Anderton

brconflict
Loudness wars will never end, unfortunately, until a governing body steps in. There's bad in all of that. But, at least we can admit that recordings should be Mastered with less priority on loudness.

You'll be happy to hear that when acts ask for a master that's as loud as possible, I do the version they want to hear but then I also do a version I want to hear. Most of the time when given a choice, they'll take the version with more dynamics. Not all...but most.
 

For artists, yes, they do prefer the more dynamic version, especially if the versions aren't on the same disc. The most compelling way to win that war is to transmit the compressed versions over FM radio, which tells the story more truthfully to those who will be on the air. Labels (at least some of them) want nothing but obnoxiously loud. But some artists, do, too.
 
I'm always happiest making a good, loud mix, but one with the "right" amount of compression/punch. If I don't have to go above -6db, I'm super happy.

John
One thing I have found helpful in mixing is avoid raising faders and try to lower faders. Even if this means you lower all of them. If a track seems to low in volume don't raise the fader lower all the others.

Quick grouping is your friend

True Grieg but being old and all I am set in my ways. Besides I have to justify the MC some way.

John
Besides I have to justify the MC some way.

That's an easy one. You can rock the faders rhythmically and add life to your mixes!