Best Mixing Tips for Beginner Producers Podcasts (2025)

1
#222: From Vocal Prep to Mastering — 7 Standout Moments of 2025 (Part 2) 16:27

Play Pause

7d ago16:27

16:27

What if the fastest way to a better mix is caring more about the human, the song, and the signal path than the plugin chain? We pulled seven moments from our 2025 conversations that changed how we write, record, mix, and master, and stitched them into one practical, heart-first guide you can use on your next session. We start where great records be…

1
147. Acoustic Treatment for Your Home Studio - A Beginners Guide 49:04

5d ago49:04

49:04

Ever wondered how to sound treat your home studio to get a cleaner sound without breaking the bank? In this conversation, Lukas Rimbach discusses the importance of sound treatment in home studios, the different types of acoustic panels, and practical tips for choosing the right room and speaker placement. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listen…

1
#221: Finish Songs Faster, Mix Smarter — 7 Standout Moments of 2025 (Part 1) 16:47

14d ago16:47

16:47

Ready to trade plugin FOMO and meter anxiety for moves that actually make your tracks better? Marc pulls seven stand-out moments from a huge year of conversations with producers, engineers and artists to help you finish faster, mix with confidence and stay creatively sharp. We kick off with a surprising angle on depth: shaping contrast with bit dep…

1
146. How to Stay Consistent with Songwriting 43:55

19d ago43:55

43:55

Ever wondered how to write songs more consistently? In this conversation, Xylo Aria chats with Francesca De Valence to discuss the strategies and concepts on how to overcome writer's block and write songs consistently. Find techniques to tap into a more playful and child-like state, to create more freely. Join a community of female artists and prod…

1
#220: The One Thing We’ll Do Differently in 2026 (and Why It Matters) 38:51

21d ago38:51

38:51

Stop counting playlist streams and start building momentum where it matters. Marc Matthews and Tim Benson unpack a year of wins and lessons that took monthly listeners from modest to meaningful, and the theme is simple. When you optimise for saves, repeats and fast post-release engagement, Spotify’s algorithm does the heavy lifting. That means Radi…

1
#219: How Wave Observer Reveals What Softube Saturation Knob Really Does 8:33

28d ago8:33

8:33

Ever twist a saturation knob and wonder if you’re hearing compression, distortion, or something in between? In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews puts that question to the test with a clean, scientific setup, a 440 Hz sine wave, the Softube Saturation Knob, and Wave Observer, a free oscilloscope plugin by Press Play. By placing Wave Obse…

1
145. Creative Mixing Techniques - Tips From an Expert 46:51

1M ago46:51

46:51

Ever wondered while mixing music, what role creativity plays in the process or whether you should follow more of a mixing formula? In this episode, Xylo Aria sites down with Kia Shavon, AKA The Mix Artist who talks through her mixing process and provides advice on when and how to lean into your creativity during the mixing process. Distrokid has ki…

1
#218: What Would A Better Music Production Podcast Look Like To You? 5:14

1M ago5:14

5:14

Tired of guessing what kind of podcast content actually helps you make better music and grow as a producer or artist? In this special listener-driven episode of Inside The Mix, host Marc Matthews flips the script — and puts you in charge of shaping the show’s next chapter. Marc is designing the 2026 Inside The Mix editorial calendar, and your feedb…

1
#217: How to Use Reference Tracks to Finish Songs FASTER 16:16

1M ago16:16

16:16

Staring at a blank DAW is exhausting; staring at a mapped-out arrangement from a reference track is energising. Marc walks through a clear, repeatable reference track arrangement blueprint workflow that turns a single reference track into a full song structure, so you can stop looping and start finishing. From matching tempo and key to placing eigh…

1
144. Enhancing Music Through Imperfection 38:06

2M ago38:06

38:06

Ever wondered why we strive for perfection in music even though we know, deep down, that it's the raw emotion, often with imperfections that we connect with? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with INEZ who highlights the emotional connection that can be created through raw performances and the challenges of perfectionism in the music industry. S…

1
#216: I Tried Top-Down Mixing — Here’s What Actually Happened 18:05

2M ago18:05

18:05

What if a better‑translating mix starts before you touch a single channel plugin? I put top‑down mixing under the microscope and share a candid, first‑hand evaluation: what worked, what didn’t, and how a few smart moves on the mix bus reshaped the entire project in less time and with fewer plugins. Rather than a tutorial, this is a field report pac…

1
#215: How to Mix a Wall of Sound That Still Breathes with DRUMxWAVE and Brian Skeel 46:12

2M ago46:12

46:12

What does a true wall of sound feel like when the vocal still breathes? We sit down with vocalist‑producer Jay Cali (DRUMxWAVE) and mixer‑producer Brian Skeel to unpack the craft behind Severed, big drums, widescreen synths, supportive guitars, and why clarity starts with a shared vision before a single plug‑in loads. We trace the journey from demo…

1
143. How To Become A Music Producer - And Stay One! 50:57

2M ago50:57

50:57

Ever wondered how to become a music producer and build a sustainable career in today’s music industry? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with acclaimed producer Tim Bran (London Grammar, Birdy, AURORA) to explore the journey from beginner to pro. We cover everything from whether you need a music production degree, to how to land your first paid …

1
#214: The Best FREE Plugins Every Producer Should Use 41:14

2M ago41:14

41:14

Free plugins often get overlooked in the endless pursuit of premium software, but professional producers know that some of the most powerful tools cost absolutely nothing. In this illuminating conversation, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) unpack their go-to free plugins that consistently deliver exceptional results across various production s…

1
#213: Finish Tracks Faster - Workflow Hacks Every Producer Needs (feat. John Kunkel) 36:08

2M ago36:08

36:08

Have you ever felt stuck in an endless cycle of tweaking, adjusting, and second-guessing your music production decisions? Producer John Kunkel (aka John Grand) reveals the counterintuitive truth that many of us miss: working smarter, not harder, is often the key to finishing more tracks and creating better music. John shares his game-changing appro…

1
142. Breaking Barriers: Women in Electronic Music 50:06

2M ago50:06

50:06

Why are there less women in electronic music and why do we hear less electronic music made by women? In this episode, Xylo chats to university professor, producer and DJ, Sam Parsley on her research and findings on the systemic barriers that women encounter and offers practical advice for aspiring musicians and industry gatekeepers alike. Get your …

1
#212: Streamlining Music Collaboration - How Mixup Changed My Feedback Workflow 14:01

3M ago14:01

14:01

Frustrated by endless email chains, confusing file links, and clients commenting on the wrong version of a mix? In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews explores how Mixup.audio is transforming the mix revision process for producers, mixers, and collaborators. Marc breaks down the platform’s most powerful features, including timestamped com…

1
#211: Creating Authentic Remote Vocal Collaborations When Miles Apart (feat. INDIGO) 34:09

3M ago34:09

34:09

Ever wondered how singers record vocals remotely and make them sound professional? In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews is joined by New Zealand synthwave vocalist INDIGO to explore the art of remote vocal collaboration and the songwriting process behind her unique sound. From her unexpected start in the synthwave scene to collaboration…

1
141. Tips on Creating without a Label 39:28

3M ago39:28

39:28

What does it take to build a thriving music career without the backing of a label and how can artists stay true to their vision while doing it on their own terms? In this episode, Xylo sits down with 23-year-old singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer Briannagh Dennehy, whose career spans from the Apollo Theater stage to chart-topping singles, mill…

1
#210: Should You Record With Compression or Wait Until Mixing? 27:41

3M ago27:41

27:41

Should you record vocals with compression or save it for mixing? It’s one of the most debated questions in music production, and in this episode of Inside The Mix, we break it down with practical advice for producers at every level. Guest Tim Benson shares why he often tracked vocals with hardware compressors in the studio, not just for sound quali…

1
#209: What Can a Free Wavetable Synth Like Vital Do in the Hands of a First-Time User? 22:42

3M ago22:42

22:42

Curious what happens when a producer opens Vital Spectral Warping Wavetable synth for the very first time? In this episode, I explore the free wavetable synthesizer from scratch, answering common questions like: Is Vital really free? Is the free version powerful enough for professional music production? With zero prior experience in the plugin, I s…

1
140. What is a Midi Controller and How to Choose One 39:11

3M ago39:11

39:11

As an independent musician, diving into the world of MIDI controllers and studio gear can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure where to start or which tools best suit your creative process. In this episode, Xylo chats with Alex Godfrey, Product Specialist at the Focusrite Group, about what MIDI controllers actually are, how they work, and…

1
#208: How to Avoid Burnout in Music Production (Do Less, Achieve More) 14:49

3M ago14:49

14:49

Are you feeling drained from endless hours in the studio? Wondering how music producers can avoid burnout or what strategies actually work to recover from creative exhaustion? You’re not alone; burnout is one of the biggest creativity killers for producers and indie artists today. In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews dives into proven t…

1
#207: How Many Drafts Does It Take to Finish a Track? (feat. Michael Oakley) 51:43

4M ago51:43

51:43

Have you ever abandoned a promising track because it suddenly "didn't feel right" the next day? Why does your track feel wrong the next day? Is Overthinking Killing Your Songwriting Process? In this eye-opening episode of Inside the Mix, synth-pop artist Michael Oakley unpacks the creative psychology behind overthinking songwriting and how our emot…

1
139. Collaboration in the Studio: Artist Chemistry & Process 31:22

4M ago31:22

31:22

What does it take to create musical magic with someone in the studio and how do you know when it’s the right fit? In this episode, Xylo sits down with certified platinum artist Jaki Nelson — a powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and DJ whose music has hit over 200 million streams, landed on Billboard’s Top 10, and soundtracked everything from …

1
#206: Why Your Vocal Comping Workflow Is Slowing You Down 32:11

4M ago32:11

32:11

Struggling with too many vocal takes? You nailed the perfect take, then recorded five more “just in case.” Now you’re lost in a sea of options, wondering how to create the perfect comp without losing your mind. In this episode of Inside the Mix, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) reveal their proven strategies for organising takes and building s…

1
#205: Why Artists Need Strategy Over Followers in 2025 (feat. Jesse Kirshbaum) 42:37

4M ago42:37

42:37

The music industry is shifting fast—are you ready for it? In this episode, Jesse Kirshbaum returns to Inside the Mix to break down how independent artists can build sustainable music careers in 2025. From strategic content creation to authentic brand deals, Jesse shares how “selling in” (not selling out) can help you monetize without compromising y…

1
138. How to be confident on stage - Tips for musicians 52:01

4M ago52:01

52:01

As an independent musician, the idea of confidently owning the stage can feel overwhelming, especially if nerves, self-doubt or lack of experience keep getting in the way. In this episode, Xylo chats with performance coach and artist Lucie Burns (aka Lazy Hammock) about how to build true confidence on stage, reconnect with your presence and unlock …

1
#204: What Is Dither in Audio? When and Why to Use It (feat. Ian Stewart) 47:49

4M ago47:49

47:49

Ever wondered why engineers intentionally add noise to audio? In this episode of Inside the Mix, returning guest, mastering engineer and Berklee professor Ian Stewart, breaks down what dither is, why it’s used, and when to apply it in your music production workflow. Through clear explanations and real audio demos, Ian demonstrates how dither replac…

1
#203: What Actually Happens When You Choose a Sample Rate? (feat. Ian Stewart) 41:11

5M ago41:11

41:11

Confused about which audio sample rate to choose for your music? Whether you're recording your first track or mastering for Dolby Atmos, knowing the difference between 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz is more than technical—it’s essential to how your music sounds and where it ends up. In this episode of Inside the Mix, mastering engineer and Berklee profe…

1
137. Music Collaborators and How to find them with Vampr 36:55

5M ago36:55

36:55

Have you ever wondered how to find the right collaborators to level up your music career? In this episode, Xylo speaks to Josh Simons, tech entrepreneur, former touring artist, and the CEO of Vinyl Group — home to platforms like Jaxsta, Vinyl.com, and the globally renowned Vampr. With over $35 million raised across his ventures and a vision that co…

1
#202: I Gamified My Music Production - It Changed Everything 8:06

5M ago8:06

8:06

Ever wondered if you're tracking the right metrics in your music production journey? That nagging question—"Am I measuring what truly drives growth or just staying busy?"—led me to create something that transformed my creative process completely. In this episode of Inside the Mix, I introduce the Producer Growth Scorecard—a free, gamified tool desi…

1
#201: What If Your De-esser Plugin Could Do More Than Fix Sibilance? 35:03

5M ago35:03

35:03

What if your go-to vocal de-esser plugin could do so much more? In this episode, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson break down the creative power of de-essers and why they might be the secret weapon missing from your mix. We kick things off with how de-essers work (spoiler: it’s more than just “s” sounds), before diving into smart, non-traditional de-ess…

1
136. Sponsorships for Musicians and How to get them with SEIDS 47:22

5M ago47:22

47:22

As an independent musician, getting sponsorships might seem like something reserved for major-label artists or influencers with massive followings—but that's far from the truth! In this episode, Xylo chats with sponsorship expert SEIDS about how sponsorships for musicians work, how to land them, and what companies actually care about when looking f…

1
#200: How I 10x’d My Spotify Monthly Listeners as an Independent Artist 26:53

5M ago26:53

26:53

Wondering how to grow monthly listeners on Spotify as an independent artist, without gimmicks or burnout? In this episode, I break down my journey from 300 to nearly 3,000 Spotify listeners in just six months using real-world strategies. Learn why reducing SubmitHub costs led to more playlist features, how extending Facebook ads to three weeks boos…

1
#199: The Hidden Production Habits You’re Probably Ignoring (At Your Own Risk) 37:30

6M ago37:30

37:30

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 …

1
135. Balancing Business with Creativity in Music 45:00

6M ago45:00

45:00

How do you stay creatively inspired while navigating the professional side of music? In this episode, Xylo speaks with Natalia Ramirez — GRAMMY-winning engineer and producer whose work spans the Latin and global music scenes. Known for her precision and versatility, Natalia shares how staying open to opportunities and honing her craft has led to a …

1
#198: Why I Never Release Music Without This Promotion Calendar 12:20

6M ago12:20

12:20

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 m…

1
#197: Why I Don’t Touch Plugins Before Doing This - The Art of Static Mixing (feat. Nate Kelmes) 44:26

6M ago44:26

44:26

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…

1
134. Transitioning from Classical to Electronic Music 34:37

6M ago34:37

34:37

Are you a creative looking to break the mold and redefine what performance can be? In this episode, Xylo chats with multidisciplinary artist, and electric violinist Alfiya Glow, whose genre-defying sets fuse Electronic music, live violin, and immersive visuals into a cinematic experience. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about carving out your…

1
#196: What Gear Do I Need to Produce Music at Home? Our Essential Home Studio Setup Tools 40:49

6M ago40:49

40:49

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, …

1
#195: How I Fixed My Mix with One Simple Move... EQ Automation 9:11

7M ago9:11

9:11

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 dy…

1
133. From 0 to 6 Figure Gigs 1:00:51

7M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Have you ever wondered how musicians land six-figure gigs from scratch? In this episode, Xylo speaks to Stephen Ridley, internationally acclaimed pianist, performer and founder of the Ridley Academy. With performances across 60 countries, over 500 million views on social media and a fanbase of more than one million people, Stephen shares his journe…

1
#194: I Asked a Pro Vocal Coach How to Prepare a Singer for a Recording Session (ft. Rich Bozic) 43:05

7M ago43:05

43:05

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 co…

1
#193: I Asked a Pro If You Really Need a Mastering Engineer - And If You Can DIY (feat. Mike Marsh) 39:25

7M ago39:25

39:25

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 misconc…

1
132. Overcoming Roadblocks in Your Creativity 54:27

7M ago54:27

54:27

Are you a creative struggling to find your place in the music industry? In this episode, Xylo chats with York-based artist and producer LNA (Liina Turtonen), who has done just that! Have a listen for an inspiring chat about overcoming creative roadblocks, finding balance and happiness as a musician, and how vulnerability can become your greatest st…

1
#192: The Three C’s That Helped Us Grow as Independent Music Producers 31:12

7M ago31:12

31:12

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,…

1
#191: Every Logic Pro User Should Know These Hidden Tools—Do You? (ft. Justin Hochella) 36:51

7M ago36:51

36:51

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 keyboa…

1
131. The Essentials of Producer Contracts 50:22

8M ago50:22

50:22

Have you ever wondered what makes a solid producer contract? In this episode, Xylo speaks to Kurt Luthy, Executive Director of The Music Producer & Engineers’ Guild of Australia (MPEG) as he shares his insights on the essentials of producer contracts. Kurt dives into the key elements that every producer should know, from rights and royalties to the…

1
#190: Ever Wonder Why Your Effects Sound "Off"? Unlocking Pre-Fader and Post-Fader Sends 26:24

8M ago26:24

26:24

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…

Mixing Tips For Beginner Producers Podcasts