Big name vs younger ME

[fiebeno]

Hey,
im currently in the process of selecting a ME to master my album.
Recommend a creative ME (preferably in LA, NYC or MTL)

Now Im hesitating: should I hire an experienced or a younger ME? Its not about the money, but attitude.

The big name guy is experienced, but i am horribly scared he will perceive the DIY elements of my music as mistakes. For example, some vocals were purposedly recorded with the internal mike of a macbook. I wouldnt like to pay a big studio guy to hear about "real music" and "the right way to do things" and see him roll his eyes throughout the expensive session... Please dont take me wrong, i believe my material sounds great, but stylistically, some elements are homemade-ish, which for me is good, fresh and soulful. But some might require some polishing too! So would a big name guy be more appropriate for that? Or should I opt for a younger guy with a fighter spirit? Its important for me to know the ME who's gonna work on it, will be motivated...

Anyone's got smtg to share about this?

[aleatoric]

Have you heard a sample (younger ME mastered a portion of one of your songs for free)?

If you have heard a sample and like it I'd say go for it.

[adamgonsa]

They key is communication. Get a sample if the ME offers that, but just make sure you're clear about your sonic goals for the album. A good ME (young or old) will be able to take your wishes into account, discuss what's possible, and deliver a master that you'll love.

Whatever you do don't feel cowed by someone's reputation or attitude and don't settle for anything less than satisfaction.

[E-money]

Its important for me to know the ME who's gonna work on it, will be motivated...

More important to me is the sound of the final product.


I think you're overthinking this to be honest with you. In my limited experience, people that mix or master for a living are motivated by their overall enjoyment of music and money. I think many of the big name guys could turn out a great master on sub-par equipment, and take a piece of music they absolutely hate and improve upon it.

My suggestion would be to get examples, many MEs will do a song or a portion of a song for free.

[Brad Blackwood]

I don't think the generality is accurate that more established names aren't fighters or aren't as interested in exploring different approaches for your art. The established engineers didn't get there by being lucky and don't stay there if they aren't willing to give 100% to each and every client.

[Colombian]

Greg Calbi said in an interview I watched a few months ago and its somewhere in the web, something like: for the new MEs, If you do not think that the Music is good enough and do not help you advance in your career, just don't do it........

Interesting eh?

[Joe_caithness]

Originally Posted by Colombian

Greg Calbi said in an interview I watched a few months ago and its somewhere in the web, something like: for the new MEs, If you do not think that the Music is good enough and do not help you advance in your career, just don't do it........

Interesting eh?

In what context?

[Colombian]

I guess he meant go for the big names......

[Joe_caithness]

I think we'd all buy a sports car over a Punto if we could..

But I had a lot of good times in that little blue hatchback!

[TranscendingM]

Originally Posted by Colombian

I guess he meant go for the big names......

I do not see how you can jump to that conclusion. What I get from that is each session is an interpretation and if you, whoever the "you" is, as the mastering engineer do not feel inspired by it which may in turn affect how you work on the given material which in turn affects you as an ME, then don't do it.

[aleatoric]

Originally Posted by Brad Blackwood

I don't think the generality is accurate that more established names aren't fighters or aren't as interested in exploring different approaches for your art. The established engineers didn't get there by being lucky and don't stay there if they aren't willing to give 100% to each and every client.

+1. Big or small it really comes down to the specific mastering engineer. I know a number of big names who will communicate with every artist personally and bend over backwards to deliver exactly what you want with utmost care and attention to your album.

On the other side of the spectrum I have read a few stories (here on gear slutz) about people unable to communicate directly with their big name mastering engineer.

Depends on the specific engineer really. For the most part though I think Brad is spot on, established engineers got to where they are for a reason. Also plenty of smaller guys who will do just as good of a job as well.

Get a sample and talk to the mastering engineer you are intending to hire is my advice. If you like the sample and get a good vibe move forward.

[Colombian]

Samples are always good, but have a reference to what would you like to get to!! Many MEs do great jobs but it all comes down to what would make you happy, give them references.


I am sorry!!, I did not mean to hijack this post, but I promise this is my last post and I won't post more about this GC thing:

Originally Posted by TranscendingM

I do not see how you can jump to that conclusion. ........

@Transcending , yes, you re 100% correct!! sorry, I meant
"I guess GC meant that as a ME, go for the big name artist...! "


Advice on Pursuing a Mastering Career - ArtistshouseMusic


check the video "if music is bad, don't waste your time on it" out of context or not... interesting statement coming from GC and Important M house....

I do not agree nor disagree (though he's got a valid point) , just thought it may be interesting to post it.

Saludos!