Jonathan O’Brien: Having a Minimalist Approach to Production

Jonathan O’Brien is a producer, mix engineer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Idyllwild, California, where he operates The Music Box—a hybrid recording studio and creative retreat tucked in the San Jacinto Mountains. Known for his immersive, emotionally rich mixes and collaborative approach, Jonathan has worked with artists including Gal Musette, Young the Giant, Coma Culture, and Andrew Goldring, often wearing multiple hats as producer, engineer, and musician. His productions span genres from indie rock to experimental pop, always rooted in a meticulous attention to tone, space, and sonic storytelling.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Owning a “retreat-style” studio
• Setting working hours
• Do you need to live in a major music city?
• Thinking with a mastering perspective while mixing
• Mixing on busses
• Using minimalist processing
• The power of reducing your options
• Leaning on tape saturation instead of EQ
• Creating contrast between instruments
• How to make mixes feel balanced in the stereo field
• Tracking with reverb

To learn more about Jonathan O’Brien, visit: https://www.jonobrienrecording.com/

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