Remote Rock Mixing

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

A: Guitars

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

A: I produced, mixed and mastered the Royal Distortion album "Live at Whisky a Go Go". Getting to be involved with this awesome band and an making an album recorded at such an historic venue was a lot of fun, and a great experience.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Helping artists achieve their musical goals and dreams.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I'm a musician and songwriter myself, so I have my own unique perspective and style that comes through in what I do. Whether that's mixing and mastering, doing overdubs, etc.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love the analog sound and feel, but digital is so much easier to work with so that's it for me now. No need for a huge console and a whole room full of outboard gear anymore.

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

A: I will work tirelessly to give you the best sounding final product possible.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your expectation of me and my service? When do you need it completed? Can you tell me a good reference track to use, the sort of sound you are going for? Can you explain to me what you want me to do / provide for you? What is the song tempo and key? Is there anything you really like that you want to have emphasized in the song?

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

A: How much (depends on the project) How long will it take (depends on the project and how much current backlog I have)

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

A: Paul McCartney...well, because he's freaking Paul McCartney and no other reason is needed. Also Dave Grohl, I feel like we have similar styles and would work well together.

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

A: Find someone who you feel comfortable working with. Chat with them a bit before committing, and make sure that they feel like they can provide what you are after in terms of sound, style, etc. Make sure they are available to do it in the timeframe you want / need it done.

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

A: I've been in bands and writing, recording, mixing, etc. off and on for 30 years. It has just been the last 10 years or so that I have been getting more involved with mixing and mastering for other bands / artists. My real passion is working with up and coming bands to help get them where they want to be.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I feel like I just have a good ear for what sounds good. I like for everything to come through in a mix, all instruments and vocals to be heard and noticed.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: High pass filtering is your number 1 friend for developing a good low end in a track.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Being able to quickly see (hear) the whole picture and what an artist is reaching for with a song. That, and I'm also tenacious and a very hard worker and I will not stop until I feel like something is perfect.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When I start a mixing session, I upload the files and first turn everything down to zero. I start with bringing up the kick, snare and bass guitar, then the other instruments and vocals. I get a good rough mix and panning set while listening through the song 4 or 5 (maybe more) times. At this point I tend to leave it and come back another time to start adding any EQ, compression, etc., and start tweaking things. Once I get it where I think I like it, I step away from it again for a day or so, and then listen in multiple environments / systems before doing any final edits. Once done, I print it to left and right mono tracks and import it to a mastering session.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I'm an all digital / in the box guy. I use an iMac with current ProTools setup, with Focusrite audio interface. I have many plugins including many from Waves, and I also use the Slate Digital Everything Bundle, TRack, and many others. I am also set up to do some overdubs including vocals, guitar (acoustic and electric), and synths. As for mics I've got Shure SM7B and of course SM57's, plus some Lewitt mics.

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

A: That there's not much to it, you know, just set some levels, pan stuff around a bit and call it good.

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

A: Rock, indie, punk, country rock, americana

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

A: Bradley Cook, Dave Grohl, Shelly Yakus, Butch Vig, Warren Huart, Dave Jerden, Bobby Owsinski, Steve Albini, Andy Wallace...to name only a few

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I just finished producing and mixing a live album for Royal Distortion, and I'm currently mixing a studio album for them. Also working on some new tracks for Barb Wire Dolls, for a future album.

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

A: Most of the work I do for clients is mixing and mastering, with some producing and arranging. I have done this for both studio recordings as well as live show recordings. I also track guitars, synthesizer, and other instruments / audio parts for client songs when requested.