Mixing | Mastering | Producer

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I would say I am mostly digital. VSTs have come such a long way that it is hard to tell the difference. The ability to change settings on the fly in the box is also a huge plus. Digital allows for more flexibility and it is more affordable. I am not opposed to using analog. I just don't have the space for all of that yet!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The actual process of creating and mixing is addictive! Hearing all kinds of music and the continuous learning. Also, building relationships with different artists and growing with them!

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

A: To make sure they are 100% happy working with me! I want to do everything in my power to help them reach their end goal.

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

A: My laptop, Sony MDR-V6 headphones, external SSD, midi keyboard, and Elektron Digitakt

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

A: That a bad recording can somehow be turned into a radio quality song or that mastering a track fixes everything. You need strong elements to start off with and work with that. A good recording translates to a great mix. A great mix translates to a radio quality master.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What artist influences you the most? Do you want to model your mix after a specific song or artist? How many tracks are involved in the mix? Is there any extra production that needs to be done?

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Here are a few: 1) Don't overdo it and keep it simple. 2) If it sounds good, then it sounds good! 3) Take frequent breaks. It will give your ears a break and you will come back feeling refreshed.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For mixing: I always start with leveling and panning and some basic equalizing. Give the different elements their own space before the effects. After everything is at a decent spot, I will send it back to the client to make sure we are on the right track. I will continue to work on the rest of the song once I receive the feedback. Testing on multiple sound sources takes place after everything is where it needs to be. The biggest thing about working with someone remotely is keeping an open line of communication. For producing: Just starting off with an idea and building on from that. I usually start with the melody first then do the drums. After that I do all the mixing and mastering.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Patience and listening to the client.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Try to bring it to the next level. Elevate it and bring out all the positives in the song to make it stand out. To respect the artist's vision and reach that!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: This sounds really cliche, but my ears. Also being detail oriented.

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

A: My instrumental EP called 'Waves'. It was my debut project. I took elements from different genres and arranged them in a way to make them work together. This was a very creative process for me. My role on this EP was all the production, mixing, and mastering.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on my EP and working with a few artists around the Richmond area.

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

A: Not yet! I am still new.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is pretty minimalistic for the most part since I do more of my work inside the box. I have Yamaha HS5s, Rode NT1 condenser microphone, Audient id4 audio interface, and a Korg Minilogue when it comes to hardware.

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

A: The following are in no particular order. Mixing engineers: Alex Tumay, l10mixedit, Jeff Ellis, Kesha Lee, and MixedByAli Producers: T-Minus, Timbaland, London on da Track, Metro Boomin, Malay, Kanye West, Lido, Pharrell, 40, J Dilla, Boi-1da, and Hit-Boy

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

A: I usually produce for my clients and do some of the mixing. I have worked with a few local artists here in the Richmond area.

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

A: How long will it take? My answer is usually "it depends what you want to accomplish. I will have the rough mix done pretty quickly and send it back for your feedback. After that, I will apply the changes and some finishing touches."

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

A: Don't be afraid to work with new people. You never know what kind of relationship you will build!

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

A: Starting with music production then diving more into the mixing and mastering side of things. I have been doing this for about 3 years!

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

A: There really isn't a specific artist I want to work with, but if I could it would be Childish Gambino. His sound and artistic vision is so unique. He is one of most talented artists in the acting and music industry.

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

A: I usually work on hip hop, r&b, pop, and electronic music. I grew up listening to those genres the most and that's how I became inspired to work on music.