In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu sit down with Eric Serfin—better known as Mixerman, author of Zen and the Art of Mixing—to discuss his new book Mixerman’s Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music and Songs. We dive deep into what it really means to be a producer today, why arrangement and songwriting matter more than obsessing over plugins, and how home producers can still make professional records. From studio acoustics and mixing philosophies to the business side of contracts and working with artists, Mixerman shares decades of wisdom on creating music that connects. Whether you’re a bedroom producer, an aspiring engineer, or a seasoned mixer, this episode is packed with insights on how to build better productions, develop your artistic identity, and survive the modern music industry.

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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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.

Thank you for being a subscriber to this exclusive content!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/deekeimixes)

⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!⁠ (https://discord.gg/s2WrUg8)

⁠HIRE DEE KEI⁠ (https://deekeimixes.com)

⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ (https://www.jamesparrishmixes.com/)

Find Dee Kei and James on Social Media:

Instagram: ⁠@DeeKeiMixes⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/deekeimixes/) ⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/jamesdeanmixes/)JamesParrishMixes (https://www.instagram.com/jamesparrishmixes/)

Twitter: ⁠@DeeKeiMixes⁠ (https://www.twitter.com/deekeimixes)

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠ (https://izotope.com/mmpodcast), ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠ (https://app.redcircle.com/shows/antarestech.sjv.io/WDDyOO), Sweetwater (https://mixingmusicpodcast.com/sweetwater), ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠ (https://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=604322feb04e4), ⁠Lauten Audio⁠ (https://www.lautenaudio.com/), ⁠Filepass⁠ (https://filepass.com/?fpr=twb41), & ⁠Canva⁠ (https://partner.canva.com/e44vg6)

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, charlieonnafri

day, 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

⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠ (mailto:deekeimixes@gmail.com)

In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, DK and Lu dive into the psychology behind music industry success. They break down the concept of locus of control—whether you believe your career is driven by luck, external forces, or your own actions—and how this mindset shapes your growth as an audio engineer, producer, or artist.

From learned helplessness to empowerment, they explore why some talented people never get their break, how cognitive biases influence our perception of success, and why faith, sacrifice, and clear values can be the hidden tools to thriving in music.

Whether you’re chasing Grammys or just trying to stay consistent in the studio, this episode will challenge you to reframe your mindset, take responsibility for what’s in your control, and build a healthier, more empowered career in audio.

👉 Perfect for mixing engineers, producers, and musicians who want to sharpen not just their technical skills but their mental game too.

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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.

Big reverbs are out, intimacy is in. In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu break down why room reverbs and short reverbs are some of the most underrated tools in modern mixing. From making vocals feel natural to giving drums the depth of a live room, room verbs can glue your mix together without drowning it in washy tails.

We also dive into the shift from long Post Malone–style reverbs to today’s drier, punchier sound, the plugins we rely on most (Valhalla Vintage Verb, Valhalla Room, UAD Ocean Way, Cooper Time Cube), and why EQing your reverbs is essential for clarity. Beyond the technical, we talk about the unpredictability of the music industry, why labels can’t manufacture guaranteed hits, and why the only real “secret sauce” is loving the music enough to keep creating.

Topics covered:

• Why room reverbs make mixes sound natural and alive
• How to add depth without washing out vocals or instruments
• Favorite reverb plugins for vocals, guitars, and drums
• Why EQing reverbs can make or break a mix
• The myth of “secret formulas” in hit songs
• Why unpredictability makes the industry more fair than it looks

Whether you’re chasing a more professional sound or just want your mixes to feel more real, this episode will give you both technical takeaways and perspective on what really matters in music.

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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.

Thank you for being a subscriber to this exclusive content!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/deekeimixes)

⁠Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!⁠ (https://discord.gg/s2WrUg8)

⁠HIRE DEE KEI⁠ (https://deekeimixes.com)

⁠HIRE JAMES⁠ (https://www.jamesparrishmixes.com/)

Find Dee Kei and James on Social Media:

Instagram: ⁠@DeeKeiMixes⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/deekeimixes/) ⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/jamesdeanmixes/)JamesParrishMixes (https://www.instagram.com/jamesparrishmixes/)

Twitter: ⁠@DeeKeiMixes⁠ (https://www.twitter.com/deekeimixes)

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠ (https://izotope.com/mmpodcast), ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠ (https://app.redcircle.com/shows/antarestech.sjv.io/WDDyOO), Sweetwater (https://mixingmusicpodcast.com/sweetwater), ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠ (https://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=604322feb04e4), ⁠Lauten Audio⁠ (https://www.lautenaudio.com/), ⁠Filepass⁠ (https://filepass.com/?fpr=twb41), & ⁠Canva⁠ (https://partner.canva.com/e44vg6)

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, charlieonnafri

day, 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

⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠ (mailto:deekeimixes@gmail.com)

Is analog really better, or is convenience the true king in modern mixing? In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu dive deep into the ongoing debate of analog hardware vs. digital plugins — and reveal why the real competition has never been about sound quality, but about workflow efficiency and convenience.

They explore the myths that analog gear automatically makes you a better mixer, the hidden costs and maintenance headaches of vintage units, and how digitally controlled hardware is bridging the gap between tone and practicality. From patch bays and recalls to plugin innovation and offline bounces, this conversation breaks down what actually matters in professional mixing today.

Whether you’re a gearhead, a plugin-only engineer, or someone stuck between worlds, this episode will help you rethink how you invest your time, money, and energy in the studio.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Why analog vs. digital misses the point — it’s really analog vs. convenience
• The recall nightmare and why efficiency matters more than ever
• How plugin innovation turned “convenience” into “quality”
• Why buying analog gear doesn’t make you a better mixer
• Hidden costs of analog gear (maintenance, tubes, resale)
• The rise of digitally controlled analog units
• Why working faster often means making more emotionally honest mixes

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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.

Going on tour and need a rider that actually delivers? In this solo episode, Lu breaks down how to plan, pack, and execute reliable live sound on a world tour. Learn why your tech rider is a blueprint, not a wishlist, how to prioritize monitors and IEMs so the artist always hears a clear mix, and how to design sensible substitutions and backups for real-world venues. We cover FOH and monitor workflows, Dante-based recording to Nuendo Live for virtual soundchecks, adding crowd ambience mics to in-ears, carrying your own talkback, RTA mic, DI boxes, and the checklists that keep a team on time. We also get into mindset: punctuality, preparation, and owning mistakes. If you want fewer surprises and better shows, this is your playbook.

What you’ll learn

• How to write a rider that venues can actually fulfill
• FOH and monitor roles when the artist runs IEMs
• Sensible substitutions for consoles and wireless systems
• Why UPS power and gear redundancy save shows
• Using Dante Virtual Soundcard and Nuendo Live for multitrack recording
• Virtual soundcheck to build mixes before the band arrives
• Ambience mic placement for more natural in-ears
• Packing the essentials: talkback, RTA, DI, cables, backups, show files
• Why organization and accountability beat “more gear” every time

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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.

Is AI going to replace mixers, producers, and engineers? In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu explain why they’re not afraid of artificial intelligence — and why you shouldn’t be either.

They break down how competing on price is the fastest way to kill your career, and why the future belongs to mixers and producers who focus on brand, community, and storytelling. Instead of selling “just music,” you’re really selling trust, identity, and an experience — things no AI can replicate.

We also talk about:

• How to build a business model AI can’t undercut.
• Why service, communication, and reliability matter more than ever.
• What artists like Post Malone actually “sell” (hint: it’s not songs).
• The difference between creation vs. curation in an AI-driven world.
• Why AI is a tool to support you, not replace you.

If you’ve been worried about the rise of AI in music production, this episode will give you practical strategies and mindset shifts to stay relevant, protect your career, and build a brand that lasts.

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 ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.