Recording & Mixing Engineer

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

A: I have been making music for 10 years with the last 5 committed to music production. To begin with I wrote / gigged in bands and as a singer-songwriter. Experiencing the performance side of recording definitely influenced my approach. I fell into production by recording the projects I was involved in and then other projects asked me to record them too. Most of my work now is production based but the skills I developed as a songwriter and musician are invaluable.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Working collaboratively with other musicians, singers and writers. It's so nice to share a finished product when there has been a team of people investing time into creating it.

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

A: How much is it to record/mix a song? It really depends on so many factors. Do we need to record in a big studio? Is it just you and an acoustic guitar or a 5 piece band? Is it well rehearsed and musically tight? etc... So get in touch and we'll make a plan that suits you best!

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

A: Recording and mixing are creative roles. Find someone who really hears what you hear from a song and collaborate with them. There is a huge technical element to these roles but if you can find someone who can do all of that and who also shares your vision, it will be a great recording.

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

A: 5 of my favourite albums & their producers feels the most concise way to answer this: Carole King - Tapestry - Lou Adler. Dead, Born & Grown - The Staves - Glyn & Ethan Jones. Scenery - Emily King - Jeremy Most. Grace - Jeff Buckley - Andy Wallace. Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon - KT Tunstall - Howe Gelb.

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

A: I would split my work into two categories: - Live bands / artists: Predominantly 'live' instruments. I have experience recording all commercial styles such as folk, rock, jazz, soul and pop. - Alternative pop artists: Predominantly singers & writers who's production involves more in the box elements such as drum machines & synths. Often the musical elements of the track are built around a chord progression & melody.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Attention to detail.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Pre-production is key for me. I like to spend time listening to demos made of the song, go into rehearsals where possible and workshop the ideas so that the arrangement and songwriting is rock solid before getting in the studio. In this time I also listen to similar artists and decide a production approach.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: In terms of recording I work out of Komplex Studios, Bristol. It has 26 channels of Vintage Neve mic pres, a great microphone collection, great recording outboard, an explosive drum room and extremely versatile recording rooms/areas. I predominantly mix from home where I run both ProTools & Logic X. I use the Yamaha HS7 speakers, Audient Sono Interface and Behringer X-Touch control surface.

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

A: I frequently work closely with bands and artists as a producer. This can include recording, mixing, co-writing and performing on their tracks. Additionally, I work out the most cost effective and time effective approach by preparing recording schedules and hiring the appropriate spaces. I see music production as taking an artists idea, whether it be in the early stages or fully formed, and take it to the place the artist envisions.