Record Mix Master

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Ten Ton Truckers debut single.

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

A: No

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both and why not?

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

A: That we will never argue about music. It's their name on the final product and they win. The only stipulation is if I have an idea, we try it no questions asked. If it works we will know right away and if it doesn't we will know right away. And even if it works and the artist doesn't want it it goes away and at least we tried it. This has made my life and my client's life trouble free.

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

A: That it's really expensive!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who do you think you sound like?? What are your top 3 music inspiration bands. When do you need this done. How is it going to be released. Who is your favorite Ramone?

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

A: Always ask for a gear list and understand the differences.

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

A: Knife, water filtration system, tarp, sunscreen, flint

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

A: 15 years, starting doing my own music and then recording friends and then doing it for $$

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

A: The current production of The Octomen is one of my favorite, Recording guitars and bass and mixing. The drums were already done buy a famous surf rock drummer. And producing the overall tracks.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Outside the box [as in not mixing in the computer .Certainly not simple, think Pink floyd psychedelic [It really changes according to the production] But I build a pyramid of sound with vocals on top.

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

A: sELF who is one of the most creative artists I've heard in ages. And Roger Waters.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I always try to use natural reverbs on my productions. We are lucky to have a huge tiled bathroom across the hall which works great for reverb. But any resonant space will do...even an air-conditioning duct or a small bathroom, hallway or garage.

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

A: Rock, blues , folk acoustic, experimental

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: The ability to hear raw material and see exactly the right production it needs to get the song across.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Pre production meetings for sure/can be via e-mail or phone for mixing. Interview the artist to find out what they have in their head and why if any bands are an inspiration.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Pro tools 3 HD/ Lynx Aurora 16/ Black Lion micro clock II all fed by 100% analog front end, including vintage discrete and tube gear from the 50's to the 70's and custom built gear as well.

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

A: Tony Visconti, Mitchell Froom, Tchad Blake,

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

A: Rock music, especially electric guitar based bands. Although we have done some amazing acoustic productions.