Mixing, Vintage Keyboards

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

A: I certainly love the sounds and process that the big names bring to the game (Michael Brauer, CLA, Al Schmitt, etc), but I'm also inspired by less well-known mix engineers (many of whom are found here on SoundBetter) who deliver incredibly impressive products to their clients at accessible prices. In general I'm inspired more by people's creative approaches to mixing and recording rather than the individuals themselves. I love how differently everyone approaches this work. It's inspiring to see all the different ways people work.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My spirit revolves around a "whatever needs to be done" philosophy. The song is first and foremost in my mind at all times, so even if I'm hired to mix a track, I won't hesitate tracking keyboards or a guitar part (with the permission of the client) to improve the final product. Whatever needs to be done to bring a track to the next level.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Be choosey about what's "big" in a production. In particular, drums usually need to be smaller than you think they need to be. A lot of times people hear "big, huge drum sounds" but they're actually kept fairly under control in the stereo field and the mix. It's important to hear the big picture of a song and think about the elements that actually need to take up the most space and why. Carving out sonic real estate for the important stuff is essential!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Communication is key. I start by hearing the client out in terms of their vision/wishes and what's already been done. I'll ask follow-up questions, use existing reference tracks to determine a path forward, and do whatever is necessary to achieve that vision. Recalls are generally sparsely needed, but I work until the client is happy.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My SSL Sigma Analog Summing Unit is the heart of it all. All tracks head out from Pro Tools to the Sigma where various pieces of analog EQs and compressors are inserted along the way. The mix is constructed and summed in the analog domain (but for the most part saved for easy recall via SSL's Sigma Delta plugins). Monitors are Genelec speakers, Yamaha NS-10s, and Sennheiser HD-600 headphones.

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

A: Mixing! I love the process of hearing tracks with fresh ears and making sounds work together in new and creative ways. Getting a song to the finish line is my speciality and what I want to do in this world. Anything that needs to be done along that journey (editing, tuning, quantizing, etc) is ultimately the responsibility of the person mixing that song, and it's my pleasure to engage in all that work for my clients.