Vocal Producer

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I typically like to spend a good amount of time with the artist(s) ahead of any recording taking place, ideally including a 'live-show' too for a glimpse of the song's true energy. Then, during recording I like to build a solid foundation, starting with the rhythm tracks and then building melodic information from there.

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

A: Of course, one of my proudest moments was joining the rest of the production team on stage at the Grammy Awards when Adele won the Album of the Year Category but I would remiss to mention my production work with UK indie band Wolf Alice.

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

A: I'm new to the SoundBetter community but am always happy to make new connections! Fellow music people give me a shout and introduce yourselves, even a simple hello on instagram (@austenjc) has lead to some great connections with people across the world.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: This is a 'Mac' vs 'PC' or 'Logic' vs 'ProTools' type question......and it really doesn't matter to me. Use whatever means necessary to achieve the best possible product ... if you've been working on an old version of cubase since day one, and that's the tool you know better than anything else to get the sound you need, then use that!

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

A: To deliver the best product I possibly can. Producers aren't infallible, we have our limitations too, but I will always endeavour to push as hard as is reasonably possible to achieve your ambitions.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creating and Collaborating

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

A: 1. It's easy. 2. Anyone with a laptop can do it. 3. It should be free. 4. It's glamorous.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Generally I'm open to any and all suggestions of which direction an artist wants to push towards but the main limiting factors are often budget and time. The classic triangle of do you want it 'Fast', 'Cheap' or 'Good' means you can usually only choose 2.

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

A: Come prepared. Professional engineers and producers are not there to create the music for you, only to help you refine, capture and present it in as best a manner as is possible. We understand that every musician/artist has their own limitations; we are here to help pickup the shortfalls, but if you don't at least try to do your part (learn your song, practice your instrument, arrive focused and ready to work) then we don't stand much of a chance.

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

A: I'm a bit of a heretic when it comes to the usual engineer's approach to gear - I really don't care what gear is available, if you know how to use it you can make anything sound right. But, if I had to list a few items it would mostly be my favoured vocal chain from Dean St. - a valve u47, into a Neve 1073, followed by a PurpleAudio MC76, into a CraneSong Hedd 192 ADC.

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

A: During my degree I spent a year as an assistant engineer in Dean St. Studios, London, and promptly returned there a week after graduating! After not too long, I took the role as Head Engineer and spent the next 7 years working with and learning from some of the industry's greatest musicians, producers and engineers. I decided to go freelance in 2016 and have since won a Grammy award for my work with Adele, as well as engineering (and as a result - partly producing) the latest Plan B album.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The 'song' is the key. It doesn't matter how much 'production' you add, if the song is no good then it's a waste of time.

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

A: Being in-house in a premier commercial recording studio means you have to stay flexible so I have always had a wide repertoire of musical styles.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Bringing the best out of people.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Being an in-house studio engineer meant I have always had access to the industry's best equipment. I crafted my skills using all the name brands an engineer dreams of. As a result my personal gear list is rather humble - preferring to keep things simple and portable to allow me to set myself up in any studio I need to.

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

A: Working closely with UK artist 'Plan B' showed me what dedication to your art means - turning up at lunchtime and waiting for someone else to do it all for you is not the route to success. His relentless efforts to pursue the utmost perfection in each element of his songwriting, arrangements and performance was mind blowing, and despite not necessarily being 'technically minded' he still took the time to understand each step of the recording, mixing and mastering process to ensure it was done in the best possible way. I try to approach each of my own works with the same dogged enthusiasm.

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

A: My bread and butter is a studio recording engineer. I cut my teeth in one of the best studios in London and am now using that knowledge and experience to help musicians create productions they can be proud of.