This is about mixing your own music. My first step (and second and so on) is to try to improve the production.
Which is hard enough in itself.
Listen to a professional track and check the EQ ranges and what sort of sounds live there. If your mix lacks those; does your track have sounds that can bring those frequencies?
Is the snare bright enough? Layer some noise into it? If you want a warmer sound, does your track have warm sounds?
You also have to have a plan with the production. Light vs dark, dynamics in between songparts, narrow vs wide.
And make sure the timing is good on all parts.
But also here you have to draw the line somewhere.
And I can only do this when some time passed after the recording.
And I realise how many pros worked on my favourite tracks and since it’s my hobby and my fascination I’m o.k. with progress.
Reference, reference, reference.
I have periods in which I’m not in the right, analytical, state of mind.
I’m not a producer and not a pro.
Mostly a curious musician.
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