Hi - I've got a mix with very dense acoustic afro latin percussion as well as programmed (acoustic) drums. Bass is Fender P with heavy flats,played fingerstyle, DI track only, very dark. As you might suspect I'm having trouble getting it to maintain it's natural punch when mixed with all the percussion. Wondering what people's ideas on how to approach this might be.

Here's the in progress track ...

Thanks to anyone who responds

Brian

 

Well... *ME*, I'd worry about the hi-hats first. They distract me to the point I hear nothing else. I'd say sort that then we can take on other issues...

 

I think the bass is okay, the kick is rather too low. the percussion are obviously too loud. shaker or hihat whatever.

 

You are correct - forgot I had really ducked down the kick on this mix trying to clear space for bass. Will repost...

 

Most Cuban and Latin music is completely percussion based. Anyone who knows anything about Latin music knows this. They also know the drums are the support not the front, but you have created a non-traditional Latin tune. You have gone for a more modern rock-latin feel though , so maybe the drums need to come up. Traditional Latin music is mostly in 6/8 or 4/4 and variations with either a 2:3 or a 3:2 clave.
This has more of an alt-rock-Latin 3/4 feel rather than a 6/8? There is no true clave in this.

Even though your music is more rock modernized, have a listen to people like Tito Puente, Ray Baretta, The Escovedo family if you actually want to go more traditional. Google them and a pile more Latin musicians will come up.... otherwise as a rockier feel maybe the percussion should not be so up front as the bass is right more for a traditional piece. If you wanted clarity in the bass, a jazz bass would have worked better.

 

Last edited: Jan 12, 2025 at 11:20 AM