Producer/Mixing Dolby Atmos

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

A: My project (dezabel) I combine my knowledge of songwriting, recording, arranging, and mixing. The music is a fusion of Pop, R&B, Electronic Music, Jazz, and Film music. I'm proud of it because everything was created in my studio. My songs got millions of streams, got aired on indie, but also commercial radio stations worldwide.

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

A: Yes, in the meantime I know quite a few of them!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I have both digital and analog equipment, thus I work in a hybrid environment. I tend to do about 50% in the box and 50% analog, but this varies depending on the sound. I like analog gear in combination with acoustic instruments, though. But I have absolutely no preferences, and of course, all depends on a budget of the client.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Mixing/Mastering/Producing: 1. I first listen to the song in different situations/locations for at least two days. I need this time to get a feel for the song. 2. Based on my listening experience, I will ask the client various questions 3. Based on 1 and 2 I will prepare a version of the song and hear what the client has to say 4. Discuss issues and clients feedback with the client 5. Iterate between 3 and 4 until the client is satisfied. In average this takes 3-5 rotations to complete the job Songwriting 1. I'll have an in-depth discussion with the client to understand his vision of the song and identify his commercial goals (e.g., must the song be radio-ready, etc.) 2. Based on #1 I will present a written schedule on the next steps 3. Prototype a song with piano, lyrics, and melody. In some instances, I might get other SoundBetter service providers involved 4. Present the prototype to the client and make sure the prototype corresponds to the client's idea 5. Incorporate groove elements (bass and drums) and present this to the client to get the go for a full production 6. Discuss with client different arrangement idea's for the final production 7. Deliver final production

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like to work with people and make their dreams come true.

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

A: Can you make this sound good? Technically I can, at least in most cases. Is it going to work? That depends on the music; I cannot guarantee any success unless the song contains what it needs - a soul, groove, and emotion. I try to be honest with my clients.

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

A: Make sure that you know what you want and write it down. Try to be as precise as possible and give some references to other songs you would like to sound alike. Make sure to communicate precisely with the provider to make sure that you get heard.

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

A: My Fazioli Grand, my SSL console, my PMC speakers, my Sony C800g mic and my computer

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

A: I have written music for over 30 years in various styles and projects. I have studied Jazz Harmony at the ACM in Zurich and Song Writing and Music Production at the Berklee College of Music. In 2014 I started a voluntary project called "Project 8309" to support local artists. Since 2015 I run a full-scale recording and film studio. My works as songwriter, producer, mixing- or mastering engineer have gained over ten million streams and have been aired on radio stations worldwide.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I think no matter how small or big a production is, it must convey emotions. Play it to somebody, let them close their eyes, and observe them. If there is no reaction, most likely, the song doesn't work.

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

A: In general, I work for Pop productions. But I have been involved in all styles except for hard rock and metal.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your vision of the song? What other songs did you release before? What goals do you pursue? Can you list me at least one reference song?

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

A: Herbie Hancock - he's my idol. I would learn so much from this versatile musician. Sting - another idol. For me, this guy is one of the best when it comes to songwriting and performance.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I think my most persuasive skills are that I'm able to grab the vision and ideas of my clients and focus on these elements without losing the scope of what a song makes shine - groove and emotion.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: In my opinion, the critical elements of a song are groove and emotion. If one of those elements is missing, I'm pretty sure the song will not work. So my goal is to bring in these elements.

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

A: Al Schmitt, Ane Brun, SHAED, Dean Lewis, Jason Mraz, TOTO, Halsey, H.E.R., Herbie Hancock, Sting, Cyn and many more

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have various projects running continuously.

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

A: I will do my best to create something special for you!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: A list of all gear can be found here: https://www.audeo.productions/studio/