Mixing & Mastering, Production

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

A: The biggest misconception would be the idea that a mixing engineer can make you sound exactly like another producer. This is a misconception you see in producers that are just starting out. It takes years of production effort to reach at the level most new artists aspire to be. What a mixing engineer does to help in the process is to balance out the spectrum of the track and make it sound as best as it can. Often the foundation needs to be strong and that comes with years of experience producing music.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: While producing, I've realized having a proper reference to compare to is always important. Hearing how the kick and bass are sitting in the mix then comparing it to your track gives a good benchmark. This often makes you a better producer and mixer over time.

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

A: I usually work on all genres of electronic music mainly house. I've done some pop, hip hop & jazz as well.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First, I make sure I understand what my clients need and then I explain to them what I will provide. Communication and clarity is key. I'm always open to revisions as I'm a firm believer that the client will be the one with the song at the end and I want to make sure they're fully satisfied with my work. Usual lead times vary between 5-7days for mixing and mastering but as for production, it usually takes a bit longer based on the project.

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

A: MacBook Pro with Live 10, Apogee Duet, Beyer Dynamics DT770 Pro, Zoom H4N Pro to record nature sounds, Moog Sub37

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I'm more new school therefore more digital, in the box. I do have fun with the occasional analog gear such as the Culture Vulture or the Moog Sub37. It definitely adds a great element when you work with analog gear.

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

A: My 'promise' to me clients is to make sure they receive a professional service making sure all their concerns are answered throughout the process.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love taking a track and making it sound as good as it can be. You get to kick back and relax and enjoy the track afterwards.

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

A: The most common question is the lead time. It always depends but it's usually 5 - 7 days for mixing and mastering. Usually a bit longer for production work mainly due to more revisions needed in general.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always ask my prospective clients the reference on what they are aiming for. I try to understand their background and what they're trying to achieve to provide them a better service.

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

A: The most important advice I would give would be to make sure to properly communicate what you're looking for. Have a reference track and provide it to the mixing engineer. It's very important to do so as it helps the engineer better understand your vision on the track.

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

A: I've been writing music for over a decade. I've been producing, mixing and mastering for over 7 years now.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Melodic, Deep House, Progressive.

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

A: I'd like to work with Jerome Isma-Ae in the near future as he's been a great influence of mine in the deeper sub genres of electronic music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skills would be mixing and mastering as well as sound design as a producer.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: What I bring to a song is the years of experience I have in the electronic music industry. I know what the standard references are and what labels are usually looking for. With all this in mind, I work on pleasing the client and setting them on track for a successful release.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work in a well isolated studio with proper bass traps and diffusers. My main monitoring system is the Genelecs 8040BPM. I use my Audio-Technica's for headphone monitoring as well. My Audio Interface is an Apogee Quartet which has a great sound and I do most of my work on Ableton Live 10.

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

A: Producers that inspire me are the following: Eric Prydz, Deadmau5, Jerome Isma-Ae, Yotto, Jeremy Olander & Ben Bohmer.

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

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients is mixing and mastering. I also do production as well anywhere from helping them finish off their current production to looking at the idea they have in mind and helping them produce from scratch.

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

A: A project I've been really proud of was my involvement with Eagle I Stallian. It allowed me to produce great pieces of work, release them on big labels and also tour internationally mainly in the Asian market. It allowed me to work with Rafi, my partner in Eagle I Stallian, to share ideas and learn from each other in the studio and during performances.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on several original productions and some work for hires for other artists as well.

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

A: I'm sure there are a lot of great providers on SoundBetter I simply don't know them personally.