My mixes will give you clarity and punch in your tracks, while also enhancing the sound and vibe that resonates with your style! As a horn player, I can elevate a song with brass arrangements that breathe life into a verse and create iconic choruses.
I'm a professional mix engineer, trumpet player, and guitarist with a background including national broadway tours, backing singer-songwriters in horn sections, jazz ensembles, and horn section arranging. I love great songwriting as well as mixing and playing on tracks that feature live instruments and catchy melodies.
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Interview with Dustin Beardsley
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I worked on a record with Kim McClay, a new artist based in New York City. I have the privilege of being a member of her band as well. For her debut album, I played trumpet, guitar, co-produced, and mixed the record. Have a listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5dx7VMAeORgPOPylktorj7?si=ZrD9jc9CTKaEqHONWo0hZg
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I approach any new project with patience and a commitment to deliver the most impactful track possible.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Decide the direction you want a track to go sonically, but if elements like a backup guitar line inspire a shift, trust your instincts!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Singer-Songwriter, Rock and, Acoustic
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: As a full-time musician myself, I can really speak the language of the people I'm recording and mixing with, which really helps communication!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The energy of your music brought to life in your mix. I apply years of performance, practice, and listening to guide us to the way your songs deserve to sound. Let’s make your record feel as good as the show!
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: The production team at Audiotree churn out incredible live passes of bands passing through Chicago (check out their Youtube channel!), John Mayer's albums always inspire me with their depth and nuance, Jerry Hey is an amazing horn arranger who's horn lines push the boundaries and elevate the songs they are added to (Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, Al Jarreau, Dirty Loops, to name a few)
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: While I'm typically mixing something new for clients, lately I have also been assisting songwriters in pre-production, that point when you have nearly all of the ingredients to record your track, but maybe need a second set of ears to get it over the finish line.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I mix and record in my home studio using Pro Tools, through an Apollo Twin X and my Mac. For listening, I have JBL Professional monitors, Sony Professional headphones. Companies like UAD, Soundtoys, Waves, and more allow me to color a mix in almost any way I can imagine. When recording, I am equipped with several Warm Audio, Rode, and Shure mics for use on whichever instrument needs to be tracked that day.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I like that everyday my schedule could be completely different and unique from the day before. With the opportunity to work with so many different groups, I'm always learning something new and creating new music!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Listen, Organize, Edit, Color, Energize
I was the arranger, producer, and mix engineer in this production
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $150 per song
- TrumpetAverage price - $150 per song
- Electric GuitarAverage price - $100 per song
- Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $100 per song
I value your input and am happy to offer two revisions on any mix or tracking I send. All versions of a song will be stored in a private folder for your review.
- Pro Tools
- Logic Pro X
- Universal Audio
New Clients, 2-for-1! Mix one track get your second track mixed for free!
