Mixing, Mastering, Producer

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

A: I worked on a project entitled "Women." I wore many hats in this production, from the production phase to shooting and directing the video. The song was to highlight gender-based violence in South Africa and empower women to stand up and fight.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My media business. I love music and production, but I also want to expand my vision in creativity to other avenues and leave a greater mark in the creative industry.

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

A: Yes, Camilo Silva, is a brilliant mastering engineer. He's taken my mixes to another level while retaining the dynamics and enhancing the depth I was aiming for. So if have an extra buck to spend on mastering, Camilo is your guy.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital, yes, I've heard the saying analog sound better. But when it comes to workflow and creativity, digital provides you with unlimited options and flexibility. I feel like I have more flexibility, and I am free to focus on the creative process of music more effectively.

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

A: My laptop is obviously a great pair of headphones, my favorite plugins, my Yamaha Hs 10s, and the Allen Heath Sq 6.

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

A: Hi, I am Jayde, a Creative, Producer and Entrepreneur. My passion for art and creativity started at a very young age. I started producing and composing music at the age of 12. After High School, I moved to Houston, Texas, to pursue my studies in Audio Production. I also had the opportunity to intern at Joel Osteen Ministry in Houston. I was mentored in leadership and project management for live and television production there. After I graduated from the Arts Insitute of Houston with a BSC in Audio Production

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I believe in the importance of dynamics. I am an artist in my own right, and art shouldn't be constricted or over-limited. (Pun intended). I believe dynamics and depth keep your listeners connected and immersed in the music; it takes them on a journey and enhances the experience when people listen to your song. I subtly love to enhance this by using the right amount of processing and automation, which takes a dull, flat-sounding mix to a beautifully crafted masterpiece.

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

A: Labrinth, the guy, is a musical genius. His approach to music is abstract and unique yet incredible to listen to. Also, his attention to detail, not only with his arrangements but the choice of instruments and effects, just blows my mind each time. It is definitely something that will stretch your creativity.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Use your ears, not your eyes, not a preset; use your creativity, and keep it simple. At the end of the day, it is about the song and the vision of the artist, and our job is to ensure that we make it better.

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

A: My specialty is pop, hip-hop, and gospel.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My attention to detail. I approach every mix holistically, but I also focus on every nuance of a song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I love mixes that portray depth and width and immerse the listener into the song. My goal is that the song is communicated the way the producer and artist envisioned it. Using just the right amount of effects, creating a well rounded mix with a clean yet solid low end, and creating the right amount of space. Ensuring that everything complements each other well and that the song will translate well on every device.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will typically import all the files into my mix template, which is already organized. Then before adding anything, I will listen to the producers' mix. Normally I will request the recording engineer or artist to send my project file or bounce out the files with and without the effects. I will listen to the mix over and over until I get a clear picture of what the artist was going for and establish a vision of what I will do to enhance the production and get it sounding radio ready.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I do most of my mixing in the box using Slate, waves, and Plugin Alliance plugins. I own a pair of Yamaha HS 10s and use an Allen & Heath SQ 6 digital mixer as my interface. The preamps and sound quality of the mixer are phenomenal. On my master, I run Sonarworks Reference 4 to tune my speakers and my room so the mix translates to every room.

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

A: I am a huge fan of Dave Pensado and Jaycen Joshua, who are grammy award-winning mix engineers. Their approach to mixing adds depth, width, and character to every record. That is how I approach every mix.

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

A: I provide high-quality, world-class mixes. I spent over ten years perfecting my craft, going through 100s of mixes. I am also a composer and a producer, which helps me in the mixing process. To me, it is more than just turning knobs or adding a bunch of effects. I do my best to enhance the vision of the producer or artist and not change it completely.