Have you ever wondered “ When is my song ready to be released?“
Whether you’re a singer/songwriter, a producer or rapper, if you’re gearing up to unleash your next musical creation to the world, this video is for you.
Welcome to Learn Audio Engineering.
My Name’s Robert!
And in today’s guide, we’ll explore 3 ways to get your mix ready to go.
Now, this is super important because, after spending days/weeks/months, maybe even YEARS working on your music, you don’t want the presentation of that song to fall flat on it’s face and FAIL to connect with the listener.
You want a recording that you are proud to share.
That’s why the tips in this video are crafted to ensure that your mix highlights every element in your song.
Tip 1: The First Impression
First things first, let’s start with the first impression of your song.
When a listener hits play on your track, those initial moments are make-or-break. Ask Yourself:
How does the mix hit you from the very start?
Does the song grab your attention?
Are you leaning forward in anticipation?
Is your body starting to move?
Will your audience be hooked within the first few seconds?
Distinctive intros are powerful.
The Importance of a distinctive intro can be seen in songs by renowned producer Max Martin.
Many of his hit songs feature short, memorable intros that act as unique hooks that capture the listener and swiftly transition into the verse.
You might find it beneficial to revisit your arrangement; you might add another layer, or trim something out to make sure your intro hits just right.
Tip 2: Confidence in your Music
Now, let’s discuss the confidence you need to have in your music.
Feeling uncertain about your work is entirely normal. It’s tempting to strive for perfection, but often, in that pursuit, we achieve nothing.
We enter a perfection spiral and never achieve a final product.
Recognizing when your song is truly ready is a crucial step in letting go and putting your music out into the world. Good enough is better than perfect.
A great indicator of completion is when you find yourself lost in the music.
The journey from the intro through each section to the end should flow seamlessly, maintaining your immersion.
Where you can listen through your song without that inner critic chiming in, chances are your audience will experience something similar.
Understanding this will provide you with the confidence that your music will be presented in a way that effectively conveys your message to the listener.
For more tips on Finishing the Mix, I suggest watching this video next.
Tip 3: Clarity of Elements – Clarity > Competition
Going a bit deeper now, the next step is to consider the clarity of your mix’s elements.
Can you hear each instrument, every lyric?
Make sure the layers in your mix complement each other instead of competing with one another.
Your target is to prevent elements from clashing and masking one another,
make them work together to fine tune the impact of your song.
Remember: not everything can be centre stage.
Providing this clarity AND contrast ensures that each element stands out, so that your audience can fully immerse themselves in the sonic world you’ve created.
If you’re not sure about your mix and you’d like a second set of ears then I want to help you out.
Send me a message, or drop a link to your track in the comments, I’d love to check out your tracks and provide feedback.
So, don’t hesitate to share your creations.
Remember, releasing music is a journey, and it’s okay to be nervous.
But if you’ve ticked off these boxes and you’re passionate about your creation, it’s time to let go and share it with the world.
If you’re still unsure of what your mix needs or have more questions, feel free to reach out.
Send me a message, I’d love to work together.
I’m here to help you on your journey to achieving that Radio-Ready sound.
If you found this video valuable, don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe, and ring that notification bell so you won’t miss more videos like this one.
Thanks for watching and I’ll catch you in the next video! Happy Mixing!
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