Stop Trying to Fix It in the Mix — Why Great Mixing Starts Before You Hit Export

November 3, 2025 | Music City Accelerator Team

Why “Fix It in the Mix” Is a Dangerous Mindset

Every producer’s been there: you record a take that’s fine, tell yourself you’ll fix it later, and keep moving. But the truth is — mixing can’t save weak recordings or poor performances. If your synths sound flat or your vocals lack energy, no amount of EQ, compression, or saturation can bring them to life.

Before you bounce to your mix session, stop and ask:

  • Am I 100% happy with all performances and takes?
  • Does this track truly reflect the energy I want?
  • Did I get feedback from others that I trust on the songwriting and arrangement first?  Friends and family will LIE 🙂
  • Is my gain staging correct? This is an entire concept in itself. Improper gain staging is one of the most common issues modern producers suffer from and can have serious consequences at every point in production.  

If not, don’t rush. Keep working and be honest to what you hear. If you have to convince yourself it’s right… it’s not.

The Secret to a Better Mix: Preparation

Professional mixers aren’t magicians — they’re finishers. Their work shines because the production is solid. Focus your creative session on:

  • Tight, intentional arrangements
  • Interesting sound design
  • Strong performances
  • Musical MIDI velocity and timing

Once you’re satisfied creatively, then export stems for mixing.

The Takeaway

Great mixes don’t happen in the mix. They happen in the production phase. Slow down, get your creative session right, and your mix will be much better for it!

Ready to level up your sound? Learn professional mixing and mastering techniques in our Music Production Programs at Music City Accelerator.

Sunday

Latin

Latin Sundays @The Music City Underground Live Bands & DJ Sets

Experience the vibrant rhythms and captivating melodies of Latin music as we feature live bands and electrifying DJ sets, showcasing a diverse array of genres from Brazilian Rhythms/Salsa/Cumbia/Latin Jazz/Spanish Rumba/Latin Rock/ Forró & global beats. Feel the energy as talented musicians take the stage, bringing their unique flair and passion to every performance.

Enjoy DJ sets spinning Latin Jams with Disco 80s/90s Funk/Hip Hop/Tropical Bass/Rock/Breaks & more.

Doors Open: 6 PM
Live Performances Begin: 7 PM-10PM

Tuesday

Jazz Music City San Francisco

🎷Join Us for Weekly Jazz Nights 🎶

Step into the rhythm and soul of the city at Music City SF every Tuesday for an unforgettable night of live jazz! Wheter you’re a jazz aficionado or just looking to unwind, our talented musicians will transport you through the smooth, sultry sounds of Classic Jazz, Soul Jazz, and Jazz Fusion.

Door Opens: 6 PM
Live Performance Begin: 7 PM – 10 PM

Friday

Eclectic

Eclectic Fridays @The Music City Underground

Step into the unexpected at Music City SF’s Eclectic Night, where musical boundaries are meant to be crossed! Every Friday, we bring you an exciting mix of artists, from funk to jazz, hip hop to rock, and everything in between.

Doors Open: 6pm

Live Performances Begin: 7 PM-10PM

Thursday

Hip-Hop/Soul/R&B

🎤 Hip Hop, Soul, and R&B Thursdays @ Music City Underground 🎶

Every Thursday night, dive into the heart of the underground with weekly rotating performances featuring a fresh mix of musicians, cyphers, and DJs that keep the energy alive. Whether you’re here for smooth R&B vibes, soulful vocals, or fire hip-hop beats, The Music City Underground has it all.

Doors Open: 6 PM
Live Performances Begin: 7 PM-10PM

Saturday

Tribute/Decades

Paying Tribute to All Your Favorite Artists Across the Eras!

Step into a time machine of music and let the decades take you on an unforgettable journey! Relive the hits from the ’60s to the ‘2000s with incredible tribute performances that’ll have you dancing all night long.

Doors open at 6 PM.

Performances kick off at 7 PM.

Monday

The Motown Sound

The best of Motown and soul favorites!

From timeless classics to deep cuts that defined an era, keep the dance floor alive with the irresistible rhythms and smooth sounds that made Motown legendary. Don’t miss a night of soulful vibes and nonstop energy!

Door Opens: 6 PM
Live Performance Begin: 7 PM – 10 PM

Wednesday

Rock, Folk, Blues, & Country Night

Rock, Folk, Blues, & Country at Music City SF

Experience a thrilling variety of Rock, Folk, Blues, and Country music every Wednesday night! A high-energy event featuring live bands and DJs across six stages! From rock anthems to country classics and everything in between, this night promises non-stop entertainment and unforgettable performances.

Doors Open: 6 PM
Live Performances: 7 PM – 11 PM

Deborah Barsotti
Education director deb@musiccitysf.org

More info coming soon!

Aprill Lacey
Executive Director Aprill@musiccitysf.org

A completely revamped Music City Entertainment page is on the way — stay tuned!

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Contact Aprill for booking inquiries!

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COMING SOON

SF MUSIC
HALL OF FAME

Visit and learn how the legends of West Coast Hip-Hop, Thrash Metal and the Psychedelic sounds of the Summer of Love came to be some of the most iconic musicins of the world!

THE GALLERY

A collection of 90+ high quality large-format photography prints, dominate the wall of the Music City Hotel hallways.

Each print is accompanied by original written tributes by prominent national writers like Ben Fong-Torres [Rolling Stone Magazine], Emma Silvers [KQED], Joel Selvin [SF Chronicle], and more. Accompanying audio tour component is included.

BRICK WALK

Amazing Names of San Francisco.

At the entrance to our building, we have put together over 300 bricks of amazing acts, venues, journalists, photographers, and other that were associated with the SF music scene over the last 60 years.

SF MUSIC
HALL OF FAME

Visit and learn how the legends of West Coast Hip-Hop, Thrash Metal and the Psychedelic sounds of the Summer of Love came to be some of the most iconic musicins of the world!

THE GALLERY

A collection of 90+ high quality large-format photography prints, dominate the wall of the Music City Hotel hallways.

Each print is accompanied by original written tributes by prominent national writers like Ben Fong-Torres [Rolling Stone Magazine], Emma Silvers [KQED], Joel Selvin [SF Chronicle], and more. Accompanying audio tour component is included.

BRICK WALK

Amazing Names of San Francisco.

At the entrance to our building, we have put together over 300 bricks of amazing acts, venues, journalists, photographers, and other that were associated with the SF music scene over the last 60 years.