Brendan Dekora: Understanding an Artist’s Vision

Brendan Dekora is a Los Angeles-based mixing engineer and producer whose two-decade climb through top studios like EastWest culminated in a full-time engineering post for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, earning him a Grammy for his work on Pixar's Soul score. His credits also include Foo Fighters' Concrete and Gold, Steven Wilson's Hand. Cannot. Erase., Billy Idol, Danzig, Muse, and Deafheaven. He now mixes and produces independently from his home studio, focused on rock and art-rock artists.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• The two questions he asks every client before touching a single fader
• What he does when a client hands him references that contradict each other
• How to pick the right reference tracks
• Why "I don't want to sound like anyone else" is the hardest brief he gets
• How he decides whether to keep a "wrong" sound in a mix or fix it
• Why he considers "putting his own stamp on everything" a mistake, not a selling point
• Working with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross on Nine Inch Nails tracks and film scores
• How he balances his own creative instincts against what the artist is actually asking for

To learn more about Brendan Dekora, visit: https://www.brendandekora.com/

Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?

Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:

https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/

Want additional help with your music productions?

For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/

Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/

Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:

• The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
• The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

Get the latest plugins from Carve Audio:

• Smashburger Compressor: https://carveaudio.com/smashburger/
• Busboy: https://carveaudio.com/busboy/
• Slapshot: https://carveaudio.com/slapshot/
• Gas Can Amp: https://carveaudio.com/gas-can-amp/

ALL PODCAST LISTENERS GET 25% OFF. USE PROMO CODE: PODCAST25

Check out our Sponsors:

Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K

Subscribe to the show:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781
• Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix

Have questions you’d like answered on the show?

Send them to [email protected]

Please leave a rating and review:

https://masteryourmix.com/review/

Thanks for listening!