Punk/Metal Producer / Engineer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Just Finishing up full length label releases for Haters from Brisbane, Cross Dog from Toronto. Two incredible bands full of the hardest working and most talented people i know.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog gear Front End, and outboard, Digital recording. The warmth, the dirt, the unique character. Digital recording for its capabilities and convenience, it’s also 2023 and digital doesn’t sound worse by any means.

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

A: That I just press record and magically a band will sound good..

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What their career goals are? How do they see themselves musically, and where do they want to go? Are they comfortable with someone giving them advice on arrangements and songwriting? Are they serious about what they’re doing and all on the same page? What are your songs about and why is it important to tell these stories?

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

A: If you want to elevate not only the sound of your album, but the quality of the songs and the potential of your band, I am a good fit. I will challenge and push you harder than almost anyone. If you don't give a shit about your music, neither will anyone else.

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

A: My Adam Audio S2V monitors, Chandler TG condenser mic, Royer 121 Ribbon Mic, Thermionic Culture Rooster Channel Strip/ Pre-amp, Rupert Neve 5043 Compressor, Handsome Audio Zulu Tape Machine, And my Kush Audio Tweaker Compressors & Electra EQ.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Thicc, Dirty, Real.

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

A: Violent Soho, not just cuz they’re my friends, but because they play honest, dirty kick ass tunes that I believe in and want to listen to again and again.

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

A: Punk, Hardcore, Metal, Alternative, Metalcore, Stoner, Goth, Doom, Sludge, Grunge, Crust, Rock & any music that is full of raw emotion and bad ass musicianship.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Using my experience to help bands hone what they're best at and helping them get to the next level, by making music worth listening to on repeat.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work out of my own studio High Wattage Cottage in Quinte West ON, I quit my touring career and spent two years building and tweaking the perfect spot to make heavy records with the best gear I could afford creating a space meant for bands to crank it up loud and make important music.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Put the song first always above egos, and indulgent noodling. Tell a story, that means something personally to you with your lyrics.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Helping others grow and succeed in their careers.

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

A: How much does it cost to make a record? And I will usually have them answer a questionnaire so I can understand their needs better. A 2 piece Punk band has different needs and requirements than 7 piece metal bands, and so too would the price be different.

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

A: I worked with an amazing band from Slovakia called Sleepy Hungry, we worked for over a year together on Skype doing pre production on their songs and lyrics ( another service I offer ) and then I flew to Pulp Studios in Bratislava to produce, Record and Perform on the record. The first single called The Art of Disregard was just released and I’m so proud of it!!

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Not yet! Excited to explore though!

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

A: To challenge them to be the best version of their band in the most honest and for real way possible.

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

A: I’ve been playing in touring bands since high school, I studied audio engineering in 2003 and the demo I recorded for my band Cancer Bats got us signed right away. 15 years later I’ve been touring, mentored by some of the best producers and mixers in the industry, I’ve been recording bands professionally since 2012 and now I’m working with bands from all over the world.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I look to bring the best and most memorable parts out in every song, focus on the parts that will move and excite the listener and make the arrangement have the most impact and have the lyrics compliment the music in the most honest way possible.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Preproduction is so important and I love to spend intensive time working on the songs to get them ready for recording. We have a very punk rock approach, we love organic sounds and really inspired performances. We push for the best from our artists always and love a fun atmosphere!

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

A: Ross Robinson, Machine, Colin Richardson, Steve Albini, Kurt Ballou, Jack Endino, Erik Ratz, Brian McTernan, Andy Wallace,

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

A: Producing, Mastering, Mixing, Career Guidance, Songwriting, English lyric help.