Step-by-Step: Mixing the Energy Curve

Step 1 – What’s the Point of Each Section?

Listen critically and ask:

• Does your track have clearly defined sections?

• What is the purpose of each section; intro, verse, chorus, breakdown, etc.?

• Where does each part sit on your energy curve, are you building or releasing energy?

• Can you map the listener’s emotional journey throughout the song?

Tip: Give every section a defined role.

Step 2 – Dynamic shifts

Now that you’ve mapped things out, focus on contrast and intention.

• How can you make high-energy sections hit harder?

• Where can you strip things back for contrast and intimacy?

• Are there moments that feel flat or too similar? What can be changed?

Production tips:

• Strip away the bass or drums to drop the energy

• Use drum fills or slow transitions to guide listeners

• Make sure parts evolve — guitars, synths, or vocals should build towards something

Step 3 – Create Magic Moments

Every section should have something that catches the ear.

Ask yourself:

• Is there a surprise, detail, or hook in every part?

• Do something interesting at the start, middle, or end of each section

• Can you cut something out entirely to create contrast?

Try this:

• Add a unique fill, FX throw, or subtle background element

• Pan elements creatively for movement

• Drop instruments out for drama

Step 4 – Smooth Out the Transitions

You’ve got your magic moments, now make them flow.

• Does your energy curve rise and fall in a way that feels natural?

• Can you glue the transitions together with automation or FX?

• Are the loudest, most powerful moments supported by everything that comes before?

Tip: Use volume, arrangement, and FX (like reverb throws or delays) to join things together smoothly.

Summary: How to Make a Track That Holds Attention

Take your time with planning and transitions — that’s Step 1 and Step 4. But go wild with dynamics and creativity in Steps 2 and 3. Let your ideas flow, then come back later to tidy up.

This process works best when repeated. Once you’ve nailed the arrangement, you can bring energy shaping into your mixing and mastering workflow too.

Quick Energy Tricks for Your Mix

• Cut the bass or kick out of a section to reduce weight

• Drop the snare in a breakdown for impact

• Build chorus guitars gradually with performance or automation

• Use panning or automation to add movement

• Add flourishes in vocal gaps, think guitar licks, FX throws, or percussion

• Make the final chorus huge, then work backwards and make earlier sections smaller