The global music production landscape is constantly evolving, blending academic research with practical, real-world application. In a major development for producers, engineers, and academics alike, the upcoming Crosstown Traffic Conference 2018 is set to host some of the most influential minds in the recording industry. Excitement in the pro-audio community reached a peak when news broke that andrew scheps tops bill for multi-genre music conference at the University of Huddersfield. Running from Monday, September 3rd to Wednesday, September 5th, this event promises to bridge the gap between abstract musicological theory and the gritty reality of modern studio work.
For active producers and mixing engineers, the fact that andrew scheps tops bill for multi-genre music conference highlights the changing dynamics of the industry. Andrew Scheps, a Grammy-winning producer and mixer known for his incredible work with legendary acts like Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jay Z, and Adele, represents the pinnacle of hybrid and “in-the-box” mixing workflows. Joining him on the roster is Lachlan Goold (aka Magoo), an acclaimed Australian producer who has shaped the indie music scene down under. This unique collection of talent provides an unparalleled learning opportunity for those looking to refine their craft.
Why Andrew Scheps Tops Bill for Multi-Genre Music Conference
The conference, officially titled “Crosstown Traffic: Popular Music Theory and Practice,” is a collaborative effort organized by four major academic and professional institutions. By bringing together the International Association for the Study of Popular Music (IASPM) UK & Ireland Biennial Conference, the 13th Art of Record Production Conference (ARP), and the International Society for Metal Music Studies (ISMMS), alongside participation from the Dancecult network, this event represents a massive convergence of genres. As we observe how andrew scheps tops bill for multi-genre music conference, we are reminded of the power of cross-genre translation in production. Whether you are mixing heavy metal, electronic dance music, or mainstream pop, the core principles of transient control, phase alignment, and emotional dynamics remain identical.
Indeed, the headline that andrew scheps tops bill for multi-genre music conference emphasizes the convergence of academic rigor and street-smart engineering. Keynote sessions will also feature renowned figures such as Anne Danielsen, a distinguished scholar from the University of Oslo and editor of “Musical Rhythm in the Age of Digital Reproduction,” and Franco Fabbri, a prominent musicologist and broadcaster. This intersection of deep musical theory and raw, technical mix engineering is precisely what modern producers need to create standout records. At SM Mastering, we often analyze these cross-disciplinary theories to improve our final master outputs, which you can read more about in our dedicated SM Mastering Audio Articles.
Crosstown Traffic Conference Specifications
To help you understand the scope of this historic audio gathering, here is an overview of the event details and registration specifications:
| Specification / Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Crosstown Traffic: Popular Music Theory and Practice (2018) |
| Location | University of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK |
| Keynote Speakers | Andrew Scheps, Lachlan Goold (Magoo), Anne Danielsen, Franco Fabbri |
| Collaborative Bodies | IASPM, ARP, ISMMS, Dancecult Network |
| Registration Cost | £70 per day |
| Target Audience | Producers, Audio Engineers, Musicologists, Academic Researchers |
Practical Studio Workflow Tips Inspired by Andrew Scheps
In terms of workflow development, understanding why andrew scheps tops bill for multi-genre music conference helps engineers structure their sessions for maximum efficiency and sonic impact. Here are a few practical workflow strategies derived from Scheps’ famous mixing philosophy that you can implement in your home or commercial studio today:
- Embrace “In-the-Box” Mixing: While Scheps spent decades working on massive Neve consoles, he famously transitioned entirely to mixing inside the DAW. This allows for instant recall, automated flexibility, and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Utilize Rear Bus Compression: One of Scheps’ signature techniques is sending almost all instrument tracks (excluding the drums) to a parallel “rear bus” compressor. This bus is heavily compressed and blended back in with the dry mix to add excitement, sustain, and density without destroying transient details.
- Keep Plugins Simple: Instead of endlessly tweaking complex parameters, rely on classic, reliable tools. Scheps frequently utilizes high-quality analog emulations from top brands like Soundtoys and Universal Audio to achieve warmth and character quickly.
- Focus on Balance Before Processing: Spend time getting the initial fader balance and panning correct before reaching for EQs and compressors. If the raw balance feels exciting, your processing will only enhance the emotion of the performance.
Conclusion
The Crosstown Traffic Conference is a testament to how far the recording community has come. It serves as a reminder that music production is not just about turning knobs; it is an intellectual and artistic discipline that thrives on collaboration across diverse musical styles. Having industry heavyweights like Andrew Scheps exchange ideas with music theorists paves the way for the next generation of audio innovation. By applying these multi-genre concepts to your mixes, you will ensure your tracks possess the depth and clarity required to translate perfectly during the final mastering stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the Crosstown Traffic Conference?
The conference is designed to bring together practitioners and researchers from various musical disciplines—including popular music, heavy metal, electronic dance music, and record production—to encourage collaborative and interdisciplinary work between theory and practice.
Why is Andrew Scheps’ presence at the conference significant?
As a highly respected, multi-Grammy-winning engineer, Andrew Scheps brings decades of practical experience mixing for massive artists across various genres. His insights into hybrid setups, in-the-box mixing, and creative routing offer invaluable practical knowledge to both academics and working engineers.
How does attending a multi-genre music conference benefit local producers?
Exposing yourself to techniques outside of your primary genre (such as applying EDM sidechaining methods to metal, or pop parallel compression techniques to acoustic music) fosters creativity and helps you develop a unique sonic signature that stands out in a crowded market.
Written by SM Mastering
Official content on sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and advanced electronic production by SM Mastering.