Spencer Hoad: Leaning Into Saturation

Spencer Hoad is a versatile songwriter, producer, and engineer whose work spans pop, rock, and alternative genres. With a career rooted in both major-label and independent projects, Spencer has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Avril Lavigne, Sia, Blink-182, Korn, Neon Trees, The Used, and Fifth Harmony. Known for his ability to take songs from concept to final master, Spencer often handles vocal production, engineering, mixing, and mastering himself—demonstrating a rare blend of creative and technical skills. His credits include engineering on Sia’s breakout track “I’m In Here,” assisting on D.R.U.G.S.’ debut album, and contributing to projects by I Prevail and Black Veil Brides. Whether working in top-tier studios or remotely from his own setup, Spencer brings a polished, emotionally resonant sound to every project he touches.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:Audio school vs internshipsWorking on being a “good hang”Assisting John FeldmanMaking records with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and The UsedDriving preampsLeaning into saturationFocusing on cohesiveness The importance of creating contrast in a productionHow to approach mixing when working on genre-bending musicTo learn more about Spencer Hoad, visit: https://www.spencerhoad.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.comThe Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2KSubscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJejYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMixHave questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/Thanks for listening!Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join:https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/  Want additional help with your music productions?For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit: https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books:The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MasterYourMix Have questions you’d like answered on the show?Send them to [email protected] leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!