Based on a recent conversation I had with a member of my group: Dont apologize for your gear or mix decisions. To anyone. Period. I was giving a mix critique to someone, and I told them that aside from the drums needing to come down a tad the mix sounded overall ok to me. They told me they were surprised Id say that because it was recorded extreeeeemely budget. I told them never to apologize for their gear. The gear isnt what makes the mix, you are. The gear may be a tool that you use to make your art, but the tool didnt make it. You did. Saying things like it was recorded on crap gear can be, in its own way, an apology for using the tools you have. It shows a lack of confidence in your ability to make a solid mix, and it also shows your scapegoat if someone says that you didnt do a good job. Im not saying not to talk about gear. If its asked about, feel free to discuss. Others may be wanting to know how you got a good result with the cheap item you used, which may lead some to see how that piece of gear theyd heard negative things about is actually not that bad. But never apologize for it. People will ALWAYS give negative criticism. I cant stand Rick Rubens metal mixes, but you dont see him losing sleep over my opinion. He makes the records the way he sees fit, and he doesnt apologize for that. He doesnt leave scapegoat pathways to use if somebody doesnt like it. He stands confidently behind his work, and could care less about someone elses negative perception of it. So how does this apply when seeking mix critiques and advice? I want you to do that. You need to learn from others. But dont waste time on those who would tear you down for the gear you use, or the decisions you make. If they are tearing you down, thats counter productive and they are a dick for it. Tearing someone else down when they ask you for help is counter productive. It tears down confidence, and makes people look for scapegoat pathways to shift blame away from themselves if they get a dickhead trying to tear them down. Ive done it. I still catch myself doing it. Its tough to stand unapologetically behind your work. Its tough not to let the negativity of others get to you. But they arent you, and only you can see the mix in front of you the way that you do. Ask for advice, and if its constructively given then you should thank them for being helpful. But never put up with someone being a dick to you when youre asking for help. And never apologize for your mix decisions and/or gear. Ever.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 01:40:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015