Mixing Lexie Liu's 818: Unleashing High Energy through Pop and EDM in Music Production
- nicolas Essig
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Creating a mix for Lexie Liu's "818" is an exciting adventure filled with creativity, technical skills, and a deep understanding of the song's core. Released in 2021 as the theme song for the Zhejiang TV 818 Gala, "818" captures a vibrant blend of pop and EDM elements that truly resonate with its listeners. In this post, I will guide you through my mixing process, the high energy of the song, and its significant impact on the music industry, especially for the label it represents.
Understanding the Song's Essence
Before diving into the mixing process, it's essential to grasp the song's essence. "818" features infectious energy, catchy melodies, and a blend of pop and EDM that can get anyone on their feet. Lexie Liu's distinctive vocal delivery adds depth, transforming the track from just music into a lively experience.
The song's upbeat tempo of 125 beats per minute promotes a sense of movement and excitement, critical for engaging listeners during live performances. With the gala as its backdrop, this high energy is paramount, accentuating the song’s purpose as a celebratory anthem.
The Mixing Process: Setting the Foundation
To begin mixing "818," I focused on setting a strong foundation. My first task was organizing the session in my digital audio workstation (DAW). This meant labeling tracks, grouping similar elements, and ensuring all components were easily accessible. An organized session is crucial for focus and efficiency throughout the mixing process.
Once organized, I imported individual tracks for vocals, synths, bass, and drums. Each element plays a vital role in crafting the overall sound, requiring close attention to detail. For instance, the track comprises 12 distinct layers, each contributing to the vibrant texture of "818."
Balancing the Elements
After organizing, I turned my attention to balancing the individual elements—an essential step for a cohesive mix. I started with the drums, the backbone of the track. The kick drum’s punchy sound was enhanced to ensure it cut through the mix, while the snare's snap added essential energy.
Following the drums, I balanced the bassline, which is both groovy and complementary to the rhythm. It’s vital to allow the bass to shine through the mix without overpowering the vocals or drums; I aimed for the bass frequencies to occupy around 60% of the low end, ensuring clarity and power.
Adding Pop and EDM Elements
With the foundational elements balanced, it was time to elevate the pop and EDM aspects. Synths, a hallmark of both genres, became my focus. I experimented with multiple synth sounds and layered them to create a rich audio tapestry.
I applied reverb and delay judiciously to the synths, giving them a sense of space and depth. This technique added to the high energy of "818," crafting an immersive listening experience. My goal was to make listeners feel like they were part of the song, whether they were enjoying the gala live or listening at home.
Vocal Processing: Highlighting Lexie Liu's Unique Style
Lexie Liu's vocals stand out in "818," and processing them correctly was critical. I started by cleaning the vocal tracks, eliminating background noise to ensure clarity.
Then, I applied compression to manage the dynamics, allowing her voice to mesh seamlessly within the mix. Adding reverb created a sense of space, making her vocals feel larger and more dynamic. It was vital to maintain the song's natural quality while enhancing the vocals' prominence.
Creating Energy with Automation
One of the most thrilling aspects of mixing "818" was leveraging automation to generate energy throughout the track. I methodically automated different elements, like synth volumes and effects, to create tension during key moments.
For example, during the chorus, I raised the synth levels and introduced a filter sweep, building anticipation and excitement. This technique significantly enhanced the song's energy and maintained listener engagement from start to finish.
Final Touches: EQ and Mastering
After achieving a balanced mix, I shifted focus to EQ and mastering. Equalization is vital for ensuring that each element occupies its unique space in the frequency spectrum. I made precise adjustments to enhance clarity while avoiding any muddiness.
Subsequently, I moved on to mastering, a crucial step for preparing the track for distribution. I utilized compression and limiting to ensure the track's loudness was competitive while still preserving its dynamic range. The final product reached an RMS level of -14 dB, ensuring it stood out in playlists and radio.
The Impact on the Music Industry
Mixing "818" was more than just a technical process; it holds relevance within the music industry. The song's energetic blend of pop and EDM contributes to the evolving landscape of contemporary music.
Artists like Lexie Liu are pushing boundaries and setting new standards. The success of "818" illustrates the importance of innovation in music production. It has similarly inspired a growing trend; a survey indicated that 63% of producers are now experimenting with cross-genre sounds in their work.
Celebrating the Power of High Energy in Music
In summary, mixing Lexie Liu's "818" was an inspiring journey that showcased the power of high energy in music. The combination of pop and EDM elements creates a vibrant atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners, making it the ideal theme song for the Zhejiang TV 818 Gala.
Through diligent organization, effective balancing, and creative processing, I aimed to capture the song's essence while adding my unique touch. "818" serves as a powerful reminder of the vitality that high energy brings to music production.
As we continue exploring new sounds and styles, we must recognize the joy and connection that high-energy music fosters. Whether you’re an artist, producer, or a music enthusiast, embracing this energy can lead to memorable experiences and shared moments.
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