Producer and Engineer

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

A: I keep most of my clients as confidential as possible, but I can talk about an album I recently released on my own label. On March 6th I released Architects of a Broken Design's, "Total Collapse". This started as a band with my friend and I almost 17 years ago. We flew coast to coast and went through some difficult personal challenges while recording this, but in the end I think the album came out exactly how we envisioned and is an appropriate comment for what we are currently going through with the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on a children's album.

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

A: Not that I know of. I'm new.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both...it's 2020.

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

A: I'll do everything I can to serve the song and interpret your vision.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to help someone take their dream to the next level.

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

A: Can we do _________? "Sure, let me change this around real quick and I'll be ready in a moment".

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

A: I only do metal or rap music.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are you listening to, who's this song for and where do you imagine playing it live?

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

A: Please reach out!

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

A: SM7B, MacBook Pro, UAD Apollo Twin, Midi controller, SG

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

A: I started as an assistant engineer in Philadelphia, worked my way to Studio Manager/Composer in New York and then full time Engineer in LA. I've been doing this for close to 18 years and have ran my company Wreckin' Joint Productions for 13 of them.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Dirty and punchy!

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

A: Someone no one has ever heard. All of my heroes are gone :-/

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Close your eyes, use your ears.

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

A: HipHop and Rap

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is being a problem solver. Whether it's a problem with the mix or a piece of gear, I will always find a resolve without taking too much of the clients time.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring my own unique take to songs. I've worked in a variety of capacities and genre's through my career. I've worked on underground metal albums, Top 40 Pop records as well as film and television.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Every session is different and I take a very relaxed approach to things. As long as the foundation and organization are solid, your session should be completed with ease!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a private studio in Long Beach California. I'm running a fully loaded 2019 Apple Mac Mini and a fully loaded 2015 MacBook Pro. I have Rupert Neve, Amek and API mic pre's and dynamics as well as a heavily modified Allen and Heath 24 Chan. System 8 Desk. I monitor with Adam A8's (and Sub 12), Avantone Active Mix Cubes as well as various consumer speakers for reference. I have a large variety of guitars, basses and percussion, an early 90's Yamaha organ, many hand made synths and a long list of plugins.

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

A: Aesop Rock, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Vince Staples, Candiria, Run the Jewels, Code Orange

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

A: Tracking and Mixing