Mixing “Mind Games”, Hamid J’s electrifying new single, came with its own set of creative challenges. Produced by the talented Matt Cady and mixed here at Dreamcatcher Studio, the track dives deep into the psychological push-and-pull of a toxic relationship dynamic, and it was crucial to reflect that emotional tension in the sound.
Per Hamid’s vision, my focus as the mix engineer was to experiment with effects that would capture the song’s chaotic energy. One of the techniques I used was automating panning to create a sense of unease and excitement, giving the listener a more immersive experience. Additionally, creative sound design elements, like subtle delay feedback and glitch effects, helped mirror the emotional intensity of the narrative.
Another key focus was ensuring that the bass and beat tracks maintained a strong, driving momentum throughout the song. This energy provides a stark contrast to the more melancholic and haunting vocal melodies, highlighting the tension and release that defines “Mind Games”. Balancing the different elements to maintain both impact and clarity required careful attention to detail, but the result is a mix that feels more powerful and cohesive.
HAMID J | SONGWRITER
brought the vision for story to life
The entire creative team and I were thrilled with the way Donny transformed & elevated the track. I don’t know the technical terms to describe his work - but what I can share is that he added things to the song that we didn’t even think about and overall brought the vision for story to life.
Through thoughtful collaboration with Hamid and Matt, and utilizing our online revision process, we worked together to ensure the final mix truly reflected the vision of the song. We’re proud of the result on “Mind Games”, a track that’s both emotionally charged and dancefloor-ready.
THIS WORK WAS DONE 100% ONLINE
Credits: Mixing & Mastering