Mix Engineer, Music Producer

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Digital has come such a long way, most people wouldn´t hear the difference. In the mixing world, I am completely digital. When I´m recording, I sometimes like having analog compression on the way in.

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

A: We will definitely work something out! If you have a tight budget or having trouble in any way, I´m here to help.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I really like being able to take something, shape it the way I want to, and make it sound better. The biggest achievement is definitely to help musicians get their work out in the world, though.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually ask what kind of sound they would be going for, and how we can reach that goal together. Do they want me to just make it sound better, or do they have a certain goal in mind? Do they want to join me in the mixing process, or do we do it long-distance? Co-operation is key.

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

A: If I am to mix your song, I would definitely recommend that your tracks are well recorded. I follow the "shit in - shit out" principle - your song will only sound good as long as your recordings are good.

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

A: I would bring a Universal Audio x8p (as it has great conversion and 8 preamps), a Mac Pro, Output´s "Platform" sutdio desk, a Telefunken ELA M 251E microphone, and Focal Solo 6 speakers!

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

A: I started playing guitar at 8 years old, and I´ve had a big interest in music ever since. When I was around 13, I started doing some live sound at local venues or volunteered at concerts. This got me into music production and engineering, and I decided to get a Bachelor´s Degree from Kristiania University College in Oslo, where I´ve lived for the last three years. I´m now close to finishing my degree, and very much ready to take on some work from outside the school.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I definitely have a more traditional style when it comes to mixing. I like making instruments sound like instruments, only better! The bigger and better the sound, the happier I get.

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

A: I’d love to work with Harry Styles. I loved both of his albums, and how it is so rock-y and pop-y and the same time. And with a lot of traditional instruments, both the studio and the mixing process will be a lot more fun.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Be honest with your client, it makes for the best results. Even though it’s been a long day in the studio, get that vocal take right. Try to keep the musicians inspired underway by slightly mixing the song as you go - a better sounding song = happy musicians.

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

A: I’ve usually worked with other students on pop, indie and pop-rock. I am also experienced with recording and mixing jazz and hard rock, but I am up for anything!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I think my specialty is drum-mixing. It’s the most fun part of mixing in my opinion. I like making those rock drums explode!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I could bring your song a great, unique sound, depth and space - I have studied this for the last three years.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I typically always start with the vocal - this is the centerpiece, what initially carries the whole song. Then I work my way through the rest of the song as I feel like it. Bass management is usually the hardest part!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: As of right now, I work from my school. We have world class equipment, in at least 4 of our 11 studios, including great speakers (my favorites are the Focal Solo 6) and a lot of great preamps. Not to mention how well the acoustic treatment is done!

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

A: I am inspired by a lot of people! I have a very broad spectrum when it comes to music, but John Mayer and the band Whitney is definitely up there. When it comes to music production and engineering, big influences are Greg Wells, Tony Maserati, Kevin Parker, Mark Ronson, and so on.. They all have a great sound!

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

A: I mostly do mixing and recording of either full bands or vocalists. My specialty is probably mixing pop-rock. Otherwise, I sometimes do live sound.