Every mix starts the same way.

Not with plugins.
Not with presets.

With listening.

Before touching anything, I listen to the track from start to finish. I want to understand the energy, the arrangement and what the song is trying to say.

Because mixing isn’t about fixing a track.

It’s about supporting it.

Step 1: Understanding the Song

The first thing I focus on is the feel.

Is it driven by guitars?
Is the vocal the centrepiece?
Does the rhythm section carry the energy?

Every decision that follows depends on this.

There’s no point applying a generic approach — the mix has to match the song.

Step 2: Setting the Balance

Before any processing, I build a rough balance.

Just levels and panning.

This alone often gets the mix surprisingly close.

If the balance works at this stage, everything else becomes easier.

If it doesn’t, no amount of plugins will fix it.

Step 3: Cleaning Up the Low End

Low-end control is where clarity begins.

Kick and bass need to work together, not fight each other.

Guitars are cleaned up so they don’t interfere with the rhythm section.

When the low end is controlled, the whole mix feels tighter.

Step 4: Shaping the Guitars

Indie rock is built around guitars, so they need space and definition.

This usually involves:

  • Panning for width
  • Controlling low mids
  • Slight tonal differences between layers

The goal is a guitar wall that feels wide and energetic without becoming muddy.

Step 5: Placing the Vocal

The vocal needs to sit naturally within the mix.

Not too far forward.
Not buried.

This often comes down to:

  • Creating space in the guitars
  • Controlling dynamics
  • Subtle EQ for clarity

When it’s right, the vocal feels like part of the band — not sitting on top of it.

Step 6: Adding Movement and Space

Once the core balance is right, I start adding depth.

Reverb and delay are used carefully to create space without pushing elements too far back.

The aim is to make the mix feel alive, not washed out.

Step 7: Checking Translation

Before calling a mix finished, I check how it holds up.

Different volumes.
Different systems.

If something disappears or feels off, it needs adjusting.

A mix should work everywhere — not just in one room.

Final Thought

My approach to mixing indie rock isn’t complicated.

It’s about:

  • Getting the balance right
  • Creating space
  • Keeping the energy intact

When those things are in place, the mix doesn’t feel forced.

It just works.

For a full breakdown of the process, read our Complete Guide to Mixing Indie Rock.