Mixing - Recording- Production

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

A: Very pleased with the Jonathan Burton project that recently wrapped up. Jonathan is getting a good deal of airplay on Southern Soul stations for his version of "Tennessee Whisky" I mixed for him. The track "Thank God It's 2021" is also doing well. I can also say the Dorthia Contrell album was a blast to do, Very much a collector item at this point as it sold out a could vinyl pressings. Still doing well for her on the downloads and I'm so glad.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now I'm finishing up another Hank Selby project, getting ready to finish vocals and mix the Caleb Lewis EP, mixing a Burnsides track, starting the new Jerome Kapeller EP, mixing for a client that hired me to produce an anniversary song for his 50th, starting and setting up the new Sound of Music Studios location. That's just this month.

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

A: Actually, I'm not sure. I probably do but haven't looked through all of Soundbetter's membership to know.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I think it's well understood that they both have advantages unique to them selfs. To have both at my disposal means I have options to apply when needed. I like options.

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

A: We're going to achieve the results you're after. I won't settle for anything less than that ever. It will be done in the expected time and on budget.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Everything. Music and production are my passion. I'm very lucky. I get to meet and work with creatives from all over the planet. What's not to like about that?

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

A: Varies widely depending on the project. Of course "how much" is very popular...lol!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I follow up with a conversation about the project. Every project is different so it's hard to nail down a specific set of questions. The course of the conversation is what usually reveals the questions that need to be asked. So i'm not avoiding the question. That's just my experiance.

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

A: Ask questions! Good dialogue is the only way we can get an understanding of what and how we're going to achieve the goals of the project.

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

A: Well assuming the island has electricity...I'd have to say a computer with a DAW on it, an SM57, Neve 1073, UA 1176, and an Antelope interface. Then I would figure out how to take more than just five pieces...

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

A: 35 + years as a touring musician, 25 years as an audio engineer and studio owner.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Adaptive and attentive. Adaptive to the needs of the project, and attentive to the needs of the artist. I'm also a fun but focused type when in the midst of a project. In general really.

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

A: I'd love to work with Frank Black. Not only because I love his work, but I feel like we work make a really interesting record together. Melodic with just the right amount of quirkiness to it. But honestly, there are just Too many to list and it changes all the time. From legacy artists to new artists. I want to work with everybody, lol.

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

A: I work on a wide variety of music for which I'm truly grateful. It also varies over the course of a year. That said, right now I have a lot of Melodic Rock, Alt, and Post Punk showing up. That's just what is making its way to me at the moment. Two months ago it was Southern Soul artists. And before that a mix for a Deep House artist. So it's really across the board.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening. I know, I know, sounds cliche'. It's true though. I listen for a living. I listen to what the song needs, the artist needs, the mix needs, etc. I'm also easy to work with.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: An ear for the big picture and how to get there. This took years to refine. Knowing and having gear is great. But the application (that would include not applying as well) is where the rubber meets the road, and how far you'll get down that road. Bringing what the material calls for, and helping craft the story is always my aim. This would include, but not limited to, detail, clarity, power and punch, depth, size, ambiance, sweetening, and many other adjectives.

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

A: Wow, so many to list. Andrew Shepps, Dave Sardi, Andy Wallace, Glyn Johns, Jon Biron, Greg Wells, Tony Visconti, Ted Templeman, Jimmy Miller, Nile Rodgers, Bill Schnee, that's just off the top of my head. Soooooo many more.

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

A: That an experienced mixer, or recording engineer won't make that much of a difference.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Space can speak louder than you think.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For mixing, and recording for that matter, I start with prep. So much is in the perp really. This would include sorting out editing issues, tuning (if applicable and desired), perhaps arraignment (again if requested), getting familiar with story. This helps me greatly in achieving the goals of the artist for the project.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Currently i've moved primarily in the box with a hybrid approach. I have plenty off analog at my disposal, including a console (two actually), however, digital sounds amazing at this point in time. Workflow is obviously the advantage working in the box and I take advantage of that fact. I've had zero issues working in the box with clients.

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

A: Mixing, Recording, and Production work is what I'm primarily involved with. Although a great deal of Mastering work has come my way as well.