Starting to polish the writing of a collection of tracks, kind of combining that last step with the final mixing. Wanting to use 'Lantern' as the tonal reference for the rest for some semblance of continuity. I'm pretty ok with how it sits now -- but I'm also rather green when it comes to mixing, so would welcome any fundamental critiques or suggestions.

I've already iterated and started over several times along the way as I come to realize or learn something new, so I'm happy to take direction even if it leads away from what I thought I wanted, if only for the experience/processing of it.

"Artistically" my goal production wise is to be some mix of upfront/aggressive/abrasive but not brick walling, leaving enough room for punctuating dynamics and movement in the field to aid in that.

https://samply.app/p/BWfis5ItO6xhu7ScnxBy

 

they sound pretty good. The first one is layered enough where it is a bit harder to pick out individual channels, but I think maybe you have not cut away enough of the bottom end of the snare or have a little more eq cutting to do in the 250-300 range. Or something like a compressor doing a little too much work. I don't think that track will be a very easy mix to do, and some things another mixer might change actually just sound the way you want them. I think you could maybe have a stronger kick and some more punch, more frequency separation and unmasking. It doesn't sound "wrong", but more like "not done yet".

 

Haven't cut away anything on the snares at all yet, or much of anything else really. There is indeed also quite a bit of compression going on, part intentional abuse but also part trial and error. But yeah... that makes sense, I agree the kick needs a little more room/punch too.

I think too that because I know what each track is playing that my mind is filling in some info that isn't as apparent to the listener, particularly with the fm/ringmod sequence and the brassy synth doing funky paraphonic things, occupying lots of space. I'll give that a look after making some improvements in the kick/snare. Thanks.