How do you use rhythmic tension in your arrangements?
If you’re working on tracks with complex rhythmic elements like this and want a final perspective before mixing, my free Fresh Ears Sessions can help identify what’s creating engagement and what might need tweaking. Link in bio.
Some songs don’t hit you all at once—they slowly corner you.
“Grey Area” by Puscifer doesn’t ask for your attention… it manages it.
It’s one of those tracks that reminds me how much power there is in holding back.
Not everything has to fight for space. Sometimes the silence is the setup.
When the emotion’s already there, the mix has one job: not to mess it up.
But getting that kind of transparency takes serious intention—and a mixer who actually hears what you’re trying to say.
That moment when you've been listening to your song for weeks and can't tell if it's good anymore...
This is why I created Fresh Ears Sessions - free 30min calls to help artists get clarity before mixing.
If your music lives in that Radiohead/NIN/Steven Wilson universe, these might be for you.
My heart goes out to all those affected in the fires, and my gratitude goes out to the industry en mass at the NAMM show that is moving forward in spite of the challenges in the world.
#NAMM2025 #nammshow #mixingengineer #musicianlifestyle #musicinspiration #artrock #progrock #brendandekora
This week was the NAMM show, and I’ve gone every year for many years now. I used to hate the chaos of the show floor, but long ago I discovered the extensive schedule of talks, so now I make a point to go every day of the show and see as many of the talks as I can.
This week was the NAMM show, and I’ve gone every year for many years now. I used to hate the chaos of the show floor, but long ago I discovered the extensive schedule of talks, so now I make a point to go every day of the show and see as many of the talks as I can.
I know quite a few people that were affected by the fires, and it’s been a strange time with everything else going on in the world.
I’ve been a bit quiet since the fires in LA. We are fine, we didn’t have to evacuate, but being in Santa Monica we were watching it very closely. We were on the verge on evacuating several times.
Is your song almost there, but something’s missing?
That “almost” feeling can be tough. Here’s how to push through:
1. Refocus on what you want listeners to feel.
2. Get feedback from someone you trust.
3. Take a step back to reconnect with why you were inspired to write.
Starting something new – sharing creative insights through email to spark fresh ideas for your music.
Plus, my Black Friday deal will be email-exclusive. Drop by the link to join and let's explore some new sonic territories together
#MusicProduction #CreativeProcess #BlackFriday #SongwritingTips
🎸 My biggest mixing offer of the year drops this week...
Limited to 5 projects. Dolby Atmos included for the first time ever… on top of discounts.
Sign up here to be the first to get the details when they drop.
brendandekora.com/email-list
#mixing #recordingartist #newmusic #indierock
What got lost in the mix?
Before the technical stuff, map your song's emotional journey. What should each section make people “feel”?
It's wild how this simple step keeps the heart of your music intact while chasing that polished sound.
#musicproduction #mixing #producer #studiolife
