Grammy Recorder & Mix Engineer

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

A: I think I'm always excited about the latest thing I'm working on! The new Haunted Summer record, which was recently completed, has a ton of my production ideas (as well as some drum/bass playing), some unique recording tactics, as well as a thick, juicy mix! Being able to focus on one song per day during tracking really opened up the record. It allowed for several "happy accidents", which can be used and celebrated, making a bunch of "sonic memories." I believe in making the recording process AN EXPERIENCE—That way there is an energy that will be captured and imprinted on your tracks.

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

A: My promise is that I'll focus on your project as if it were my own and I will OVER-DELIVER!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the challenge of mixing diverse elements and sounds into a cohesive and exciting song.

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

A: Do you have a drum kit? Yes!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask what they want to achieve. Many artists are very detailed in their answers, which shows that most artists know what they want. I'm looking to support their vision. Sometimes the artists are looking to me for support and guidance, which I'm more than happy to provide.

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

A: This is a difficult one! I'd try to keep it simple with rugged dynamic mics, small pre-amps and a small multi-track machine of any type. Why complicate it? OK, maybe ONE Distressor since it's so versatile. Also, I would hope that this island had some AC power. If not, I would just take acoustic instruments, like4 drums and an acoustic guitar—Keep it tribal/campfire inspired.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I have a thick and deeply sonic style, which fully complements the artists I record and mix.

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

A: Brian Eno. I like his approach to music. It's conceptual, as well as artistic and is highly respected even though he isn't going with any trends, rather he has created many.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make final decisions often and early, to award creativity and celebrate one's uniqueness.

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

A: Indie rock, post-punk, electro, space rock, acoustic, dream pop, shoegaze, modern pop. Sometimes a hint of alt-country, and left-leaning hip hop but less often.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is making any track sound good, whether it be from a major studio or from a bedroom. In other words, result-oriented, multi-faceted creative problem solving through audio twisting and harnessing. Again, I OVER-DELIVER!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I can hear the big "picture" of a song and guide the mix to achieve the artist's vision. I'm fluent in many styles of music, and pride myself on my ability to understand what the artist's reference points, and what they are going for. Then, I OVER-DELIVER! Seriously, I work on a track until everyone is stoked!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I try to get a full understanding of the music, and to really get to know what I'm working with before I begin a project. Then, I get to work.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a hybrid digital and analog commercial studio in LA-area, featuring Pro Tools HD (24 in / 32 out), 2" and 1/4" analog tape, a large analog console, a great tracking room, and a giant rack of juicy outboard gear and digital plugins.

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

A: I do most of my work at my LA studio digital / analog hybrid studio "comp-ny." My projects range from full album recording and mixing, to string section engineering to singer/songwriter song production. I'm most often asked to record (record/mix/master) "Part Time Punks" sessions, which are inspired by the legendary Peel Sessions from DJ John Peel on BBC Radio One. I've had the chance to work with many classic and new artists in this way and hone my chops for live full band recording.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I am definitely both analog AND digital. Digital for the brain, analog for the body.

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

A: I would suggest doing some research and looking for someone who can understand your vision sonically.

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

A: I am inspired daily by so many artists and producers. I am a sonic learner.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm usually mixing Part Time Punks sessions; "Live in the studio" sessions based on the famous Peel Sessions of by John Peel at the BBC throughout the 80s & 90s. Some amazing bands come through here and I have the pleasure of recording, mixing, and mastering them.

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

A: Over 15 years in my LA studio comp-ny, and before that I studied and toured for a decade, honing the ears and learning and practicing the craft.