February 2026

Next Steps

• Mark

  • Tighten up vocal harmonies to address dissonance issues
  • Add more width with panning in the mix
  • Cut some mud in the 500Hz range, especially in backing vocals
  • Add more brightness and presence to the overall mix
  • Create more space around the horns with appropriate reverb
  • Bring up the "bing-boom-boom" melody that gets lost in the mix
  • Consider using multiple amp simulations for guitar parts to create width

• Scott

  • Reduce snare volume by 3-4 dB
  • Cut boxiness in the 300-500Hz range on the snare
  • Cut around 600Hz on vocals
  • Bring vocal level down slightly
  • Add more presence in the 4kHz+ range to the overall mix
  • High-pass the kick drum to around 50Hz and emphasize the 60-100Hz range
  • Reduce volume of vocal doubles compared to lead vocal
  • Consider using automation between sections to create more dynamic contrast

• Joe

  • EQ out some brightness/air from the hi-hat
  • Address the lead guitar lines that pull attention from vocals (using reverb, delay, EQ, or repositioning in the stereo field)
  • Consider using a spatial plugin like Beyerdynamic's to better balance headphone mixes

• Madison

  • Fix the drum transition into the first part (keep hi-hat going through the fill)
  • Apply more compression to the bass to control volume jumps
  • Cut around 600-800Hz on vocals to clean them up
  • Process louder vocal sections separately to address harshness around 4kHz
  • Add a 4-second plate reverb to fill spaces between vocal phrases
  • Bring piano level down slightly or use automation/compression to control louder notes

• Chris

  • Add another stage of compression to the vocal (2:1 to 4:1 ratio)
  • Apply compression after saturation to control dynamics
  • Check individual sections where vocals might be distorting when limited
  • Consider moving compression before saturation if saturation is causing distortion on louder phrases

• Sterling

  • Reduce gain on spiky guitar hits for more consistency
  • Consider adding more sustained elements in the left and right channels

• Pete

  • Add more brightness in the 10kHz range
  • Create more dynamic movement with automation
  • Bring up fills and special moments to create more excitement
  • Pan guitars more widely at the end to create a bigger sound

• John Legrand

  • Add more presence and brightness to the overall mix
  • Create more pump/energy in the drums and overall mix
  • Add delay throws on specific vocal phrases to create interesting moments
  • Apply de-essing to control sibilance on "sexy games" phrases