Mishal Zeera @ Mono Nomono on SoundBetter

Personable, reliable and accountable. Performances and lyrics determine the direction of my mixes. Live recorded instruments are my thing and I love drums. I mix hybrid - analogue character with automation and recallability.

I started making music on an Amiga 500 when I was 12, mainly to add reverb to everything.

My first paid production was Jack Savoretti's first demo, which I recorded in my London apartment 25 years ago while at Alchemea Audio Engineering school. A few years later I helped Deadbeat Darling (NYC) with their first album, then Straylings (UK) with their debut. Lots more in NYC.

After moving to the Netherlands, I recorded and mixed many singer songwriters, rock and punk bands, and got more into mixing.

I start every mix finding a good balance, using only volume and panning. I don't rush this phase, getting this right means Im not fighting the mix later on. It sets a strong context, and gives me a clear sense of when a processing move helps and when it doesn't.

The power and energy of the rhythm section is a big focus for me - I work until drums and bass have a strong relationship. A quick balance check of the other elements, then usually quite some time with the vocal. Automation and manual de-essing mostly. The lyrics and emotion/delivery say a lot to me about what ambience and processing to use.

My mastering mindset focuses on translation between different systems and imaging along the spectrum. Nothing by default - loudness without sacrificing depth.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

2 Reviews

Endorse Mishal Zeera @ Mono Nomono

by Buster van der Gugten
I've had several very good experiences with Mishal. That includes recording, mixing and mastering. He really hears what works best for songs of several genres.
by Martijn Winkel
Mishal is a fine producer with respect to the artist and affordable fee. He has great musical skills and especially live recording in studio with drums was just a wonderful experience.

Interview with Mishal Zeera @ Mono Nomono

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: From complete non-musicians? That I'm a DJ. I know, its funny.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Find someone who respects and supports your self-belief and vision, who also sometimes gives input worth listening to. A Grammy and a big name doesn't mean they are right for you, either.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: A very good old 335, a Hammond, a piano, something to record myself with that I can add reverb on, an electric bass and a drumkit. Thats 6 things. Sorry.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: A sense of respect for the song itself, a critical ear for the audio.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: To really listen to it as music first and get a good balance. After that bring out the best in the tracks with whatever is needed. Never do anything by default.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: The computer running Reaper, analogue buss compressors and tube EQ's, character verbs (SPX90 is my current fav) and a few flavours of compression for individual tracks.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I like the older generation, Geoff Emerick, Glyn Johns, Bob Clearmountain. Everything they did still holds up and is still culturally valuable.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: "Can you make it like the demo but better?" Its a paradox. I answer yes and do my best. It seems to work.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Some references to songs they like the sound of. Something that helps me get into their head a bit.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Generally, music that can be performed live on physical instruments. Everything from hysterically aggressive punk to very delicate singer-songwriters.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I learn from the raw material whats needed, and trust my intuition.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mainly mixing but also help with arrangements, instruments and performances.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: The best answer Ive heard to that is "Yes!". Analog or digital? Yes. I like both a lot. Its a wonderful time to be working with music, from a technical perspective. In short, the recall and speed of digital plus the mysteriously deep sound of (good) analogue gear is a marriage made in heaven.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recorded and co-produced a band in a country house in England over the summer of 2010. We had originally booked to go into a local studio, but we didn't like the feel of the place. We ended up using this house that had the most incredible sounding front hall. We got some great performances, guitar tones and atmospheres. I think of it as a real accomplishment because every time I hear the record, I go right back in time.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love a good song.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Really, the next guy or girl who comes along. I am curious by nature and celebrity/success doesn't necessarily equate with talent and musicianship.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: A long time - since I was a kid. Some of my earliest memories are of myself playing the family piano with the sustain pedal on, then just listening to the reverb tail of it. I was playing in bands as a teen, started making demos for people at home, studied audio engineering 25 years ago, kept at it while playing in bands until the present. I'm as much a musician as a technician.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A really kick ass spoken word rocknroll thing. Very gutsy, live - makes you want to dance. Also, a very sensitive American singer songwriter. Also, a 15 yo kid who makes some pretty raw punk music.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Transparent but deeply involved. Careful, careful balance between rawness/spirit and professionalism/audiophile considerations.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't eat for a few hours before singing, and especially avoid dairy, drink lemon in water.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Not sure yet.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: That I do my best, that their best efforts will be brought to light.