Originally Posted By: Tangmo
I thought I'd be alone in referencing Steely Dan. For me, now, at my level, it serves 2 functions.

1. As something to work toward. Steely Dan sounds like "winter" to me. My typical mixes have tended to sound like a humid summer, with 100% chance of afternoon Thunderstorms. I can't emulate Steely Dan, but I can work towards that.

2. As a reality check. I can listen to a mix and think I've got it working, then add a mastering preset and BAM--BRIGHTER, FULLER, and having me convinced I'm a genius. Then I listen to the reference track, silently weep, and give it another go.


Ozone will do that to you.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.