In this deep and reflective episode, Dee Kei and Lu explore one of the most relatable challenges for mixers and creatives alike: the paradox of improvement and insecurity. Why does getting better at your craft sometimes make you feel worse? How can self-doubt either fuel your growth or paralyze your process?

With insights from Zen philosophy, mixing experience, and personal anecdotes, they unpack the emotional rollercoaster that comes with V1 mixes, fear of feedback, and chasing perfection. The episode touches on the difference between insecurity and curiosity, the danger of comparison, and why the best mixers embrace ambiguity.

Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or seasoned pro, this conversation will help you reframe your mindset and reconnect with the joy of mixing.

Topics Include:

• The illusion of the "perfect mix"
• How to handle feedback without ego
• Flow state and finding alignment with your craft
• Zen quotes and how they apply to creative work
• Why obsessing over a snare for 6 hours won’t matter to your client
• Letting go of validation and trusting your taste

Perfect for mixers, engineers, and any creative chasing mastery without losing their soul.

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Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.

In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu dive into the power of minimalist mixing — the art of doing more with fewer plugins. While the temptation to load up every fancy compressor and vintage EQ is real, many engineers find freedom, speed, and clarity by stripping things back. From building simple yet powerful vocal chains to learning when your mix actually needs less processing, this episode breaks down the philosophy, mindset, and techniques behind working smarter, not just harder. Whether you're chasing speed, cleaner results, or just less plugin fatigue, this one’s for you.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.

In this episode of the Mixing Music Podcast, Dee Kei and Lu get brutally honest about the gear they regret buying — not because it sounded bad, but because it didn’t move the needle. From analog outboard gear that collected dust to plugins that felt essential (but weren’t), this episode is all about separating emotional purchases from strategic investments.

Whether you're a bedroom producer or a full-time engineer, we explore what gear actually makes a difference at different stages of your career. We break down common purchasing mistakes, why some tools are overrated for professionals, and what we wish we bought instead. This is a must-listen for anyone building a real audio career, not just a pretty studio.

• The gear we regret (and why)
• Emotional vs strategic purchases
• Pro mindset vs hobbyist mindset
• What we would buy instead
• Gear that actually helps you grow your business
• How to prioritize purchases at different career stages
• The hidden cost of chasing “feeling legit”

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

⁠SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE⁠

Join the ‘Mixing Music Podcast’ Discord!

HIRE DEE KEI

HIRE LU

Find Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:

Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

Twitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu

The Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Izotope⁠, ⁠Antares (Auto Tune)⁠, Sweetwater, ⁠Plugin Boutique⁠, ⁠Lauten Audio⁠, ⁠Filepass⁠, & ⁠Canva⁠

The Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.

This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at ⁠deekeimixes@gmail.com⁠.