March, 2019 | Landslide Studio

Our Approach to Mixing

When all the tracks to your songs are recorded, it’s time to mix. Typically every song requires a unique approach to the mix. Generally I try and break the mixing down into three phases.

The first phase is managing the tracks and completing an inventory of everything that’s been recorded. It’s very likely there are dozens of tracks and multiple takes of each track. Keeping up with all these recordings can be challenging, especially if you’re mixing an entire album worth of material with dense textures, that required a lot of overdubs. Once all the tracks have been cleaned up and organized, workflow becomes much more efficient, which in return allows the focus to be on creativity.

The second phase is digging into the tracks and beginning to make decisions that effect the overall vibe and sonics of the mix. This is the fun and creative part of mixing. Relative volumes, EQ, panning, spatial effects – reverb and delay, effects, and arrangement decisions are some of the choices that must be addressed. Every song has a unique landscape that calls for different treatments. There’s also a sonic palette to consider when working with specific artists and being true to what works for an artist is extremely important. It’s always my goal to involve the artist in the mixing process. When mixing is complete, I want the artist to walk away with something we can all be proud of. Which brings us to the final step, tweaking the mixes.

Once the tracks have been managed and the overall vibe of the mix has been established and agreed upon, we’re able to focus on the finer details of the mix. For example, maybe a few notes of a guitar solo are too loud, maybe the snare drums needs a little more bite, a couple lines of the vocal are getting lost. All of these details are easily addressed during the final stages of the mixing process. Getting these details right are all part of the process and receiving feedback from the artist is invaluable.

Engineers and Producers

What’s the difference between an engineer and a producer? It’s an interesting question since often times the lines are blurred. If a band comes into the studio and they simply want to capture a live recording, they likely need a solid engineer with mixing skills. Someone who can capture a moment without coloring the recording or influencing the overall sound beyond making fundamental mixing choices. A lot of producers get their start as engineers. They are responsible for microphone placement, signal routing, and the the technical details surrounding a recording session. Sometimes this is all the band needs when trying to capture a recording of a live performance. When an engineer becomes responsible for making sonic decisions, influencing musical choices, and generally helping shape the direction of a recording, the engineer is exploring the role of a producer. Often times this is an organic process, when the relationship between a band and an engineer evolves into something more.

The role of the producer is not so easily categorized. There thousands of decisions that are made during the recording process. Which guitar, which amp, drum heads, arrangements, instrumentation, dynamics, song key, vocal melodies and inflection, harmonies – those are just a few of the choices that are made before anything has been recorded. Tones, reverbs, featured instruments, spatial aspects, relative volumes, effects, choosing takes – these are all choices the producer is faced with on a daily basis. There are countless musical decisions, though sometimes it’s more about moving the recording process through creative gridlock. Musicians who have spent years in a band will tell you it’s like being married to 3, 4, 5 people. Understanding that dynamic and helping a band navigate some of the challenging times in the studio are all part of the process.

For a band, having an objective voice as part of the recording process is invaluable. Finding someone who believes in the music, while still voicing honest opinions about ideas and performances is the foundation for a strong producer and musician relationship. Beyond that, someone who understands the appropriate aesthetic and can help sonically shape the recordings in a way that achieves these goals, while simultaneously capturing a compelling performance. Sometimes it’s great experiment in the studio, exploring interesting sounds. There’s a time and a place for experimentation, which can lead material into a special and unique territory and sometimes that’s how songs are written. Ultimately, what serves the song and will help communicate the material is what’s paramount to the process. When a band and the producer are aligned in the vision for the project, there is a sense of unity and belief that you’re working on something special. When these ideals are met, inspiration strikes and the magic that happens in the studio can help shape a musician’s career.

Welcome to Landslide Studio in Asheville, NC

Hello – Welcome to the Landslide Studio’s online journal. We hope from time to time to share some of our experiences from the studio and thoughts about the recording process. Here’s a quick snapshot of our history. We are located in Asheville, North Carolina. We opened our doors in 2003 and the studio is one of the longest operated studios in Western North Carolina. Our primary focus is helping independent musicians realize their music and their dreams.

We have been fortunate to work with countless Asheville artists from our diverse music scene. We’ve also worked with national acts from major labels. We understand the effort, dedication, and work it takes to prepare to walk in the doors of recording studio. We’re here to support you and help you create a recording that represents your artistic vision and create a product we can all be proud of.

My name is Andrew Schatzberg. I’ve been making music since I was a little kid. I bought my first 4-track in 7th grade, that was more than 30 years ago. I’ve been recording ever since. I have a profound love for music and recording that has driven me my entire career. If you come work with me at Landslide — I will meet you with the same intensity and drive to help you realize your music, that I would want if I were in your shoes. I’ve been there and have a deep respect for those expectations.

I often get calls from songwriters that are unfamiliar with the recording process and have not worked in a professional studio or with a producer. They have a great song that they want arranged and recorded with a full band, but they need guidance with their project. Some of the most satisfying work I do at Landslide is putting together amazing bands for clients. We are lucky enough to live in Asheville, a town that is oozing with talent. However, it’s not just about choosing the most talented players, it’s about choosing the most appropriate players. I pick players who will gel musically with the client, be easy to work with, and help make the entire experience a joy. Over the course of 25 years of working in professional recording environments, I’ve learned the most important element to capturing a compelling recording is creating an atmosphere that the musicians can thrive in…