Mixing and Studio Owner

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

A: How long will the process take. Generally I tell them a couple days with with revisions.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a level of professionalism to the song. Once my mix is complete it should sound like a professional mix. The energy level of the track will be right, the vocals will be clear, the drums will sound awesome, you should be able to hear every element the track clearly.

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

A: Too work hard and deliver the best mix I can.

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

A: Laptop, Pro Tools, NI Maschine, AKG headphones and iLok.

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

A: HIp-Hop/Rap, Soul Music, "Bluesy" Rock

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Prodigal Sunn's next project and Bk Cashmere's next mixtape project

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer digital because the work flow makes for sense for today's music.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being creative and listening to different artist and new music.

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

A: That's it's easy and anyone can do it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are they looking for and what songs/projects are they currently listening to. Also, what are some of their favorite songs/projects.

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

A: Take your time and find someone you are comfortable working with. There are many people that can deliver great mixes but I feel that you get the most out of your mix engineer if you have a good working relationship with them.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Clean and dirty. Depends on what the style of song is I'm working on and what the client wants. With that said, I strive to deliver a mix that will sound great anywhere.

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

A: I would like to work with Dr. Dre and Jaycen Joshua. I think those are two people I could learn a lot from.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Yes sure. I use compression sparingly and only when necessary.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest elements are drums and vocals. I personally feel like those are the two most important parts of a mix.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When it comes to mixing the first thing I do is speak with the client by phone or email. That's important for me to get a good feel for their expectations. Once I have a good idea I ask the client to send over the wav files, PT session and a rough mix. After that I get started and deliver the mix a few days later.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio, "Boom Bap Recording Studio" is located in the historic Sound City Center complex. My set up features Pro Tools 11HDN with too many plugin's to name. As far as outboard gear I use the Warm Audio TB12, Warm Audio WA76, Universal Audio 610 MKII a few custom mics I had hand built and a Mojave 201.

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

A: I'm a big fan of the RZA, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Prince and Quincy Jones. Dave Pensado is definitely one of the mixing engineers I study and look up to along with Chris Lord-Alge and Jaycen Joshua.

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

A: Frequently I find myself either mixing or producing for clients.