Make little moments poke out

Some of the genres I work in require that the vocal be a bit more integrated into the mix, as opposed to sitting way out in front. Think of the distinction between Americana and hardcore punk. In the former, the vocal is way out in front, whereas in the latter, the vocal is a lot of the time equal with the rest of the instruments, fighting for space. That competition for attention is a key part of the sound.

When a key instrument is in a situation like that, riding the edge of right where it needs to be, it can sometimes get a little bit fatiguing trying to keep parsing it. Like, the narrative can get a bit obscured? We need signposts.

What I like to do in that situation is to listen carefully for the moments when I find my attention wanting to wander, and just boost one little phrase or partial phrase 0.5 dB. Just pull it ever so slightly forward, then put it back.

Individual syllables or phrases poking out can sell the entire vocal. Also, having the vocal a little more forward in certain moments and a little further back in other moments can keep the listener engaged. Even if it’s subliminal! Half a dB here and there can make a huge difference in how we interact with the narrative.

It’s when things stay static that we tune out. Including when the vocal is more out front. Sometimes it’s nice to be asked to meet the song halfway.

Always focusing on the narrative — jamie