Mix Engineer

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

A: Anything I did with Angelique Kidjo and Lenny Kravitz. Engineering, editing, mixing. I also have great memories of working with 33Hz, their sound 10 years ago is what we hear on the radio now!

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

A: Not yet.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital these days, for ease of delivery and tweaking.

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

A: That I will make them sound good.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It's fun and always a bit different. The studio is a sacred place to me.

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

A: How much does it cost? It all depends, but really, how much is it worth to you?

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

A: That anybody with a laptop and a few plug-ins can do it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: These days I will ask about turn around time. How quick do you need your project done. That will change a lot my approach to managing the project and pricing.

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

A: Make sure you explain the goals for your songs, the mood they are supposed to generate, give examples of other songs you like. Check out my discography.

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

A: ProTools, Shure SM57,Beyedynamic DT-770-Pro headphones,a trackball, and my ears!

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

A: Started as an assistant in Paris [1995], became free-lance in New York[1999], moved to Philadelphia to teach engineering and Production[2007].

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Clear and wide.

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

A: Artists passionate about their music and their sound. The genre doesn't matter as long as they are passionate.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make people feel comfortable in any way shape or form to get the best performance. Lighting is very important. Get nice little lamps around.

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

A: Rock, pop, songwriter. I also love soul and world.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Making a song sound clear and open, with tight bass response.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My sensibility and years of experience.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Evaluation, clean-up, inspiration, execution and delivery.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Very simple in the box Pro Tools setup. Using Universal Audio Apollo Interface. Many plug-ins and virtual instruments.

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

A: Anyone with a passion for great sounding records. My mentors are Nicholas Sansano, Richard Travali and Tony Maserati, all awesome New York based engineers and producers.

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

A: Recording and Mixing