Looking for a seasoned mix engineer is like adding the secret sauce to your music recipe, it takes it from good to incredible! After you’ve written and recorded a record and whipped up a decent rough mix you’ll be itching to level up your production value. Bringing in a mixing engineer is the next logical move. But how do you sift through the myriad of engineers to find the one who’ll sprinkle that magic dust on your tracks? Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to finding your perfect match.
Where do I look for an audio engineer?
The easiest and most common way to start looking for an audio engineer is by using a search engine. Whether you’re using Google, Safari, Firefox, etc. If you are looking for someone close by you can work with in person, kick off your search with a query like “mixing engineers near me” or something along those lines. With this method, brace yourself for a flood of options! Some may hit the mark, while others might not quite vibe with your music style or quality standards. Finding that golden match? It’s a bit like navigating the dating scene for your music career. Many artists swear by their tried-and-true mixing and mastering team, sticking with them through thick and thin because they just “get” their vibe. So, take your time with this phase. Finding someone whose style clicks with yours is key, it’s like finding your musical soulmate.
You don’t need to sift through search engines alone! There’s a whole world of platforms waiting to connect you with top-tier audio engineers. Think EngineEars and a host of other freelance sites, they’re like treasure troves for finding your perfect match.
Speaking from personal experience as an industry mixing engineer, I’ve struck gold with EngineEars! I’ve collaborated with numerous independent artists, as well as countless label projects, it’s where the magic happens!
Search by Credits
If you’re on the hunt for a collaborator, start by scoping out recent releases from artists you admire or who are in your league of fame and expertise. AllMusic, Discogs, Wikipedia, and Bandcamp can be goldmines for info on mixing and mastering credits. Recently streaming platforms have been including credit liners to all music releases, so, places like Tidal, Apple Music, and Spotify are also great places to find credits for your favorite songs.
Apart from these platforms, there are other specialized companies like Muso.ai and Jaxsta that focus on crediting and serve as top-notch databases for researching engineer and record credits. Muso.ai is seamlessly integrated into the EngineEars platform, making it my ultimate choice for all my engineering needs.
Recent work and portfolio
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect mixing engineer, take the time to really dive into their portfolio. Ensure that their recent projects exhibit the exact qualities you’re aiming for in your music. It’s not uncommon for artists to overlook the stylistic compatibility of an engineer with their own music. Of course, I always strive to adapt to their genre and deliver my best work as a professional audio engineer. However, there’s something truly magical about collaborating with an engineer who’s already immersed in your stylistic universe. An exquisite portfolio is undeniably one of the key indicators of a top-notch mixing engineer.
Read reviews from former clients
Finding the right mix engineer isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about digging into their track record. Reviews from past clients can be your golden ticket. While not every engineer flaunts their accolades on their site, platforms like EngineEars serve up reviews for all their audio specialists.
Don’t hesitate to shoot the mixer a direct email for some reviews. Or better yet, reach out to bands they’ve collaborated with to get the inside scoop on their mixing mojo. The goal? Find someone who’s not just easy to vibe with but also boasts a squad of former clients singing their praises.
In conclusion, finding an engineer is a collaborative process that requires careful research, thoughtful consideration, and effective communication. By leveraging platforms with resources, like EngineEars and connecting with skilled professionals, you can unlock new creative possibilities and elevate the quality of your music projects. So, dive in, explore the options, and discover the perfect engineer to help bring your vision to life.
