Mix, Mastering, Producer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My main focus is on my artist Bella Kelly

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Mostly analog, but both of course. Why? Because it still sounds better, it's more inspiring and if you're inspired and enjoy what you do you perform better. I'm faster with it, I'm consistent and it sounds better. Did I say that already?

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

A: Assuming I have a laptop with Pro Tools, a pair Neve 542's, Api channel strip, Distressor, SM7

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My clients come to me because of what I add to their vision, I'm known for my vocals effects and big drums among other things, but overall for a modern and polished sound that still sounds very natural, wide and open. Oh right, I'm the "crest factor guy", I can make things really loud, and still sounding good. My mixes are customs tailored for each client every single time, you can recognize my stamp, but I do everything from scratch every time, so everything mix is absolutely unique, no templates, no presets, no shortcuts. Clients often ask me for additional production but I only do that on a project by project based.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Located in Los Angeles, my personal mix and mastering suite is equipped with EVE SC3012 (mains), Genelec 1031A (original), Kali LP8, JBL 305 and more. My hardware list includes SPL PQ, Analog Design HG-2, SSL Fusion, Matthew Lane Spacecraft, Heritage Audio Successor & HA609, Symph EQ, MAAG EQ4M, Neve 542's, Wes Audio NG Mastering Compressor, Dione, Mimas Rhea Vari MU, API 5500, Fairchild, Stam SA-76ADG, Empirical Labs Distressor (x4), Empirical Labs Fatso (x2 w/threshold controller), Drawmer 1974, 1976, and MC 3.1 as monitor controller, Dangerous AD+ & Crane Song HEDD mastering converters, 42 Channel MOTU AVB Extended System, Elysia Xpressor, LA2A, LA3A, API 512's, various additional interfaces, converters and midi controller and keyboards, a big collection of guitar pedals, Sennheiser HD600, Audeze LCD-1, Austrian Audio Xi65, Status Audio CB1, full collection of desktop controlled efx by Tc Electronic, customs acoustic treatment by Dave Bass. Hellraiser Pinhead "glow in the dark" Limited edition, and a bearded dragon. Yes they make a hell of a difference.

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

A: Music Production, Mix and Mastering. Creative Director, Artist Development.

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

A: All of them, if I have to point out one, McSolaar Geopoetique album, his return to the scene, so very important, I was the mix engineer, the album went double platinum. Also my artist Bella, that's my biggest upcoming project

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

A: yes many, if they don't have enough budget for my services, I could suggest others

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

A: That's an odd question, I don't promise what I can deliver, that's pretty much it. Depending on their expectation and the raw material, I tell the truth, and that truth I can deliver. I also promise that their stuff will sound a lot better then before I put my hands on it, but ultimately, every engineer is limited by how good the song and the material is, whoever tell you differently, is lying or they don't know how to do their job.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: hearing my clients excited and happy about the mix, when they tell me they never thought their song could sound that big or that wide etc.. I also like to play with knobs and buttons. Artist development tho' is the part of my job that I love the most (I take in very very few artists tho')

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: My rates. And my rates vary depending on many factor, so for each project I need to have some basic information in order for me to give a quote.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: It depends on the project, track count and genres first. Deadline, expectations after hearing the rough or the raw material, what direction they want me to go and how much freedom I have for adding things and/or being creative with effects (which usually is one of the main reasons my clients want me)

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

A: Talk to me, communication is everything. Also book in advance, I usually have a waiting list.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Don't hire me if you want to sound like anyone else.

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

A: Anyone who inspires me

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

A: That I'm a youtuber (first), or that I only do mix and mastering.

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

A: Almost 20 years

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If you're recording/producing, understand what the artist needs, to calm down or to get angry, bright lights or darkness, fast pace or a slow, relaxed process. If you're mixing, see what he/she sees, hear what he/she hears, then bring it to life. Technical tips are not important, why you do what you do is more important than what you do.

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

A: Mainstream rock, metal/metalcore, trap, hip-hop (platinum), EDM.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Problem Solving, any problem.