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Doug Weier mixes "Waiting Room" by Real Friends
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“Waiting Room” by Real Friends is a masterclass in polished aggression and modern pop punk production. Off their album *Blue Hour*, the track reflects the band’s matured sound—tight rhythms, emotionally charged vocals, and cinematic dynamics—capturing a high-impact moment in their discography. Built on layered guitar hooks and a focused vocal performance, this is a prime example of how clarity and weight can co-exist in the genre without sacrificing energy.
Mixed by Doug Weier—known for his advanced vocal engineering, polished low-end, and high-gloss top end—this session shows why he’s trusted by rising and established artists alike in pop punk and beyond. His ability to anchor dense arrangements while keeping the mix open and emotionally immediate is on full display here.
There’s a lot to dig into: dual-tracked guitars that need depth without mask, a wide but controlled stereo field, expertly automated effects throws, and tight phase relationships that preserve punch across drums, bass, and vocals. The drum tracks require compression drawing out transient energy without over-processing the natural hits. Vocals in this song stand as the centerpiece, so real attention to tuning transparency, delay throws, stereo widening, and de-essing is key. If you’re into mixes where every fader move matters and the details drive the emotional arc, this one delivers.
Download the multitracks for “Waiting Room” and sharpen your skills by working through one of Doug’s most fully developed mixes. This session will push your workflow, mixing choices, and focus on delivering a finished sound that hits hard and stays clean.
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