Ive been mastering the we are altered single this week. In doing so , I dug out a few interesting links to the boldly named “loudness war”. I thought you might like to have a read if you’re technically inclined or wonder why music isn’t as quiet as it used to be.(Jazz fans, look away now)

The obligatory wikipedia entry, here

A good, understandable video explanation, here

A nice in depth article, here

 Its hard not to get sucked into this when youre mastering: modern Hip Hop has literally raised the bar … and it’s the most popular genre in the world, domination our ears, so when you compare your own material, the temptation is to simply compete compete compete.

Incidentally, I’d advise you leave mastering to those who do nothing but… And I’d not use headphones! The album will be mastered by someone truly excellent, and we’re choosing who soon, but for the single, DIY is best.

JM