Mixing, Mastering, Producer

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

A: Mountain Bloom's debut record - Mixed and Mastered this project. Lost Arcade - Origin - Co-Produced, Mixed & Mastered this record. Dani Grace - Lovers - Mixed/Mastered. Received one vocal track and one track of keys. Worked hard to make it sound as big as possible.

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

A: Majority of work I receive is mixing and mastering. I also work on film/tv/games as a writer and produce electronic music.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Co-scoring an independent documentary. Mixing & Mastering Lost Arcade's forthcoming record.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For mixing I receive the project from clients as individual audio tracks. I then gain stage, process and automate in the box and sum 16 channels through my SSL console and outboard gear. For Mastering I send the audio through my high-end analog chain that is routed through a Dangerous Music Liaison and return in the box to finalise using digital processing.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Complete Sound Studio is a modern, hybrid facility utilising high end analog equipment from the likes of SSL, API, Neve, Manley with the very best digital providers such as Softube, UAudio and Brainworx. I use Logic and Ableton Live as DAWs and monitoring is a pair of Focal SM9s.

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

A: Too many musicians / bands to list, however in regards to Producers / Engineers, I am a big fan of the work of Tom Elmhirst, Tony Maserati, Joe Barresi, Andy Wallace and Philippe Zdar to name a few.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both - they each have their strengths. I couldn't do what I do as effectively using one exclusively.

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

A: They will receive 100% effort.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Seeing a project through completion and exceeding clients expectations.

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

A: Can you make it louder? Sure.

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

A: Louder is better.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Time frame, release schedule, release type, goals, expectations and what they like/dislike about the rough version.

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

A: Communication is key in this industry. I believe the process should be collaborative, built on trust, respect for each others point of view with a focus on what is best for the outcome of the song/record. The ability to attend sessions is important.

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

A: Assuming I have a computer, UAudio Apollo, Softube Console 1, Focal SM9s, SSL, Massive Passive

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

A: DJ'd for many years before collecting gear, producing and eventually mixing and mastering. I have been involved in the music industry since the early 2000's.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Collaborative. As a mixing / mastering engineer we are hired to do what's best for your song.

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

A: Anyone committed to what they are doing.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more.

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

A: Primarily electronic music, however, I have worked on Punk, Rock, Folk, Hip Hop, Indie, Classical etc.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Fundamental understanding of the technical aspects of processing audio and an open mind to experiment and collaborate.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Honesty, transparency, commitment, experience, taste, objectiveness.