Craig J. Smith on SoundBetter

I am a recording engineer, mixer, producer, and musician from Stockton, NJ.

For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with music. I grew up playing guitar and drums in bands. Almost immediately, I began learning how to record the songs I was writing with my bandmates. From recording in my basement to tracking in professional studios, I loved every opportunity I had to practice and learn about the process of making a record. Starting from scratch and finishing with a polished piece of art is an incredibly rewarding venture and it fascinates me every day. After high school, I graduated from Monmouth University, where I studied Music Industry. Still craving more, I went on to attend The Blackbird Academy, where I was mentored by some of the most talented engineers in the world, at the finest studio in Nashville. After graduating and receiving a Platinum Award, I went on to intern at Sputnik Sound, where I gained experience assisting Grammy-winning producers Mitch Dane and Vance Powell. Today, I strive to help artists take the visions in their heads and turn them into high quality recordings that we can both be proud of.

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Credits

2 Reviews

Endorse Craig J. Smith

by Anthony
Great engineer, very knowledgeable about his craft!
by Eva Michaylin
Working with Craig is a wholesome great experience! As a vocalist with a wide range, I can trust Craig to really capture my sound and make my vocals sound exactly as desired. If you're a vocalist looking for someone to truly capture your sound, Craig is the perfect engineer to work with.

Interview with Craig J. Smith

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: ¿Por qué no los dos?
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I absolutely love the creative process! It is an amazing thing to start from scratch and create a work of art that you are proud of.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Always trust your ears. If it sounds good, it is good!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work with a lot of rock, alternative, metal, singer-songwriter, and Americana artists. Although guitar-based music tends to be my specialty, I love working on projects of all kinds.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My personal studio is comprised of an acoustically-treated mix room and a live space, set up for live drums or full-band tracking & live-streaming.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Nolly Getgood, Jens Bogren, Sylvia Massy, Steven Wilson, Geoff Emerick, Machine, and Jamie King are a few of my biggest inspirations, alongside my amazing mentor, Mark Rubel.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most often, I help artists by recording, mixing, and editing their music. I also enjoy performing guitar, drums, or bass on tracks, when requested!