Remote Mixing and Mastering

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: In mixing I load all the files into the DAW and start by listening. I try to get a feel for the song and what it’s trying to make the listener feel. If there are reference tracks I bring those in and compare the raw tracks to the reference to see what I’m shooting for. After that I tweak each channel with EQ, compression, and other effects to make it play nicely with everything else and get the vibe the artist was intending. I’ll add effects such as reverb, delay, distortion and modulation as needed, usually in parallel. Then I’ll use automation to control or emphasize dynamics and add life and interest to the mix. My mastering process starts similarly with listening through the songs and trying to get a feel for them, then comparing to any references. Next I set my mastering chain up, starting with a limiter and then adding compression, Eq and other processing as needed. Then I apply the same process to all the songs in the album or EP, checking that they all work together cohesively and that each song and the collection of songs communicate the messages they’re intended to.

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

A: My good friend Jacob Montague is an amazing producer and multi-instrumentalist. Working with him will be a blast for you.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I want to know what your creative vision is for the sound of your project. I also want to know what the concept is behind it. Then we can bring it to life together. Finally we'll talk budget, and come to an agreement on what the cost will be.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make sure you have the arrangements to your songs worked out and that you can play everything as it's supposed to be. This will save you a ton of time, money and frustration when you are in the studio.

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

A: I usually work on rock, indie and folk genres.

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

A: I mostly do remote mixing and mastering. I also occasionally do recording and production.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. There are amazing tools in both the digital and analog domains. Digital tools impart an amazing amount of precision with editing and cleaning up sound, and have nearly infinite adjustability. Some of these tools would be impossible or impractical to create in the analog domain, but are amazing everyday tools for me. However, the analog audio equipment generally gives more of the sound and vibe that makes a song sound like a polished record. Plus, they're more fun to play with. By using both I can provide you a finished product that will compete with any big name in your genre.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It's just a dream to work in the studio. It doesn't feel like work most of the time.

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

A: It would be a dream to work with Tera Melos. I think that their approach to rock music is fresh and exciting. I love their work with crazy effects pedals, and the fun and futuristic sounds that sometimes come about. That said, I think that they are solid songwriters and arrangers as well. They also seem like they'd just be super fun dudes, from my previous interactions with them.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I believe that the song is king and that it is my job to make sure that it is presented in the best light possible. Usually this means making sure every source is captured and/or mixed in such a way that the message of the song is clearly presented. Because I believe so strongly in making the songs as perfect as possible, I try to take time to understand an artist's creative vision before I begin my work. This proves as a framework for everything I do. Ultimately, the songs are the artist's creative work, and their satisfaction is tantamount.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use a Mac Mini, running Pro Tools and Logic. I work mainly in the box. I monitor in Tannoy Gold 5’s, and Beyerdynamic DT990 headphones. My current audio interface is a Tascan 16x08.

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

A: I started out working in a home studio environment recording my own music. I was immediately hooked. After a couple of years I started recording friends' bands, and began trying to make a career of recording music. I eventually went to audio school to sharpen my skills so I could work in the pro studio environment. I also took on a couple of internships in order to learn further and gain relationships with local studios. I'm currently a freelance recording, mixing and live sound engineer. If you have more questions about me and my journey, feel free to message me.