MIXING AND PRODUCTION

Article by Carla Acheson.

There are no hard and fast rules on creating a 'good' or 'bad' song. After all, one mans meat is another man's poison, and what you might consider to be a 'terrible' song, another listener may worship with passion.

There is though, a few flexible rules and guidelines as to how to make a song sound well mixed and produced. An awful song that is well produced will at least gain credit on production. A great song that is badly mixed or produced is a downright shame.

Whilst we all have a different idea at least, on how we like our sounds to be perceived, there are some of us who will always say to ourselves 'Could this have been better?' Well depending on your level of expertise and experience, the answer could either be yes or no, but it is more likely correct to say: 'It can always sound 'different'....In fact, you can take one song and have a variety of different versions. Each version focusing and enhancing different instruments. The end result should be the one that pleases the producer most or just simply sounds 'right' to him.

To get the most benefit out of mixing a song, (if one can be bothered), is to go about producing various versions of it. Within each mix aim to enhance different aspects. One version may bring the percussive elements to the fore whilst a different mix of the same track may focus more on the stringed elements. By producing a few different versions of the same song you will ultimately be able to pick out the best perception of your overall track. If you happen to like all the versions you have produced, then you have problems! There are people who do this method though quite frequently, they ask other people's opinions as to which version they felt did the song most justice! At the end of the day although it may seem tiresome, whilst producing a nice variety of mixes, the practice gained in the art of mixing itself is completely invaluable.

How Long Does Mixing Take?

There are no hard and fast rules either as to how long it takes to mix a song. It is all dependent on how experienced the engineer is, how fast he/she works, and how much work there is involved to begin with. A simple song of two or three instruments could take less than an hour. Or a song with 120 audio tracks may well take over a week. If you are doing it yourself though the idea is to start practicing, and do so on a regular basis, as well as remembering to cross-reference your mix with those types of songs in a similar style and listening to your mix on different systems!

Again, there are no rules to how the end result should be, but use your 'ears' as your guide and trust your musical instincts to direct you. Do not be afraid of 'getting it wrong'. Getting it right may take some time. In fact most professional engineers can tell you that they sometimes still get it wrong. Testament to that fact are some of the terribly mixed songs that have been heard commercially.

Some producers will never be fully satisfied that their song is finally finished until they have passed it onto the hands of a pro-producer to polish up. This is perfectly acceptable for those who can afford expensive studio time and engineers. For the majority of bedroom musicians this avenue is usually impossible. There is wisdom in passing a track to a fresh pair of ears for evaluation, they can pin point any problems in structure/technique and overall dynamics which the less experienced mixer can overlook. But they only got where they did with infinite practice! You can do the same if you really want to be serious about it.

Genre/ Structure

You will notice that dependent on the genre of music, the structure tends to follow certain rules unless one is completely free from rigidness of any sort and produces something totally out of the norm. Take Pop for instance, we know how we are bound to find a hook of some nature, a catchy melody line, and with the classification of 'Pop' we will usually get lyrics which somehow stick in your mind like' bees to the honey'. Even pop has somehow extended itself into sub categories, pop vocals, acoustic pop, pop/rock.

Generally though, lyrics are repeated incessantly (especially in the Chorus) to ensure that we remember the song well and be reminded of it again and again, therefore ensuring good sales! The Pop industry is renowned for throwing out commercially catchy songs left, right and centre, albeit to many diverse musicians' annoyance. The trance/dance industry gave way to powerful bass and drums followed by highly catchy atmospheric synth lines. Country focuses on good old american values and rhythmic guitars with those twangy vocals. Rock is designed to make your hair stand on end with its powerful peformance and head banging attributes!

Each genre will produce its own cult following, and the creation of new genres and sub-genres each day only accentuates the talented progression of new and inspiring musicians.

Where Does My Music Fit?

As for you, the unsigned artist. You are as free as a bird. Whilst your latest track may seem genre-less you will no doubt fall into some category or other should the music industry get their hands on it. In my honest opinion I recommend that if you do make music as a beloved hobby then don't worry about any of that hype. You can take the view that there is only ONE YOU AND YOUR MUSIC so you don't necessarily have to fit your songs in anywhere at all. Should you wish to pursue a more serious career in music it may be wise to mould your music in and around a genre that suits and reflects your expression best, concentrating on where your talents best lie. If you are a great guitarist, then showcase that talent with some high quality rock or if you are a great and versatile singer, then you can do just about anything!

What Is Popular?

A song which plays on the radio every day doesn't always mean that it is a 'good' song or does it? In fact some of the worst songs are the most popular and why is this?

Partly because the industry has the power to ram it down our throats day in, day out, and we - the music consuming public - are hypnotised into learning it. Once the song has sunk deep into our brains enough, we then have to decide whether we love it or hate it! In alot of cases the decision is already made for us. We hate it, but we can't stop singing it either! Even terrible songs make for huge marketing success, simply because word gets around that it IS so terrible, we must all go and check it out to see why! The terrible song then becomes a very 'popular' terrible song. After all, there is no such thing as bad publicity!

Tastes in music are as diverse as tastes in food. You can guarantee that no matter how wonderful your dance track is there is always going to be people who utterly hate it and vice versa. Do not let this put you off. If Dance music is where your heart lies, then go with your destiny. There are people who produce music which neither suits their abilities or skills, but simply because they feel it is the next up-and-coming thing. At the end of the day only you can decide which stone you want to stand on and why you are doing what you do!

How Do I Make That Killer Track?

Surprisingly some of the best tracks ever heard of (or still unheard of) are simply raised to the throne by word of mouth. It is much like a disease, once one person is badly infected, the disease continues to spread on and on. Many people would never have bet on a song becoming so popular that it would eventually become an all time classic. Never say never is the phrase! But don't bet your wages on it either. There a lot of reasons behind single success. Many are to do with marketing, advertising, big bucks poured ridiculously into one song/act and a hype and buzz created that is beyond control. I can faithfully hear many killer tracks hidden away in unsigned musicians. The only problem there is that they don't have the necessary resources or backing to make it so. That isn't to say that the track isn't a killer track! ;)

Why Try So Hard?

Ah, because music makes the world go round, it makes our hearts sing and our minds drift on to places we have never heard of. If everyone was in it just for money and fame, there'd be a hell of a lot less songs and musicians around. Fortunately though, going back to basics, there will never be a greater feeling than that of creating something unique and special (even if only we think so). Most of us can always keep our dreams and feelings of hope alive, and at same time enjoy the experience and expression under our own control. Musicians are incredibly deep emotional beings, who like to express themselves through their craft.

Remember it is not the destination but the whole journey!

Enjoy the ride!! 

By Carla Acheson 

If you are intent on learning a little more on how to compose a great song, I recommend that you check out the following book:

How to Write a Hit Song: The Complete Guide...

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