sound vision

[beingmf]

Hi Russell,
first I thought, ok, I'm not going to ask you any questions at all, but want to thank you. For opening my ears to the fact that ther are no rules. My mind was open for that already, but sometimes during a production you get to the point where you think "oh no, that's too weird, the snare is too loud", "the vocals are too low" :) or whatever. Listening to your stuff was the proof that there is no right or wrong, just a clear vision that has to be followed all the way through.
Well, but now, some questions at last. Do you come up with your vision of sound when you first hear a demo or is it your longtime personal vision, something you feel and that you want to share in the projects you mix?
And: is the sound that you are trying (and managing) to achieve closely connected to the equipment you use or do you think: "ok, this or that mic could be funny, let's try it", and suddenly you get a whole new picture of the overall sound approach? Do you think you could mix in smaller studios as well or is it most important to have the best speakers, the best console and the best outboard around?

Lots of non-gearslutty stuff, I know :)

All the best from Germany, peace,
Marc

[Russell Elevado]

Grüße marc, or is it, marc Grüße?

yes, no rules! and i'm not afraid to try something togive a certain instrument a different character (if i'm feeling like it needs it). you really won't know until you've tried it on there. but the artist and producer have to open to it. that's one of the problems that i mantioned in my post on "background/influences". i wasn't able to be creative and have fun. and you're absolutely right, try and have a vision!

Do you come up with your vision of sound when you first hear a demo or is it your longtime personal vision, something you feel and that you want to share in the projects you mix?

most of the time when i first hear the roughs or a demo, i first look to see if this is going to move me enough where i can give it a real vibe. if i don't connect to it in some way, i won't be able to enjoy it enough to give it my all. of course there's been times when i wasn't completely into a song i was mixing. but i'll try an effect on something or try to place a breakdown section and suddenly, i'm liking it more and this will usually give me some inspiration to put a vibe on it. i'm a huge fan of 90% of the projects i work on and
i want to extend my deepest appreciation to all the artists that have trusted me in their art...

somehow i've been so lucky to have these incredibly talented artists come to me for a special reason and they are looking to me to give their project a character or sound, vibe or whatever you want to call it. this is what i started realizing about my sound. i really do have a sound. but also i realized that i give the album (or song) a character, it's own personality. which is what i try to keep in my head...be original, imaginative and true. you can't fake a great mix or recording. it's either great or not. it can be alright, but why not be great!

all the best and many thanks