Kevin "Black Pearl" McCloskey is a mixing engineer and the owner of Black Pearl Studios and Bigger Mixes based out of Charlotte, NC, USA! In our conversation, Kevin tells his story - from playing drumline in marching band to studying audio, persevering and eventually opening a recording studio and working with the likes of DaBaby. He talks about getting efficient in the studio, what major labels really want from mixers, and how he's able to mix on headphones. He goes deep on his approach to mixing, taking care of himself, having goals outside of music, and so much more! Check it out!
You can learn more about Kevin at https://www.biggermixes.com/
You can follow Kevin on Social Media
IG - https://www.instagram.com/blackpearlmixedit/
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Click here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking
You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -
"Fallin' Off" by Tyler Loyal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMduD4qYCs&ab_channel=TylerLoyal-Topic
***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6t
References:
Mark Eckert - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/5/31/secret-sonics-048-mark-eckert
DaBaby - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DaBaby
Beyerdynamic DT770s - https://amzn.to/3zOvO3F
Chris Graham - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/5/2/secret-sonics-095-chris-graham-helping-audio-people-in-his-own-unique-way
Knif EQ - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/knif_audio_soma.html
Ozone Maximizer - https://www.izotope.com/en/products/ozone/features/maximizer.html/
SSL Fusion Vintage Drive - https://store.solidstatelogic.com/plug-ins/ssl-fusion-vintage-drive-plug-in
Class A Mastering from Shadow Hills - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/shadow_hills_class_a_mastering_comp.html
Avid Lofi - https://www.avid.com/plugins/d-fi
Blackbox - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/black_box_analog_design_hg-2.html
Waves Smack Attack - https://www.waves.com/plugins/smack-attack-transient-shaper#drum-mixing-tricks-manipulate-pitch-and-attack
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Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!
You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co
Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!
-Ben