2xGRAMMY/ Mixing and Mastering

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

A: One of the projects I'm most proud of is working on the Disney Animation Studios film Encanto. This project was especially meaningful to me because it’s a tribute to my home country, Colombia—its culture, music, people, and stunning landscapes. Being part of such an iconic film was an honor, but what truly stands out is that I was hired to mix one of the songs for the soundtrack, 'Colombia, Mi Encanto,' performed by Carlos Vives. The song not only became a powerful anthem celebrating Colombia, but it also reached #1 on the Billboard charts for several weeks. It was an incredible experience, and I’m proud to have contributed to a project that resonated so deeply with audiences and showcased my country’s beauty to the world.

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

A: My promise to my clients is that you’ll always feel the passion and dedication I bring to every project. I truly love what I do, and that energy is reflected in the music and throughout the entire process. You can count on me to be fully committed to bringing your vision to life, and I’m confident you won’t regret taking the leap and working together.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that it's just about technical skills—adjusting frequencies, levels, and making sure everything sounds 'right.' While those elements are crucial, they're just the foundation. The real value lies in understanding the heart of the music—its emotion, its message—and knowing how to amplify that. Mixing isn't just about making things sound clean or balanced; it’s about connecting with the song on a deeper level and knowing how to bring out the feeling that the artist wants to convey. This requires creativity, intuition, and a strong understanding of how sound affects emotion. It's a blend of technical expertise and artistic insight.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have a clear vision for the direction of your song, or are you still exploring ideas? How open are you to creative changes and suggestions during the process? Are you looking to stay close to the rough mix, or would you like to push things further to elevate it?

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

A: I’ve been working in the music industry for over 10 years now. My journey started at university, where I studied music and sound engineering. Early on, I realized that the most valuable lessons came from hands-on experience, so even before finishing my degree, I started reaching out to bands and artists to collaborate. I got internships in places like New York and Nashville, where I had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the business. Those experiences were crucial to my growth. Over time, I began working with major artists in Colombia, and along the way, I had the honor of winning a couple of Latin Grammys. Eventually, I decided to take the leap and go full-time freelance. The path has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for all the amazing people and experiences I’ve encountered along the way

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as versatile and dynamic. It’s modern, with a clean sheen and punchy energy when the track calls for it, bringing out that powerful, competitive sound. At the same time, I can make the mix feel more organic and sublime when the song requires a softer, more natural touch. My goal is always to match the vibe of the song, ensuring that the sound serves the emotion and energy of the music, whether it's polished and bold or warm and intimate.

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

A: So many... Radiohead, Muse, Jorge Drexler, Natalia Lafourcade, Bjork, Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Silvana Estrada, Tame Impala, James Blake, and the list goes on and on haha.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more, sometimes. Removing elements that aren’t really adding to the song can create more space for what truly matters. It allows the essence of the music to shine through and helps the most important parts stand out.

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

A: I work across a wide range of genres, from Latin and Pop to Reggaeton, Alt Rock, and Indie—both of which hold a special place in my heart. I enjoy the diversity and adaptability each genre brings. Feel free to check out my audio samples to get a sense of the variety in my work.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is clear communication with the artist to fully understand what they want to express through their music. From there, I focus on achieving clarity and depth in the mix, ensuring it meets industry standards while remaining unique. My goal is to bring out the essence of each song, making it stand out both emotionally and sonically.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My process starts with my assistant, Sebastián, reviewing the material to ensure everything is ready for mixing. Before diving in, we communicate with the artist or producer to see if they have any specific requests, ideas, or directions they'd like us to consider. Once we begin the mix, we take a few days to refine it, quality-checking by listening in different environments. Only after this stage do we send the mix to the artist for feedback. Typically, two or three revisions are enough to reach that perfect spot.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: For me, everything starts with accurate monitoring. I rely on my Genelec The Ones 8331 and Audeze LCD-X 2021 headphones, which together provide incredible detail for critical listening and decision-making in audio processing. I work in Pro Tools and am a big fan of Universal Audio and Acustica for their high-quality software tools.

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

A: Nigel Godrich, Serban Ghenea, Mick Guzauski, Joel Hamiltone, Reid Shippen as for mixers. Joe Laporta, Bob Katz and Bob Ludwig as for mastering.

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

A: I help artists and producers elevate their productions to a top-tier, industry-competitive level, with a special focus on enhancing the emotional impact of the music.

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

A: I’d say, take the time to listen to the music I’ve worked on and pay attention to what I have to say about the process. Beyond just technical skills, it’s important to feel a connection with the person you're working with. Trust your gut—it’s usually right. When you find someone who truly gets your vision and brings something special to the table, that’s when the magic happens.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I first connect with the main emotion and vibe of the song, making it the foundation of my approach. From there, my focus is on enhancing that feeling while achieving a competitive, balanced, and polished sound. I bring clarity, depth, and energy, ensuring every element sits perfectly in the mix while staying true to the artist’s vision. My goal is to make the song resonate emotionally while translating beautifully across all playback systems.