Podcast appearances and mentions of Trey Songz

This episode is a recap — and an expansion — of the six-hour Mixing Masterclass that Dee Kei hosted live in his LA studio. Lu was in the room. The audience brought mixes. Things got real. Now Dee and Lu bring the best of it to the podcast, including the things they didn't get to cover in person.The first and most important topic: what is the actual value of a mix engineer, and how should that determine your pricing? Dee lays out a position he holds firmly — you should never discount your rate based on stem count, never negotiate yourself down before the client even asks, and never charge by the hour for mixing. Your rate reflects the lifetime of training behind each decision, not the time it took to make it. Like Picasso sketching on a napkin, the price isn't for the five minutes — it's for everything it took to get there. Lu adds the market reality: what your price communicates before the client even hears your mix, and why charging too little signals something you don't want to signal.From there the episode moves into compression — specifically what happened in the room when Dee deliberately smashed a vocal with an 1176 in "all buttons in" mode and the mix bus with a Vertigo VCA compressor just to prove a point. The reaction in the room said everything: over-compression isn't always wrong. Rules like "don't compress more than 2-3dB" are useful frameworks until the moment the song tells you otherwise.They also get into the subjective vs. objective nature of mixing — why saying "there's no such thing as a good or bad mix" is actually incorrect, and how to think about objectivity in a field where the tools of judgment are mostly invisible. The Shohei Ohtani analogy here is one of the better ones the show has produced.The episode closes with a breakdown of how Spotify's LUFS normalization actually works — including the gating behavior that means raising your quieter sections can paradoxically lower your integrated LUFS, and why album masters and single masters should be approached as two completely separate deliverables if you want your music to hold up in playlists.A lot covered. All of it useful.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fair warning: Dee Kei opens this one by saying he doesn't know if he's going to release it. Congratulations — you found it.This is a looser, more speculative episode than usual, and that's exactly the point. Dee brings a theory he's been sitting with: that the rise of AI tools and plugin saturation is quietly driving a resurgence in the value of analog gear — not because analog is objectively better, but because it represents something that AI fundamentally can't replicate. Humanness. Randomness. The chaos of a real circuit doing something slightly unpredictable.Lu, who has personally moved over $157,000 in analog gear sales and spent years tracking sold listings on eBay and Reverb, brings the market perspective. They get into which pieces actually hold their value (vintage preamps and compressors from the right era), which ones don't (anything mass-produced and recently released), and the old idea that buying the right gear is just another savings account you can twist the knobs on while you wait.From there the conversation opens up into some bigger territory. They talk about the current bubble of vintage mixer restoration and servicing companies popping up, what vibe coding is doing to the plugin marketplace, and how AI tools are being deployed very differently in live sound versus the studio — including a breakdown of the L-Acoustics source intelligence system and how it can achieve up to 40dB of feedback reduction in real time on a vocal channel. The episode wraps with Dee going full speculative: the Gartner hype cycle and where AI actually lands when the bubble pops, what nuclear fusion does to the cost of running AI at scale, and the two technology shifts he thinks will fundamentally change everything about how we make and experience music.It's the kind of episode that happens when two engineers with too much on their mind decide to just talk. The industry context makes it more interesting than it sounds.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lu brought the topic this week — and it's one of the most universally felt things in audio that nobody talks about directly: the feeling of not belonging in the room. Not because you don't have the skill. Not because you don't have the credits. Just because the feeling is there, and most people let it make the decision for them.The episode opens with Lu sharing what he keeps hearing in consultation calls — talented engineers at every level passing on sessions they would have handled just fine, because they didn't feel ready. Dee and Lu are direct about it: the gap between someone who is working and someone who isn't is almost never the quality of their mixing. It's almost always confidence and forward motion. They unpack what imposter syndrome actually looks like at different stages of a career — not just at the beginning, but also at the mid-level, when asking for help or shadowing someone starts to feel embarrassing in a way that holds people back just as much.From there, Dee reads from Daniel Kahneman's Thinking Fast and Slow — specifically the chapter on cognitive priming — and the episode gets genuinely fascinating. He walks through the Florida Effect study, where participants subconsciously primed with age-related words actually walked slower down a hallway without knowing it. Then the pencil experiment, where people forced into a smile by how they held a pencil in their teeth rated cartoons as funnier than those forced into a frown — without being aware their facial expression had changed at all. The implication is direct: acting calm and confident doesn't just make you look calm and confident to others. It statistically makes you feel calmer and more confident yourself.The conversation also takes an unexpected turn into money priming — how the mere presence of money-related imagery in your environment makes people measurably more independent, more self-reliant, and also more selfish and socially distant — and what that means for the environments engineers build and the mindsets they carry into sessions.It ends where it started: the feeling of not belonging is not evidence of not belonging. Send the email. Ask to sit in. Shadow the session. The only thing making the street look longer than it is, is you.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode starts with a confession: Dee Kei wants a new compressor. Specifically, he's been eyeing the Heritage Audio Grandchild 670N — a $3,000 stereo Fairchild-style compressor in a 5U rack unit that launched in late 2025. From there, the episode opens up into something much more interesting than a gear review.Dee and Lu walk through exactly what makes the original Fairchild 670 so mythologized — the tube count, the time constants, the maintenance costs that make owning one feel like buying a second car you're afraid to drive — and why Heritage Audio's approach of distilling the circuit down to four tubes in an affordable, modern form factor is either brilliant or sacrilegious, depending on who you ask. They break down what the Grandchild 670N actually has on the front panel — DC threshold, AC threshold, sidechain filters, mid-side and stereo linking, true bypass — and why $3,000 for two channels of Fairchild-esque compression is a genuinely different proposition than it was even three years ago.But the most interesting part of the episode isn't the gear. It's what happens when Dee reads from two actual peer-reviewed studies on whether listeners can hear the difference between analog and digital processing at all. The first study tested analog modeling plugins against free non-modeling alternatives across 540 participants — and found that not only did listeners show no preference for the analog mix, the majority who thought they could identify it were wrong. The second covered DAX differences using a loopback method with over 1,300 respondents. The conclusion: people largely can't tell the difference, and the majority who claimed they could were misidentifying what they heard.So why does any of this matter — and why does Dee still want the compressor? The episode lands on something more philosophical than a gear recommendation: the difference between buying hardware because you believe it's objectively better, and buying it as an act of devotion to the craft. Dee draws a sharp distinction between using gear purchases to fill a hole in your love for music versus buying from a place of already loving it deeply — and how Tony Mazzarati still sharpening techniques at his level is proof that the rabbit hole never ends for people who genuinely want to go deeper.Gear talk, research, psychology, and the irrational passion that keeps working engineers working. A lot going on in this one.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

https://linktr.ee/blacksenseisocietySPOILER WARNING: Spider-Man Brand New Day spoilers run from 8:40 to about 35:00. One Piece Elbaf and Wano spoilers hit around 3:07:00. Skip ahead if you are not caught up.Santo and Miles came in with the radio voice on and did not let up for four hours. Tom Holland just dropped the biggest Spider-Man opening ever and the fellas are not buying the "best Spidey movie ever" narrative, so we broke down the villain problem, the Tobey vs Andrew vs Tom ranking, and where this actually lands in the Holland run. Then Rockstar decided to lock the GTA 6 extended look behind a Netflix subscription with a 100 dollar Ultimate Edition already on the table, and the panel had thoughts. In between: a two hour music war over what even counts as a rap album, Drake vs Kendrick top five cases, Jay Z, Uzi, Kodak, the R&B GOATs, and a Beyonce vs Taylor Swift aura debate that got the super chats going. Plus One Piece Elbaf, Kyrie slander, and a full fighting game tangent into Marvel Tokon and EVO.Hot Takes and Vybez. Season 3 Episode 2.TIMESTAMPS (approximate)0:00 We are live: Season 3 Episode 2 intro3:30 Housekeeping and Linktree5:35 Hot Takes and Vybez: setting the tone8:40 Spider-Man Brand New Day review: entertaining or overrated14:00 Can Marvel finally give Spider-Man a real villain25:00 Ranking every live action Spider-Man: Tobey vs Andrew vs Tom29:20 Should Miles Morales stay animated30:10 Sequel theories: symbiote, space, and who else is out there35:00 Parenting, fame, and the social media playbook47:00 Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declare for the WNBA draft56:00 What actually counts as a rap album1:00:00 Blurring the line: rap vs pop vs R&B1:05:15 Jay Z and the catalog conversation1:07:00 Drake vs Kendrick: does either have a top five case1:25:30 Building the real top five1:31:00 Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, Tyler, J Cole1:41:00 Kodak Black and the peak run debate1:45:15 Beyonce vs Taylor Swift: who has more aura1:53:35 Kodak vs Denzel Curry vs X2:05:25 Meek Mill and Nightmares to Dreams2:14:25 Best women in music2:26:30 R&B GOATs: Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo2:35:00 Bryson Tiller, Don Toliver, Travis Scott2:40:15 What we are watching and reading: Mushoku Tensei, Bleach, Tower of God2:43:35 Buc-ee's vs Wawa: the gas station food war2:50:15 GTA 6 behind a Netflix paywall and the 100 dollar Ultimate Edition3:00:30 Is Red Dead Redemption 2 actually overrated3:07:30 Ranking Wano and where One Piece stands3:10:30 Elbaf, Vegapunk, and that robot3:13:50 Kyrie Irving and the greatest under six foot three debate3:19:40 Super chat: The Weeknd on the Persona 6 soundtrack3:21:00 Marvel Rivals and Marvel Tokon first impressions3:30:15 The Avatar fighting game is actually good3:38:50 EVO, Arslan Ash, Tokido and fighting game GOATs3:52:00 OutroHOSTED BYSantoMileswith Radell and the Dojo panelFollow everything at https://linktr.ee/blacksenseisocietyBusiness and guest inquiries: blacksenseisociety@gmail.comKEYWORDSspider man brand new day review, spider man brand new day spoilers, tom holland best spider man, brand new day ending explained, best live action spider man ranking, gta 6 netflix trailer, gta 6 price, gta 6 extended look, rockstar netflix deal, red dead redemption 2 overrated, drake vs kendrick, drake top 5 rappers, best rap albums debate, r&b goat debate, beyonce vs taylor swift, one piece elbaf, one piece wano ranking, kyrie irving debate, marvel tokon, evo fighting games, anime podcast, black sensei society, open dojo podcastanimeonepiecespidermanbrandnewdaygta6tomhollanddrakekendricklamarhiphopdebaterbgoatmarveltokonevokyrieirvinganimepodcastopendojoblackseneisocietypodcastclipshottakes

We're ringing it back with the most viral Homie Helpline of 2026 as "The Kitty Pounder" reveals she was fired because of her radio appearance and served with papers at a funeral—but she's bouncing back with a new michelada hustle!

Lu's on vacation. Dee Kei is alone with a page of talking points and one of the most contested topics in audio engineering right now — and the result is one of the most thoughtful solo episodes the show has produced.This is not an episode about which AI tools Dee uses or recommends. It's about something harder to talk about: how engineers think about delegation, what happens when a probabilistic recommendation gets presented with the confidence of certainty, and why the pro-AI vs. anti-AI binary is the least useful frame anyone could bring to this conversation.Dee opens with a distinction that reframes the entire debate: there's a difference between assistance tools, delegation tools, and full replacement — and most of the discourse collapses all three into one. He argues that engineers have been using automated decision-making for decades (dynamic EQ, auto release, delay compensation, drum replacement, LUFS metering), so the real question was never whether machines should make decisions. The real question is how much of the contextual, consequential decision-making we're comfortable handing over — and whether we understand what's being lost in that handoff.From there he gets into the value engineers actually bring that no AI is accounting for: accountability, history with an artist, taste, creative confidence, the ability to hear the same note as a client and understand what they actually mean. He's direct about the economic effects coming — fewer junior engineer jobs, faster turnaround expectations, clients arriving with better rough mixes — but equally direct about what those changes don't mean: that the ceiling of professional audio work is getting any lower.The episode closes on a question Dee leaves deliberately open: if an AI assistant could eventually make every technical decision as well as a human engineer, what do we actually believe the mixer is there to do?SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After a brief holiday hiatus, the DSP returns to sit and discuss:Musical Appropriation (5:30), Camping Essentials (14:48), Neurodivergent Road Men (16:50) Chris Brown v Trey Songz (31:12), Most Overrated Food (40:25), Inherited Beef (56:38), WhatsApp Kink (1:14:22), and much more Host: Rhys - Twitter: @Raw_like_me - Instagram: Rawlikeme, Mark Brown - Twitter: @Mister2Drink - Instagram: Mister2Drink - Kaydia - Instagram: @kay.veronica.fennella - Twitter: ⁨@ksmall91⁩

Tone Kapone, KeKe, and Zach Boog talk Cardi B Teasing New Music, Gloria Govan & Derrick Fisher Split, The Bonnet Ban, Trey Songz & More!

Quake discusses YG vs The Game on VERZUZ, YG being detained as authorities execute Drakeo Tha Ruler-related search warrant, Tupac investigator poking holes in Keefe D case, judge rejecting Pooh Shiesty's bond proposal in Gucci Mane case, Chris Brown pleading guilty to fighting man at London nightclub, Diddy allegedly being placed in solitary confinement after getting in prison fight, Trey Songz dodging prison time for alleged fight at New York club, 50 Cent clowning Rick Ross for bad album sales, Ross responding, 50 Cent revealing he has a song with 2Pac and Eminem and much more.(00:00) - Intro(02:28) - YG Vs The Game On VERZUZ Review(08:57) - YG Detained As Authorities Execute Drakeo Tha Ruler-Related Search Warrant(13:42) - Tupac Investigator Pokes Holes In Keefe D Case(15:50) - Judge Rejects Pooh Shiesty's Bond Proposal In Gucci Mane Case(17:39) - Chris Brown Pleads Guilty To Fighting Man At London Nightclub(20:37) - Diddy Allegedly Placed In Solitary Confinement After Getting In Prison Fight(22:24) - Trey Songz Dodges Prison Time For Alleged Fight At New York Club(24:18) - 50 Cent Clowns Rick Ross For Bad Album Sales, Ross Responds(42:27) - 50 Cent Reveals He Has A Song With 2Pac And Eminem(43:54) - New Music(44:10) - Album Sales(45:57) - Billboard Hot 100

I am uploading classic episodes of ignorant philosophy! I miss recording! I miss the gang! Enjoy these classic episodes! - Eric Dizzy

Broadcasting live from the Cincinnati Music Festival, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show brought the energy, laughs, and inspiration as the crew celebrated one of the nation’s biggest celebrations of Black music and culture. This year’s festival features major performers including Mary J. Blige, Nelly, Charlie Wilson, SWV, Trey Songz, and more, drawing thousands of fans to Cincinnati for a weekend of music and community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadcasting live from the Cincinnati Music Festival, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show brought the energy, laughs, and inspiration as the crew celebrated one of the nation’s biggest celebrations of Black music and culture. This year’s festival features major performers including Mary J. Blige, Nelly, Charlie Wilson, SWV, Trey Songz, and more, drawing thousands of fans to Cincinnati for a weekend of music and community. The show also welcomed gospel superstar Kirk Franklin, who joined the conversation as excitement builds for the upcoming Stellar Gospel Music Awards, where he is set to host a star-studded night honoring gospel music’s biggest names. Meanwhile, the crew shared prayers and encouragement with listeners, creating several heartfelt moments that highlighted the show’s commitment to faith, family, and uplifting the community. The biggest entertainment story centered on the growing estate dispute involving late actor Chadwick Boseman. The crew discussed reports that his brothers have petitioned a court to remove his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, as administrator of his estate, alleging that portions of the estate have not been fully distributed years after his passing. The show also spotlighted singer Nivea, who recently revealed that she has been undergoing treatment for leukemia and says the diagnosis has strengthened her faith, renewed her gratitude for life, and inspired her return to music. Between celebrity headlines, festival excitement, sports updates, and powerful moments of testimony and encouragement, the episode delivered the perfect blend of entertainment, information, and inspiration. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Crazy Crew, join our We Sound Crazy list: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms.OYD Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz Shannon Wallace pulls up. The actor, model, photographer and filmmaker known for his standout turns as Calvin in Netflix's phenomenon Beauty in Black, DeAndre on BET+'s Diara From Detroit, and his role opposite Tyler Perry in Divorce in the Black joins hosts Phillionaire, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon for a wide-ranging conversation about visibility, craft and building his own lane. Shannon breaks down the reality of the Tyler Perry machine (filming a whole feature in six days and shooting 100 pages a day), teases what fans can expect from a just-wrapped Diara From Detroit Season 2, revisits the "Mallory effect" that took over the internet, and explains how being a five-sport high school athlete turned social worker set him up to build slashes instead of waiting for the phone to ring.  He walks the crew through his character-prep process (music as his Bucky code word, custom playlists for every era), gets into a spirited VA versus New York hip hop debate, drops his top five albums (Reasonable Doubt, Miseducation, To Pimp a Butterfly, plus a VA shout to Trey Songz's Trey Day), and previews his self-produced feature A Story About You, which just premiered at Slamdance and is headed to the American Black Film Festival next. Press play for one of the most intentional young multi-hyphenates in the culture, telling his story from every side of the camera. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Malachi Fuller Director of Photography: Neither Camera Op: Andrew Meyers, Derek Reed, Malachi Fuller, Neither Gaffer: Tyler Holmes Set Design: Gina Dorsey Producer/A2: Jerel Duren Editor: Hyyer Creative Producer: Lamont Baldwin, Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Micha "ML6" Logan Photography: Kirk McClain PA: Keylon Hall, Jonaye Anderson, Ryan Lee Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City. Special thanks to Shannon Wallace! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media:~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #ShannonWallace #BeautyInBlack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would Dee Kei and Lu actually do if they had to start their music careers completely over today — same age, same responsibilities, but zero industry knowledge, zero connections, and zero credits? That's the question at the center of this episode, and the answers get surprisingly deep.The conversation starts practical: Lu makes the case for going straight to the top and finding the most credible working professional you can — shadowing, interning, and learning how the industry actually moves before spending a dime on gear. Dee adds his own counterpoint, arguing that hands-on reps with real people, even local ones, build something an internship can't always give you early on. The two go back and forth on the internship vs. DIY debate in a way that's genuinely useful for anyone trying to figure out where to start.But the episode goes further than tactics. Dee pulls from Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman to break down how self-control, delayed gratification, and the ability to focus attention are more predictive of long-term success than raw intelligence — and what that means for how you show up in the early days of your career. They also get into the fatherhood premium, what motivation looks like when the stakes are real, and why community college might be one of the most underrated networking moves for someone starting over in their 30s.The episode closes on something more philosophical: the difference between genuinely wanting a career in music and just thinking you should have one — and why knowing that distinction early could save you years of wasted energy or redirect you toward something even more sustainable.Whether you're 19 with a laptop and a dream or 35 reconsidering your path, this episode will challenge how you think about starting.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The crew is joined by returning guest 2K Kenny, who is back nearly two years after his first appearance on Episode 136. With Damon away, Damo, Aaron, and Kenny begin by discussing the cost of CMC initiation events, “integrity counting” during the PRT, and the technical difference between a Sailor's rate, rating, and paygrade. The conversation also covers the importance of acknowledging people, lessons from suicide-intervention training, and why something as simple as saying hello can carry more weight than we realize. The crew then catches up on everything Kenny has accomplished since his first appearance. He discusses making second class, earning his ESWS qualification, enduring repeated deployment extensions, and turning the realities of sea duty into music that connects with Sailors. Kenny explains how he learned to embrace being called corny, respond to criticism with confidence, and lean further into the creativity that made him stand out. The conversation moves through vintage Navy uniforms, content days, guerrilla marketing, getting recognized around base—and while driving Uber—and the growing community of Sailors creating their own lanes through social media. Kenny also opens up about his family, his evolving relationships with his parents, and the responsibility that came with growing up as the oldest of ten children. He reflects on the leader he wants to become, the sponsor who made his arrival in Hawaii memorable, and the importance of correcting Sailors while still advocating for them. From opening for Trey Songz and growing his streaming audience to removing music that no longer represented him, strengthening his faith, studying harmonies, and pursuing an opportunity to perform at Fleet Week, Kenny shares how his goals have matured without losing the passion that started everything. Along the way, the crew debates the Navy's most respected rates, revisits Love & Basketball, explores the stories behind Kenny's music, and offers a few ideas for where his sound could go next.       Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptstpodcast@gmail.com       Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Links to follow 2K Kenny: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ofPPFgZgYPtLajjoLtOx6?si=f26HTx2KSFGfxoZG-Ibw4A Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/2k-kenny/1518348938 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqp0kj5XZBAMfb24k_KJbg/community TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@2kkenny1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2kkenny/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2kkenny/       PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0

LINK TO 20% OFF! CODE: MMPODLink and code expires 7/21/2026In this episode, Dee Kei and Lu sit down with Andrew Rynhard — mastering engineer, developer, and founder of Naturl Audio — for one of the most technical and candid limiter conversations the show has ever had. Naturl Audio's philosophy is "evolution, not emulation," and that mindset runs through every corner of this episode.They start at the foundation: what's the actual difference between a brick wall limiter and a high-ratio compressor, and does the distinction even matter in practice? Andrew breaks down how the AL-1 takes a fundamentally different approach — abandoning traditional lookahead design in favor of an original zero-latency circuit, and deliberately avoiding the clipping or wave-shaping stage that most limiters rely on to force a hard ceiling. The result, he explains, is a limiter that stays musical and open under pressure rather than mechanical. Dee walks through how he actually uses the AL-1 in his mix sessions — not just as a loudness tool at the end of the chain, but as a creative shaping device — and Andrew digs into the Optimizer section, which uses upward compression and intelligent makeup gain to add loudness without coloration.The episode also takes some unexpected turns. Andrew opens up about the intense online backlash surrounding the AL-1's launch — including people threatening him over a plugin — and what that toxicity says about tribalism in the audio world. Dee shares a story about being the only engineer in a room full of pros willing to admit he couldn't hear a difference, and why that kind of honest integrity might be the most underrated quality in the business. Andrew echoes it with a lesson he learned from Jiu Jitsu: ego is the single biggest blocker to actually developing your ears, and the engineers who keep growing are the ones who can say "I don't know" out loud.It wraps with a real conversation about clipping philosophy — when to reach for a clipper vs. lean on the limiter, and what Grammy-winning masters actually look like in terms of true peak and LUFS. The answer might surprise you.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

SUBSTACK LINKIn this solo episode, Dee Kei reads and expands on his Substack essay — a thoughtful response to the now-viral Jim Lil preamp video that sent the audio engineering world into a frenzy. If you haven't seen it, Jim Lil tested a Neve 31105 against a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and found the audible difference between the two to be far smaller than most engineers would ever admit. The reactions were loud, emotional, and — according to Dee Kei — largely missing the point.This episode isn't really about whether preamps matter. It's about why the conversation got so heated, what that reaction reveals about how engineers attach their professional identity to their gear, and what it looks like to hold your preferences with confidence without letting them harden into ego. Dee draws on philosophy — Nietzsche's concept of self-overcoming and Nishitani's idea of emptiness — not to be abstract, but to give language to something engineers feel but rarely articulate: the difference between having taste and needing your taste to be doctrine.He also calls out the logical fallacies that flooded the reaction videos, breaks down what Jim Lil's test actually proved versus what people claimed it proved, and ends with a distinction that every working engineer should sit with — the difference between a confident engineer and an egoic one.This is one of the more unique episodes in the show's catalog. Equal parts audio philosophy, industry critique, and professional development — and it's the kind of conversation the mixing world needs more of.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A listener-requested episode is back by popular demand! Dee Kei and Lu tackle one of the most common questions in the show's history — what computer should you actually buy for mixing, producing, recording, and video editing in 2026?They make the case for why Mac has become the default choice for anyone working in a collaborative environment, breaking down file compatibility issues, AirDrop convenience, and why the cost gap with PCs no longer justifies the headache. From there, they go deep on the Mac mini's rise as one of the best value computers ever made, why it became so hard to find, and how the M4 and M5 chip generations have made fan noise, overheating, and lag basically non-issues for audio work.The conversation also covers RAM and storage decisions that actually matter (versus the ones that don't), why external Thunderbolt drives are now just as fast and far more affordable than maxing out internal storage, and surprising GPU improvements that are changing video editing speeds for producers who dabble in content creation. They wrap with an unexpected but relevant detour into Apple's privacy stance and what that means for engineers handling sensitive, high-value sessions.If you've been putting off a computer upgrade or just don't know what specs actually matter anymore, this episode cuts through the noise.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this solo episode, Dee Kei walks through exactly what a mixing session looks like from the moment he sits down to the moment the file goes out — no guests, no theory, just the real process he uses on every project.He covers why the very first listen always happens before a single plugin is touched, how he organizes and gain stages a session before anything else, and the order in which he builds a mix and why. He also gets into his philosophy on plugin chains, how he actually uses reference tracks without chasing them, and how he knows when his ears have stopped telling him the truth. The episode wraps with his delivery routine — what the final check looks like, how he communicates with clients on send, and why the follow-up step most engineers skip is more important than they think.If you've ever wanted to look over Dee Kei's shoulder during a real session, this is the closest thing to it.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jovy E. & R&B ONLY founder JABARI are joined by Troy Taylor to discuss the ultimate blueprint of modern R&B, industry secrets, and the vital role of artist development in today's music scene. In this essential episode of The R&B ONLY Show, the trio reveals the exact formula the 3x Grammy-winning producer used to discover and break superstar Trey Songz. Diving deep into the changing landscape of record deals and tackling the "R&B is dead" myth, they break down why timeless chords, authentic vocal arrangements, and true musicality are driving the genre's massive comeback. It is a must-watch masterclass for aspiring artists, producers, and true music fans looking to understand the past, present, and future of R&B. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Dee Kei gets honest about something nobody in the audio world really wants to say out loud — talent is the most common thing in this industry, and it's rarely what separates the engineers who are thriving from the ones who are struggling. After years of working alongside incredibly gifted mixers who can't keep the lights on, and watching others with average ears build sustainable careers, the pattern is clear: the gap isn't in the DAW.Dee breaks down the real reasons talented engineers stay stuck — from waiting until they feel "ready," to undercharging out of insecurity, to treating their craft like a hobby instead of a business. He talks about the trap of being busy without being strategic, what it actually takes to build a referral pipeline, and why isolation might be the most career-limiting thing a mixer can do.This one is a mindset episode, but it's also practical. Every point has a fix — and none of them require you to get better at mixing.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Dee Kei breaks down how he actually thinks about mixing vocals — and it's probably not what you'd expect. Before touching a plugin, an EQ, or a compressor, the most important step is understanding the intention behind the song. Is it a club banger or an intimate bedroom record? A polished pop vocal or something raw that's supposed to feel that way? Dee explains why blindly applying mixing techniques without reading context is the number one mistake engineers at every level make.From there, he dives into the fundamentals: how low-mids shape intimacy versus energy, why most beginners over-de-ess their vocals, when heavy compression works in your favor and when it fights the song, and how vocal placement in the mix is determined by the density and genre of the track. He also gets real about something not enough people talk about — the rise of intentionally "rough" sounding mixes that are racking up streams, and what that means for how you serve your clients.Whether you're a bedroom producer mixing your first song or a working engineer looking to sharpen your instincts, this episode will shift how you approach every vocal session.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 375 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and James break down a tier list for client acquisition in the music industry, inspired by a video from Panorama Mixing and Mastering. They discuss what actually works for getting mixing and production clients, what sounds good in theory but rarely converts, and why repeat clients and word of mouth still dominate almost everything else.The conversation covers networking events, Instagram outreach, YouTube, educational content, spec mixes, referrals, local music scenes, label relationships, free work, websites, paid ads, and cold DMs. Along the way, Dee Kei and James share personal stories from their own careers, including what helped them grow, what failed completely, and how different strategies change depending on your city, pricing, and stage of career.The bigger takeaway is that most successful audio careers are built less on “hacks” and more on trust, consistency, relationships, and staying active long enough for momentum to compound. This is a practical episode for mixers, producers, and engineers trying to figure out where to actually spend their time and energy. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Ooohtheyfunny, the crew dives into some real conversations about life, perception, and success, starting with the question everybody's been debating lately: is college still actually worth it? They break down rising tuition costs, student debt, trades becoming more profitable, and whether people truly choose college with a plan or just because they feel pressured at 18. From there, the conversation shifts into confidence vs competence, debating why confident people often seem to win in jobs, dating, and everyday life even when they're less skilled, and whether society naturally trusts people who sound sure of themselves. The episode also gets deeper with a discussion about happiness versus success, questioning what parents really want for their kids and whether chasing money and status is worth sacrificing peace of mind. To lighten things up, the crew closes out with a hilarious debate about which male R&B singers actually look like they can fight, calling out everybody from Chris Brown and Trey Songz to Brent Faiyaz and Usher while arguing whether quiet energy or loud confidence is scarier in a real situation.

In Episode 373 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei sits down with multi-platinum mixer Austin Seltzer to talk about the real-world habits that separate professional mixers from amateurs.They dive into major label workflows, quality control, revision culture, stem prep, client communication, pricing, managers, points, mixing for indie artists vs major artists, and why sending a mix too early can hurt your career. Austin also shares practical advice on systems, professionalism, politics in the music industry, and how treating every mix like a major release can completely change your trajectory.This episode is packed with honest insight for engineers, producers, and mixers trying to level up both creatively and professionally.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 372 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu talk about how mix engineers build real confidence. They break down the difference between results-based confidence, where your confidence depends on client approval, clean revisions, or a perfect session, and a deeper confidence built through preparation, experience, systems, and consistency.The conversation covers revision notes, rejected mixes, stressful sessions, client communication, professional workflows, branding, practice, and why confidence cannot come only from good outcomes. Dee Kei and Lu also discuss faith, fear, imposter syndrome, clear conscience, and how staying calm under pressure helps clients trust you more.This episode is for engineers, producers, and creatives who want to build lasting confidence without relying on validation, luck, or every mix going perfectly. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 371 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu have a more relaxed, reflective conversation about life, creativity, and staying inspired in audio. Dee Kei talks about moving through different phases as an engineer, from early excitement, to getting lost in technical details, to eventually trying to reconnect the emotional side of music with a deeper technical curiosity.They discuss gear research, learning from other engineers, Atmos and surround mixing, studio upgrades, creative plateaus, and the desire to fall back in love with mixing after feeling stuck. The conversation also opens up into fatherhood, having a third child, balancing family with a creative career, contentment versus complacency, and why responsibility can sometimes create more purpose instead of limiting ambition.This episode is part audio reflection, part life update, and part creative reset for anyone trying to stay curious, authentic, and motivated in a long-term music career.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 370 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu continue their true-or-false format and dig into even more of the beliefs, myths, and gray areas that shape music production and audio careers. This round covers everything from whether you should mix and master your own music, to whether analog gear is really better, whether Pro Tools still matters, and whether networking outweighs skill.They also get into social media, working for free early in your career, standing out in a crowded industry, perfectionism, arrangement vs mix importance, and what actually makes a great mixer. One of the strongest themes in the episode is that audio is never just technical. Great mixing is also about psychology, emotion, decision-making, and understanding how to help artists feel confident in what they are making.This is a sharp, practical episode for engineers, producers, and artists who want more nuance than the usual black-and-white advice. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 369 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu take a true-or-false format and use it to unpack some of the biggest myths and half-truths in music, mixing, and the audio industry. What starts with a Discord question about whether clients should ever receive a mix you are not proud of turns into a bigger conversation about taste, service, flexibility, and what great engineers actually do.They dig into whether natural talent is required to become great at music, whether a mix that sounds good in mono sounds good everywhere, whether subs should always be mono, whether success is measured by streams, whether artists can really make a living from Spotify, and whether you have to move to LA to make it in music. They also touch on reference tracks, client expectations, and how personal ego can distort the way people think about careers and craft.This is a fun but honest episode that mixes hot takes with real nuance, especially for engineers, producers, and artists trying to think more clearly about success, taste, and what actually matters in music. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Von Waters – a Virginia native whose pen is quietly shaping the sound of modern R&B. From growing up in a tiny church-going town and moving to L.A. in a boy band, to landing placements with Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Summer Walker, and Christopher Williams, Von walks us through his journey one chapter at a time. He shares how a DM to legendary producer Troy Taylor changed the trajectory of his career, how the pandemic dissolved his group but unlocked his songwriting bag, and why he's intentionally taking his time before stepping forward as a solo artist. They also get into the realities of publishing deals, the grind of writing “an idea a day,” and the difference between powerhouse vocalists and what Von jokingly calls “medium singers.” This is a candid, grounded look at what it means to come from a small town, dream big, and actually put in the work behind the scenes of today's R&B.

In Episode 368 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu tackle a question that comes up constantly: how do you maintain work-life balance while building a serious music career, especially with a spouse, kids, and the uncertainty that comes with creative work?With Dee Kei preparing for the birth of his third child, the conversation becomes a personal one. He breaks down the biggest misconception around balance, which is the idea that it is some permanent state you eventually arrive at. Instead, the episode explores work-life balance as something fluid, imperfect, and constantly changing based on your season of life, your values, your relationships, and your responsibilities.They also get into boundaries, flexibility, commitment, marriage, career ambition, and how family can shape motivation rather than destroy it. This is a thoughtful episode for anyone trying to navigate music, purpose, relationships, and the reality of building a meaningful life without waiting for things to feel perfectly stable. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Crazy Crew, join our We Sound Crazy list: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/jointhewesoundcrazy-emailandsms.OYD Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz In this episode of We Sound Crazy, the crew welcomes the legendary Troy Taylor, a "vocal mastermind" and multi-platinum producer whose influence has shaped the landscape of R&B for over three decades. From recording holiday classics with Whitney Houston to witnessing the unparalleled professionalism of Aretha Franklin in her own dining room, Taylor shares the kind of "backstage pass" stories that only a true industry titan could tell. As a mentor to host Claude Kelly and a key architect in the careers of icons like Boyz II Men and Tyrese, his presence on the show is more than just a guest appearance—it's a deep-dive masterclass into the art of vocal production and the staying power required to remain a "GOAT" in an ever-changing industry. Beyond the Grammy and Dove Awards, Taylor gets candid about the gritty reality of artist development, reflecting on his pivotal role in transforming a 17-year-old Trey Songz into a global superstar and the often "thankless" nature of a business fueled by ego and politics. He offers an inspiring look at the resilience required to stay as "giddy" about producing today as he was when he started, even after weathering thirty-six years of industry disappointments. Whether he's discussing the "silent prayer" he holds for his former students or his philosophy on the "one person" every artist needs to listen to, Taylor proves exactly why he remains a cornerstone of the culture and a permanent fixture in the R&B hall of fame.  We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: Josh Sowemimo, James Hart, John Dierre Editor/Producer: Lamont Baldwin Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt   PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole  Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Troy Taylor! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #TroyTaylor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 367 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Lu holds it down solo while Dee Kei takes time with his growing family, and uses the episode to demystify some of the most common myths in audio. He moves through recording, mixing, mastering, and broader industry misconceptions, tackling topics like expensive gear, recording levels, fixing things in the mix, room acoustics, clipping, plugin counts, reference tracks, headphones, loudness, presets, Auto-Tune, and more.Rather than overcomplicating things, Lu keeps the episode practical and direct. The message throughout is that context matters, good judgment matters, and a lot of the “rules” people repeat in audio are either outdated, oversimplified, or flat-out wrong. This is a fast, useful episode for engineers, producers, and artists who want clearer thinking and fewer myths in their workflow. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 366 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu talk about what the first five years of an audio career really look like. From saying yes to everything, trying different lanes, and learning on the fly, to dealing with low pay, long hours, self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure to figure things out, this episode is a realistic look at the early stage of building a life in music.They break down the value of experimentation, humility, relationships, gear obsession, learning through mistakes, and why your path will probably look different from everyone else's. The bigger message is that there is no single blueprint for making it in music, but staying curious, staying open, and actually enjoying the process matters more than most people realize. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Send us Fan MailPeanut butter whiskey gets the first roast, and somehow that turns into a full-on ranking of athletes and teams we just cannot stand. We build a Mount Rushmore of sports hate, from old NBA villains to college programs that ruined our peace, and we keep it real about why fandom sticks to your ribs. If you like sports talk that feels like the group chat, this one hits. Then we pivot into a relationship question that sounds simple until you picture it happening to you: what if you get married in private and tell nobody, but a friend “accidentally” congratulates your mom in public? We talk trust, boundaries, and how fast news travels now, especially when celebrity culture is built on leaks. That leads into the Zendaya and Tom Holland rumor mill and what it means when someone close to you lets the secret slip. Music lovers get fed too. We run a Trey Songz vs Joe mini Verzuz and argue every round, because R&B classics hit different depending on where you were in life when you first heard them. After that, we jump into entertainment news: Jack Harlow's Monica album, his “I got blacker” comment, and how context disappears once a clip hits social media. We close with hip hop drama around 50 Cent on Instagram, the Papoose and Claressa Shields situation, and a “hot thoughts” detour into the Epstein files and the wildest names we can imagine. If you're here for pop culture commentary, music debate, sports takes, and internet chaos, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find us. What topic had you yelling at your phone the most?FOLLOW. SUBSCRIBE. SHARE. Contactmixedvibeztv@gmail.com (720) 381-1092Facebook www.facebook.com/mixedvibezYouTube https://youtube.com/@mixedvibezmediaTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mixedvibezmedia?_t=8aEYresFfkw&_r=1Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mixedvibezpodcast/

In Episode 365 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and James sit down with mixing engineer Andrew Law to talk about immersive audio, Dolby Atmos, and how Andrew built a career around spatial mixing. He shares how his path took him from traditional recording work into TV, film, podcasting, Amazon Music, and eventually Grammy-nominated Atmos mixing.The conversation breaks down what actually makes a strong Atmos mix, how Andrew approaches beds, objects, binaural settings, and playback, and why hearing Atmos on a real speaker system can completely change how artists feel about the format. He also explains practical ways beginners can start learning Atmos without a full room build, along with thoughts on workflow, clients, and where immersive audio may be headed next.Along the way, Andrew also talks about career pivots, working both freelance and in-house, networking, and how his unusual background, from sports to studio life, shaped the way he navigates the music industry. This is a great episode for anyone curious about Atmos, spatial audio, and the evolving future of mixing. andrewlawmixing.comSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 364 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu revisit one of the most common pieces of advice in mixing: “mix fast.” While trusting your instincts and avoiding overthinking can be powerful, the guys explore the nuance behind when slowing down actually leads to better results.They discuss the value of the “next day listen,” how fresh ears can reveal problems you missed the night before, and why building extra time into your schedule can improve both your mixes and your revision process. From there, the conversation dives into practical ways to slow down intentionally, including detailed automation, vocal rides, automating effects and parallel compression, and taking the time to properly dial in EQ and compressor settings.The episode also highlights the importance of referencing and making intentional decisions rather than letting plugins or presets determine the direction of a mix. The core message is simple: instinct and speed are valuable, but great mixes often come from knowing when to pause, listen carefully, and refine the details.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 363 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu take a deep dive into how mixing and recording have evolved from the 1950s to today. Starting with mono recordings, ribbon mics, and engineers in lab coats, they trace the journey through multitrack tape, Neve and SSL consoles, gated reverb in the 80s, the rise of Pro Tools in the 90s, the loudness wars of the 2000s, and the bedroom production boom of the 2010s.They break down how technological shifts shaped the sound of each era, from Frank Sinatra's room-driven performances to Led Zeppelin's tape saturation, Michael Jackson's SSL precision, and the hyper-loud masters of Metallica and early 2000s pop and hip hop. The conversation also explores how Napster disrupted the industry, how streaming rebuilt it, and why today's music economy is more democratized than ever.The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion on AI, Atmos, spatial audio, and whether music is truly declining or simply evolving again. Along the way, Dee Kei challenges common analog myths, including the hidden digital processing inside many classic vinyl records.If you care about how technology shapes creativity, why records sound the way they do, and where mixing is headed next, this is a must-listen episode.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 362 of the Mixing Music Podcast, hosts Dee Kei and Lu start with a wild weekend recap that includes long work hours, live sound chaos, and a massive rally in downtown Los Angeles. Dee Kei shares how he went from one gig to another while traffic was locked up, and even ended up unintentionally marching with a protest on the way to the next event. He describes the scale of the rally setup, including flying dozens of line arrays to cover an enormous crowd, and then later connects that experience to one of the core themes of the episode: fundamentals matter more than fancy gear.The main conversation is sparked by a viral-style audio story: a blind listening test where people could not reliably tell the difference between audio passed through standard copper wire, a banana, or wet mud. Dee Kei and Lu use the article as a jumping-off point to talk about how easy it is for audio culture to become obsessed with mysticism, status, and expensive objects rather than results. They point out that even when engineers care deeply about details, most listeners respond to vibe, emotion, and impact, not the mythology around cables, converters, or obscure technical flexes.From there, the episode expands into a bigger discussion about anti-intellectualism in the Zen sense, not anti-intelligence. The idea is that practical experience, experimentation, and real listening should take priority over rigid theories, cheat sheets, and secondhand rules. They talk about how knowing everything about a compressor on paper is not the same as using it well in context, and how taste and emotional translation are often more important than technical trivia. They connect this to why AI may automate some low-stakes, background-music needs, but will not fully replace the human judgment behind great mixing and music made for music's sake.The guys also get into the social side of the industry, including how insecurity can show up as a need to prove people wrong, and how being “the smartest person in the room” does not matter if you make everyone miserable. They share stories about people who are technically knowledgeable but communicate with a defensive, correcting energy that makes others want to exit the conversation. Dee Kei frames it as a lack of contentment and an obsession with being right instead of being useful.Later, they bring the conversation back to growth and practice: why daily reps matter, how to get better by accelerating mistake-making, and why it helps to mix for real people with opinions rather than only practicing in a vacuum. They talk about practical ways to practice recording and mixing when you do not have a studio, like using rehearsal spaces, booking an affordable studio day, or working with local bands in exchange for experience. Dee Kei also emphasizes a simple principle he has said before: if you want to get good, start mixing faster and start making decisive choices with intention.To close, they reflect on humility, responsibility, and long-term improvement, including an example of how top performers stay grounded under pressure, plus a nuanced comparison of how gratitude can be framed differently in American versus Japanese culture. The episode ends with a reminder to focus on the craft over the distractions, keep it fun, and keep learning.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 361 of the Mixing Music Podcast, hosts Dee Kei and Lu start with some Super Bowl talk and quickly pivot into a bigger conversation about obsession, creativity, and what actually drives high-level engineers to improve. Dee Kei shares a recent clip he saw from a well-known mixer talking about working extreme hours early on, and how an unhealthy level of obsession can sometimes be part of why people eventually earn enough skill, stability, and confidence to relax later.From there, the episode becomes a deep mindset discussion about craft. Dee Kei argues that great work tends to create money as a consequence, not as a starting motivation, and that when money becomes the primary goal, it can de-incentivize the kind of care and curiosity that lead to truly great records. He uses a story about giving his young son an allowance and watching how the introduction of money changed the child's relationship to making art. The broader point is that creative work is different than typical product-based entrepreneurship, because art has no built-in finish line and its value is often subjective.They also talk about the difference between loving music and loving the identity of being a producer or engineer. Dee Kei suggests that real obsession is not something you force. It is an alignment that shows up naturally in how you spend your time, what you want to learn, and how much you care even when conditions are not ideal. He shares a C.S. Lewis quote about how favorable conditions never arrive, and why the people who achieve the most are the ones who keep learning and working even when life is inconvenient.Lu adds a practical anchor to the conversation with a reminder that fundamentals beat trendy techniques. Whether you are mixing, recording, or working live sound, focusing on the basics of sound capture, decision-making, and working within limitations is what consistently produces results. They also touch on loudness briefly, including the idea of getting competitively loud while still feeling dynamic, plus how tools like clippers can be used creatively when the foundation of the mix is already solid.The episode wraps with a short story about a Japanese sword parable that illustrates diminishing returns and restraint, tying back to the idea that technical mastery alone is not the point. The bigger goal is making meaningful art with intention, curiosity, and integrity, without reducing the whole process to profit, ego, or external validation.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 359 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei sits down in Shibuya, Tokyo with Eric from Blackcat Whitecat Music, a music agency working across advertising, film, TV series, games, and publishing. The conversation offers a rare inside look at how brands and agencies actually choose music, and what producers need to understand if they want to land real commercial placements.Eric breaks down how music is sourced for advertising in Japan, including how creative decisions are made, why relationships matter more than cold pitches, and how Japanese and Western expectations around sync, licensing, and royalties can differ. He explains the concept of “tie-ups,” upfront fees, and why some advertising music deals function very differently than traditional backend royalty models.They also get into practical pitching advice for producers and composers, including what makes an outreach email worth opening, why personalization matters, and how professionalism, reliability, and communication often outweigh raw talent. Eric shares his strong stance on not delivering full stems at the final stage, explaining how protecting the approved mix helps preserve the original creative intent.The episode explores cross-cultural communication, Japanese business etiquette, and the role of trust when working with clients. They also discuss AI in advertising music, where automation may increase, and why taste, branding, human judgment, and imperfection still hold real value.This episode is a must-listen for producers, composers, and engineers interested in sync, advertising, international music work, and building sustainable creative careers through relationships rather than hype. The episode closes with a recap on outreach, research, and telling a clear story when you pitch, along with a direct contact point for producers who want to reach out: info@bwcatmusic.comSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 358 of the Mixing Music Podcast, hosts Dee Kei and Lu do a loose “New Year, New Goals” conversation focused on real, practical upgrades for working engineers, both technical and career-related. They start with the career side: how easy it is to get comfortable when work is steady, and why that comfort can quietly turn into less outreach, fewer in-person hangs, and slower networking. The guys talk about rebuilding the habit of showing up, saying hi, staying visible, and keeping relationships warm, even when you do not feel desperate for the next client. On the technical side, Dee Kei shares a simple but powerful listening habit for 2026: mixing at lower monitor volume more intentionally. He describes how turning the monitors down can instantly reveal vocal level problems and balance issues, especially when comparing what a limiter is doing to your drums and mix shape. They also get into the challenge of mixing a live performance EP to sound as close to the studio record as possible, including the reality of trying to make live drums feel more like samples. From there, the conversation turns into “skill stacking” and education. They talk about learning tools you may not personally prefer, simply because certain environments demand them, like Pro Tools in many studio workflows or Digico consoles in a lot of festival and live sound situations. They discuss the idea of getting Digico certified, what high-end live consoles are built for (including redundancy features), and why expanding your toolset can help you scale into bigger gigs. They also explore an unexpectedly practical idea: taking community college courses for cheap, from Pro Tools and recording classes to music business, marketing, and even basic economics and personal finance. The point is not chasing a degree, it is staying sharp, learning from experienced teachers, and intentionally investing in growth without going into debt. They wrap the episode by encouraging listeners to choose a technical goal for the year and keep it front of mind, plus a few fun side tangents that are very on brand.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 357 of the Mixing Music Podcast tackles a topic most engineers avoid saying out loud: using substances while mixing, recording, or working live sound. Prompted by a Discord listener question, Dee Kei and Lu break down caffeine, weed, alcohol, psychedelics, and harder drugs through a practical lens, not a moral one.They talk about the difference between feeling more creative versus actually making better decisions, why weed and alcohol can change your mindset without improving your output, and how reliance (even on “normal” stuff like caffeine) can expose deeper issues with impulse control. DK also uses Japan as a real-world counterexample to the idea that drugs are required for creativity, and argues that long-term success in music is driven less by “genius” and more by conscientiousness, reliability, and professionalism.They also cover the career side of the issue: high-level sessions require someone to “drive the ship,” labels and managers value efficiency, and substance use on the job can quietly turn you into a liability even if you think you're fine. Bottom line: if you choose to partake, understand the risks, keep it responsible, and do not let it steal your hearing, your focus, or your reputation.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s the fall out after the fall off announcement. J. Cole might’ve stolen headlines yesterday, but A$AP is dropping his project. Rory and Mal are hoping Rihanna has a secret appearance on it. Aside from that though, ain’t much going on. Rory started watching Baddies, Mal contemplates cursing out Trump if that leads to a lucrative GoFundMe, we put Rod Wave and Don Tolliver against each other, and who would win in a Verzuz between Ne-Yo and Trey Songz? #volume All lines provided by hardrock.betSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Godfrey is joined by Vishnu Vaka, Akeem Woods, and Dante Nero to discuss politics, celebrity arrests, internet brain rot, monks walking for peace, and much MORE! Legendary Comedian Godfrey is LIVE from New York, and joins some of his best friends in stand up comedy, Hip-Hop and Hollywood to talk current events, pop culture, race issues, movies, music, TV and Kung Fu. We got endless impressions, a white producer, random videos Godfrey found on the internet and so much more! We're not reinventing the wheel, we're just talking 'ish twice a week... with GODFREY on In Godfrey We Trust. 0:00 intro 0:48 Byron Donalds talk + clip 3:29 Trey Songz arrested + celeb interaction storytime 8:10 Trump photo talk + “moving the goalposts” commentary 10:18 Maxwell / McGraw-Hill rabbit hole clip + reaction 22:08 Turning Point / Myron Gaines getting turned away 31:31 Divorce court horror story + “marriage is a scam?” convo 43:39 Monks walking for peace 46:20 Paranormal comedy club story 58:45 Rebel With a Cause theatrical release announcement Original Air Date: 01/02/2026 ----------------------------------------------

Episode 355 is a fast, opinionated end-of-year plugin conversation: what DK and the crew actually used in mixing, mastering, and even live sound. They shout out specific tools, including the Goodhertz Vulf compressor and soft clipper, Purified Audio 5420, Mixland Virelia, Townhouse (SSL VCA style), Mixwave plugins, and workflow staples like FabFilter Pro-Q. They also get into Waves SuperRack style plugin hosting for live rigs, plus why Sonnox Oxford Drum Gate surprised them with how clean it can get toms and rejection without choking the kit. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LU⁠HIRE JAMES⁠Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

JOIN OUR PATREON AND GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://mixingmusicpodcast.com/exclusiveI WRITE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: https://deekeiandkayoko.comHIRE DEE KEI: links.deekeimixes.comHIRE LU: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/1419...Hire James: https://www.jamesparrishmixes.com/Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbyluTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbyluJoin the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord:   / discord  The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠The 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 was 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 mixingmusicpodcast@gmail.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The latest episode from the JBP begins with a quick recap from Ice who hosted a battle rap event over the weekend (36:33) before the room turns to Ebro, Laura Stylez, & Peter Rosenberg heading to YouTube (46:00), along with Ebro revealing DMs from Drake after the cancellation of their morning show on Hot 97 (1:02:01). Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul is slated for Friday night on Netflix (1:25:50), Ice doubles down on his Pooh Shiesty take from last pod (1:51:15), and Brian B. Dot Miller's 2025 Rap List (2:08:18) leads the JBP to rank their cohosts on who code switches the most (2:21:48). Also, Trey Songz has been charged with assault after a nightclub incident (2:28:53), Kai Cenat discusses his mental health and plans for his future (2:35:40), the passing of Rob Reiner and his wife (2:41:05), Bobby Shmurda's fight in Minnesota (3:13:50), and much more. Become a Patron of The Joe Budden Podcast for additional bonus episodes and visual content for all things JBP! Join our Patreon here: http://www.patreon.com/joebudden 

Welcome to another Pop Culture Kiki! 00:00 - Intro03:14 - Rob Reiner05:40 - Trey Songz08:45 - MomTok Texas/Aaryn Gries12:53 - Fergie/BEP reunion14:15 - Euphoria17:36 - Ads19:54 - Conor McGregor21:05 - Movie Corner: Silent Night, Deadly Night24:39 - Amanda Seyfried28:17 - Tate McRae35:16 - The Money Game39:00 - Lily Allen SNL42:53 - Taylor Swift01:00:39 - Tomb Raider01:04:42 - Lindsay Lohan01:06:09 - Andy Dick01:07:32 - Brittany Bell01:10:35 - The Challenge01:14:45 - The Hunger Games01:16:33 - Danity Kane01:19:35 - Normani01:21:41 - Todd and Bronwyn01:25:58 - Nicki Minaj01:30:50 - MET Gala01:32:16 - Outro Patreon - patreon.com/Beyondtheblinds -SPONSORS--- Lumi Gummies! Lumi Gummies are available nationwide! Go to LumiGummies.com and use code BLINDS for 30% off your order. Bilt! Get more out of your rent! Join the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/BLINDS . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices