Producer/Mix Engineer

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

A: I helped with finishing the XXXtentation Album right after he died.. It meant a lot to his family to put it out and I was happy to help them. I co mixed 5 or more songs on that Project.

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

A: Not yet . Im new to Soundbetter.

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

A: Q.Does mastering really matter ? A. Yes, but mastering can't make a bad mix sound like a great mix; you need both.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am developing 2 new acts and in the mean time running a studio..

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both why Not ?

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

A: I promise to take my time with you and communicated with you the whole way through the project. I don't ever want to make a client feel like its just about the money for me. If I take on your project its because I feel like I can add something to your work I never take a job for the money..

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like meeting new people and making new music..

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

A: The biggest misconception is that you can fix it in the mix. That’s not true, part of a great mix is how well it’s been recorded.

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

A: I started interning at 15 at major studio in The Bay Area that my brother worked at as an engineer. I signed my first contract at 19 and I’ve been a professional Mixing Engineer ever since.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What music are you listening to right now? What type of sound were you going for? Can you send me 3 examples ?

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

A: Know what you want and be open to change & communication is key. I can only work as fast as you get back to me with changes or ideas.

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

A: laptop. MK3, U87, BAE Pre, and Apollo Twin

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is drum heavy. It’s all about the drums. I also like to blend genres together.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I own a professional recording studio in LA that's perfect for someone who wants to work in Privacy. I have 2 Neumann Mics ( U87 & TLM-103 ) Neve 1073 Mic Pre & EL8 Distressor Compressor, I run that signal into an Apollo 8 into a Mac Mini that runs the Slate Digital two screen Raven Desk. If given enough notice, I am able to secure additional speciality equipment.

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

A: The most common type of work we do is Mixing, Vocal Effects, and Arranging. I am able to lend my skills as a producer and Mixing Engineer to offer artists support with harmonies, arrangements, and vocal performance, if they desire. My goal is to assist the artist in achieving the sound they want.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When recording vocals I like to first make sure that the vibe is right in the studio. Making the vocalist feel comfortable is our priority. Typically, we’ll go over the song with them in order to become familiar with it while making mental notes of the challenging areas. In most cases, we start recording at the challenging parts. Knowing that once we are over those hurdles, the rest of the song will be fairly easy. At the same time, by attacking the hardest parts first, the artist’s confidence and trust in the engineer will be such that we are able to get more out of the vocalist; maybe even things the didn’t know they could do.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Spend less time eq'ing and compressing, and more time getting your ideas down. Inspiration only last a few minutes. Don't waste it being an engineer. LOL!

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

A: I work with a wide range of styles; everything from Alternative to Country. However, the majority of our regular work is R&B and Rap.

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

A: I'm interested in working with new artists. I love being able to give a new artist their sound or help in their development.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skills are my experience, flexibility, and knowledge application.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring excellent Mixing, excitement with arrangements, programmed drums, and vocal effects.

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

A: Pharrell Williams & Timbaland are my inspirations. I love that they are not afraid to take chances in their production.