Dead Wax
Dead Wax
Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman
Darrell Thorp on Fiona Apple, Poppy, and the “Ouchie Zone” (3k Explained)
25 minutes Posted Jan 12, 2026 at 8:00 am.
0:00
25:51
Download MP3
Show notes
DeadWax is back with special guest co-host Kane Ritchotte! Kane, Ryan, and Jack are joined by legendary engineer/mixer/producer Darrell Thorp (Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Beck, Fiona Apple), who has 10 Grammys, an Emmy nomination, and strong mic opinions. The conversation zooms in on Fiona Apple’s “Fast As You Can” to geek out on tape-era choices, asymmetrical stereo moves, and why distortion is often the secret sauce, not the mistake. Then, in the Patreon extended episode, Darrell breaks down how he approached mixing Poppy’s “Her,” from bright, modern top-end to his go-to Mixbus chain and the infamous “ouchie zone”. If you love hearing the “why” behind great records (and a few spicy studio takes), this one goes deep!