Spend mixing time where it sells the production, not evenly across every track

Time is money: allocate the majority of effort to the aspects most likely to sell the mix — to client, industry, and public — rather than spending equal time on every track, since only a few elements carry the main commercial appeal and copyright value. In pop/R&B the vocals often warrant over half the time; in dance styles the kick, bass, and hooks may. Disciplining yourself to abandon finesse where it won’t be noticed frees energy for what matters.

Examples

On a pop track, lavishing hours on rhythm guitars before the vocal wastes the budget; on an EDM track the kick, bass, and synth hooks deserve the lion’s share.

Assessment

Explain why effort should be weighted toward commercially important elements rather than spread evenly across tracks.