Brad Heck is your go-to professional for putting the finishing touches on your record. With over four decades of experience in the music industry, Brad specializes in mixing, producing, and adding instrumental parts that elevate your tracks to the next level.
Brad Heck's musical philosophy centers on capturing the essence of emotion and balance in every project he undertakes. With over four decades of experience in mixing, Brad's approach goes beyond technical proficiency to focus on the heart of the music.
Brad believes that the core of a great mix lies in drawing out the real emotion that went into the recording. His primary attention is on the band and singer, aiming to achieve the right balance that brings the music to life. This emotional connection to the material sets Brad apart in his mixing process. Balance is the essential element of a great mix.
Throughout his career, Brad has worked across a wide spectrum of genres, from classic country and jazz to hard-hitting rock and metal. This versatility has allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of different musical styles and how to best serve each genre's unique requirements.
Brad is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, particularly noted for his guitar and bass work, bringing an extra layer of musicality to the projects he works on. His instrumental contributions are characterized by their uniqueness and ability to enhance the overall sound and make the song breathe.
Brad's passion for music is evident. He approaches each project with enthusiasm, viewing it as an opportunity to "dance" with the music.
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Languages
- English
11 Reviews
Endorse Brad Heck
check_circleVerified (Client)The Best!
check_circleVerified (Client)Thank you, Brad, for trusting in us again! This has turned out to be a superb partnership and we look forward to our next project together.
check_circleVerified (Client)Exceptional producer, incredible sound!
- check_circleVerified (Client)
Another great moment working for Brad. He makes things so easy and nice that you really wish all clients were like him. Great guy, a pleasure to work with!
check_circleVerifiedBrad is a top notch guitar player who is professional in all regards. He is very responsive and gets the job done quickly. His guitar parts are always unique, fit perfectly, and make my songs sound so much better!
check_circleVerified (Client)Brad sent all the materials I needed to get this work done quickly. The song was nice to listen to which made it an enjoyable experience!! :)
- check_circleVerified (Client)
Working with Brad was great. As always, he was very communicative and patient throughout the entire process. Looking forward to collaborating with him yet again!
check_circleVerified (Client)Thank you, Brad, for trusting in us again! This has turned out to be a superb partnership and we look forward to our next project together.
- check_circleVerified (Client)
Another fabulous project with Brad. His mixes are always on-point and his communication is fast and professional.
- check_circleVerified (Client)
Brad is a really nice person, aims for excellence and does as much as he can to pursue it. He is also really kind and patient. A real pleasure to work with. 5 stars.
- check_circleVerified (Client)
Working with Brad was great. He was very communicative and patient throughout the entire process. Looking forward to collaborating with him again!
Interview with Brad Heck
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm producing guitarist Dan Neale on a classic country album that captures his unique Chet Atkins and Merle Travis style playing.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. I tend to cut parts with analog gear and mix in the box
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Traditional Country, Rock, and ragged Southern Rock
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Balanced Perspective: knowing "what not to do" in a mix, which is as important as knowing what to add. This wisdom helps in maintaining the song's essence while polishing it for commercial success
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: LIFT was a great LP because it involved so many high profile musicians. It was a joy to have them all on a project, even though it was Covid time and everybody worked from home. Having top line talent on the record made it a real joy to mix. Ricky Peterson, Lenny Castro, St Paul Peterson, Travis Toy, Joey Finger, Josh Shilling and JP DeLaire all appear on that LP. All of them have vast studio and touring credits, and although I was the artist, I was definitely the weakest in the band!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've always lived in a recording studio. More than 40 years now, on analog and digital. I started as a touring guitarist but was taken in by some hippies that owned a Westlake designed studio in the middle of Iowa. I watched, listened and learned how to construct records there. After 15 years of touring I came back there and began an independent producer/engineer phase of life, while building an instrumental catalog that is still in heavy use today. I wrote and recorded over 1000 pieces during that time, while helping songwriters and bands complete their vision in the studio. My mixing gained traction and I found myself doing FOH in the Midwest for events and mixed some great rock bands including Blue Oyster Cult, Quiet Riot, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Rick Derringer, Loverboy, Molly Hatchet, Marshall Tucker Band and many others. I always ended up having to solve the most difficult problems for our network, which turned out to be taxes. I now do Business Management for several artists and take care of their financial lives.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I've never had a job.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What records do you think sound great? Is there a common theme that makes those stand apart?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Hire the sound you hear on the demo, and let them be who they are.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: straightforward
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I'd love to spend a day with Bob Clearmountain just to soak up his vibe.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Par it back to the song and the emotion. Then build to support that. It's not about the players, it's about the song.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Knowing what not to do. Following up and being trustworthy.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Listen. Feel. Get a sound. Once I get the right sound, the part almost plays itself.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Harrison Mixbus 32C. I owned the original analog console and love what they have done with the software. Custom Metz Amplifier (dumblish) Fender, Gibson, Alembic Ovation guitars. LA-610 and a Neumann U47FET get most of the work done here.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Larry Carlton, Albert Lee, Rick Ruben, Bob Clearmountain, John Leventhal
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Brad Heck is a highly experienced professional in the music industry, known for his comprehensive approach to recording projects. His work primarily involves mixing, producing, and playing instrumental parts, with a focus on enhancing the emotional impact of a song.
I was the Mix Guitar Bass Mastering in this production
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $500 per song
- Electric GuitarAverage price - $100 per song
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $100 per song
1 revision. Allow a week turnaround, but I try to work much faster than that.
- Bob Clearmountain
- Larry Carlton
- John Leventhal
- Mix in the box with Mixbus 10 Pro. Cut in the best studio for the task.
