Mixing Music | Music Production, Audio Engineering, & Music Business

In this episode, Dee Kei and Lu explore the art and science of stereo vs. mono recording, the dangers of over-miking, and why intentionality always beats complexity. From phase alignment to comb filtering, they break down the physics and the philosophy behind capturing big, clean, powerful sounds — using fewer tools and smarter techniques.

They discuss multi-mic setups, stereo width tricks, reverb placement, and how small changes in mic distance can make or break your mix. There's plenty of studio wisdom, live sound context, and even some fun talk about perfect pitch, nostalgia, and listening preferences.

Whether you're tracking a full drum kit or just trying to get your guitars to sit right, this episode will teach you how to think more clearly, record more intentionally, and get better results by doing less.

• How to make mono sources sound wide and deep
• What comb filtering is (and how to fix it)
• Best practices for multi-mic setups
• The Nashville Guitar Trick
• Using room mics creatively
• Why phase is more important than people think
• When breaking the rules makes art, not noise

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HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this no-holds-barred episode, Dee Kei and James dive deep into the toxic myths, vague advice, and ego-driven illusions that still dominate the world of mixing and audio education. From the false promise of "secret sauce" techniques to the cult of gear and performative certainty, they break down why so many mixers cling to superstition — and how it’s holding back real growth.

They also explore why even elite mixers often give ambiguous or misleading advice, how language shapes misunderstanding, and why certainty is often just a mask for insecurity or marketing.

Plus: Japanese philosophy, baseball rituals, self-diagnosed autism, and why Rick Rubin might actually have it all figured out.

🎙️ Topics include:

• Why certainty in audio is usually a performance
• Superstition vs. skill: why mixers invent magic
• Gear worship and the illusion of control
• The cultural psychology of mixing advice
• How to spot BS advice (and what to do instead)
• The “DAW insecurity test” (Do you flinch when someone says they use a different DAW?)
• Why great mixers sound uncertain — and that’s a good thing

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Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode, Dee Kei and Lu dive deep into the sonic and philosophical chaos of mixing hyperpop, sigilkore, and other maximalist genres — where distortion, clipping, and sheer loudness aren't flaws, they’re features.

From pushing mixes to -2 LUFS to layering clippers at every stage, Dee Kei shares his firsthand experiences mixing records for artists like Odetari and Barelyhuman, and how that work has redefined his approach to both mixing and creativity.

But this episode goes beyond technique. It explores the philosophy behind weirdness, the cultural value of outsider genres, and why trying to normalize everything can kill innovation. We talk gear (StandardClip, Cake, Gold Clip), philosophy (Zen, dualism, the Just World Fallacy), and how freedom from expectation leads to better art.

• How to mix hyperpop and maximalist arrangements
• What it really means to clip with intention
• Why distortion isn’t a dirty word
• The feeling > the frequency chart
• How “messiness” builds emotion
• Zen philosophy, validation, and letting go of the rules
• Why being weird is not just okay — it’s necessary

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⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this deep and reflective episode, Dee Kei and Lu explore one of the most relatable challenges for mixers and creatives alike: the paradox of improvement and insecurity. Why does getting better at your craft sometimes make you feel worse? How can self-doubt either fuel your growth or paralyze your process?

With insights from Zen philosophy, mixing experience, and personal anecdotes, they unpack the emotional rollercoaster that comes with V1 mixes, fear of feedback, and chasing perfection. The episode touches on the difference between insecurity and curiosity, the danger of comparison, and why the best mixers embrace ambiguity.

Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or seasoned pro, this conversation will help you reframe your mindset and reconnect with the joy of mixing.

Topics Include:

• The illusion of the "perfect mix"
• How to handle feedback without ego
• Flow state and finding alignment with your craft
• Zen quotes and how they apply to creative work
• Why obsessing over a snare for 6 hours won’t matter to your client
• Letting go of validation and trusting your taste

Perfect for mixers, engineers, and any creative chasing mastery without losing their soul.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu dive into the power of minimalist mixing — the art of doing more with fewer plugins. While the temptation to load up every fancy compressor and vintage EQ is real, many engineers find freedom, speed, and clarity by stripping things back. From building simple yet powerful vocal chains to learning when your mix actually needs less processing, this episode breaks down the philosophy, mindset, and techniques behind working smarter, not just harder. Whether you're chasing speed, cleaner results, or just less plugin fatigue, this one’s for you.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu get brutally honest about the gear they regret buying — not because it sounded bad, but because it didn’t move the needle. From analog outboard gear that collected dust to plugins that felt essential (but weren’t), this episode is all about separating emotional purchases from strategic investments.

Whether you're a bedroom producer or a full-time engineer, we explore what gear actually makes a difference at different stages of your career. We break down common purchasing mistakes, why some tools are overrated for professionals, and what we wish we bought instead. This is a must-listen for anyone building a real audio career, not just a pretty studio.

• The gear we regret (and why)
• Emotional vs strategic purchases
• Pro mindset vs hobbyist mindset
• What we would buy instead
• Gear that actually helps you grow your business
• How to prioritize purchases at different career stages
• The hidden cost of chasing “feeling legit”

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

n this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu dive deep into the often overlooked but game-changing concept of depth in mixing. Beyond loudness and width, depth creates that three-dimensional, professional sound we all chase. The guys break down what actually creates depth, from volume contrast and EQ decisions to reverb, delay, and automation tricks. They also discuss common “depth killers” that flatten a mix, and share practical techniques that you can start using today to bring life and space into your tracks. Whether you're mixing vocals, drums, or full productions, this episode will help you understand how to move your mixes from flat to full.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu break down one of the simplest but most powerful tools in every engineer’s arsenal: high-pass and low-pass filters. From functional cleanup and frequency management to shaping emotion, depth, and energy, filters are far more than just technical necessities — they’re creative tools that shape the feel of a track. The guys discuss where filters should be used, where they’re often abused, and how they use them to sculpt tone, add movement, and guide listener focus. Whether you’re cleaning up mud or automating your way to a more emotional mix, this episode will leave you hearing HPFs and LPFs in a whole new way.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu dive deep into the relationship between self-esteem, insecurity, and communication in the studio. Beyond gear and plugin chains, your ability to collaborate, accept feedback, and maintain emotional stability may be the real secret to becoming a trusted professional. We explore how low self-esteem can lead to defensiveness, people-pleasing, or creative burnout — and how building authentic confidence can improve client relationships, reduce revision stress, and elevate the quality of your work. Whether you're just starting out or trying to level up your freelance career, this conversation is packed with insight, vulnerability, and practical advice.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu dive into the tricky subject of saying no to bad recordings. Whether it’s a poorly tracked vocal, clashing client expectations, or an unrealistic request to “fix it in the mix,” this conversation is all about navigating those uncomfortable but necessary boundaries. We discuss how to communicate limitations without burning bridges, how to balance personal taste with professional responsibility, and when it’s smarter to offer creative solutions rather than force a mix that just isn’t working. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, underpricing, or working on tracks that don't meet your standards, this episode is for you.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.