Tips for mixing a song

Mixing a song can be fun, it can also be a nightmare if you feel it does not sound right.
Here are some basic tips to mixing a better song.

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 If you feel like nothing sounds good, give your ears a break. Sometimes you just need to clear your head and get away from the music. Come back to it later on or the next day with a fresh pair of ears.

Do not be afraid to use effects. They can really add depth to a song. A little reverb on an instrument never hurt anyone. Also, use it a little on vocals. Just do not over do it.

Use your pots and pans. This will give your song an amazing effect. Try putting an over dub vocal in the left ear, or try putting a cymbal to the right. It will sound amazing in headphones.

Use your monitors and headphones to mix. Listen to the mix in both, you can get a good sense of how the mix sounds in general.

Mix at a low volume at first, then turn it up a bit and tweak it. Make sure the bass in sitting right at a loud volume, make sure the vocals sound good etc.

Burn a few different versions of your mix and listen to them in different situations. Listen to it in your car, your home stereo, your computer speakers and more. Take notes and go back and tweak if needed. This will help every time.

If the mix is not sounding right, take all the faders down to zero and slowly bring them up one by one and set them at the volume that sounds best. Keep in mind, when you add effects, it will generally raise the volume on that particular track. You may need to adjust.

Make sure you can hear the vocals in the mix. Listen at a low volume, then listen at a high volume, make sure they are clear and perfectly set at both volumes.

As always, use your ears and have fun.


Artists and bands be sure to submit your music at these radio networks as well. www.hardcorejamz.com (Playing Hip-Hop and R&B)
www.hardcoremix.com (Rock,Pop,Country,Jazz,Electro,Gospel and more)
Submit music on either site.

One thing musicians do that bugs me!

With all of my years in the music industry, I have found that many local artists are too wrapped up in being accepted by other musicians. It consumes them so much that it prevents them from going national. I always tell new artists to look at the big picture. Do not worry about others in the industry so much. Do not get me wrong, it is fine to network with other artists and people in the local music scene because you never know who can help you. Just do not let it consume your career. Your focus should be impressing the people that matter most, fans! These are the people who will buy your music, FANS! Artists tend to do promotion to other musicians. That is like BP trying to sell gas to a Sunoco station instead of focusing on regular customers with cars that need gas.
So focus on marketing, promotion, and branding to potential fans who will buy your music.

Artists and bands be sure to submit your music at these radio networks as well. www.hardcorejamz.com (Playing Hip-Hop and R&B)
www.hardcoremix.com (Rock,Pop,Country,Jazz,Electro,Gospel and more)
Submit music on either site.

Releasing singles to promote your album

The way to get the most longevity out of an album, is to strategically release singles from the album.
A label will generally release three singles from an album, along with remixes of each. It may take around a month for a single to gain momentum. Each single you release should have its own marketing plan, and music video. The singles are basically a commercial for your album.
The first single from an album is generally released a month before the album comes out. Sometimes the time may vary when it is released. I have seen labels release a single months before the actual album comes out. Once the first single is out, you should release a couple remixes of that song.
This helps get the most popularity out of the song. Once the first single starts to die down, release the second single. Have a separate marketing and promotional plan for that song too. With each single you release, you gain more interest in your whole album hopefully increasing sales.


For more advice on releasing an album check out this step by step guide to release an album.
Everything from recording to the release party.
Includes examples of a bio, one sheet, business plan, and more. Instant download. 
Visit http://releaseyourownmusic.com/

Digital sales continue to pass CD sales

Digital sales continues to do better and better every year. CD sales are still there, but are on a continued decline. The question for every independent artist is should they just release their albums digital only and not waste the time and money on CD manufacturing? The good part about all this is that music is selling in general, whether it be downloads or CD. In my opinion, indie artists should focus mainly on digital download sales. This is the future. Of course you will still need a short run of physical CD's for radio, press, and other promotional outlets that require them. It may also be smart to get some made up for sale at your performances. Just be prepared, digital will take over eventually.
Fans really like buying digital singles off their favorite artists album. According to Nielson Soundscan, singles sales do a solid jump last year. Also, with cars coming equipped with hard drives now, it makes it more appealing to store a digital album collection in your car.



Artists and bands be sure to submit your music at these radio networks as well. www.hardcorejamz.com (Playing Hip-Hop and R&B) www.hardcoremix.com (Rock,Pop,Country,Jazz,Electro,Gospel and more) Submit music on either site.

Positive thinking helps your music career

If you want to have a successful music career, you must always have a positive attitude. Too many artists are worried about the next guy. There are always gonna be other artists or bands doing just as well as you, or better. Do not hate on these people, admire them, support them, and use their success to put a fire under your own butt to be a better artist. You will be a much happier person with your music career, if you think positively. Do not blame others if you are not as successful as you want to be, because it is your own fault. Work harder and support other artists in your local scene.
This attitude will not only perceive you as a good person, but it will open new doors to help you succeed in the music industry. It is simple!

Artists and bands be sure to submit your music at these radio networks as well. www.hardcorejamz.com (Playing Hip-Hop and R&B)
www.hardcoremix.com (Rock,Pop,Country,Jazz,Electro,Gospel and more)
Submit music on either site.

The best microphones I have ever used in my studio

There are so many different condenser microphones on the market, it can be hard to figure out which ones to use. Most studio engineers I know will have at least five different microphones available in their studio. They do this because some singers sound better with particular microphones.
Here is a short list of some of the best all around, affordable microphones I have used in my studio.

Shure PG27
This is a really affordable microphone. It is extremely clear and great for recording instruments and vocals. I have had this mic for awhile and it never disappoints.

Audio Technica AT2020
Another wonderful microphone for use on vocals and acoustic instruments. It is only around $100.

AKG C214
This mic will deliver crisp vocals. It is rugged and a classic choice for most home and pro studios.

MXL 3000
MXL has always been a pretty decent company that makes affordable mics. This one sounds really good. It is clear and gives vocals warmth. Give it a try.

Of course there are tons of other wonderful microphones out there. It is up to you to research and use what you think will sound best for your recordings.

You can buy any of these mics at Guitar Center.
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How often should you release an album?

You want to stay consistent and fresh in the music industry. That is why you should not wait too long in between album releases. Of course it all depends if you are touring and if you can squeeze in the time to write and record music. The general rule is 1 year in between album releases. You can work a single album for months by releasing singles and remixes to keep it alive. This will give you enough time to write and record new material. Many artists who are on the road, can bring a studio with them. These days you can record on a laptop with Pro Tools, send the files to an engineer for mixing and mastering, and you are done. The process is much easier than ever. Just be sure to write good, timeless songs that can be played 10 years from now and people will still love it!

***Release your music the right way***
Step by step guide to release an album.
Everything from recording to the release party.
Includes examples of a bio, one sheet, business plan, and more. Instant download. 
Visit http://releaseyourownmusic.com/