Michael Brauer emphasizes starting a mix by focusing on the emotion and message of the song. He listens to the rough mix and asks both himself and the artist questions about what they like and dislike, aiming to understand the intended feel and message.
In the initial stage of the mix, he is highly spontaneous and intuitive, moving quickly to capture the right emotion without overthinking. He uses his gear based on the attitudes and tones they represent, making swift decisions to enhance the song's feel.
He avoids soloing tracks unless necessary and aims to make the mix feel good within the first 15 minutes. By asking the artist questions, he ensures his mix aligns with their vision, making the process collaborative and emotionally driven.