The Argument Over Who Would Mix The Album “Elegantly Wasted”

April 1, 2025

The sun was setting over the vibrant city of Sydney, casting golden rays into the studio where INXS was working on their latest album, “Elegantly Wasted.” The band had gathered for an important meeting, but what was supposed to be a creative session turned into a heated argument. The excitement of creating new music was overshadowed by tensions brewing among the band members. They were debating who should mix the album—a crucial decision that could shape the sound of their music and the future of their careers.

Kirk Pengilly, the band’s guitarist, stood at one end of the room, passionately urging that they should stick with the trusted producer and mixer, Nick Launay. He believed that Launay understood the band’s essence better than anyone else, having worked with them on many successful albums. “He knows how to capture our spirit! It’s like he can read our minds! We can’t risk experimenting with someone new now!” Kirk argued, his hands animated as he spoke. But his bandmate, Andrew Farriss, shook his head. He felt that it was time for a change and had his eye set on a new mixing engineer, someone with fresh ideas who could take their sound to the next level.

As the voices grew louder, tensions filled the room. The argument was not just about who should mix the album; it was representative of deeper issues within the band. The pressure to create another hit weighed heavily on them, especially following the commercial success of their previous works. The stakes were high, and each member felt a responsibility to protect the legacy they had built. Yet, amidst all the noise, lead singer Michael Hutchence sat quietly, listening and watching, his brows furrowed in thought. He understood the passion of his bandmates but also felt the importance of unity in their mission.

Just as the argument reached its peak, Michael stood up. He took a deep breath and spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. “Guys, we’re all here because of our love for music. Let’s remember what brought us together in the first place.” The room fell silent as the weight of his words hung in the air. Michael’s passion was palpable; he wanted to direct their energy towards creating something special rather than tearing each other apart. The argument gradually subsided, allowing the band to refocus on what mattered most—the music and their shared vision.

In the end, they decided to compromise by bringing in both mixers. This decision proved to be a turning point for INXS. The blend of old and new perspectives in the mixing process not only enriched “Elegantly Wasted” but also ignited a renewed sense of creativity in the band. They learned that collaboration and embracing diverse ideas could lead to incredible results. With a new energy and direction, they were ready to share their music with the world.

As “Elegantly Wasted” was released, it became clear that the band had struck a chord with their fans. The album showcased their resilience, passion, and ability to adapt through challenges. While the journey was not always smooth, the experience strengthened their bond and solidified their legacy as one of Australia’s greatest rock bands. Michael, Kirk, Andrew, and the rest of INXS proved that through communication, understanding, and a shared love for music, they could overcome any obstacle that came their way.