Mixing

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

A: Most commonly I'm mixing tracks that have been produced and I mix them to improve the sound stage, depth, width, separation and sonic clarity. It's not about changing the DNA but expanding on the vision of the artist, producer and A&R. The end result being something that maximizes the impact on the intended audience.

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

A: A tent, sleeping bag, source of fire, music player and headphones

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

A: I moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and started working at a studio in Hollywood working on projects like Marilyn Manson, Motorhead, Puddle of Mudd. In 2010, I started assisting Tony Maserati and worked on up to doing Mix Engineering for him, working projects like Ariana Grande, Beyoncé and Jason Mraz. After 10+ years in the industry I have gained a huge appreciate for what it takes for a successful project, though parts of it will always be a mystery.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When mixing, I like to start by receiving a link and organize things while getting familiar with the arrangement and parts. During this discovery phase, I would push things around depending on what speaks to me, paying attention to the intentions of the production and what the potential audience would be listening for. I then typically would send a first pass to make sure the direction is acceptable. After a round of general comments, if possible, I love to have an attended session here in my Pasadena studio or do a live stream session to make sure every detail is perfect!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Yes. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.

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

A: Make sure to fully understand what the job of a mixer is and isn't. If you aren't happy with part of the production, fix it before finding a mixer. In general in life the better things are laid out from the start the happier everyone will be in the end.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't ever intend to 'fix it in the mix', if it's important, get it the way you want it before mixing because the mixer doesn't always have ability to make those level of changes.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A sense of clarity, depth, separation, space and impact.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have designed and setup my studio to be the ultimate hybrid setup, the best of both analog and digital. I have an API 1608 console that is at the heart, providing both a great sounding front end when tracking but also wonderful tones when summing a mix through it. That is added to with classic Neve preamps (1066s, 33114s) as well ample EQ and compression. On the digital side, I have hundreds of plugins to take the sound wherever needed.

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

A: I have had the honor of learning from both Tony Maserati and Andrew Scheps, both of whom inspire my work deeply. Past that many artists are currently inspiring me with their creations and vision, some include: Jack Garratt, Sampha, Jon Bellion, Jeremy Zucker and Bazzi.