I help alternative and post-hardcore artists - from Warped Tour vets to rising stars - craft mixes that cut through the noise, with experience spanning major labels, national tours, and CBS TV.
Ready to create something unforgettable? Whether you need mixing, mastering, or full production, I have the experience to take your project to the next level - fast. I specialize in alternative rock, post-hardcore, pop-punk, and everything you'd expect to hear on the Warped Tour stage, working with artists at all stages to ensure their vision shines through.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with artists like The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Point North, Frank Iero, and Sophie Powers, as well as top labels including Hopeless Records, Fearless Records, and Epitaph Records. From live shows and studio sessions to producing the Sounds of the Underground TV series on CBS, I know what it takes to make your music stand out.
When submitting a proposal, please include key project details: number of tracks, genre, timeline, and any specific sonic references or vision you’d like to achieve. This helps me tailor my approach and deliver exactly what your project needs.
I do not do test samples or test mixes.
Whether you're an established act or an emerging artist, let’s make something special. As an active touring musician, I understand firsthand what it takes to thrive as an artist today.
Book a session, and let’s bring your vision to life.
Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Credits
34 Reviews - 8 Repeat Clients
Endorse Johnny Zirkel
check_circleVerifiedAwesome result! Johnny is quick, communicates effectively and the work is outstanding!
check_circleVerifiedJohnny is the man. Will be working with him for a long time.
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Johnny is super talented and great to work with! Always a pleasure and looking forward to the next one!!
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Johnny is great at what he does. He delivers exactly what you want and is very patient with feedback. He is quick to respond and gets passes back fast. 10/10 would recommend working with Johnny.
check_circleVerifiedgreat guy to work with. listens and provides helpful feedback.
check_circleVerifiedJohnny did a great job! He responded quickly, communicated well and was very receptive. The product turned out perfect. Thank you!
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Mastered my hard rock/metalcore track. Great industry-standard sound, quick replies and turnaround, easy to work with. Highly recommend.
check_circleVerifiedWill definitely be working with Johnny again! Very helpful with my first production and the song came out great!
check_circleVerifiedJohnny is an excellent dude to work with! He helped me write and produce an entire track for my next single and he absolutely knows how to deliver!
check_circleVerifiedWill definitely be working with Johnny again, and you should too.
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Really fast work & communication! Johnny doesn't mind doing as many recalls as you need until the mix/master is exactly as you want it. Great service for the asked price! Was a pleasure!
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Johnny Is very kind and he works super fast. It's Always a pleasure work with him.
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Johnny is excellent when it comes to mixing and mastering your tracks exactly they way you want them to be. He’s fast with communication and is very good at what he does! Will be working again with him in the near future.
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Very kind and available. A pleasure work with Johnny.
check_circleVerifiedJohnny Zirkel is a talented and hardworking musician, songwriter & producer. I had a deadline to meet to write songs that would be able to compete in the alternative rock market. My guitar skills though were nowhere as good as My Chemical Romances’ Ray Toro or Frank Iero. I asked Johnny if he could help cowrite 13 songs for this deadline I had to meet, I really didn’t know what was going to happen but he did it. Johnny accomplished the impossible! Very happy and grateful, thank you!
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Thank you Johnny for producing this song, it sounds awesome! Can't wait to create more!
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Very helpful and very quick to respond, delivered an amazing mastered track
check_circleVerifiedJohnny was quick, efficient and positive! Definitely will work with him again. It helps that we both like the same artists as well! Great experience.
check_circleVerifiedAwesome guy, super easy to work with. Puts a lot of effort into his work. Went over the top.
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Johnny is great! Skills, communication and result and top-notch. Highly recommended!!
Interview with Johnny Zirkel
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is very modern. I like songs to sound big and impactful.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: My dream artist to work with would be Ryan Tedder. I am fascinated by his quality of writing and production.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is being able to communicate with the artist and truly find out what they want in their song.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Because of my extensive background in recording, producing, touring, and live sound I have the tools needed to accomplish whatever the artist needs.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: The most important thing is finding the direction the artist wants the song to go so that is first. When mixing I start with the drums and move on to the vocals last. Once everything is in place I master the song and send it to the artist for feedback.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: While I mostly do everything "in the box", I do have access to analog gear as far as amping and re-amping guitars and bass. I also have a great collection of sE Microphones for anyone needing vocal overdubs.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Zakk Cervini is my favorite modern mix engineer. Andrew Schepps is my favorite classic mix engineer. Chris Athens is my favorite mastering engineer of all time.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I primarily work as a mix engineer and songwriter, but I also do mastering and full song production. I enjoy building the song with you, and watching it come to life.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am currently working with the members of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus on music for an artist, as well as my TV series Sounds of the Underground.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: It depends on the project. I recognize the advantages and disadvantages of both, and work to blend the two in a way that meets the clients needs and budget.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise to my clients is that I will be dedicated to their project, with clear communication, until they are satisfied.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to help artists realize their vision, and have fun doing it!
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be clear in what you are looking for. The better road map you give me for your vision, the better (and faster) I can build it.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Gibson Les Paul Custom, Fender 50s Telecaster, Gibson Songwriter Studio Acoustic, Marshall JVM410 Amp Head, Marshall JCM 800 Cabinet.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been in the music industry professionally for over a decade. This includes songwriting, producing, touring and booking events internationally, licensing music for film and television, developing television productions, and more.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Make sure the artist is happy.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I mostly work in the Alternative Rock and Pop Punk genres. However, I have experience in "Top 40" Pop, Reggae, and R&B.
I was the Mix Engineer and Producer in this production
- Post Hardcore
- Pop Punk
- Alternative Rock
- Pop Rock
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $400 per song
- ProducerAverage price - $400 per song
- Live SoundAverage price - $600 per concert
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $50 per song
I'm here to make you sound amazing. That means I will continue to work on your track until you are satisfied, and as quickly as possible. I start my jobs the moment I accept them.
- The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
- The Story So Far
- A Day To Remember
- ProTools
- SSL
- Neve
- Marshall
- Gibson
- Fender
- sE Electronics
- Audient
- Dante
- QYSYS
- Avid
Discounts available for projects with 3 or more songs!
