The Loyal Studios Brings Another Insightful Episode for Independent Artists and Audio Enthusiasts
After the successful first episode of TLS TALKS, The Loyal Studios (TLS) returns with Episode 2, featuring Vishal Sharma, a professional sound engineer with more than a decade of experience in the Indian music industry.
In this exclusive conversation, Vishal Sharma opens up about his journey from recording his own vocals to working with some of India’s leading music labels and artists. The episode is packed with practical advice for aspiring sound engineers, producers, and independent musicians who want to improve their sound and build a long-term career in music.
Vishal Sharma’s Journey into Sound Engineering
Vishal began his journey around 2011–2012 when he discovered his interest in studio engineering while recording his own vocals. Although he comes from a B.Tech background in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, his technical knowledge helped him transition naturally into the world of audio production and sound engineering.
Over the years, he has worked with renowned music labels such as:
- The Loyal Studios
- T-Series
- Saregama
He has also collaborated with artists and bands including:
- The Yellow Diary
- Indian Ocean
His experience across recording, mixing, and mastering makes this episode especially valuable for anyone interested in the technical side of music production.
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Key Technical Insights from TLS TALKS Episode 2
Monitoring Is More Important Than Expensive Gear
One of the strongest points Vishal makes is that good monitoring matters more than expensive studio equipment. According to him, if a producer does not have an acoustically treated room, investing in high-quality headphones is often a smarter decision than purchasing costly monitors.
He also highlights the importance of proper monitor placement to achieve a stable and accurate low-end response, which is essential for balanced mixes.
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Mixing Is Enhancement, Not Replacement
Vishal explains that mixing should enhance a well-produced song rather than completely transform a weak production. He believes that 80–85% of a song’s quality is determined during the production stage, while mixing mainly improves clarity, balance, and impact.
He warns against over-mixing, a common mistake among beginners. To maintain objectivity, he recommends:
- Taking regular breaks
- Comparing the mix with reference tracks
- Returning with fresh ears before making major decisions
This approach helps engineers avoid unnecessary processing and preserve the original musical emotion.
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Understanding Bass and Kick Relationships
Addressing a common misconception, Vishal notes that phase problems between bass and kick drums are often misunderstood. Serious phase issues usually occur when the same sound source is captured using multiple microphones, rather than simply because bass and kick occupy similar frequency ranges.
This clarification is particularly useful for home-studio producers who frequently struggle with low-end balance.
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Creating a Dry Yet Deep Vocal Sound
For engineers seeking a dry but spacious vocal tone, Vishal suggests focusing on early reflections rather than relying heavily on long reverb tails. Properly blended early reflections can create a sense of depth and dimension while keeping the vocal clear, intimate, and upfront in the mix.
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Choosing the Right Sample Rate
When discussing sample rates, Vishal advises creators to work at the highest resolution their hardware and workflow can comfortably support. While higher sample rates are not a substitute for good production, they can provide additional flexibility during processing and editing.
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Valuable Advice for Independent Artists
Beyond technical topics, the conversation also explores the business and human side of music.
Treat Music Like a Professional Career
Vishal emphasizes that artists who are serious about building a career should consider hiring professionals for different stages of production:
- Editing
- Mixing
- Mastering
Delegating these tasks not only improves quality but also helps artists maintain an objective perspective on their own music.
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Talent Alone Is Not Enough
A particularly important takeaway from the episode is Vishal’s observation that presentation plays a crucial role in today’s independent music market. While talent remains essential, factors such as branding, visual identity, communication, and audience engagement significantly influence an artist’s growth.
For modern independent musicians, creating great music must be accompanied by professional presentation and consistent visibility.
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Final Words from Vishal Sharma
Towards the end of the episode, Vishal shares a thoughtful message for beginners:
- Be honest about what you know and what you don’t know
- Focus on improving your workflow and monitoring environment
- Seek mentorship, internships, or guidance from experienced professionals
- Learning from others can save years of trial and error
His advice reflects the reality of the music industry: continuous learning and self-awareness are just as important as technical skills.
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Why You Should Watch TLS TALKS Episode 2
TLS TALKS Episode 2 featuring Vishal Sharma is not just an interview—it is a practical learning session for anyone involved in music production. Whether you are:
- A home-studio producer
- An aspiring sound engineer
- An independent singer-songwriter
- A mixing enthusiast
- Or someone curious about the Indian music production industry
this episode offers actionable insights drawn from real-world professional experience.
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Watch TLS TALKS (Episode 2)
Guest: Vishal Sharma
Role: Professional Sound Engineer
Experience: 10+ Years in the Music Industry
Presented by: The Loyal Studios (TLS)
Stay connected with TLS TALKS for more exclusive conversations with musicians, producers, engineers, and independent artists, where creativity meets real industry knowledge.