Pretend Machine is all about creativity and I want to bring that playful creativity back to when we were children pretending we lived inside all these great stories. Using my Pretend Machine I want to help you live the story you have created.
Mixing, Mastering, and Podcast Editing services available.
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Interview with Pretend Machine
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: A doom metal album that was not tracked very well. There were a lot of issues to overcome but in the end a great EP was finished.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Doom metal with a female singer. She has a very 90's alternative style vocal and it is a lot of fun. Also an indie band has a great album in the works. Its very early emo but dont tell them I said that. I want them to discover they have influences they didn't even know about.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both! Mostly digital but analog can add great depth when necessary.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to work in music. It has been the main love of my life.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That its just balancing the tracks and thats it.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Don't be afraid to have random ideas. Lets explore a bit.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Started out as a musician and I still am active in my music scene with my own band. I grew from that because of my love of in depth research. Working on albums I wanted to understand the relationships of the instruments better and how an audience reacts to that end product.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Controlled chaos, appears like madness to people but rest assured it is very controlled.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Monster Magnet. Their albums are always amazing and the way the re-imagine their albums is special. I would love to get a feel for how they create directly from them.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Let go of what ever is holding you back. This is going to be for the ears of many people. You can create how you want to be represented right now in this moment on this track.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Most often I work in metal. I have played in metal bands all my life. I have also worked with hip-hop, pop, folk, and electronic music.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: A new perspective as a creative. I don't just listen I imagine and work from there.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First I open the files and get them balanced. once that is done I usually listen several times to get a feel for the artist. Once I have a concept to work towards I start creating. Its a very ritualistic experience that I enjoy.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a home studio that has been custom set up as a professional audio room. My Mixing is mostly in the box. THere are occasions where I will use analog gear when it feels necessary.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Joe Barresi is one of my favorite engineers!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mixing and Mastering is my most common requests. However, I love to help produce. Helping bands develop their songs is an amazing feeling.
I was the Recording, Mixing, and Mastering Engineer in this production
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $50 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $100 per song
- Podcast Editing & MasteringAverage price - $100 per podcast
- ProducerAverage price - $50 per song
Turnaround depends on the project and if any revisions are requested.
- In Flames
- Cattle Decapitation
- Jinjer
- In-the-box plugins include FabFilter
- Izotope
- Waves
- Slate
- Sound Toys
- Brainworx
- Console 1
- ETC...
Special pricing available if this will be your first LP or EP!
