I love music work.
I do all sorts of music work. I play djembe parts for this. I do bass for that. Guitar for this. Writing, singing. I mix/master. I hang out at a private studio two days a week. I have done songwriting coaching. And I like playing live. Hell, I’ll play just to play.
I want all this stuff to be good. My last mixing job reminded me of how I get better the fastest: feedback.
Feedback is crucial.
I may not always do what I’m told concerning feedback, but I am always grateful to get it. I know no one likes doing book reports, but a “hey, this part’s a little loud,” is an amazing assistance. I may be fixated on a number somewhere or a different part. A jolt back to the real world is super helpful.
Feedback in music, academics, even customer service is crucial for the folks trying to develop stuff that’s pleasing or important. There’s creative and technical aspects to what we do that can often feel like spinning plates. Feedback is a valuable tool for isolating and zapping issues.
A note I received this morning.
I received a long and incredibly nice letter this morning about a mix I did and where I messed up on it. They were totally right. Had I slept on the mix, or waited to send off, they’d have never heard it that way. They were so kind to let me fix it. They were also kind to point it out.
I often do not receive feedback on rejected work and the feedback is what I am hoping for. For those that don’t know, if you’re in my shoes and someone doesn’t like the work, they usually vanish. To me, that’s sad. We could edit it or they could tell me what I did wrong. I’m in it to make folks happy. If I don’t know how they feel, it makes it guesswork.
No need to be defensive.
In school you defend your research. In music I’m usually like, “yeah, you got a point.” I’m not attached to these decisions I make. But if I don’t make them, nothing gets done. I’m very happy to go back and change a few after eyes are laid on it besides mine. That’s just how I roll. (People focus on the software but I’m sorry to tell you mixing is about decisions.)
Consider communicating.
If someone does music work for you, consider giving them feedback. From this music worker, feedback is a great tool for getting better. Feedback helps all parties involved on creative endeavors, in my experience.
I want it to be something you’re proud to show the folks in your life. If it ain’t that, tell me. I could fix it. It just happened. So I know what I’m talking about here. lol.
Return to home.
PS:
Even if you reject someone’s work, consider giving them feedback as it pertains to your work. We don’t make much. Help us get better for the next one. Thanks.🙏