a network of artists and technicians who help me a lot. Thanks. 🙏. Being told “no” from a technician I’m paying doesn’t sit well with me. So now I’m a technician too.
Key Thought..
We all have ways we do things. Sometimes they’re our own way. I don’t think we should be so quick to abandon our way for their way. We know what we want, but does anyone know what “they” want? If I’m gambling, I’m betting more folks agree with the artists preferences than my guesses. Always. Every single time. How the hell is anyone supposed to know what a hit will be? It’s not coming from the mixer, it’s coming from the artist. So their idea is the path to the end product. Not mine.
Even in production, I’m only helping with the wrapping on the present. The artist is still the gift. Their message, their ideas come forward, hopefully, and no one notices me. That’s what makes me happy. I helped them be them. I’m okay there. It feels good to give that away.
In Summary,
To summarize, if you work for artists, consider their ideas and preferences mixed with your abilities. Not the other way around.
Return home.
PS: If you have listened to any of the stuff I post and like it and think I could help on a project, I’d be down for that. Gimme’ a holler, Email [email protected].
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