Should Artists Mix Their Own Music?

With the rise of affordable recording gear and user-friendly software, many artists today wonder: Can I mix my own music? It's true that technology has put the tools in your hands—and mixing your own tracks can be rewarding. But is it always the smartest move? Let’s explore some perspectives.

Artists and Mixing: A Look Ahead

Over the years, I’ve worked alongside hundreds of artists and producers, from those who simply want to observe mixing sessions to those diving headfirst into the craft themselves. Some artists enjoy blending their own tracks—Billie Eilish, Anderson .Paak, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Pharrell Williams, and Charlie Puth come to mind—but they often pair their creative vision with professional support.

Artists naturally have a deep connection to their music, helping guide the final sound, visuals, and overall presentation. However, mixing is a specialized skill, requiring a nuanced understanding of sound, tools, and industry standards.

Can Artists Create Better Mixes on Their Own?

If an artist has a clear sonic vision and the technical know-how to achieve it, mixing their own tracks can be a fulfilling way to directly craft that sound. It can also save time explaining ideas to an engineer.

Still, mixing involves layers of experience and perspective. A professional engineer brings valuable insights about current trends, objective listening, and problem-solving that can launch a song beyond its initial vision. Sometimes, fresh ears catch details that even the most devoted artists overlook—particularly if you've been listening to your demos countless times, a phenomenon known as “demoitis.” For practical advice on tackling common mixing challenges, check out my article on Simple Techniques to Clear Up a Muddy Mix .

Staying Focused on What Matters Most

Your energy as an artist is precious. Touring, songwriting, branding, and connecting with your audience all demand attention. Mixing can be absorbing and time-intensive, often requiring months of honing technical skills and sonic judgment.

That’s why many artists find it more effective to collaborate with an experienced mix engineer—someone who lives and breathes sound and can offer a professional, industry-ready mix while you keep your focus on your artistry.

If You’re Mixing Your Own Music: Ten Tips to Keep in Mind

Of course, if you’re eager to mix your own tracks, here are some essential guidelines drawn from years of mixing experience:

Use Reference Tracks: They’re not about copying, but tuning your ears to the sound you want.
Mix When Well-Rested: Fresh ears make better decisions.
Avoid Getting Lost in Details: Stay practical; mastering every plugin setting can be overwhelming.
Keep It Simple: Don’t overuse effects—know why and how you apply each one.
Highlight What Makes Your Song Unique: Emphasize the emotions and story behind the music.
Use Professional Monitors: Laptop speakers or headphones can be good for testing different environments, but be sure to use use professional monitors for critical mixing.
Mix at Moderate Volumes: This protects your ears and helps balance frequencies accurately.
Choose a Popular DAW: It’s easier to find help and tutorials when needed.
Stay Organized: Name your tracks clearly and manage your session to avoid chaos.
Know When to Pass the Baton: If mixing feels like a roadblock, it’s okay to seek professional help.

When to Consider Professional Mixing

Spend some time mixing your own tracks and see if it’s both enjoyable and efficient. If it becomes frustrating or feels like it’s pulling you away from your primary strengths, that’s a good sign to bring in an expert.

Music production is ultimately a team effort, and the most successful projects often have artists, producers, engineers, and other professionals each contributing their expertise. This approach saves time and often results in higher-quality music that connects better with listeners.

How Young Mixing Can Help

If you’re looking for someone to take the mixing off your plate, I’m Neil B. Young, the mix engineer behind Young Mixing. With over a two decades of experience working on industry-level projects, I understand how to bring out the best in your music while respecting your artistic voice.

Whether you want a quick turnaround or a finely tuned mix that’s ready for mastering and release, partnering with me means you can focus on your music and career while I handle the mixing details.

Feel free to reach out to Young Mixing anytime to discuss how we can help bring your songs to life with professional polish.