Advertise on podcast: Mixing Music | Music Production, Audio Engineering, & Music Business

In Episode 359 of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei sits down in Shibuya, Tokyo with Erik Reiff from Black Cat White Cat 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. Erik 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. Erik 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: [email protected] SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! ⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 356 is a reality check for engineers building their career and their room. DK and Lou talk about the stuff that never gets glamorized: studio aesthetics, acoustic panels, learning basic treatment principles, and measuring your space with free tools like Room EQ Wizard. They also dig into the cost of doing business, including overhead, subscriptions, consumables, and even the personal cost of working nights and weekends, and why all of that has to be considered when you set your prices. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

JOIN OUR PATREON AND GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://mixingmusicpodcast.com/exclusive I WRITE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: https://deekeiandkayoko.com HIRE DEE KEI: links.deekeimixes.com HIRE LU: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/1419... Hire James: https://www.jamesparrishmixes.com/ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbylu Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbylu Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord:    / discord   The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 [email protected]. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 354, the guys talk directly to the reality most creatives avoid: slow season fear, debt, no savings, and the pressure to spend during the holidays. The big mindset shift is simple: you are not a consumer, you are a producer, so make something instead of buying something. They share ideas for meaningful gifts that cost little to nothing, ways to pick up skills that help your career (content creation, editing, learning tools), and even how acts of service can pull you out of isolation when work is slow. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! ⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 353, Dee Kei and Lu break down how to communicate timelines like a pro, even when you’re booked out. They talk about setting clear expectations for V1 delivery, revisions, and approvals, why daily updates can change everything, and how “underpromise and overdeliver” builds trust long term. They also warn against a common trap in mixing: thinking more plugins, more automation, or more hours automatically equals more value, and why your pricing should not be tied to effort or session complexity. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! ⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

JOIN OUR PATREON AND GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://mixingmusicpodcast.com/exclusive I WRITE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: https://deekeiandkayoko.com HIRE DEE KEI: links.deekeimixes.com HIRE LU: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/1419... Hire James: https://www.jamesparrishmixes.com/ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbylu Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbylu Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord:    / discord   The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 [email protected]. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lū wrestle openly with one of the hardest and most misunderstood ideas in creative life: commitment. Not hustle. Not motivation. Not blind discipline — but the deeper question of why committing feels so heavy, especially in a world full of options, anxiety, and burnout. The conversation moves between mixing, relationships, career choices, and philosophy, contrasting Western goal-driven culture with Eastern ideas of alignment, duty, and craft. Dee Kei explores why overthinking and outcome-clinging create paralysis, how burnout often comes from committing to the wrong reasons, and why meaning in art and life emerges through commitment, not before it. They discuss the paradox of choice, perfectionism, nihilism, and why there is never a “perfect time” to make art, choose a path, or finish a mix. Drawing on personal stories, Japanese craftsmanship, sports analogies, and cultural contrasts, this episode isn’t about giving rules — it’s about helping listeners think differently so committing feels less terrifying and more natural. This one is for creatives who feel stuck, burned out, or afraid to choose — and for anyone who suspects that the answer isn’t more thinking, but committing anyway. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! ⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

JOIN OUR PATREON AND GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://mixingmusicpodcast.com/exclusive I WRITE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: https://deekeiandkayoko.com HIRE DEE KEI: links.deekeimixes.com HIRE LU: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/1419... Hire James: https://www.jamesparrishmixes.com/ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbylu Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbylu Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord:    / discord   The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 [email protected]. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this solo episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei breaks down why loudness is part of the mix, not an afterthought for mastering. He explains why you should never send clients an unlimited mix as the main reference, even if a separate mastering engineer is involved, and why your job as a mixer is to deliver something that already feels like a finished record. DK talks through how to limit with intention, using loudness as an emotional dimension of the record instead of just cranking LUFS. He gets into the illusion of dynamics, sidechain feel, clipping, multiple limiters, and how different genres (jazz versus hyper-loud pop) demand different loudness philosophies. He also explains why mastering engineers would rather receive a well-intentioned, fully limited mix than an unintentional “safe” premaster that forces them to guess what you wanted. To close, DK rants a bit about Dolby Atmos and spatial audio: how strict loudness specs in Atmos remove an entire emotional dimension for music, why it makes sense for film and games, and why spatial formats are pushed in music mostly to sell headphones, not to make records sound better. What you will learn: Why you should always send clients a limited mix or “reference master”How to think about loudness as part of tone, impact, and emotionIllusion of dynamics, sidechain feel, clipping, and multi-stage limiting in loud mixesHow intentional rough mixes and stems reduce guesswork for mixers and mastering engineersWhy Atmos loudness standards remove a creative dimension for music and are better suited for film and TV  SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! ⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this solo episode, Dee Kei thinks out loud about what keeps creatives going when outcomes are uncertain. He unpacks a hard truth many avoid: results are not guaranteed, and tying your identity to them creates desperation and bad decisions. Instead, build a career around love of the craft, alignment, and service to the song. Along the way, DK contrasts winning vs loving the game through Michael Jordan and Shohei Ohtani, explores ikigai and Japanese craftsmanship, pokes holes in hustle without purpose, and explains why the illusion of control shows up in studio superstitions. The practical takeaway is simple and difficult at once: enjoy the work, separate from the outcome, and your best mixes follow. What you will learn How detaching from results reduces fear and improves decisionsWhen grit helps and when to keep your head down and take the hitWhy “use your ears” remains the only answer that mattersThe role of ritual and superstition in performance psychologyWhy craft comes first and money follows as a consequence  SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! ⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

JOIN OUR PATREON AND GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://mixingmusicpodcast.com/exclusive I WRITE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: https://deekeiandkayoko.com HIRE DEE KEI: links.deekeimixes.com HIRE LU: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/1419... Hire James: https://www.jamesparrishmixes.com/ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbylu Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @masteredbylu Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord:    / discord   The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 [email protected]. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

n this Thanksgiving special of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lū pause to share what they’re truly grateful for — from family, friendship, and travel to growth, contentment, and the simple joy of still doing what they love. Lū reflects on a revival of his live-sound career and finding community on the road, while Dee Kei talks about fatherhood, inner peace, and gratitude for the unfamiliar quiet of contentment. They open up about long-term relationships, real support systems, and how gratitude shapes creative longevity. The episode ends with a light-hearted discussion on AI and human experience — why technology can never replace real connection and why the most important part of our industry is still people. A perfect listen to slow down, reflect, and remember why we do what we do. Topics include: • Thankfulness for career and creative growth SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! ⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠ Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord! HIRE DEE KEI HIRE LU ⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media: Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixes Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠ The 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy