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Nigel Van Buskirk
I got the opportunity to sit in on a mixing session with Jesse and his client Kazual. It was nice to see first-hand how Jesse handled the session. He kept the environment relaxed, open for discussion, and professional. It was clear to me that Kazual knew what he was hoping for when it came to the edits on each clip. He didn't hesitate to speak up, which seemed bitter-sweet to me. On one hand, it must have been nice to get guidance from Kazual. At the end of the day, the song should be the way he wants it. However, I personally would have trouble interpreting what he was trying to describe. An example of that is when Kazual asked Jesse if he could "get a 'Drake-type EQ' going" for a small eight-bar verse feature. I wasn't exactly sure what he meant by that, but it seemed like Jesse did. After Kazual was content with the vocals I noticed the insert chain contained serial compression with EQ at the beginning and end of the chain, and a de-esser right before the final EQ. After reading lesson 2, I am speculating that Jesse used a VCA compressor before the Fairchild 660 (It was awesome to see the Fairchild in action!) Variable-Mu Compressor to apply sonic "flavor" qualities. I go in tomorrow at noon to meet with Jesse so I might get the opportunity to look at the mix again and clarify.
Until next time!
