Producer, Beat Maker, Engineer

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

A: My most recent artist album 'Jazz Step FM'. I wrote, engineered & produced it from scratch during lockdown & featured some of the most talented artists I've had the pleasure of working with over the years. For years I had been wanting to record something which fuses Jazz with contemporary 2 Step sounds, & lockdown proved the ideal time to do so - as the release really resonated with a lot of people who needed laidback club sounds they could enjoy in their living rooms! It ended up being nominated for a number of awards, & my fanbase have since begun referring to me as "Mr Jazz Step". I could talk about it all day, but it'd be easier to direct you to phonetix.co.uk - where you can find links to download it in full.

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

A: That anyone can do it. Trust me, not just anyone has spent 20+ years putting the time & love I have into acquiring, expanding & honing this skillset.

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

A: I've been involved in music production & engineering for 20+ years, & releasing records since 2004. I studied & obtain a Masters Degree in Audio Engineering & Composition, & from there just did what I could to continue to grow musically - making as many links & working as much musical material with as many different artists as I could.

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

A: Typically, "Electronic". As an artist - club-based Dance music; as a producer / engineer - Hip Hop & Trap. For my enjoyment, I blend Leftfield Electronic with traditional Jazz sounds (check my single 'Blue Step' to hear what I'm referring to).

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Beats by the dozen. Lots of Hip Hop, Trap, Pop.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital - cost, versatility & space-saving! Once upon a time I would acknowledge there was a distinct difference in sounds, but I believe that - if you know what you're doing & using the digital kit correctly - people can no longer identify that you aren't using analog gear. On this basis, why would I spend $10x the amount unnecessarily on equipment that requires costly maintenance & takes up physical space???

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

A: I will work with them to get the track(s) sounding in line with what they want & expected. & the mixdowns will always be flawless (seriously, you cannot put a price on this).

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Working towards an end product, & the pride I feel when I reach that point.

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

A: Why aren't you better known? (seriously) A lot of stuff in my personal life held me back at times when I had oppurtunities. My peers who didn't have the same limitations at those times soared & earned Grammies, I had to take a step back for a bit so couldn't take the same leaps of faith. But don't think that makes me any less able than them.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What do you want from me? What is your vision of how you want this track to sound? Where's my money? ;)

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

A: Don't hesitate. Every other person is a "producer" thesedays but I bring legitimate skill, experience & passion by the truckload. I WANT to do this, & that goes a long way - you'll hear it in the end result.

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

A: My laptop, Beyerdynamic DT770 Pros, a Yamaha Pocket C24 & a simple MIDI controller. I'd add another to the list but I'd be worried about getting sand in any of my other bits of kit!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Musical, clinical, & hard-hitting.

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

A: I'd like to continue working with as many artists as possible - in life in general but PARTICULARLY music, variety is the spice.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My mixdowns.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Musicality, knowledge, experience & expertise - from an artistic & nerdy, engineering perspective. I also conduct myself in a professional manner, whilst being more than capable of simultaneously having a laugh & enjoying the process.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When working as a mix engineer, I use frequency spectrum analysers, parametric EQs & sidechaining to the extreme to achieve clear & punchy premasters that I consider top-level. From a production perspective, I'll usually start with a rhythm track & - once I have some cool grooves going - build with a bassline, chords & melodies from there. I'm always keen to make my tracks more than just a collection of sounds, & most people acknowledge that my beats tread a fine line between displaying musicality whilst maintaining a simplicity that suits for vocalists to ride on.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I've gradually moved away from hardware over the years but have a limited selection available at my disposal. The bulk of sounds I create & tools I use for engineering & mixing purposes are "in-the-box"... but having started many moons back I have the ground knowledge obtained from having seen the best & worst of both the analog AND digital worlds, which I believe is rare thesedays.

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

A: Anybody grafting & persevering through the frustrations the modern music industry presents!

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

A: Most people come to me having had me recommend as a Mix Engineer to tidy up & put the finishing tracks on a work that's creatively almost there. I come highly recommended by one of the UK's leading mastering houses, which means a lot of people are keen to get me on board help out in this regard.