Making a Scene - AI in Mixing – The Rise of Smart Mix Assistants

Mixing music has always been a blend of science, art, and gut feeling. For indie musicians working on tight budgets without access to high-end studios or pro engineers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. How do you know where to set your EQ? Should the vocals sit louder, or should the drums punch harder?

This is where artificial intelligence is starting to make a huge difference. AI-powered mixing assistants like iZotope Neutron, Waves Clarity Vx, and even tools inside DAWs like Logic Pro’s Smart EQ are changing the way artists approach mixing. These programs can “listen” to your track, analyze it in real time, and then suggest fader levels, panning, EQ adjustments, or even compression settings to make everything clearer.

Think of it like having a second set of ears in the room—ears that never get tired.

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Making a Scene - AI for Merch & Fan Product Design: Turning Ideas into Unique Fan Experiences

Merch has always been one of the most powerful tools indie artists have. Not only does it bring in money, but it also builds identity. A shirt, a vinyl sleeve, or even a sticker isn’t just an object—it’s a way for fans to carry your music into the world. The problem for many artists has always been cost. Professional designers can be expensive, and trying to do it yourself often feels limited.

That’s where artificial intelligence comes in. Generative AI tools like Midjourney, Ideogram, and Stable Diffusion aren’t here to take creativity away from artists. They’re here to amplify it. Instead of thinking of AI as a replacement for human imagination, think of it as a creative partner that can unlock ideas you never would have thought possible.

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Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's interview with Slyder Smith

UK rock artist Slyder Smith returns with a powerful new single, “Nobody’s Listening,” out 15th August 2025. Raw, melodic, and unflinchingly honest, the track captures the frustration of trying to be heard in a world drowning in noise.

“It’s about screaming for attention while everyone’s too distracted to notice,” Slyder explains. “We’re glued to phones, filters, and fast living — and in the process, real connection is slipping away.”

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Blind Lemon Pledge

In 2021, Blind Lemon Pledge (aka Bay Area bluesman James Byfield) released “A Satchel Full of Blues”, an eclectic and wide ranging collection of original American Roots based songs set to a stripped down combo sound with drums, bass, guitar and harmonica. Garnering a slew of rave reviews, the album went to the top of the Blues charts, landing the #9 spot on the Roots Music Report’s Acoustic Blues Album Chart for 2021, and #85 on the RMR Top 200 Blues Albums.  One critic in Britain hailed it as one of the top 25 blues albums of the year. “Oh So Good”, Pledge’s 10th album of originals and covers displays Pledge’s impressive compositional range with tunes ranging from Blues to Folk to Jazz to Cajun, with a startling and original take on the folk and blues classic “House of the Risin’ Sun”.

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Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music. HTTP://www.makingascene.org/breaking-chains

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If you’ve ever recorded a song at home and then compared it to something on Spotify, you’ve probably asked yourself: Why doesn’t my track sound as big, clear, or balanced as theirs? You might have a great performance, good songwriting, and even solid mixing, but something still feels off.

That “something” often comes down to EQ—short for equalization. EQ controls how loud or quiet different parts of the frequency spectrum are. Frequencies are just the pitches of sound, from the deep thump of a kick drum to the shimmering brightness of cymbals. Professional mixes get their power because every part of that frequency spectrum is carefully balanced. Nothing is too muddy, nothing is painfully harsh, and the whole mix feels smooth and polished.

The challenge is that achieving that kind of balance usually takes years of experience and a room full of expensive gear. That’s why indie artists often struggle to match the sound quality of big-budget records. But here’s the good news: AI-powered EQ matching tools are changing the game.

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The music industry has always been tough on independent artists. You spend hours in the studio, pouring your energy and creativity into your songs, only to find that the money side of things feels like an endless maze. Streaming platforms pay very little, royalty checks take months—or even years—to arrive, and by the time everyone in the chain has taken their cut, there’s often barely anything left for you.

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If you’re an independent musician in 2025, your online footprint is your career.  Not your latest gig. Not your new single. Not even your merch table.

It’s how people find you, remember you, and decide whether to care about you. But here’s the problem: most indie artists are flying blind. They’re throwing songs into the void of Spotify, posting random updates on Instagram, and hoping something sticks. There’s no real strategy, no funnel, no way to see whether their marketing is actually working.

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If you’re an independent musician, you’ve probably heard this advice more than once: “Post more on social media!” And sure, it’s good advice. But here’s the problem—coming up with fresh, creative ideas every single day while also writing songs, booking gigs, recording music, and, you know, living your life can feel impossible. You want to keep your fans engaged, grow your audience, and show the world your music, but there are only so many hours in the day.

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Matt Schofield

British-born and now based in the United States, Matt Schofield has spent his career redefining and expanding the boundaries of British Blues. A multi-award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, and bandleader, Schofield has been performing for more than 30 years, with over 20 years dedicated to his solo career. Widely recognized as one of the most distinctive and influential guitarists of his generation, his impact on the global blues scene is undeniable.

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