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    Music

    Master Your Mix Podcast

    Helping musicians, engineers and producers create professional recordings and mixes from home so you can showcase your talents in the best way possible and grow your career.

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    Copyright: © 2024 MasterYourMix

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    Latest Episodes:
    David Trumfio: The Future of Studio Ownership May 06, 2026
    Show notes

    Dave Trumfio doesn’t just make records, he builds the rooms where records come alive. A Los Angeles–based producer, mixer, engineer, and musician, Trumfio has quietly shaped decades of indie and alternative music, with a sonic fingerprint that runs through artists like Wilco, Built to Spill, OK Go, and Sia.

    He first broke through in the 90s as co-founder of The Pulsars, a cult synth-pop duo with his brother Harry that earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of greatest one-album wonders. At the same time, he embedded himself in the underground as bassist and co-songwriter for the long-running post-punk collective The Mekons, adding grit to an already unruly legacy.

    Behind the console, Trumfio became a go-to architect for artists chasing character over polish, with credits spanning My Morning Jacket, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Dogstar. But his biggest innovation might be the spaces themselves. As founder of Kingsize Soundlabs, he pioneered a modern “producer-driven” studio model, later expanding that vision through partnerships with Gold-Diggers and 64 Sound, blending hospitality, community, and high-end recording into a new creative ecosystem.

    Outside the studio, he channels his restless energy into Damaged Disco, a label and LA event series steeped in post-punk and darkwave, while continuing to release music as Nervous Boy and perform electronic sets as DAT68.

    Trumfio’s career is less a straight line and more a feedback loop, artist, engineer, entrepreneur, repeat. The common thread: a lifelong obsession with sound, and the instinct to build the culture around it, not just capture it.

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    • Should you start your own studio or use existing studios?
    • Why he sold a $300K+ Neve console and what he replaced it with
    • The 5-year industry cycle that dictates which studios survive
    • Why the "if you build it, they will come" mentality kills most studios
    • The real reason big studios are disappearing (and what's replacing them)
    • Why "greatest hits" gear beats boutique esoteric pieces every time
    • How AI is pushing everything toward perfection will create demand for raw, human recordings
    • The one thing you need to invest in if you're starting a studio today
    • Future-proofing your studio

    To learn more about David Trumfio, visit: https://www.kingsizesoundlabs.com/

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    • The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    • The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

    Subscribe to the show:

    • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    • Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    • Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/

    Thanks for listening!


    Mike Schuppan: Why Great Engineers Don't Chase Perfection Apr 29, 2026
    Show notes

    Mike Schuppan is a Los Angeles–based mix engineer, recording engineer, and producer with over 20 years of experience working across alternative, pop, electronic, and experimental music. Originally from Nashville, he developed his career through hands-on studio work and long-term collaborations with producer and multi-instrumentalist Justin Meldal-Johnsen, contributing to both recording sessions and live touring environments.

    Over the years, Schuppan has built a diverse and high-level discography, working with artists such as Paramore, M83, Lady Gaga, Poppy, Jimmy Eat World, and Ziggy Marley. His credits span major-label releases, Grammy-winning projects, and records that have achieved gold and platinum status. His work on Paramore’s self-titled album and After Laughter, along with M83’s Fantasy, highlights his ability to navigate sonically dense, emotionally driven productions while maintaining clarity and musicality.

    Schuppan is known for a mix style that emphasizes feel, depth, and translation—balancing modern polish with the integrity of the original performance. Whether working on layered pop productions or more organic alternative records, he focuses on preserving emotional intent while ensuring mixes translate across streaming platforms and playback systems.

    In addition to music releases, he has also contributed to film and television projects as a score mixer and engineer, reflecting a broader technical range that extends beyond traditional record production. His career represents a hybrid of classic studio engineering and modern mixing workflows, making him especially relevant to today’s generation of producers working across both analog and in-the-box environments.

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    • Why Mike records way more microphones than he'll ever use (and how it saves his mixes later)
    • The exact session layout he borrowed that he still uses on every project
    • How he decides when to go minimal vs. using complex setups
    • Why thinking about the mix during tracking is the only way to avoid "fix it later" disasters
    • His approach to creating space and depth without losing clarity in dense productions
    • Finding problematic, masking frequencies
    • How he knows when a mix is actually done
    • Why his goal is to never be "the best" at anything
    • The one frequency range he's obsessed with on bass
    • His go-to bass micing setup
    • Working with artists like Paramore, Ziggy Marley, and M83
    • Incorporating feedback into your process

    To learn more about Mike Schuppan, visit: https://www.mikeschuppan.com/

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    • The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    • The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

    Subscribe to the show:

    • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    • Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    • Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/

    Thanks for listening!


    Sonny DiPerri: Why the Best Engineers Get Out of the Way Apr 22, 2026
    Show notes

    As a producer, engineer, and mixer, Sonny DiPerri has worked alongside artists such as Nothing, She’s Green, Julie, Narrowhead, Wisp, DIIV, Animal Collective, Late Night Drive Home, These New Puritans, Deradoorian, Protomartyr, Emma Ruth Rundle, Portugal. The Man, Lord Huron, The Drums, Dirty Projectors, and many more.

    A third-generation drummer, DiPerri started playing in bands and studying music at an early age. He quickly discovered he was fascinated by the studio, leaving band life behind and pursuing a career as an engineer. He moved from Boston to LA, quickly landing an apprenticeship for legendary British record producer Flood, working with 30 Seconds to Mars. Excited by the experience and atmosphere of the studio, he took Flood up on the offer of an assistant position, moving to London, where he assisted both Flood and Alan Moulder.

    Upon his return to Los Angeles, Sonny worked as an engineer for Trent Reznor, My Bloody Valentine, M83, Dave Sardy, and David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors, among others. Sonny now splits his time between producing and mixing.

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    • How Sonny went from zero studio experience to apprenticing under Flood on a 30 Seconds to Mars record as his first ever credit.
    • The session prep approach he's used for nearly two decades
    • Why he never dials in a sound in solo
    • Why he spends more time in pre-production than he does actually making the album — and how that makes tracking faster and more focused
    • What the "inversions" process with Animal Collective actually looked like in practice
    • How he handled working alongside Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Alessandro Cortini — running a room with multiple synchronized computers
    • The "overnight mix" technique
    • Why he thinks every engineer should make at least one record under serious limitations — and what that teaches you about commitment
    • Why you should always "mix like you're already getting fired"

    To learn more about Sonny Diperri, visit: https://www.sonnyrecordsthings.com/

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    • The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    • The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

    Subscribe to the show:

    • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    • Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    • Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/

    Thanks for listening!


    Justin Gray: Breaking Into the Songwriting Industry Apr 15, 2026
    Show notes

    Justin Gray is a Canadian born/ LA based Songwriter, Producer & Composer. The breadth of credits & accolades during his 20+ year career has him considered among an elite group of creators in the music and entertainment landscape.

    Accumulating 8+ billion global streams from his artist collaborations & development projects, Gray has found success with some of the world's biggest stars such as Mariah Carey, John Legend, Avril Lavigne & even Glen Campbell. Justin’s work has appeared on countless influential playlists, had multiple viral hits, Top 10 Shazamed songs, and dozens of global number ones with artists like New Zealand’s Six60, K-pop superstars NCT 127 and SuperM, as well as China’s Chris Lee and Roy Wong. Justin is also well-known as an early collaborator of Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone.

    Beyond his frontline success, he has earned a reputation as a true developer of talent, as well as being one of the most sought-after songwriters and producers for Film and TV in the world.

    His extensive reach in Sync licensing has landed 100’s of placements in Film, TV, Ads, and Video Games. Justin’s music and productions have appeared in trailers and in-picture on scores of projects, including Toy Story 4, Lego Movie: Ninjago, Hocus Pocus 2, Grey’s Anatomy, Bull, and The L Word; with key partners such as Netflix, Paramount, Hulu, Starz, and Disney. Some of the brands having used Justin’s music include Target, AT&T, Nissan, and NordicTrack.

    2022 was a pivotal year, as Justin co-composed the score and wrote original music for the film, ‘Spinning Gold’ (a biopic of Casablanca Records Founder, Neil Bogart: only in theaters March 31, 2023), where he also serves as a co-producer on the film. He also wrote and performed the theme for Netflix Jr’s “Big Tree City Rescue.”

    2023 finds Justin writing, producing, and composing the full original motion picture soundtrack and score with long-time creative collaborator Evan Bogart (and other half of Bogart & Gray) for the film “Verona” (currently in production), where again, he is not only an executive music producer, but also a co-producer of the film.

    Being a successful creator is only part of this professional entrepreneur. Justin is also the Founder and CEO of a music tech start-up, SonifyMusic.ai, as well as Co-Founder of the music publishing & talent management venture, Anti Gravity Entertainment.

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    • Why writing “bad” songs is actually the fastest way to improve
    • How to get into songwriting rooms (even if you’re not a great writer yet)
    • The importance of building a broad skillset—and how it makes you more valuable
    • How to figure out whether you should write for yourself or for others
    • Why community matters more than talent in the long run
    • How to start songwriting sessions without wasting hours
    • The hidden “hierarchy” in the room—and how to navigate it
    • When to push for your idea… and when to let it go

    To learn more about Justin Gray, visit: https://www.iamjustingray.com/ and https://www.sonifymusic.ai/

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    • The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    • The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

    Subscribe to the show:

    • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    • Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    • Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/

    Thanks for listening!


    Dave Fortman: Focusing on the Song Above All Else Apr 08, 2026
    Show notes

    Dave Fortman is an American record producer, songwriter, and musician, recognized for his role as guitarist in the hard rock band Ugly Kid Joe and for producing and mixing albums for prominent acts in the rock and metal genres, including Evanescence's Fallen (2003), Slipknot's All Hope Is Gone (2008), and Godsmack's The Oracle (2010).

    Born in Orlando, Florida, Fortman began his music career as a guitarist with Ugly Kid Joe, contributing to their albums America's Least Wanted (1992), which achieved double platinum status, Menace to Sobriety (1995), and Motel California (1996). The band's breakthrough hit "Everything About You" from America's Least Wanted reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992 after featuring in the film Wayne's World.

    Transitioning to production, Fortman co-owned Balance Productions and worked on projects for metal and alternative rock artists, including Mudvayne's The New Game (2008), Superjoint Ritual's Use Once and Destroy (2002), and Eyehategod's Confederacy of Ruined Lives (2000). His production on Evanescence's debut album Fallen sold over 17 million copies worldwide and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004. Fortman's engineering and mixing credits also extend to 12 Stones, Boysetsfire, Crowbar, Otep, and Simple Plan.

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    • Why most “mix problems” are actually arrangement problems
    • What to listen for when evaluating your own songs
    • How to make songs more engaging without adding more layers
    • The biggest mistake people make when giving feedback
    • How to suggest changes without killing the vibe in a session
    • Why referencing other songs is the fastest way to improve
    • Dave’s exact approach to pre-production and decision-making

    To learn more about Dave Fortman, visit: https://www.davefortman.com/

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    • The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    • The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

    Subscribe to the show:

    • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    • Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    • Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/

    Thanks for listening!


    Bobbi Giel: Knowing Your Gear Apr 01, 2026
    Show notes

    Bobbi Giel is a mastering engineer based in Nashville, Tennessee. She relocated to Nashville in October 2017 and spent four years at Georgetown Masters, where she trained under Chief Mastering Engineer Andrew Mendelson. In 2022, she was named Head Mastering Engineer at Welcome to 1979, a multi-faceted, analog-centric studio offering both digital and vinyl mastering services.

    Bobbi began her career at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Production and Technology in 2015 with a concentration in Classical Piano and a minor in Business Administration. She then spent two years working across a range of recording and post-production studios in New York City, including MSR Studios (now Sound on Sound Studios in Montclair, New Jersey), Atlantic Records’ Atlantic Studios, and LVLY Studios.

    In addition to her mastering work, Bobbi is a member of the Audio Engineering Society and the Producers & Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy. Her mastering credits - spanning both digital and vinyl formats - include artists such as Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Paramore, Kehlani, Tinashe, Zac Brown Band, and Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown.

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    • Finding niche industries in audio
    • Learning production before mastering
    • Fixing mastering issues in the tracking stage vs later stages
    • Do your mix levels matter?
    • Boosting vs cutting with EQ
    • Finding the input gain sweetspot with gear/plugins
    • When to use analog vs digital gear in a hybrid mastering setup
    • How the level you listen at affects how you hear your mix
    • Finding reference tracks to compare your mix to
    • Prepping for vinyl cutting
    • The differences between digital and vinyl masters
    • Recording directly to vinyl

    To learn more about Bobbi Giel, visit: https://welcometo1979.com/mastering/

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    • The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    • The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

    Subscribe to the show:

    • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    • Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    • Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com

    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/

    Thanks for listening!


    Barrett Jones: Getting Mix-Ready Sounds During Tracking Mar 25, 2026
    Show notes

    Barrett Jones is a veteran producer, engineer, Musician and studio owner whose work helped shape the sound of modern alternative rock. A native of Arlington, Virginia, Jones founded Laundry Room Studio in 1984 — originally built in the laundry room of his childhood home — and established the studio as a creative hub for D.C. punk and indie acts before relocating to Seattle in the early 1990s. Jones recorded early sessions with a young Dave Grohl and went on to produce three Nirvana tracks and to produce and engineer the Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut, an LP recorded over an intense five-day run in 1994. That debut later sold more than 1.5 million copies.

    Across four decades, Jones has combined technical curiosity with a musician’s sensibility, moving seamlessly between tape-era tracking and modern production workflows. His credits span influential artists and scenes: Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Melvins, Jimmy Eat World, Presidents of the United States of America, and contributions from members of Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others. Jones has also toured as a live and studio engineer and served as drum tech and sound engineer on major tours early in his career.

    Laundry Room Studio — the recording studio Jones has operated since the 1980s in multiple homes and locations between Arlington and Seattle — remains central to his work. Since 2007, Laundry Room studio has been located in a custom-built area in Barrett’s home in Seattle, featuring multiple live rooms, iso booths, and a large control room that attracts both established artists and rising acts. Recent and ongoing projects include work with musicians across rock, folk, and indie genres; Jones is known for his ability to capture raw performances while bringing clarity and musical balance to recordings.

    With a lifelong commitment to hands-on recording, Jones blends old-school tape-era techniques with modern mixing and production tools, prioritizing performance, tone, and emotional immediacy. He remains active as a producer, mixer, and session musician, and continues to run Laundry Room Studio as a creative home for artists looking for an organic, performance-first approach to recording.

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    1. Being a self-taught engineer
    2. Recording the first Foo Fighters record
    3. Being set up for efficiencies
    4. Getting the mix sound at the tracking stage
    5. His go-to approach for guitars and drums
    6. How to get fuzzy, yet articulate guitar tones
    7. The Can: The mysterious, rare amp used on the first Foo Fighters record, made out of a gas can
    8. The importance of room sounds for drums
    9. The mic trick he uses for getting small drum rooms to feel bigger

    To learn more about Barrett Jones, visit: https://www.laundryroomstudio.com/

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    1. The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    2. The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/


    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K


    Subscribe to the show:

    1. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    2. Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    3. Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix


    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com


    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/


    Thanks for listening!


    Monte Vallier: Being Creative as a Differentiator Mar 18, 2026
    Show notes

    Monte Vallier is a San Francisco–based producer, mixer, and audio engineer known for his adventurous approach to sound and his ability to bring out the character and identity of the artists he works with. His career began as a bassist in the early post-punk/indie scene, first touring with his band Half Church before joining the acclaimed 1990s group Swell. After years of recording and performing internationally, Vallier shifted his focus behind the console, developing a reputation for creative recording techniques, unconventional mic placements, and a deep commitment to capturing emotion and uniqueness in every project.

    Today, Vallier operates Ruminator Audio, where he continues to collaborate with an eclectic range of artists, including Wax Idols, Weekend, The Soft Moon, Tommy Guerrero, Los Days, and Oxbow. His work spans production, recording, mixing, and mastering—reflecting a holistic understanding of the craft shaped by decades of experience both onstage and in the studio. Known for blending experimentation with meticulous sonic detail, Vallier is recognized as a versatile, artist-focused collaborator whose mixes and productions consistently elevate the musical vision at hand.

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    1. Running a studio on your own terms vs working for someone else
    2. Using commercial work to cover the bills so you can afford to work with smaller bands
    3. The impact of AI in music licensing
    4. How to differentiate yourself from AI
    5. Embracing imperfections/uniqueness
    6. Using reamping as a creative tool
    7. Creating ambience in a mix
    8. Using contrast to evoke a 3D feel to a mix
    9. Creative ways to experiment with a track

    To learn more about Monte Vallier, visit: https://ruminatoraudio.com/

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    1. The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    2. The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/


    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K


    Subscribe to the show:

    1. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    2. Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    3. Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix


    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com


    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/


    Thanks for listening!


    Brian Rajaratnam: Engineering Great Vocals Mar 11, 2026
    Show notes

    Brian Rajaratnam is an American audio engineer best known for his Grammy-winning work on Flowers by Miley Cyrus. He won a Grammy Award at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for his contributions to the global hit, collaborating alongside Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson, Michael Pollack, Spike Stent, and Joe LaPorta. The song became one of the most commercially successful releases of 2023, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify and earning six Grammy nominations. Rajaratnam received two nominations connected to the project and was ultimately recognized in the Best Engineer/Mixer category for his role in shaping the record’s polished, radio-dominant sound.

    Born and raised in New Jersey to Sri Lankan parents who immigrated to the United States, Rajaratnam initially pursued a pre-med track in New York with aspirations of becoming a doctor, following a traditional path often encouraged within South Asian families. However, midway through his studies, he made the pivotal decision to leave medicine behind and commit fully to music—a passion rooted in childhood visits to Sri Lanka, where he first learned piano at his aunt’s home before expanding to multiple instruments. Determined to build a career in the music industry, he enrolled at Berklee College of Music, earning a degree in audio engineering in 2017. After graduation, he worked his way up through studio roles, eventually becoming an assistant to Kid Harpoon and contributing to major projects, culminating in his breakthrough success as an award-winning engineer on “Flowers.”

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    1. Why “nothing really matters” when tracking
    2. Transitioning from pre-med studies to audio engineering
    3. Being open to diverse projects
    4. Building confidence in your skills
    5. Having flexibility with your workflow
    6. Anticipating the next move
    7. Working on Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers”
    8. Making revisions to your songs
    9. Compartmentalizing the stages of your workflow
    10. What great vocal engineering consists of
    11. Setting up your sessions for speed
    12. Recording Kings Of Leon
    13. Getting solid bass tones
    14. Tracking with compression

    To learn more about Brian Rajaratnam, visit: https://www.soundbetter.com/profiles/278196-brian-rajaratnam

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    1. The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    2. The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/


    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K


    Subscribe to the show:

    1. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    2. Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    3. Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix


    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com


    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/


    Thanks for listening!


    Nathan Yarborough: Engineering for Heavy Music Mar 04, 2026
    Show notes

    Nathan Yarborough is a Grammy-nominated recording engineer based in Nashville, TN. His credits include albums from Deftones, Korn, Code Orange, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, and Halestorm. Nathan began his career as a musician who eventually realized he loved the craft of recording more than playing and performing. After attending recording school in North Carolina, he moved to Nashville to look for work in a recording studio. An internship at Blackbird Studio opened the door to a 20-year career and allowed him to learn from some of the best engineers and producers in the industry.

    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

    1. How Nashville studios record 5 full songs in under 3 hours
    2. Tracking live off the floor vs. recording instruments separately
    3. Adapting your engineering to the production styles of different producers
    4. Preserving the signature sound of artists like Deftones, Korn, and Alice In Chains
    5. How to track drums with a focus on clarity, separation, and body.
    6. Finding weird places to put mics
    7. Spot-micing cymbals
    8. The challenge of maintaining phase relationships between multiple mics
    9. Capturing heavy guitar tones

    To learn more about Nathan Yarborough, visit: http://nathanyarborough.com/

    Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

    Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

    https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

    Want additional help with your music productions?

    For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

    Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

    Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

    1. The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
    2. The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/


    Check out our Sponsors:

    Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K


    Subscribe to the show:

    1. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
    2. Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
    3. Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix


    Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

    Send them to questions@masteryourmix.com


    Please leave a rating and review:

    https://masteryourmix.com/review/


    Thanks for listening!


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