Prog Rock and Metal Producer

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

A: I suppose as a younger musician I used to assume that certain producers were only interested in putting their stamp on the music, whereas now I realise that the best producers should be invisible and work with the artist to getting it to sound just how they want it to sound.

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

A: The first question is nearly always how much I charge for mixing and mastering haha! Of course it varies depending on the scope of the project, the length of the tracks, the complexity of the arrangements. But I always aim to be accommodating to the client's budget!

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

A: My Mac. Sennheiser HD650 headphones. My JP 7 guitar and RME interface. Does a jack cable and pick count as gear? :)

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

A: Anyone striving to be original :)

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: The desire to make it rock!

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

A: I am proud of all my projects, but in terms of production, it was probably my first project working as a mixing engineer for another band. There had been some major issues in the recording process and through some serious hard work, editing, re-amping, sample replacement etc. I think the production turned out pretty well in the end (IMHO ;)).

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both have their merits. Analog is great for 'warmth', but digital is certainly more flexible and 'powerful' when it comes to sound processing.

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

A: I work to serve you. I am always listening to your feedback. I will always provide the very highest level of communication and service.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Versatile. Clean. Somewhere between classic and modern :)

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a typical setup for a mixing and mastering studio. I mix in Logic Pro X through some KRK Rokit 5s that have been calibrated using Sonarworks. I use my Sennheiser HD650s for fine details.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Preparing for a recording session with a local psychedelic rock band.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Every project is different. I love listening to other people's creations and helping bring the best out of their music.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What vibe are you going for?

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

A: When thinking about the sound you are looking for, do try and provide some examples of reference recordings so we are on the same page to begin with.

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

A: I started out in the music industry as the guitarist and songwriter for To-Mera in 2005. I recorded and released 3 albums with the band. I was also the bassist in Haken from 2007-2013 and did 3 albums with them as well. Since stepping back from touring, I have been quietly working on my mixing and production skills and now offer them as a professional service.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't try to mix your music whilst recording haha! You'll never finish :)

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

A: Rock, metal and alternative music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start by finding out exactly what the client is looking for, sonically-speaking, and researching any relevant recordings and productions. I then

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

A: Currently I'm obsessed with the production on H.E.A.T.'s most recent album. I believe the mixing was done by Tobias Lindell.

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

A: I specialise in mixing and mastering material that has been recorded by artists in their home studios/ garages/ garden sheds/ bedrooms etc and working hard to make it sound like it was professionally recorded.