Rock/Metal Guitarist&Producer

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Avid Pro Tools systems; Golden Age Projects Pre-73 and SPL Goldmike mic pre's; AKAI studio monitors; Cubase (for midi drums); Waves, Mellowmuse, SSL, Slate Digital, Toontrack Superior Drummer SD2, Line 6 PodFarm, Celemony Melodyne plug-ins; Gibson Les Paul, Schecter 4 strings bass; Mesa Boogie amplification.

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

A: A few years ago, I worked at the studio with a local band, of which I've become the guitar player, and I was really proud of what we've accomplished. At the time, I bought some microphones and stands for drum mic'ing. I learned some techniques and it became the mixing part I love the most, record and mixing drums.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Some drums tracks I recorded for a local band and a vocal track with a friend of mine.

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

A: Yes, Alex Vantrue. I strongly recommend him, especially on vocals.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I think we all prefer analog over digital, no matter what. The warm and richness it's just divine. But the digital part is also very necessary these days. Trying to reconcile analog with digital is most of the times stressful but overwhelming when we get results.

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

A: Whatever the client asks.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The mixing part: separating, eq'ing and compressing every instrument.

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

A: How long and how much will it take and what recording system do I own (especially the last one).

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

A: Sometimes, after hours of working in a certain mix, I tend to doubt it's quality. Sometimes I need a second opinion.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: If the mix isn't good enough, we can workaround it and assure a better mix. If it ends well, I hope I've gained his/her trust.

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

A: Let's work fast but smoothly, without any pressure but mostly, we can learn from each other.

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

A: SSL would be my first choice. Some Neve eqs and Tubetech compressors, API 2500 and 550 eqs and the latest Avid Pro Tools HD System.

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

A: I became a music producer about 10 years ago. I started to produce my own tracks, recording my guitar and using plug-ins. Over the years, I had the opportunity to work with local bands in rental studios.

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

A: Eddie Kramer, Chris Lord Alge, James Hetfield, Dave Grohl, Corey Taylor

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

A: Mixing, editing, electric guitar and bass player

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Heavy but melodic.

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

A: Dave Grohl, because he's the guru of Rock music.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Keep it simple. Mixing is an art in which there's no limit for our imagination. But the more you invest in a mix, the more complex and difficult it becomes.

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

A: Mostly Rock and Metal

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I tend to work on drums & bass more actively than any other instrument.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: When it's mixed, I like to bring out that wide and open fat tight effect to the song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Usually, I start out with rhythm section, following guitars and possible piano, keys or other effects, vocals come last.