Childish Gambino - "Sober"

Discover how Grammy-winning engineer Andrew Dawson mixes emotion, space, and clarity into every detail of “Sober” by Childish Gambino.

Step inside the mix with 3x Grammy Award-winning engineer Andrew Dawson as he breaks down the sonic journey of “Sober,” blending raw energy with precision and musical intent.

Best known for shaping iconic records by Kanye West, Jay-Z, fun., and more, Andrew brings his signature blend of clarity, depth, and storytelling to this genre-blurring track. In this session, he walks through how he mixed “Sober” to highlight its emotional arc, spatial design, and vocal focus—without losing the impact at its core.

Andrew reveals how he:

• Shapes the low end by compressing the lows and low mids on bass and keys to keep them present and punchy, while leaving the top end untouched to preserve their natural sparkle

• Builds space with intent, placing drums and bass dry and upfront, while letting keyboards and effects stretch into the background for immersive contrast

• Uses effects sparingly but strategically, blending plate reverbs and delays directly on tracks to enhance mood without losing impact

• EQs with purpose, carving out space for vocals by softening competing mids and keeping the center clear for emotional delivery

• Balances width and depth, using stereo field techniques to reinforce vocal presence and mix dynamics without overcrowding

Andrew also shares his broader philosophy: serve the song, serve the story. By listening to the artist’s intent, reading the emotional cues, and trusting instinct, he creates mixes that don’t just sound good—they feel right.

This series is a must-watch for anyone mixing hip hop, pop, or genre-blending productions with confidence, taste, and emotional resonance.