Audio Mixer | Record Producer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Finishing a 3 song E.P. for my record label and wrapping up my Bachelors degree.

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

A: email me and lets talk records and production, to see if we would be a good fit to work together. I can be quick and affordable and I love to make records and mix sound.

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

A: I started interning in 1996 at Time Bomb Records (No Doubt,Social Distortion). In 2001 I started interning at recording studios (the Record Plant Sausalito, CA and Hyde Street Studios SF,Ca). In 2005 I rented a production room at Hyde Street Studios (Studio D) till 2009 when I began to tour as a FOH engineer for No Use For A Name and Lagwagon (Fat Wreck Chords). In 2012 I managed a studio and was the head engineer for Motor Studios in San Francisco. Currently I am freelance, I manage a recording studio in Sausallito California called World Studios Recording. It is based around a SSL9064J and vintage mics and analog outboard gear. A big live room made for drums of your dreams.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Use a tuner and take breaks.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: 20 years of watching good and bad ideas in the studio. Being a musician for over 30 years as a drummer. I have a firm understanding of music theory and arranging songs as well. I love to create vibe and songs that are collaborative, and I absolutely love to watch and hear them come to life.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have work in ProTools Ultimate, LogicX, and Reason for my DAW. I have a hybrid set up, consisting of an analog console, Lynx Aurora converters, and a Burl A2D conversion right off of the stereo bus. I can re amp through some great vintage amps like a 1974 all original Fender Twin, a Vox AC30-CC2, Mesa Boogie Mark IV, and some other goodies.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Because they are an amazing set of tools when used correctly.

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

A: I promise you will be happy with the work that I can do for your music.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: um....everything?

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

A: That I perform miracles.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: what are we all expecting to accomplish?

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

A: 1. SM57 2. Neve 1272 3. Guitar 4. Laptop 5. Solar Power for gear.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would like to think I am easy going and very openminded. I am always down to try something at least once!

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

A: I mainly work in Punk Rock, but have plenty of examples in Soul, Pop, Folk, Psych, Garage and Indy Rock.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is getting the best work out of an artist, knowing how far to push to get meaningful tracks and when to call a session when the artists can't work anymore. I like to keep it challenging, but not brutal. This is supposed to be fun right?

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Typically if I am producing a record, I have a pre production meeting to set up the plan of attack. Then demo the songs to listen to what we are working with (and btw, i totally can work with phone recordings). After that, I decide to track "Live" or separate everyone. This really depends on many factors. I track to either ProTools or analog tape, and after all the overdubs and editing/tuning/arranging etc, I mix.

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

A: I am inspired by anyone who has drive and passion for their art, but if I were to name drop I would have to go with Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Bill Stevenson, Prince, George Martin, Butch Vig, and Don Smith.

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

A: The most common type of work that I do for my clients would be Record Production and Mixing.