Mastering Engineer, Producer

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

A: Got an opportunity to remix a song for reggae act Stick Figure, it is not being released but it was a lot of fun. The track was unique and I had to work in double time on the metronome in the DAW so that was a new approach but the track came out great and I submitted to them for review. Their management was great to work with and although not all opportunities work out it was a fun project.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Mainly mastering for clients and custom productions for myself and my clients.

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

A: Yes of course. Depends what you're looking for.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio was custom built and consulted by Mike Krewitsky from Professional Sound and Music which used to be a pro audio shop in San Diego. He consulted and built studios like Studio West and The Art Institute of San Diego. Our studio is wired in Mogami cable and has Auralex acoustics through-out the facility. The room is perfectly tuned and we get great sounding recordings and masters at our studio. I run Dynaudio Core59 monitors and two UAD ApolloX Series units.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. They both have their pros and cons.

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

A: To make your master sound distinct.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being in the studio and the rewarding feeling when clients are in awe about their tune.

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

A: "Can you make me sound like....xyz?" - - - "That depends on the quality of the production/recording but we can give it a shot"

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

A: That mastering a track can make the artist a better musician. Mastering can make things sonically better but we do not have control as much control in stereo mastering as the mix engineer. Stem mastering gives me a bit more control but you still want to craft a solid mix before sending stems to me.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I will send you a full sheet of questions to ask yourself before filling out my notes questionnaire. It will get you thinking and give me insight to your project as whole rather than just going right into mastering.

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

A: Hire based on quality of work and professionalism. Credits are one thing but in this business there are more people behind the scenes than in front of it.

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

A: A computer to be able to make music, a midi keyboard (88 fully weighted keys of course), Pultec EQ, API Pre Amp, SSL G Buss Compressor.

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

A: 20 years and do all of the following: Touring DJ > Producer > President of Booking Agency > Ghost Producer > Mastering Engineer.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Distinct.

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

A: To many to mention.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Focus on the details.

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

A: Mainly house music and electronic but I've had all types of genres through the doors of my studio including hip hop, rock, reggae, folk, acoustic music, full bands and more.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ears.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: 20 + years of experience working in the music industry and a distinct sound.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For mastering I like to understand the project, is it a single, EP or album. I like to collect notes from the client along with any reference mixes or previous masters. Once I have an understanding of what you want to sound like I will take a listen and give you some feedback. If I think the recording or the mix down can be better to achieve the desired sound I will let you know. If the mix sounds good I will proceed with mastering the track and send to you for review.

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

A: Rebecca Jade (who I have the pleasure of working with), Christian "Beat" Hirt, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Nirvana, Bob James, Jay Dee, Pete Rock DJ Premier and many many more...

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

A: Mastering is the most common thing I do for outside clients. I can master many different genres of music. Other than mastering I have clients that I ghost produce for and occasionally I will mix or assist clients with their productions.