Mixing, Mastering & Production

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

A: I have been blessed to be a part of many projects that I have been extremely proud of. A few of the projects are: Stronger – Fantan Mojah (recording and editing), Hot Wuk – Mr. Vegas (recording and editing), I Said It – Opal (writing, producing, recording and mixing), Kingston Town – Fantan Mojah feat Capleton & Turbulence (writing, producing and mixing).

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on several artist album projects for my label Young Veterans Music.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I would say Hybrid. I believe in a mix of the two because you can enjoy the natural saturation of analog sound, plus having the flexibility of using digital processing to make your work flow more efficient.

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

A: To always try my best and do everything I can to deliver a finished product that’s sounding great and hopefully fulfilling their vision for the project.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creating, I like the ability to be part of the creative process, It’s nothing more fulfilling when a track is sounding great and hitting just right.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Easy going, calm and dedicated, the genre of reggae is second nature to me and the groove is in sync with my heart beat.

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

A: No one in particular, I enjoy collaborating with easy going talented individuals who share a deep love for the creating special music.

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

A: I started as a recording engineer apprentice at Anchor Recording studio in Kingston, Jamaica. I then served as head engineer and producer at In The Streetz Records. I have since formed my own record and management label (Young Veterans Music), where I manage and produce several artists.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: A mix is started from the time you start a song. Every element and stage during a production is very important and will lead to the final sound.

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

A: Mostly reggae, dancehall, dub and reggae or dancehall fused tracks.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Being a producer, artist manager and label owner. This allows me to have a broad perspective towards how the final product should sound.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Years of experience, a very critical ear and my unique sound.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical process when it comes to mixing is quite simple. I usually follow these steps when I am going to mix a track. 1. First, I relax and listen to some of my favorite mixes and songs (this may be some of my previous mixes and/or some from other artists and producers). 2. Second, I load up the current project I am working on, making sure the session is organized and all of my auxiliary routings are set up. 3. Third, I listen through the current track a couple times, familiarizing myself with the music and defining an inspirational direction I would like to have this current song sounding like at the end of the mix. 4. Lastly, I then start the mixing process applying my processing to the individual tracks. I basically do this until I am satisfied. A good mix is an incredible balance, when you achieve clarity, depth and feel to the song.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My audio setup includes both analogue and digital gear. I mainly use the analogue for recording and I mix totally in the box these days. GEARS LIST Mixing board: Soundcraft Ghost 24 channel console. Speakers: For loud monitoring JBL speakers and for near field Yamaha NS-10. Interface: UA Apollo Quad FireWire. Microphones: Neumann TLM 103. Outboard gear rack: (2) DBX 1066 compressor &limiter, (2) S-com plus - Stereo Compressor/Limiter, TC-Electronic multi effects processor, TC-Electronic reverb rack mount silver, ART HQ231 Dual channel EQ, BBE Sonic maximizer. Plugins: SSL 4000 series plugin bundle, Waves Diamond plugin bundle, Sonnox Essentials bundle. DAW: Pro-tools 10 hd.

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

A: Musicians that inspire me are Bob Marley, Sly & Robbie, Jimmy Cliff, Train and Magic. Music professionals that inspire me are Andrew Scheps, Dave Pensado and Graham Cochrane amongst others.

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

A: Mixing, mastering and composing.