Crafting Emotion Through Sound: The Jacquire King Story

Jacquire King is a titan in the music production world. With a career spanning over three decades, King has become one of the most sought-after producers and mixing engineers in the industry. His unique approach to sound and ability to bring out the best in artists have earned him multiple Grammy Awards and a discography that reads like a who’s who of modern music.

Career and Philosophy

Born in 1963, Jacquire King began his career in the late 1980s, working his way up from assistant engineer to become one of the most respected figures in music production. His versatility is evident in the wide range of genres he’s worked with, from rock and country to pop and alternative.

King’s philosophy on mixing is centered on enhancing the emotional impact of a song. He often says:

“My job is to make sure that the listener feels what the artist intended them to feel.”

King is known for his organic approach to sound, often preferring to capture performances live rather than relying heavily on digital manipulation. He’s a strong advocate for maintaining the human element in music, even in today’s highly digital landscape.

The Tools of the Trade

Favorite Hardware

1. Neve 8068 console
2. Pro Tools HDX system
3. Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor
4. Universal Audio 1176 compressor
5. Lexicon 480L reverb unit
6. Teletronix LA-2A compressor
7. Neumann U47 and AKG C12 microphones

Favorite Plugins

1. FabFilter Pro-Q 3
2. Soundtoys Decapitator
3. UAD Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ
4. Waves CLA-76 Compressor
5. Valhalla VintageVerb

Famous Mixing Techniques & Approaches

1. Parallel Compression: King often uses parallel compression, particularly on drums and vocals, to add energy and depth without losing the original dynamics.

2. Mid-Side Processing: He frequently employs mid-side processing to create width and depth in his mixes, particularly on guitars and synths.

3. Analog Summing: King is known for routing his digital mixes through analog summing mixers to add warmth and cohesion to the final product.

4. Subtle Saturation: He uses subtle saturation on various elements to add harmonic richness and glue tracks together.

5. Dynamic EQ: King often employs dynamic EQ to control problematic frequencies without affecting the overall tone when those frequencies aren’t present.

6. Manual Vocal Riding: Instead of relying solely on compressors, King often manually rides vocal faders to achieve a more natural and emotive performance.

7. Room Mics for Depth: He’s known for creatively using room mics, especially on drums, to add depth and dimension to his mixes.

8. Layered Reverbs: King often uses multiple reverbs in layers to create a unique sense of space for each element in the mix.

9. Subtractive EQ: He prefers to cut rather than boost frequencies, helping to create space in the mix for each element.

10. Tempo-Synced Effects: King often uses delay and modulation effects that are synced to the tempo of the song, creating a cohesive rhythm throughout the mix.

Notable Discography

• “Only By The Night” by Kings of Leon (2008)
• “21” by Adele (2011)
• “Wasting Light” by Foo Fighters (2011)
• “Battle Born” by The Killers (2012)
• “Babel” by Mumford & Sons (2012)
• “The Weight of These Wings” by Miranda Lambert (2016)
• “WALLS” by Kings of Leon (2016)
• “Darkness and Light” by John Legend (2016)

Awards and Accolades

Grammy Awards

1. Best Rock Album (2009) for Kings of Leon’s “Only by the Night”
2. Record of the Year (2012) for Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”
3. Album of the Year (2012) for Adele’s “21”
4. Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (2013) for Mumford & Sons’ “Babel”

Additional Grammy Nominations

• Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (2005) for Buddy Guy’s “Blues Singer”
• Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (2009) for Kings of Leon’s “Only by the Night”
• Record of the Year (2009) for Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody”
• Best Rock Album (2012) for Kings of Leon’s “Come Around Sundown”

Other Awards

• Music Producers Guild Award for International Producer of the Year (2013)
• ASCAP Awards for his work on various hit songs
• Multiple Platinum and Gold certifications for albums he’s produced or mixed

King’s Approach to Mixing

Jacquire King’s approach to mixing is characterized by several key principles:

1. Prioritize emotion over perfection: King focuses on capturing the feeling of a performance rather than technical flawlessness.

2. Balance analog and digital: While embracing modern technology, King still values the warmth and character of analog equipment.

3. Serve the song: Every mixing decision is made with the goal of enhancing the song’s emotional impact.

4. Less is more: King often opts for subtle enhancements rather than drastic changes, allowing the original performance to shine.

5. Create depth and dimension: Through careful use of effects and panning, King creates a three-dimensional soundscape.

Famous Quotes on Music and Musicianship

Jacquire King is known for his insightful perspectives on music and the art of production. Here are some of his notable quotes:

“The best mixes are the ones where you don’t notice the mix at all - you just feel the music.”

“A great song will always shine through, no matter how it’s recorded. But a great mix can elevate a good song to greatness.”

“In the digital age, it’s easy to forget that music is made by humans. My job is to preserve that humanity in every mix.”

“The space between the notes is just as important as the notes themselves. Sometimes, what you don’t add to a mix is more important than what you do.”

“A mix should be like a great photograph - it captures a moment in time and preserves the emotion of that moment forever.”

“The best producers and engineers are like great actors - they know when to take center stage and when to step back and let the artist shine.”

“Music is a conversation between the artist and the listener. As a mixer, I’m just trying to make sure that conversation is as clear and impactful as possible.”

These quotes reflect King’s deep respect for the art of music-making and his commitment to serving the emotional core of each song he works on.

The King’s Influence

Jacquire King’s influence extends beyond just the records he’s worked on. He’s become a mentor to many up-and-coming producers and engineers, sharing his knowledge through interviews, workshops, and masterclasses.

His approach to mixing, which emphasizes musicality over technical perfection, has inspired a generation of producers to focus on the emotional core of a song rather than getting lost in the details.

Conclusion

Jacquire King’s legacy in music production is undeniable. His commitment to capturing authentic performances and his ability to enhance the emotional impact of a song make him not just a mixing engineer, but a true artist in his own right. His numerous awards and accolades stand as a testament to his skill and influence in the industry.

Whether you’re an aspiring producer or simply a music lover, understanding Jacquire King’s approach to sound can deepen your appreciation for the art of music production. The next time you listen to one of the many hit records he’s worked on, take a moment to appreciate the subtle touches and emotional depth that King brings to every mix.