Chris Lord-Alge emphasizes the importance of always referencing the rough mix when working on a project. He advises setting it up so that it is easy to A/B between your mix and the client's rough mix, ensuring the levels are matched for accurate comparison.
This practice helps identify key elements in the rough mix that the client is attached to, such as specific instrument levels or effects. By doing so, you can better understand their vision and make informed decisions that respect their preferences while adding your own touch.
Lord-Alge also discusses the challenge where clients become attached to their rough mix after listening to it repeatedly. He suggests that while you should bring your expertise to the mix, it's crucial to stay within the boundaries of what the client likes to maintain the essence of the original track.