Producer / Composer / Mixer

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

A: Youtube is great, but it gives the impression that certain techniques will make any recording better. I often see titles like 'how to eq a vocal'. It just doesn't work that way. Every voice is different and every other vocal and instrument around it impacts on it.

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

A: I'm a big Marvel fan, so getting to produce trailer music for Marvel movies was very exciting for me.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm producing a couple of remixes for an instrumental artist David Luis Ortega. The remix will be part of his upcoming 'Re-Skinned' EP, and will also feature remixes by Lars Deutsch, and IRKO.

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

A: If you need some topline written, Aoife O'Leary is great. I've worked with her on various projects over the years.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Luckily that choice is not really relevant anymore. I use an analog chain in my digital system.

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

A: I work on every project as if it were my own. Unless it's right, its not finished.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to work alongside the creativity of others. Its always a pleasure.

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

A: Depending on who I'm dealing with, questions are usually about vocal pitching and delivery/feel, or whether the drums can sound better. Vocals are usually much better than the singer thinks, but I'll be honest if they need to be revisited. Drums can always sound better and more impactful.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: The most important question is 'what are your references'. Understanding the clients world is the key to making a client happy.

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

A: Make sure that the producer understands your vision. Some producers will take on any client. I wont take on a project if I don't think I can bring something to it that gives the client what they need.

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

A: It would need to be a desert island with electricity! All I'd need is my computer, a good set of headphones and a good mic.......oh and an internet connection!

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

A: I produced my first album in 2000 when my band at the time (Skindive) was signed to US record label 'Palm Pictures'. I've produced and mixed many Rock, Alt, Pop and Industrial Rock/Metal songs and albums since. I've also been luck enough to have a lot of music on Hollywood movie trailers such as Thor, The Edge of Tomorrow, and many more

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I like a big sound. I also like getting an individual set of sounds/textures into every song. I like music that gives you something new on every listen.

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

A: I would have loved to have worked with Bowie.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Reference, Reference, Reference!

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

A: Rock, Industrial, Industrial Rock, Symphonic Rock and Metal. Alt Rock

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Patience and understanding. I approach each job as if I were releasing it. Technical skills can be learned by anyone over time. Being easy to work with is perhaps the most important skill in any producer.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I see my role initially as being simply a listener. For me the vision of the client comes first, so once I've gotten closer to understanding what the client wants, my job is to then bring that to fruition. I bring a combination of experience and skill.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It varies with every job. Some projects arrive in an advanced state, some in a basic demo form. Each client has a different set of needs, but in general the song structure, topline and vocal delivery are priority in most projects.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I produce and mix entirely 'in the box'. Recalls for remixes and stems for sync work are regularly required in my work. Working solely 'in the box' means that I can recall a project exactly as it was.

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

A: I'm inspired by producers that allow for an ebb and flow in dynamics and tone like Flood, Reznor Sylvia Massy, Terry Date.

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

A: My work varies from project to project, but the common theme is to take a song from demo or basic production to release level.