Mixerman and the Ultimate Guide to Producing Records, Music, and Songs
Mixerman (Eric Sarafin) is a gold and platinum-selling producer, mixer, engineer, and author whose credits include The Pharcyde, Ben Harper, Spearhead, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, and Foreigner. Known for his no-nonsense approach and razor-sharp insights, Mixerman has spent decades working at the highest levels of the industryāboth in iconic L.A. studios and now from his mountain home studio in Asheville, NC. In this episode, Mixerman and I dive deep into the role of the producerāwhat it really means, how it differs from mixing and engineering, and why musical vision always trumps technical perfection. We talk about his new book, Mixermanās Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs, and explore everything from the psychology of studio performance to the pitfalls of overthinking and the dangers of letting the gear drive the session. Whether youāre just starting out or youāve been producing for years, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, sharp humor, and hard-won truths. Listen on Apple,Ā Spotify,Ā YouTube Takeaways: Producing ā Mixing ā Engineering ā Mixerman breaks down the distinct roles and responsibilities of a producer, mixer, and engineer, and why blurring the lines can derail a project if youāre not careful. The Producer Is the Artistās Advocate ā A great producer champions the artistās vision, not their own. Itās not about controlāitās about making the best possible record with the artist. Donāt Be a Gear-Driven Producer ā Focusing on tools over results leads to decision paralysis. Gear doesnāt make recordsāpeople do. Performance Over Perfection ā A technically flawless take is worthless if it lacks feel. Great records are built on compelling performances, not clean edits. Producing Is Emotional Management ā Producers arenāt just sonic decision-makersātheyāre emotional barometers. Reading the room and managing personalities is part of the gig. Capture the Spark, Then Get Out of the Way ā Sometimes the best thing a producer can do is not intervene. Let the magic happen, then shape it later. The Role of Arrangement ā Great production often comes down to arrangement: understanding how to leave space, when to add tension, and how to support the songās emotional arc. Donāt Chase a SoundāChase the Song ā Trying to copy other artistsā sounds can lead you away from authenticity. The song should dictate the productionānot trends or references. Learn to Say āThatās the Takeā ā Knowing when a performance is done (even if itās not āperfectā) is part of a producerās superpower. Everything You Need Is Already in the Room ā Fancy studios and high-end gear are nice, but great records have been made with far less. What matters is the intention behind the tools. Links: Mixermanās Website ā https://mixerman.net Mixermanās Ultimate GUIDE to PRODUCING Records, Music & Songs by Mixerman - https://mixerman.net/books/mm-ultimate-producing/ Mixermanās YouTube Channel ā https://www.youtube.com/@MixermanPublishes Mixerman on Instagram ā https://www.instagram.com/_mixerman_/ Brian Funk Website ā https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club ā https://brianfunk.com/mpc 5-Minute Music Producer Book ā https://brianfunk.com/book Music Production Podcast Archive ā https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs with codeĀ PODCAST ā https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious ofĀ PerforModuleĀ - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.Ā Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And donāt forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk