Meaning: The quote "We always did our own mixing" by Stephen Malkmus, a musician known for his work with the band Pavement, reflects a do-it-yourself ethos that has been prevalent in the music industry for decades. In the context of music production, mixing refers to the process of combining and adjusting individual tracks within a song to create a balanced and cohesive final product. It involves adjusting the levels, panning, and equalization of each track, as well as adding effects and other processing to enhance the overall sound.

Malkmus' statement suggests that he and his bandmates took a hands-on approach to the mixing process, rather than outsourcing it to a professional audio engineer. This approach aligns with the independent and DIY ethos that has characterized much of the alternative and indie rock scenes, in which musicians often seek to maintain creative control over every aspect of their music, including production and mixing.

The decision to handle their own mixing likely stems from a desire for artistic autonomy and a specific vision for how their music should sound. For many artists, the mixing stage is a crucial part of the creative process, as it directly impacts the sonic character and emotional impact of the music. By taking on the mixing themselves, Malkmus and his bandmates were able to ensure that their artistic intentions were fully realized in the final sound of their recordings.

In addition to the artistic considerations, there are practical reasons why some musicians choose to handle their own mixing. Hiring a professional audio engineer can be expensive, especially for independent or emerging artists working with limited budgets. By learning to mix their own music, artists can save money and have greater flexibility in the recording and production process.

Furthermore, advancements in technology have made it more feasible for musicians to mix their own music. Digital audio workstations (DAWs) and a wide range of audio plugins and software tools have democratized the mixing process, allowing artists to achieve professional-quality results without the need for a dedicated mixing engineer. This has empowered many musicians to take on the role of producer and mixer, blurring the traditional boundaries between the different roles in music production.

Malkmus' statement also speaks to the DIY spirit that has been a defining characteristic of alternative and indie rock music. From the underground punk and post-punk scenes of the late 1970s and 1980s to the indie rock explosion of the 1990s, many artists have embraced a self-reliant and anti-establishment ethos, seeking to create and distribute their music outside of the mainstream music industry.

In conclusion, Stephen Malkmus' quote "We always did our own mixing" reflects a commitment to artistic autonomy, a practical approach to music production, and a larger ethos of independence and self-sufficiency within the music industry. By taking control of the mixing process, Malkmus and his bandmates were able to shape the sound of their music according to their own vision, embodying the DIY spirit that has been central to alternative and indie rock music.