CRUSHING // MODERN // MIXES

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

A: The first Infected Dead record. I was 19 and over 4 months we took it from a concept to a finished release. It was my first year of uni and I remember how hard I and the guys worked to get this done. It was a lot of red bull and 4 am sessions in the blistering summer heat. Nothing but the pure passion for the music and the excitement of making the record. The atmosphere was incredible.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently finishing up the edits for Brighton based Hardcore band 'Barriers' before taking it into the mix phase and I am currently mixing 'Spyder Byte's second record!

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

A: Sadly not, but if that changes I'll let you know!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital all the way. Looking at you Analog mix recalls...

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

A: I promise that I will give every single piece of work you hand me my absolute everything. That's what sets me apart from other engineers. I will work until 4 am if you give me a reason too and I can see that you're equally as passionate about this as me.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the fact that I'm working with music. Regardless of the fact it's editing drums or tuning vocals, it's all part of a bigger picture. You feel like a god, you've got the ingredients and you're making one epic meal. The feeling when it all comes together is like nothing else. I love the hustle too, I love that everything I do, I do for my self. There is no boss, there is no one calling the shots.

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

A: Q) How long will it take to make an album from start to finish? A) That entirely depends on how well you know your material and what you want from me as an engineer. Q) Can you get my mix to sound like this? A) Well yes and no... We obviously are not recording with the same equipment, but I'll give it a shot!

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

A: Easily the amount of time and detail that goes into making every single detail perfect when it comes to editing and mixing a record.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Where do you want this piece of music to take you and who is your target audience? If you could tour with one band, who would it be and why? What's their best album and what makes that album great to you?

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

A: Make sure you know your material inside and out. I don't just mean you know your songs and can play them at practice with the full band. Make sure you can play them blindfolded and with your hands behind your back. If you don't it's going to take up more time in the studio and ultimately money. Make sure you and your band all agree on song structure and composition. Being in the studio is magical and producers like me are here to make your dreams come true, your job is to know your material and know it well.

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

A: 1) JST Clip (That thing makes everything so aggressive and loud I'm pretty certain my distress signals would be picked up from miles away) 2) 1176 (How else am I going to achieve massive snares on this island) 3) Cubase... I don't care if the island natives use another DAW. 4) GGD Invasion (For Huuuuuuge Drum Tones) 5) Beyer Dynamic DT990 PRO's (I don't want to annoy the crabs late at night)

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

A: I've been doing this since I was 15. I went to college to study 'Music Performace', but quickly fell in love with the nerdier side of it (despite still playing in an actively touring band). I've just finished my degree at BIMM for Music Production and hope to be doing this for the rest of my life.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Big, Aggressive & Modern. The kind of music that makes you pull that face of disgust when the china hits.

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

A: Bloodshot Dawn. These guys inspired me massively as a teen and I always have been blown away by their musicianship. Maybe I'll shoot them a message after this interview...

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Clip your drum bus for the ULTIMATE big, punch in the face drum tone!

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

A: I usually work on heavier music, but there is no genre I can't tackle. From Deathcore to Ambient Acoustic, I will give everything 110%

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I would say my strongest skill is being able to translate clients desired dreams into real products. Rather than just recording or mixing because anyone can learn that, it takes a certain type of individual to be able to make and understand the music that makes the whole bands jaws drop.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My own secret sauce. Be it through production, clever use of effects processing or even complete rearrangement.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will usually start by meeting the band. This way I can nail the vibe that they're trying to accomplish through their time with me. This is crucial as it dictates recording and mixing.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am lucky enough to be able to work from AudioBeach studio. Right in the heart of Brighton, UK, this precious little studio makes bands feel welcome the second they're through the door.

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

A: My biggest inspiration right now are the dudes over in Periphery. For me, their new album 'Hail Stan' is an absolute masterpiece. The fact that they have the ability to write music that is so melancholic and deep without fail, bringing something new in ever

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

A: There is not a job I will not do for my valued clients, from taking their rough ideas and turning them into fully-fledged productions to help them realize their potential. Recording, Production, Mixing, and Mastering. Being so involved with every process really helps me build an important connection with my clients that keep them coming back again and again.