Do you need session musicians, mixing, or mastering? I've got you covered. I'll add life to your songs with professionally engineered acoustic drums, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, keys, synths, and vocals. No corners are cut as we work with you and take pride in providing top-level tracks.
Hi, I'm Jackson Ward!
I'm an audio engineer, producer, and session drummer from Indiana with over 10 years experience. I've worked with local and international artists (Periphery, Dance Gavin Dance, King Mothership, Fleshbore, Global Plague), YouTubers (Spectre Sound Studios, Gear Gods), and at commercial studios all over North America.
My goal with any project is to elevate the music, furthering the artists's intent, whether I'm session drumming, mixing, or mastering. I love helping artists create something unique and special. I know how much time and energy goes into writing a great song, and that level of effort should remain through every step of the recording and mixing process.
Let's chat about your project! If you have any questions for me, just ask. I'm happy to help!
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Languages
- English
4 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client
Endorse Jackson Ward
check_circleVerifiedJackson did a great job mastering my EP, the tracks lively and have more punch now. The job was done swiftly and within the time range, and communication was clear and responsive.
I’m glad I found Jackson, would do it again.
check_circleVerifiedThank you Jackson for an awesome drum mix! Jackson was super easy to work with, straight to the point, fast turnaround and very high quality work! Look forward to working with Jackson again for sure!
check_circleVerifiedThis is my second time using Jackson and the drums tracks are fantastic! Hire him if you want it done right
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Jackson was very easy to work with. The drums sound fantastic and the performance was excellent.
Interview with Jackson Ward
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both! Digital for the ability to recall sessions quickly and analog on the front end while recording to help saturate and get huge tones into the DAW from the source. They both have their strengths and weaknesses so I use them each to my advantage.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is assessing a song and bringing its strengths to the forefront. I enjoy writing interesting and appropriate drum parts, and I really love drum and vocal production.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be clear in upfront with your vision for the project and what you're expecting from me as an engineer, mixer, or session musician. Providing me with notes, information on the song (tempo, midi, and session info) will all help things move smoothly from the start, ensuring a quick and satisfying result.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My iMac with Pro Tools, my RME 802 converters, my Amphions, a u47, and an Sm57.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: If your song has vocals, make sure they are stellar! That's what the average listener is paying attention to. Beyond that, you must have a great rhythm section. Otherwise that great vocal performance won't have a strong foundation to sit on.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I generally work on rock, prog metal, singer-songwriter, and pop music.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring 12 years experience as a professional drummer, 8 years experience as an audio engineer, and I've learned under some very well-respected engineers during my time in the industry.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like to hear what the artist's or producer's goal is for the track and communicate with them so that we can efficiently achieve their vision and bring it to life.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio is a hybrid setup of analog and digital mixing gear. I use a 2018 iMac Pro, Pro Tools 2018, RME Fireface 802 converters, a dangerous monitoring system, Amphion studio monitors, API, BAE, and True Systems preamps, as well as hardware compressors from Chandler Limited and Wes Audio. I have several drum kits, guitars, amps, cabs, and a large selection of microphones ranging from classics like the 421, sm57, and u47, to the Bock 251.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm inspired by great mixers like Kris Crummett, Chris Lord-Alge, Taylor Larson, Dave Pensado, and Darrell Thorp. I love pop, singer-songwriter, country, rock, and metal production styles.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: My typical day involves mixing, mastering, and session musician services for clients. This can range from local to online musicians and bands.
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $350 per song
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $70 per song
- Live drum trackAverage price - $250 per song
- Recording StudioAverage price - $400 per day
- YouTube Cover RecordingAverage price - $350 per song
- Vocal TuningAverage price - $75 per track
- Programmed drumAverage price - $100 per song
Turn Around Time: 1-5 Business Days for Mixing/Mastering. 5-10 business days for Session musician roles, songwriting and production.
Two revisions included in price of mixing and mastering.
- API 3124MV
- BAE Neve 1073's
- Audioscape 76A Compressor
- Amphion Monitoring System
- Apogee Symphony MKII
- Flea 47 Next
- Bock Audio 251
- iMac Pro
