I met Peter through our community when he brought a single to me for mastering. Soon after, he asked me to mix and master his whole album, Towards the Light. And I'm so grateful he did. From the first listen, I loved his music. It reminds me of the Beatles: so alive, warm, and full of soul. What stayed with me most was the intention behind every song and lyric. Peter wrote with purpose and heart. He was in France, and I'm in the US, so it usually took us full days to get back to each other, but every exchange was productive and fun. On our Zoom calls, I'd share my screen and walk him through what I was doing and why, and he'd give me thoughtful feedback. He knew when to push back with his artistic vision, and when to trust me, which made working with him so collaborative and fun. Halfway through the project, my wife and I were listening to his song When I'm Gone together. We both teared up and just looked at each other. I took a quick selfie of the two of us, smiling with wet eyes, and sent it to Peter to tell him how much his song had touched us. I'm so glad I did, I think it meant a lot to him. Music was one of many paths in Peter's life. He was an author and an avid traveller. This album still mattered deeply to him, and I feel honored that he let me be part of it. It's rare to become real friends with a client you've never met in person. I'm thankful for the friendship Peter and I built across all those miles. I'll be listening to his music again this week, and I hope you'll give it a listen too. Rest well, Peter. Luke Despain

Imagine someone is starting learning mixing or mastering today. What's the one piece of advice you'd give them to help them succeed faster?

Had to come back in some form or shape. Got a premium membership, so I'll be seein' y'all around the campus.

I have had stuff released before, but it was always a part of a band project…. Now, for the first time, I am releasing one of my own tracks on Spotify and all streaming platforms this Friday… And hopefully once every month thereafter once I get some of these Social Media and Marketing concepts down… I know the whole “pre-save” thing is lame, but here is the link for anyone who might be interested: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/theolde/psychedelic-flowers P.S. ALWAYS remember not to eat the brown acid!

I know quite a few of you know @Mark Lantz from various programs at Mastering.com . We found out earlier today that Mark passed away Sunday morning. We don't know the details but I'm asking you to keep Mark's wife Laura in your prayers. Last month Mark released "Always by my Side", a song he wrote and produced about and dedicated to his wife. Mark and I have had many conversations, 1 on 1 zoom calls, mentor calls, and chat messages. I have watched him progress since Sept 2023 as he started his musical journey with us. He went from not knowing anything about the DAW to becoming a great producer utilizing his natural singing ability and talent. While I am very sad that he has passed away, I know he was a man of great faith and is in the promised land today. There is so much more I can say about Mark, and will over time, but for now, I'll just post a link to his Spotify songs he released with the help of his mentors and community of friends in the program. If anyone ever tells you your music isn't important, stay away from them - there is power in music ... Mark's music, and his journey to get to where he released songs, touched many people and is an inspiration to us all. Here's a link to his Spotify page with his songs "Always by my Side" and "Into the Light", both of which hit home today for me. R.I.P. my friend ... see you in Heaven. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qpArhT1mBq5vW0ZfK5seb?si=pfVMUPtTRYOFQ1vuJ_vCyQ