Dewey,

Really fun song and great lyrics.

On the mix question:

Here is what I do, FWIW.

If a song has vocals in it, I assume the vocals are most important and the band comes second.

So to start, I create my own reference track by sending all instruments, everything except the vocals, to an instrument bus, and create a mix of that bus independent of the vocals until I get to point where I like the mix.

Then, with only the vocals tracks (multiple) remaining as a direct send to master, I place the vocals where I think they should be against the bed and work the faders on the vocals accordingly, without touching the instrument bed once it is set.

THEN, after those envelopes on the vocals have been created, I will go BACK to the instruments to see whether I need to move any instrument up or down anywhere in the instrument bed mix, now that the vocals are in.

Doing it this way, I am able to get a vocal them seems to sit "organically" in the mix, while achieving the goal of vocal on top without sounding like they are "two rooms."

So far, I have been getting good feedback on my mixes and the way things fit and sit.

Maybe that will help. It is only my way, I am sure there are other ways.

David Snyder
Songwriter/Renaissance Man
Studio + Fingers

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