Kevin "Black Pearl" McCloskey is a mixing engineer and the owner of Black Pearl Studios and Bigger Mixes based out of Charlotte, NC, USA! In our conversation, Kevin tells his story - from playing drumline in marching band to studying audio, persevering and eventually opening a recording studio and working with the likes of DaBaby. He talks about getting efficient in the studio, what major labels really want from mixers, and how he's able to mix on headphones. He goes deep on his approach to mixing, taking care of himself, having goals outside of music, and so much more! Check it out!You can learn more about Kevin at https://www.biggermixes.com/You can follow Kevin on Social MediaIG - https://www.instagram.com/blackpearlmixedit/***Thanks to our sponsors!***Save 20% off your first year of Filepass at - https://filepass.com/secretsonicsSave 50% off your first 3 months of Easy Funnels at - https://easyfunnels.io/secret-sonicsClick here to listen to "Thanks for Thinking" - https://www.carlbahner.com/thanks-for-thinking You can listen to the song we discussed in the "Sauce" segment here -"Fallin' Off" by Tyler Loyal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMduD4qYCs&ab_channel=TylerLoyal-Topic***Join the Secret Sonics Discord community here(!) - discord.gg/UP97b72W6tReferences:Mark Eckert - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2020/5/31/secret-sonics-048-mark-eckertDaBaby - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DaBabyBeyerdynamic DT770s - https://amzn.to/3zOvO3FChris Graham - https://www.benwallick.com/podcast-episodes/2021/5/2/secret-sonics-095-chris-graham-helping-audio-people-in-his-own-unique-wayKnif EQ - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/knif_audio_soma.htmlOzone Maximizer - https://www.izotope.com/en/products/ozone/features/maximizer.htmlSSL Fusion Vintage Drive - https://store.solidstatelogic.com/plug-ins/ssl-fusion-vintage-drive-plug-inClass A Mastering from Shadow Hills - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/shadow_hills_class_a_mastering_comp.htmlAvid Lofi - https://www.avid.com/plugins/d-fiBlackbox - https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/black_box_analog_design_hg-2.htmlWaves Smack Attack - https://www.waves.com/plugins/smack-attack-transient-shaper#drum-mixing-tricks-manipulate-pitch-and-attackConsider rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts and sharing this or any of your favorite episodes with a friend or two.Thank you to Zvi Rodan, Mendy Portnoy, and Yakir Hyman for contributing to the podcast theme music!Thanks to Gavi Kutliroff for helping edit this episode!You can find out more about Secret Sonics and subscribe on your favorite podcast app by visiting www.secretsonics.co Have a great week, stay safe, and dig in!-Ben