Stupid meaningless arugments

[StarCrazy]

So a long time friend (nearly 15 years) of mine who is in a band with me (we usually meet up twice, or thrice a week) had a little spat that left me feeling so confused.

Essentially 2 weeks ago I asked him to mix a finished piece of music for me as a favour. He had a go and got most of it right but with some more work needed.
But two weeks pass and nothing happens so I send him one reminder that he ignores, and a second reminder that he responds with: "I'm quite busy at the moment but I'm sure I'll get it done"
So I ask him 'try and get it done before the end of the month' and 'I'm sure you can do it as long as you remember to do it'
And he responds that "you're being overly harsh."

Now bare in mind in the past 7 years or so I've sent him tons of projects. Sometimes with specific goals, sometimes more open and free, sometimes that he asked for. And generally his response is almsot always that he likes what he hears. BUT he has never once sent anything back(!) because he isn't able to actually find the time do anything with it.  And also bare in mind that I already told him I wanted it before April and half of that time is gone.
So I say, "yeah I am being harsh, but I feel like its due given previous circumstances"
To which he responds that "Well its not a very helpful way to be. Phrasing things considerately isn't much to ask"

So then we go back and forth a bit until I say "Where did I upset you? I dont see what you're offended about"
And the response is "Id prefer it if you'd have said : I'd appreciate it if you could get it back to me by April"

So literally he is offended that I said 'Try and get it to me before April' and that I didn't say 'Can you try and get it to me before April?'

Maybe I'm over reacting, but I feel like this was the stupidest waste of time so far this year.
What do you think? 
Am I missing the point?

[Blahblah]

Considering your past experience with him flaking out/slacking, I think your feelings are completely justified. You stated a reasonable request and he committed to it, then he doesn't follow through (several times it seems)...I don't think it's harsh at all to be direct. You are stating expectations clearly and directly. Sounds like he is overreacting while you are simply setting clear boundaries.

[Wooster]

I understand why you're feeling confused about the difference, especially given that you've had a hard time getting projects back from him.

I also understand why he's annoyed about the way you asked. He's doing you a professional favor without compensation. It also sounds like he's got a lot on his plate right now.

When I'm asking a favor of someone for a skill I don't have and I'm not paying them for, I find it to be helpful to state up front that I have a request for a time-sensitive project and ask if, given their current and upcoming commitments, would be willing to take on something that has a hard deadline.