[Dana Nielsen]

First off — amazing production and mix! Seriously, sick work, man. 🔥

Here are just a few small things that caught my ear:

• The strings are gorgeous — but when they enter, they feel a bit too loud and upfront, which kinda breaks the spell for me, even though they sound beautiful.

• Around 2:36 and leading up to that big section, it actually starts to feel smaller instead of bigger as it builds.

  One idea: try backing off the mastering limiter a bit. Let that final section breathe — make it feel open and majestic, even if it means you have to turn up your monitors a little (with your monitor controller, not your limiter/output fader).

  Then try “mixing backwards” from there — use that final section as your anchor, and work your way back through the song, making sure each section and transition has the right balance and perceived loudness in context. This relates to Tip 2 in my 5 Mix Power Tips pdf.

• Also — dare I say there might be too much frequency control happening?

  The top end feels a bit too contained. Admirable restraint 🙌 — but it could be fun to open things up just a little. Let the top sparkle a bit more — things like cymbal hits or vocal textures could benefit from a little wildness.

  Not suggesting a total EQ overhaul, but it does sound like there might be a bit too much Soothe or similar dynamic EQ going on. If that’s the case, it’s doing a solid job! But maybe try blending them back to 50% wet/dry and see if you like the lift.

Really impressive stuff, Michael.

Great work, man! 👏👏👏

mixprotege.com

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