Ever wondered why your mixes don’t sound professional, even with decent gear and endless YouTube tutorials? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson, AKA Aisle9, reveal the overlooked production habits that separate amateur mixes from polished tracks. Discover how using reference tracks, including your own successful work, can instantly level up your sound. The duo also expose their most cringeworthy recording mistakes , from misaligned mics to monitor mishaps, underscoring why getting thin...
Jun 17, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 24
Struggling to promote your music on social media without burning out? You’re not alone. In this episode, Marc Matthews introduces his 30-day music release promotion calendar for indie musicians, a practical tool designed to eliminate guesswork, boost engagement, and help you post purposefully. You’ll learn what a social media content calendar for musicians is, how a content calendar can improve music promotion, and what tools can help musicians plan and schedule social media content. Marc breaks...
Jun 10, 2025•13 min•Season 5Ep. 23
Why do some mixes, even with top plugins and techniques, still sound off? The answer might lie in a step you’re overlooking: the static mix. In this episode of Inside The Mix , Marc Matthews talks with mix engineer Nate Kelmes to explore: What is a static mix in audio mixing? And why is a static mix important before adding effects? Nate explains how balancing levels and panning, before any processing, can account for 70–80% of a great mix. “If the plugins disappear, the song should still work,” ...
Jun 03, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 22
Starting music production at home? This episode of Inside The Mix is your step-by-step guide to building the best home studio setup for beginner music producers . Marc Matthews and Tim Benson unpack exactly what gear you need to produce music at home, without breaking the bank. They walk through a basic home studio equipment list for new producers , including affordable equipment for starting a home recording studio —from entry-level DAWs for home music production like Logic Pro and Cubase, to b...
May 27, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 21
Having trouble getting your build-ups and drops to land with real impact? In this episode of Inside The Mix , host Marc Matthews reveals how he tackled that exact issue in his latest single, “Half-Life” , using a simple but powerful technique— EQ automation . Marc walks listeners through when to use EQ automation instead of static EQ , explaining how dynamic frequency changes can bring more contrast and tension to a mix. He shares how EQ automation can enhance your mix by creating energy shifts ...
May 20, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Capturing great vocal takes starts long before hitting record. In this episode, vocal coach and recording expert Rich Bozic shares how to record professional vocals in a home studio , with practical tips that work whether you’re using high-end gear or a modest setup. We cover how to prepare a singer for a vocal session , from effective pre-session communication to creating a stress-free environment. Rich also explains how to warm up your voice before recording , sharing warm-up routines that imp...
May 13, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Acclaimed mastering engineer Mike Marsh demystifies the final stage of music production in this insightful episode. With a career spanning over three decades, working with artists like Björk , The Chemical Brothers , and Depeche Mode , Mike offers unparalleled expertise on what music mastering is and why it's important. He addresses the common misconception of the "fix it in mastering" mindset, explaining that mastering cannot correct issues that should have been resolved during mixing. This hig...
May 06, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 18
How do you market yourself effectively as an independent music producer, especially when working across multiple genres? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) unpack this challenge with real-world advice and music promotion tips for independent producers looking to stand out. They break down “The Three C’s” framework— Collaboration, Community, and Consistency —as the cornerstone of how music producers can build a fanbase without burning out or blending in. Instead of trying to d...
Apr 29, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Are you underusing the tools you already own in Logic Pro? In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews is joined by Justin Hochella, producer and co-host of Face Your Ears, to uncover Logic Pro’s native power that most producers overlook. We answer the questions every independent artist should be asking: What are the essential Logic Pro keyboard shortcuts for beginners? What are the best shortcuts for speeding up workflow in Logic Pro? How do I use Logic Pro shortcuts for automation and MID...
Apr 22, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Ever wondered how the pros achieve those perfectly balanced mixes and immersive effects? Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) explain the difference between pre-fader and post-fader sends, the key to balanced mixes and immersive effects. Many overlook this fundamental signal flow, yet mastering it is the secret to professional sound. Discover when to use pre-fader sends (ideal for independent monitor mixes) and when to use post-fader sends (perfect for lush reverb and delay - learn how to use p...
Apr 15, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Ever released a song only to watch it vanish into the streaming void after a brief moment in the spotlight? In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews delves into the waterfall release strategy , a strategic approach to music distribution that aims to revolutionise how artists share their work and maximise their reach. The core concept of the waterfall release strategy is explained: instead of releasing singles in isolation or dropping an entire album at once, artists gradually build momen...
Apr 08, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 14
What happens when a keyboard player for Korn and Five Finger Death Punch dives headfirst into the neon-soaked synthwave world? Davey Oberlin joins Marc Matthews to reveal how he transforms classic rock anthems into synthwave masterpieces through his project, All The Damn Vampires. Davey breaks down his cover of Whitesnake's Is This Love , uncovering the creative process behind reinterpreting rock songs in a different musical style. From drop F guitar tunings that create wall-shaking heaviness to...
Apr 01, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 13
In this episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews engages in a profound conversation with Tyler Lyle, the singer-songwriter and one-half of the synthwave duo, The Midnight. Tyler delves into the enigmatic nature of songwriting, describing it as "a well-narrated hallucination," and likens the creative process to "trying to start a truck sitting on a block of ice." Drawing from his folk storytelling roots, Tyler shares how he seamlessly integrates evocative lyrics into The Midnight's nostalgic...
Mar 25, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 12
In this episode of Inside The Mix , mastering engineer Ian Shepherd demystifies loudness metrics and debunks common mastering misconceptions while offering practical advice for producers looking to improve their masters without chasing arbitrary targets. Ian explains the role of LUFS in mastering, why normalization matters, and how focusing on musicality and dynamics leads to better results than simply hitting a loudness target. What You'll Learn: • LUFS measurements explained – momentary, short...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 11
In this episode of Inside The Mix , host Marc Matthews takes listeners behind the scenes on his journey to reaching 10,000 monthly Spotify listeners in 2025. Reflecting on his experiences as an independent artist, Marc shares both the wins and the challenges of learning what is music marketing and how to release music independently while maintaining creative authenticity. Starting with just 300 listeners, Marc’s breakthrough came with releasing his single Waves , reigniting his passion for shari...
Mar 11, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 10
What makes a song truly resonate with listeners? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Aisle9 approach this question head-on by exploring a listener's struggle with finishing their song—feeling that while it’s good, it lacks that captivating quality that makes music unforgettable. Their conversation dives deep into understanding song engagement , examining why some tracks may feel uninspired despite being technically complete. They unpack what makes a song great , breaking down essential ingredient...
Mar 04, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Achieving a powerful, well-balanced bass is essential for any great mix. In this episode, Marc Matthews takes you behind the scenes of his latest track, breaking down his process for designing and mixing bass sounds. Whether you're working in Logic Pro or another DAW, these insights will help you create a deep, punchy low-end that enhances your overall production. What You'll Learn: How to make sub bass in Serum for a clean and powerful low-end How to create sub bass sounds that sit perfectly in...
Feb 25, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Achieving a polished, professional sound in mastering requires a deep understanding of digital distortion and saturation —but how do you use them effectively without compromising clarity? In this episode of Inside The Mix, I’m joined by mastering engineer Eric Mitchell to explore the fine balance between intentional and unintentional distortion , the role of saturation in mastering , and essential techniques to refine your sound. Key Topics Covered: • The difference between intentional vs. unint...
Feb 18, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In episode 181 of Inside The Mix , I’m joined by Ableton Live expert and music production mentor Dan Giffin to discuss the key elements that take a producer from hobbyist to professional. We dive into the emotional side of mixing, the power of mentorship, and how evolving technology—including AI—is shaping the future of music creation. Whether you're perfecting your productions or preparing for a live music performance, this episode is packed with valuable insights to elevate your workflow. What...
Feb 11, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Ever wondered how did people produce music in the 80s or how to produce 80s music with authenticity? In this episode of Inside The Mix , hosts Marc and Aisle9 break down the essential 80s music production techniques , from analyzing reference tracks to choosing the right instruments and effects. Whether you're crafting synthwave, pop, or rock, this episode will help you capture the nostalgic magic of the era while avoiding modern production pitfalls. What You'll Learn: • How to analyse 80s refer...
Feb 04, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this episode of Inside The Mix , I sit down with Shane Slack, an acclaimed audio professional celebrated for his innovative approach to music production. Shane dives deep into the philosophy behind audio production, emphasising the importance of understanding the source material before processing and mastering the techniques that truly elevate your mixes. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for producers and engineers aiming to achieve high-quality results in their music. Wha...
Jan 28, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 4
This episode of Inside The Mix breaks down the myths surrounding financial success in the music industry and reveals how aspiring audio professionals can thrive. My guest, Eliott Glinn, shares invaluable insights on how to start your own music business with a focus on developing a success-driven mindset, mastering content creation , and using smart strategies for client retention. Together, we explore how to create a sustainable music career by balancing creativity with effective business strate...
Jan 21, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this episode of Inside The Mix, we tackle the challenge of managing unwanted reverb baked into audio samples. If you've ever struggled with excessive room sound or reverberation in your recordings, this episode offers practical solutions and expert insights to help you clean up your mixes. I dive into the challenge of managing unwanted reverb baked into audio samples and explore whether it's possible to remove reverb from audio without compromising sound quality. I break down the best deverb ...
Jan 14, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In this episode of Inside The Mix , we dive deep into enhancing your kick drum for maximum impact using the free Plugin Alliance bx_Subfilter plugin. Discover how to make your kicks sound fatter, punchier, and more powerful in your mixes with professional tips and techniques. Whether you're working on electronic beats or rock tracks, mastering your low end is essential for a polished sound. What You'll Learn: • What makes a kick drum punchy and how to achieve it • How to get a fat kick drum soun...
Jan 07, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 1
As we bid farewell to 2024, this special episode of Inside The Mix celebrates your incredible musical wins while providing actionable tips to elevate your music production journey. My co-host, Aisle9, and I reflect on the year’s highlights, share listener achievements, and answer your burning questions about mixing, mastering, and making meaningful progress as a musician. Whether you're wondering what is gain staging , how to get rid of mud in a mix , or how many reverbs to use in a mix , this e...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 53
In this episode of Inside the Mix , we dive into the world of DIY mastering. Whether you're curious about mastering music fundamentals, the basic steps of mastering, or simply want to understand what mastering a song really is, this episode has you covered. Join me as I sit down with mastering engineer Eric Mitchell to uncover the techniques, tools, and insights needed to achieve professional-quality results, even in a home studio. Learn about gain staging, overcoming the limitations of home mas...
Dec 24, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 52
Ever wondered how to create a simple riser that adds excitement and anticipation to your tracks? Or maybe you’re curious about how to create a riser in Serum for that professional, polished sound? Tune into this episode of Inside The Mix as we dive into the art of crafting the perfect riser to elevate your music production. In this episode, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to create custom risers using tools like Serum and other accessible methods. Whether you’re a beginner or a seas...
Dec 17, 2024•11 min•Season 4Ep. 51
Ever wondered how to calibrate your speakers or if speaker calibration is even worth it? Curious about pink noise, how to use it, or whether a subwoofer can truly improve sound quality? Then this episode of Inside The Mix is for you! Join me as I sit down with audio expert Mike Dow, whose nearly 40 years of experience in the industry shine through in our conversation about speaker calibration, room acoustics, and achieving studio-level sound quality at home. Together, we delve into the importanc...
Dec 10, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 50
Ever wondered how to mix good low-end, how to balance low-end in a mix, which frequencies to cut when mixing, or even how should you EQ a high-hat? Join me for an inspiring conversation with legendary producer and engineer Mike Exeter , known for his iconic work with Black Sabbath and Judas Priest , in this must-listen episode of Inside the Mix . Mike reveals the secrets to crafting a balanced, powerful mix with a rock-solid foundation: Mastering Low-End Frequencies : Learn how to balance the in...
Dec 03, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 49
Ever wondered how to learn Dolby Atmos mixing , what software is used for Dolby Atmos mixing , or even what is Dolby Atmos ? In this exciting episode of the Inside The Mix podcast, I sit down with acclaimed audio engineer Matt Boudreau to explore the fascinating world of immersive audio. With years of experience working alongside icons like Alanis Morissette and Green Day, Matt unpacks the transformative power of Dolby Atmos. Discover how this cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the audio...
Nov 26, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 48
