Music Producer/Sound Engineer

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

A: I have had the pleasure of working with many talented and inspiring artists throughout my career, but the project that has had the biggest impact on me is my time at Quad Studio NYC. Starting as an intern and working my way up to becoming the senior engineer, I have learned so much and had the opportunity to work on countless amazing projects. From hip hop to rock to reggae, I have worked with a diverse range of artists and learned to adapt my skills to their unique styles and needs. And while I am proud of my work with Nipsey Hussle, the Marley family, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber, I am most proud of my time at Quad Studio and the community of artists and engineers I have been a part of there.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I am in the final stages of mixing an album for a fantastic Latin Reggae band called Suppastyle. This project has been in the works for 3 years, and I've been working on the mixing for almost 3 months now. It's been an incredible experience working with them, as I really enjoy their music and the positive message behind their lyrics. Each song contains around 100 tracks, which creates an amazing sound and vibe that's truly unique. Working with real musicians and music that has a purpose is what makes my job so fulfilling.

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

A: My journey as an engineer and producer has been shaped by the incredible mentors who have guided me along the way. These masters of their craft have shown me the intricacies of sound and the art of music production. From Stuart White, who taught me the importance of attention to detail, to Robert "LB" Dorsey, who showed me the power of creativity in mixing, and Ben Arrindell, who helped me hone my skills in recording and production. I also owe a great deal to Miki "Rooney" Tsutsumi and Andros Rodriguez, who have both been instrumental in my development as an engineer and producer. Their invaluable insights and expertise have helped me refine my techniques and perfect my craft. To any aspiring engineer or producer out there, I highly recommend seeking out mentors who can guide you along your path. Their experience and knowledge can help you avoid common pitfalls and fast-track your growth as a professional.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: In the past, analog was considered the pinnacle of sound quality, and for good reason. However, with advances in technology, digital has come a long way in replicating that same warmth and richness that analog provides, while also offering the benefits of pristine sound and easy recall. It's all about having the right tools and knowing how to use them to recreate that analog feel in a digital environment. I believe in working digitally, but with an analog mindset, and strive to achieve that "new classic" sound in all my productions.

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

A: When it comes to my work as a producer and engineer, I always promise to bring my passion and patience to the table. This means that I approach every project with a deep love for music and a commitment to creating something truly special. In addition, I believe that respect and honesty are essential to any successful collaboration. I strive to maintain open lines of communication with my clients, and to always be transparent about my process, my goals, and my expectations. Above all, I believe that in order to bring a song to life, you need to be willing to give a little bit more. Whether it's spending extra time in the studio to perfect a mix, going the extra mile to find the right instrument or sound, or simply listening closely to the needs and desires of my clients, I am always willing to go above and beyond to create something truly special. So if you're looking for a producer or engineer who is dedicated, passionate, and willing to put in the extra effort to make your music shine, then look no further. With my skills, experience, and commitment to excellence, I am confident that we can create something truly amazing together.

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

A: One of the biggest misconceptions in the music industry is that a producer or engineer can take any song and turn it into a hit. While I bring a range of skills and expertise to my work, my role is more akin to that of a jeweler than a miracle worker. In order to create a great sounding song, I need to have the right materials to work with. This includes a talented artist or band, a well-written song, and high-quality recordings. Without these essential ingredients, even the most skilled producer or engineer will struggle to create a hit. Fortunately, I bring a range of tools and years of experience to every project I work on. From state-of-the-art recording equipment to the latest software and plugins, I have everything I need to create a polished and professional sound. But at the end of the day, my success as a producer or engineer ultimately depends on the quality of the raw materials I have to work with. By understanding this essential truth, I'm able to work more effectively with my clients to help them achieve their goals. Whether we're working on a new album, a film soundtrack, or a commercial jingle, I approach every project with the same level of dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. Together, we can create something truly beautiful, as long as we have the right ingredients to work with.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When it comes to working on a project, I view the budget as a measure of the client's investment in their own success. While I understand that financial constraints may exist, my primary focus is on delivering the best possible results within the given parameters. I believe that time is one of the most critical factors in achieving a great sounding song. The more time and attention that can be dedicated to a project, the better the final result will be. That being said, I always ask clients how much time they want to invest in a project, as this helps me to understand their priorities and goals. While money is an important consideration, my primary focus is on delivering high-quality work that meets or exceeds my clients' expectations. I'm able to work within a range of budgets and timelines, and I'm always willing to explore creative solutions that can help achieve the desired outcome. Ultimately, my goal is to create a great sounding song that showcases the artist's vision and talents. I understand that this can take time and effort, but I'm always willing to put in the necessary work to get there. Whether it takes an hour or several days, I approach every project with the same level of commitment, attention to detail, and passion for the art of sound.

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

A: Originally from Paris, I received my education in sound engineering at the University of Chili, where I developed a deep understanding of the technical and artistic aspects of music production. Today, I bring this wealth of knowledge to my work as a freelance composer and engineer for film, TV, and radio. As a composer, I am passionate about using music to tell a story, and I work closely with directors and producers to create soundscapes that enhance the emotional impact of their projects. As an engineer, I am dedicated to delivering high-quality recordings and mixes that capture the essence of each performance and bring it to life. Whether I'm working on a pop song, a hip-hop track, or a film score, I approach each project with the same level of professionalism, attention to detail, and passion for the art of sound. My years of experience have taught me to be adaptable, creative, and focused on delivering results that exceed my clients' expectations.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: When it comes to mixing, I approach each track with a meticulous attention to detail. I spend time carefully balancing the levels of each element, making sure that nothing is too loud or too quiet, and that every sound has its place in the mix. I also pay close attention to the stereo field, using panning and stereo imaging to create a sense of depth and space in the track. At the same time, I am always striving to create a sound that is big and alive. I want the listener to feel the music in their bones, to be swept away by the energy and emotion of the track. To achieve this, I am not afraid to experiment with different effects and processing techniques, such as compression, EQ, and reverb. I use these tools to create a sense of movement and dynamics in the mix, building tension and release in all the right places. Overall, my mixing style is a balance between attention to detail and a focus on creating a big, vibrant sound. I believe that every element in a track is important, and that by giving each one the attention it deserves, I can create a mix that is both technically proficient and emotionally engaging.

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

A: Ennio Morricone is a true master of music, and his work has been a source of inspiration for generations of musicians and producers. From his iconic scores for classic films like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly to his groundbreaking experiments with sound and composition, Morricone's influence on music is undeniable. As a music producer, there is much that I can learn from Morricone. One of his greatest strengths was his ability to create music that was both evocative and atmospheric, using sound to convey complex emotions and tell stories without words. He was a master of using unconventional instrumentation and found sounds, experimenting with everything from the human voice to everyday objects to create unique and memorable sounds. Morricone was also a master of pacing and structure, carefully crafting his compositions to build tension, drama, and release. His use of dynamics and pacing was often unconventional, and he was never afraid to take risks and try new things in his music. Perhaps most importantly, Morricone had an unwavering commitment to his craft and a deep love of music that shone through in everything he created. He was always pushing the boundaries of what was possible and exploring new ideas, and this sense of curiosity and passion is something that every music producer can learn from. By studying the work of Ennio Morricone, I can gain insight into the art and science of music production, learning how to create music that is both technically proficient and emotionally resonant. Whether I'm working on a film score or a pop song, the lessons I've learned from Morricone's work will continue to inform and inspire my own music for years to come.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The phrase "Less is More" is a fundamental principle that I apply to every aspect of my work as a music producer. It's a philosophy that has been around for centuries and can be found in many different disciplines, from design and architecture to music and art. In the context of music production, "Less is More" means that sometimes the most effective approach is to keep things simple and stripped back. It's easy to fall into the trap of adding too many elements to a track in the belief that more is better, but this can often lead to a cluttered and confused sound. By focusing on the essential elements of a track and stripping away any unnecessary layers, you can create a sound that is clear, concise, and impactful. This approach can be applied to every stage of the music production process, from recording and mixing to mastering. When recording, it's important to be selective about the sounds and instruments you use, focusing on those that will contribute the most to the track. When mixing, you can create a more cohesive sound by carefully balancing the levels of each element and avoiding the temptation to add too many effects or processing. And when mastering, you can ensure that the final product is clear and punchy by using restraint and keeping the overall sound clean and uncluttered. Ultimately, the "Less is More" philosophy is about understanding that sometimes the most powerful and impactful approach is also the simplest. By keeping things focused and streamlined, you can create music that is truly memorable and stands the test of time.

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

A: My primary focus is Urban Music, and I am fortunate to have worked on many projects in this genre at Quad Studio NYC. However, I have a versatile skill set that allows me to mix and produce a wide variety of music genres. While my preference is for Hip Hop/Trap, Full Bands, Reggae, Latin, Pop, Electronic, Orchestra, and Jazz are all areas in which I have experience and am comfortable working. I believe that being able to work across genres is essential to being a successful music producer. Each genre has its own unique characteristics and nuances, and it's important to be able to understand and appreciate these differences to create a great sound. Whether I am working on a hard-hitting rap track or a gentle acoustic ballad, my goal is always to create a cohesive and compelling sound that highlights the best aspects of the music. No matter what type of music I am working on, I approach each project with the same level of dedication and passion, working tirelessly to create a sound that truly shines. I am always striving to improve my skills and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends in the industry, and I am constantly pushing myself to create the best possible music, regardless of the genre.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My ideal approach to mixing involves taking the time to carefully work on each element of the song, starting with the drums and rhythm section. Once I am confident that the beat is hitting perfectly, I move on to the instruments and melody, focusing on creating a balanced and impactful sound. Next comes the vocals, where I start by editing and fixing anything that doesn't quite fit and then select the best processes to enhance the music and voice. Finally, I use automation to add the finishing touches, bringing the song to life and creating a dynamic, engaging listening experience. When it comes to mastering, I strive to create a mix that sounds great even when condensed down to a two-track. While the mastering process is often thought of as simply making a track louder, I believe it's much more than that. It's about fine-tuning the mix and adding the final polish to make the song sound its absolute best, while also ensuring that it sounds great across a range of playback systems. My ultimate goal is to create a mix that not only sounds fantastic on its own, but that also stands out in the larger context of an album or playlist.

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

A: For over 15 years, my primary work involved recording music and vocals. However, over the last 10 years, I have found myself drawn more and more to the art of mixing. While I am still capable of recording a wide variety of sounds, my passion lies in the intricacies of the mixing process. The ability to take individual tracks and weave them together into a cohesive, harmonious whole is what drives me in my work. Mixing is not just a technical skill, but an art form, and I am grateful for the opportunity to hone my craft in this field.

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

A: Telefunken ELA M251, Mac Pro, Augspurger Monitors, Apogge and MPC

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Apple Mac Pro, Pro Tool 2023, Neumann M147, Apogee Quartet, Yamaha NS10, Genelc 8020, Auratone 5C, UAD-2 Octo, UAD Ultimate 9, Acustica Audio-Eventide-Plugin Alliance-Fab Filter-Antares, MPC3000, MPC One, Roger Linn Tempest, Roland Fantom, 808 & 909, Acces Virus Polar TI2, Moog Minitaur.

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

A: My musical inspiration is deeply rooted in classical composers like Bach and Ennio Morricone, as I grew up surrounded by their music. However, I also have a love for the raw and authentic sounds of urban music, ranging from Public Enemy and Rza to Bjork and Latin Golden Era. As an engineer, I draw inspiration from the greats who came before me, listening intently to the work of my mentors and their predecessors. From Tony Maserati to Jim "Bonzai" Carusso, Stuart White to Robert "LB" Dorsey, and Miki "Rooney" Tsutsumi, I am constantly learning and seeking to expand my knowledge and skills in the field of engineering. My diverse musical tastes and reverence for those who came before me inform and inspire my work, driving me to create the best possible soundscape for every project.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My ultimate goal as a music producer is to bring a song to life. When I work on a project, I pour my heart and soul into every aspect of the process, from recording and mixing to editing and mastering. It's an incredible feeling when all the pieces come together and the song takes on a life of its own. Once a song is finished, I believe it's important to step back and let it go out into the world. It's amazing to see how far a well-crafted song can go and the impact it can have on people's lives. It's a truly rewarding experience to hear from fans who have been moved by the music and to know that I played a part in creating something that has resonated with them. At the end of the day, it's not just about creating a good song, it's about creating something that has the power to touch people and make a difference in their lives. And when that happens, it's an incredibly fulfilling experience that makes all the hard work and dedication worth it.