Mix Engineer/Studio Integrator

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: studios for Drumma Boy and Korleon

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

A: Although I have worked with a boatload of successful singers in the past 16 years, none were more technically skilled at singing the same note perfectly each time as Mario.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: The analog digital debate is now mostly about money. With the cost of true analog recording climbing faster and faster it is completely outta reach in regards to the price of media to record on and the added time needed in studio to record to 2 inch tape for most people. These days only the largest project budgets can afford the money and time needed for an all analog recording and mix. Since it is so cost prohibitive there is no longer a level debate field for the 2 formats.

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

A: That it will sound much better when we are done or we will work on it until it does, with no additional charge.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: i get to listen to great music and when I'm not doing that, I get to set up the rooms where others will do the same for years to come.

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

A: Have you worked with Lady Gaga? unfortunately no. Is this install going to take all week? again no. Can we change things in a mixed song? Absolutely.

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

A: for mixing: people have told me they think it must be really loud all the time. for integration: that the speakers are ready to blast once they get loaded into the wall.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's the style of sound you are shooting for?

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

A: Be upfront with your requests, it makes communication easier.

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

A: a life raft, axe, lighter, sat phone and water purifier. Anyone that takes recording gear to an island with no power would quickly regret that decision. That stuff is heavy!!!

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

A: I started as an EDM dj in the late 90s. After that I attended Fullsail in 2001-2002. From there I moved to D.C. where I began tracking for urban and rock, mostly indy releases. Then in 2005 I decided to move to Atlanta. Once here in Atlanta I recorded a radio single for Dem Franchize Boyz on my first day and haven't really stopped since then.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: laidback attitude. very deadline oriented. I like aggressive mixes for some songs but soft and glossy on others.

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

A: Deadmau5, I've always been a huge synthesizer freak.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: these days less is more. focus on timing and space.

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

A: pop, urban, EDM, some singer/songwriter

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Will it sound cheesy if I say listening? It works for both the client and song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A great ear for vocal pitch and a desire to make it the best it can be without losing any of its energy.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: depends on the project, I try to tailor my process to best fit the current client's needs.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I'm a nomad currently working out of four or so rooms.

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

A: I'm really inspired by the energy in the music of the newer artists coming out these days.

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

A: Mixing for independent and major label release, some tracking work, studio integration and wiring.