BlackStaffordStudios (John) on SoundBetter

Take a listen to my portfolio and see if it’s the sound you’re looking for!

Hi, I’m John, the engineer behind Black Stafford Studios.

I mix heavy, punchy, modern records with clarity, impact, and emotion.
If you want your track to hit harder, feel wider, and sound radio-ready without losing its character, you’re in the right place.

I’ve trained under top-level engineers, including pro mixing seminars at Noble Street Studios in Toronto, and I bring that same level of detail to every project.
My workflow blends classic techniques with modern tools to ensure your mix translates everywhere.

What You Get When You Work With Me
• A clean, powerful, well-balanced mix that competes with major releases
• Punchy drums, tight low end, and a wide, controlled stereo image
• Clear, present vocals without harshness
• Fast, friendly, professional communication

Genres I Specialize In
• Rock
• Metal
• Metalcore / Post-Hardcore
• Pop-Rock
• And whatever new genre you’ve just invented

Why Artists Work With Me

I understand artists. I’m not here to change your vision, I’m here to elevate it.
I work quickly, communicate clearly, and keep you updated every step of the way.
My mission is simple: to make your music hit as hard as it deserves to.

Let’s Make Something You’re Proud Of

Send me your rough tracks, and I’ll show you what they can become.

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

Credits

Endorse BlackStaffordStudios (John)17 Reviews - 3 Repeat Clients

by Alex Krotz
Verified (Client)
John was great to work with, awesome sounding stuff and great communication!!
by Chris Wallace
Verified (Client)
It was fantastic to work on a great rock tune with John from Black Stafford. A well crafted song and clear communication made for a smooth job!
by Erik S.
Verified
It was such a pleasure working with John. He really took his time to understand what I wanted from the mix. He nailed it right away!!
by Gavin K.
Verified
He gave me a mix beyond my wildest expectations. He was very polite and communicative. John is definitely my go to guy when it comes to mixing! 10/10
by Remy S.
Verified
I contacted John for another song and yet again he sent me the perfect results back in no time. My song sounds amazing now, he outdid himself again!! I will definitely keep coming back to him for more mixes!
by Erik S.
Verified
John did an amazing mix in 2 days time. I couldn't be happier with the results, this will definitely help me & my band! Don't think about it just hire this guy!
by Gaetan
Verified
Awesome mix, punchy drums and a good overall balance in the mix.
Mixed with the right attitude that the song needed.

I'm coming back to John for sure for the next mixes
by Remy S.
Verified
For the second time, John did an amazing job! I got the mix back quickly and very good. I certainly will be returning with future songs!
by Remy S.
Verified
Wow its incredible how much of a difference it makes if your song is mixed! What an amazing mix from a very talented engineer. I would certainly recommend him!
by Marco Meijer
Verified
John is easy to communicate with. He seems to quickly understand what you are looking for. Furtermore he works fast and delivers quality. He nailed it the second mix but who delivers the final mix in the first attempt right?! Great job John I will surely come back
by Gaetan
Verified
What an amazing track I've got. From the boring stems to a very lively mix and very fast service. John mixed my track to perfection, thanks mam, couldn't be happier!
by Andres Mayo
Verified (Client)
Working with Johnzo was the most pleasant experience; we communicated often and achieved a great result in no time. Hope we continue working together!
by Andres Mayo
Verified (Client)
Thanks John for trusting me your music once again, it has been a real pleasure to work with you. You couldn't be nicer. Cheers!
by Gosteffects
Verified (Client)
Great working with John. Looking forward to working together more in the future!
by Andres Mayo
Verified (Client)
Clients like John are really hard to find. Extremely kind and easy to work with. A 5-star experience, no doubt about it.
by NT Martin
Verified (Client)
John came to me with a great song. Cool lyrics, great melody and wonderful production overall. He let me bring things to the table and work with a lot of freedom. I believe that the result is great and can't wait to finish the final version. I'm really looking forward to working with John again.
by Andres Mayo
Verified (Client)
Working with John was a pleasure! He delivered a very interesting mix and we communicated often, achieving a great end result in no time. Looking forward to collaborating with him again.

Interview with BlackStaffordStudios (John)

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I’ll treat your music with the same care and attention I give my own. Clear communication, fast turnaround, and a mix that serves the emotion of your song.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: • What are your reference tracks? • What feeling do you want the song to evoke? • How finished is the production?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Listen to their previous work and choose someone whose sound inspires you. Communication is everything, pick someone who understands your vision and works with you, not just for you.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: One Auratone 5C, a solid MacBook, an SM7B, an interface, and good headphones. With that setup you can mix anything anywhere.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I’ve been producing and mixing for several years, starting with my own projects and gradually building into a professional service. Over time I invested in training, gear, and workflow refinement to offer competitive, radio-ready mixes.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock, metal, metalcore, emo, and alternative, anything with real energy, guitars, and emotion.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Balance. I’m great at carving space so every instrument is heard without fighting the arrangement, and I’m fast at getting mixes to sound powerful without being harsh or cluttered.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Punch, width, emotional impact, and clarity. My goal is for every song to feel alive. Big low-end, defined midrange, and vocals that sit perfectly in the pocket.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’m heavily inspired by mixers like Andy Wallace, Chris Lord-Alge, and Jordan Valeriote. I love the combination of clarity, punch, and energy in their work, and I aim for that balance in every mix.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most of my work revolves around mixing and enhancing modern rock, metal, and hard-hitting alternative tracks. Clients usually come to me when they want their song to hit harder, feel wider, and translate well on every system without losing the emotion of the performance.