Deconstructing A Mix #48 – Brittany Howard “Tomorrow”: Unlocking the Secrets of a Grammy-Winning Mix
Brittany Howard, the acclaimed American singer-songwriter and frontwoman of Alabama Shakes, is known for her soulful and powerful voice, and her music often defies genre boundaries. In her solo career, Brittany Howard continues to push musical boundaries with her unique blend of rock, soul, funk, and R&B. One of her standout tracks, “Tomorrow,” from her Grammy-nominated debut solo album “Jaime,” has garnered critical acclaim for its raw emotion, captivating vocals, and innovative production. In this article, we will deconstruct the mix of “Tomorrow” in the popular online series “Deconstructing A Mix,” and uncover the secrets behind the Grammy-winning mix of this compelling song.
“Deconstructing A Mix” is a popular educational series that provides an in-depth analysis of the mixing process behind popular songs. In episode #48, audio engineer and producer, Chris Lord-Alge, breaks down the mix of “Tomorrow” and shares insights into his creative approach and techniques used to achieve the polished and impactful sound of the song.
One of the key elements of the mix is Brittany Howard’s powerful vocals, which convey raw emotion and vulnerability. Chris Lord-Alge explains how he used a combination of compression, equalization, and reverb to emphasize Brittany Howard’s vocals and make them the focal point of the mix. He also shares his techniques for managing the dynamic range of the vocals to ensure that they cut through the mix without sounding too harsh or overpowering.
The instrumentation in “Tomorrow” is also a crucial aspect of the mix. The song features a blend of electric guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and brass sections, which create a rich and dynamic sonic landscape. Chris Lord-Alge discusses how he used a combination of panning, equalization, and compression to create separation and balance among the different instruments, while also maintaining the overall energy and groove of the song. He also shares his approach to processing the guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards to achieve a cohesive and polished mix.
Effects and automation play a significant role in the mix of “Tomorrow.” Chris Lord-Alge demonstrates how he used various effects, such as reverb, delay, and modulation, to add depth, space, and movement to the mix. He also discusses his use of automation to create dynamic changes throughout the song, such as rides and fades, to enhance the emotional impact of the music.
One of the key takeaways from the “Deconstructing A Mix” episode on “Tomorrow” is the importance of creative decision-making in the mixing process. Chris Lord-Alge emphasizes the significance of making intentional choices based on the emotional impact of the music, rather than relying solely on technical settings. He highlights the importance of listening critically, experimenting with different techniques, and trusting one’s ears to achieve a mix that serves the song and brings out its emotional essence.
“Deconstructing A Mix #48 – Brittany Howard ‘Tomorrow'” is a fascinating insight into the Grammy-winning mix of a powerful and emotive song. Chris Lord-Alge’s creative approach and techniques provide valuable insights for aspiring audio engineers, producers, and music enthusiasts alike. By deconstructing the mix of “Tomorrow,” we can uncover the secrets behind the polished
Content
01. Tracking process, ITB mix version, plug-in removal, tempo map, mix buss templates
02. ‘Rainbow mixing’, reference tracks, frequency band processing, transient information
03. Benefits of randomness, happy accidents, taming high end, excitement , stereo image
04. Re-amping, saturation, presence, resonance suppression, EQ, compression, warmth
05. String recording, reconstructing the parts, clip gain, EQ, dynamics, reverb, distortion
06. Vocal close & room signals, preamp emulation , effects automation, edits, widening
07. Printing reverb, string part rearrangement, master automation, BV pitch & formant work
08. Tape echo, kick drum treatment, bass enhancement, pitch alteration with Melodyne
09. Art inspiration, inversion concept, flute sample, chord structure change, creating chaos
10. Track duplication, octave shifting, white noise, delta output, creative side-chaining
11. Panning, treating ‘Roman Sludge’ tracks, chorus effects, potential further steps
There are subtitles in Russian, English and Spanish.
