Music Producer/Audio Engineer

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

A: Assuming that there would be no electricity...? I would take my piano and a couple of acoustic guitars. If for some magic reason there was a power plant in a desert island, I would obviously take my computer and a pair of heaphone with an audio interface, a mic (ideally a resilient dynamic one, considering the potentially hostile environment of the desert island) and a musical instrument.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Firstly, I have a chat with the artist to understand their creative goals and their vision of the project. After that I decide what creative and technical tools would be more appropriate for each individual case and I always keep the artist informed about the decisions taken throughout the work process.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Nowadays I tent to work in the box. I consider this method of work the most efficient. The high quality of the modern converters and the diverse offer of plugins made it possible for engineers to recreate the flavour of analogue with a touch of contemporary clarity.

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

A: I think there are so many talented people out there, not only the famous names signed to major labels, but also independent artists and bands. There's so much to be discovered constantly. The technical means we now possess should offer infinity possibilities for creativity to flourish. As well as the current talents that I follow and consider a reference for my work, historically I also draw inspiration from the music I grew up listening to. Some of my references to look up to in terms of production and engineering are George Martin, Alan Parsons, Quincy Jones, Geoff Emerick, Ken Scott, Jeff Lynn, Haydn Bendall, John Dunkerly, Ken Townsend, John Leckie, Martin 'Youth' Glover, Silvya Massey... In terms of artists and bands, I have mostly grown up listening to the music from the 1960's-1980's, so I am heavily influenced by the likes of The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Queen, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Elton John... I of course have been keeping up with the new releases as well and I enjoy the music of many current artists such as Sam Smith, Wet Leg, Self-Esteem, Olivia Rodrigo, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi, Billie Eilish, amongst others. Another one of my passion is film soundtracks; in that regard, I draw inspiration from artist such as Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer, Thomas Newman, James Newton-Howard, Maurizio Malagnini, Matthew Slater, Guy Mitchelmore, Howard Shore, Brenard Herman, Ennio Morricone, John Williams, Alan Silvestri, Brian Tyler, Junkie XL, Lorne Balfe, Olaf Arnalds....

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

A: I am a very eclectic professional, working with artists across many different generes and I am used to playing different roles in each project. From arranging and composing to producing and mixing/mastering, I have done it all. I am currently focusing more on mixing/mastering.

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

A: Yes! Seb Del Vecchio, longterm friend with whom I worked together in many projects in the music industry. He is a very knowledgeable and creative individual with strong professional ethic.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Music... I obviously enjoy crafting any kind of audio material, but out of all sounds that can possibly be recorded, music is my favourite source material to work with. I live and breath music. I would do it for a hobby, so why not do it for a living?

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

A: People assume sound engineering is all about pushing faders, turning knobs and pressings buttons... that is not even half the job. The key factor to be a sound engineer is to have the ability to communicate with the artists well and the sensitivity to understand what aspects of the song need polishing in order for it to shine in its best form.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have great people skills skills. I am an excellent communicator, very empathetic and understanding and also sensitive to the workflow in creative and technical environments.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Only what the song actually needs! I have the sensitivity and expertise to apply critical listening in order to effectively judge what techniques and creative effects will enhance the production.