How to Mix Like a MUSICIAN Michael Curtis at Churchfront Conference 2024

Active Mixing - From Boring to Baller

Episode Overview

In this episode, Michael Curtis shares practical strategies for creating more engaging, dynamic worship mixes. Drawing from his background as a professional bass player and mixer, he explores how intentionality and specificity can transform "boring" mixes into creative, engaging experiences that better serve worship environments.

Time Stamps & Key Points

Introduction [00:48]

• Michael introduces the concept of "active mixing" versus boring mixing
• The challenge: Moving beyond "it sounds fine" to creating engaging, dynamic mixes
• Creativity as the antidote to boring mixing

Creativity Through Structure [01:41]

• Biblical concept of creation: bringing order from formlessness
• The playground analogy: Children with fenced playgrounds use 90% of the space vs. 30% without fences
• "Sometimes what feels like a straight jacket is actually a Narnia closet"
• Leadership through specificity and making finer distinctions

Strategies for Worship Pastors [05:52]

• Prescriptive leadership can be valuable when appropriate
  • The progression from 10 Commandments (prescriptive) to Sermon on the Mount (descriptive)
  • Matching leadership style to team maturity level
• Create "sit-down chords" - signals that create clear expectations
  • Setting up rhythms and cues that guide the worship team
• Organize tracks by function, not just instrument:
  • Percussion: Rhythm-driving elements
  • Foundation: Bass and low-end elements
  • Filler: Pads and ambient elements
  • Leads: Melodic elements that guide congregation
• Gamify growth paths for volunteers
  • Create progressive learning steps (like unlocking levels in a game)
  • Apply "arbitrary limits" that help beginners master fundamentals before moving on
• Name and assign musical ownership
  • Clarify who owns each musical element at any given time
  • Consider adding a dedicated "music producer" position

Strategies for Musicians [12:36]

• "Rhythm Randy needs a retirement party"
  • Moving beyond mindlessly strumming the chord chart
  • Playing a part rather than just playing the chart
• Use the whole playground within boundaries
  • Finding creative ways to express within structure
• Create "alley-oop" moments
  • Intentional handoffs between instruments
  • Setting up moments for other musicians to shine
• Beware of "bedroom vacuums"
  • Sounds created in isolation often take up too much sonic space
  • Smaller sonic footprint needed in larger ensembles
• Interesting is greater than good
  • Focus on creating compelling sounds, not just technically correct ones
• Hire both "Jekyll and Hyde"
  • Balance between foundational players and texture specialists

Strategies for Front of House Engineers [18:57]

• Be the guide - lead with your decisions
  • Take charge of the mix and make intentional choices
• Use contrast effectively
  • Create distinction between elements (can't have "close" without "far")
  • Highlight different instruments in different sections
• Anticipate "oops" moments, don't just react
  • Push faders before transitions, not after they happen
• Vary verse highlights
  • Intentionally feature different instruments in different verses
  • Keep congregation engaged through variety
• Develop common tonal language
  • The "5-1-2" system for describing frequency ranges
  • Creating shared vocabulary for sound issues
• Reference the real
  • Compare your mix to professional recordings
  • Combat ear fatigue by checking against references
• Mise en place - everything in its place
  • Strategic console layout for efficient mixing
  • Positioning faders for easy access during active mixing

Conclusion [24:25]

• Start with clear direction (10 Commandments approach) then move to principles (Sermon on the Mount)
• Have the courage to be specific with your team
• Embrace structure as a pathway to creativity

Key Quotes

• "Sometimes what feels like a straight jacket is actually a Narnia closet."
• "Move away from playing the chart to playing the part."
• "It is in that company's best interest to give you a patch that sounds great out of the box, but that's taking up a lot of real estate to make it sound good on its own."
• "Be the guide, take charge, lead your congregation with your decisions."
• "There cannot be close if there's not far, there cannot be wide if there isn't narrow."
• "Interesting is greater than or at least equal to good."

Practical Applications

1. For Worship Pastors:

   • Organize tracks by function rather than instrument type
   • Create clear growth paths for volunteers
   • Be appropriately prescriptive with newer team members

2. For Musicians:

   • Consider your sonic footprint within the full band context
   • Play intentional parts, not just the chord chart
   • Create sounds that are interesting, not just technically correct

3. For Sound Engineers:

   • Use your left and right hands strategically on the console
   • Intentionally highlight different instruments in different verses
   • Reference professional mixes to maintain perspective

Connect & Continue

For more insights on active mixing and creative worship production, connect with Michael Curtis and the Church Front team.

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