Beake - World Within
At first, I felt a little out of place within the Vermillion team, since many had already built connections from the previous semester. But hearing World Within for the first time reminded me why I was there — I knew I could bring something valuable to the project, and that’s when I started to feel at home.
"Bess was super easy to work with and very accommodating of our lack of technical knowledge when it came to recording trumpet. Her communication is top-notch, and we couldn’t have done it without her! - Beake
THE PROCESS:
ADDING TO THE INSTRUMENTAL
By the time I joined the project, the track was mostly complete (produced by Adrian and Rupert), leaving space for me to add some trumpet textures. Lachlan (Beake), whose influences span jazz and R&B, was eager to incorporate live brass into the mix, as suggested by me. I recorded multiple-layered takes to create the ensemble sound you hear in the final track, often working ideas out collaboratively in the control room before translating them onto the trumpet.
I also added some backing vocals at home, which were tastefully incorporated into the mix.
MIXING THE TRACK
I also aided the mixing of this track, beyond just the trumpet and vocals, I sat in on mix sessions with Adrian (producer), Beake and Angus (manager) and provided crucial feedback and advice.
I also spent some time at home tuning beakes vocals after listening in 540 with the Vermillion team.
SESSIONS
Here is my record of the combined hours I have spent on 'World Within'...
COLLABORATION & COMMUNICATION
Sat in on mix sessions with Adrian and Rupert (producers), Beake, and Angus (manager) to refine arrangement and mix balance. Communication was key — we shared session notes, listened critically as a team, and made collective creative decisions.
REFLECTION
This project challenged me to adapt my creative process to an already well-developed track. Rather than driving the production, my role became about listening critically — identifying what the song still needed and finding subtle ways to elevate it. That shift taught me the value of restraint and trust within collaboration; sometimes the best production decision is one that blends seamlessly rather than stands out.
Sitting in on mix sessions with Adrian and Beake helped refine my technical communication. I learned how to articulate mix feedback using shared language and how to navigate multiple perspectives while staying objective about the song’s needs.
The process also strengthened my understanding of session flow and version management — how to keep creative ideas organised and maintain momentum in the final stages of production. Overall, this project reminded me that collaboration is as much about listening and timing as it is about creativity and execution.