5.1 Mixing, Sound Design, NR

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I have already achieved my goal to record with my pop singer wife, Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips. You can hear the results on my Sound Cloud page.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is that I'm so comfortable with my technical knowledge of sound that it allows me to communicate thoroughly with my partner on an artistic level.

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: The music project 'Wendy', featuring my wife, Wendy Wilson (Wilson Phillips) on vocals. I wrote the music and lyrics, recorded all instrumentation and performed all programming, mixed and mastered the EP which is on sale through Apple iTunes.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Sound design for feature fils like 'Any Bullet Will Do', 'Big Legend' and 'Swell' for Papa Octopus Productions (2017). There will be many more in 2018 and beyond!

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: no, but I'd like to change that ;)

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital with a splash of analog when tracking or processing. Why? Flexibility.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: Excellent communication and great results quickly.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: How do you imagine the result of what I will complete for you? Can you provide an example of how you want your mix to sound?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Pay a little bit more to hire a pro. There's nothing more expensive than hiring an amatuer.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: My Les Paul guitar, Sennheiser mkh416 microphone, Avalon Mic Pre, Pro Tools, PSP Vintage Warmer comp/limiter

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I started out as singer and songwriter for the rock band 'Death Valley Jupiter' (1989-199) and began my sound engineering / producing career as a result of recording my own music. During the 1990's I began working with lots of high profile national artists as live and studio sound mixer/engineer. (Artists like 'The Beach Boys', 'Wilson Phillips', 'Randy Crawford', 'Hiroshima' and many, many more)

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love being creative.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That I won't work with new talent.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I'm a chameleon ;)

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Pop, Rock, Acoustic, Jazz, Vocal, Rhythm and Blues, EDM, House, World Music... I am comfortable in any genre!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Organizing, Planning and Executing the plan quickly to keep artist energy positive.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: 5.1 Mixing, Editing, Sound Design, Dialog Editing, Noise Reduction and Mastering. I have Produced and Recorded pop star talent for decades and also provide Design and Editing for Independent Film and TV commercials.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Never underestimate the value of proper microphone placement/technique when capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. Why fix it in the mix if you don't have to?

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My mixes are dynamic. I never over-compress my work and I'm very detail oriented. The smallest things mean as much as the biggest to me.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have two independent studios in one. I use Pro Tools for music mixing and recording and I also use Adobe Audition CC for my film and tv clients.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Rick Rubin is my favorite producer because of his ability to cross genres effortlessly.