Here’s my thoughts on reference songs. I believe that using reference songs is a development of the modern digital era where apps and plugins brought in a different way of working. I personally don’t use reference tracks as, in my mind, it is like doing a cover, thus “stealing” elements from an existing song. I prefer to let my ears and brain lead me in providing a proper mix and or master for the track I work on, always working with the artist to achieve their feelings and emotions in what they composed.