Mixing & Recording Engineer

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Instead of focusing on what sounds cool, focus on what sounds right. For an example, when layering multiple pianos/synths together, first group them, then pull up a spectrum analyzer so you can analyze which area of the sounds is hot spot. Let's say it's around 900hz-1.5khz is where the pianos sound mushy and cramped. Afterwards, you'd want to EQ out the frequencies in each piano track that overlap each other so that you're able to achieve, not only more brightness/clarity, but tonal balance within the mix.

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

A: I find myself typically working in RnB or Hip-Hop. To be more specific, I like the sounds used in TrapSoul type of beats and West Coast "Bounce" elements. I've listened to RnB and Hip-Hop my whole life so combining both of these genres' qualities and similarities has helped improve my sound library when it comes to production and post-production.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my mindset and work-ethic in anything. Coming from an athletic, competitive background, I know what it takes to carry the team into a win even if you're losing. My determination and ambition in this music industry is what probably separates me from others in my niche. Moreover, there's nothing in this world that I see myself doing besides this music stuff. I love doing this with all of my heart and I want to continue to inspire others with my success.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I focus on creating a vibe or emotion with a song. Without these two, I feel like the track is lifeless as if we barely even tried to create an actual track. However, focusing on creating a certain tonality, ambience, and "mood" on a track, you're able to communicate the artistic side of the song to the listener. On top of all of these comes quality. Quality is a factor that is determined by the people in the post-production phase. Yes, 80% of the work is done in the recording process but that 20% is thee most important part of any track. I, as an engineer, have the ability to make or break a record.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My workflow varies from time to time. Some days I'll be listening to a song in the car and find inspiration off that. Other days are spent mostly in front of Ableton just experimenting with sounds, chords, etc. I am a person that likes to set deadlines for things, so typically I give myself a 5-6 day working period where I'll spend a good amount of time working on a track. However, when working with artists, I go by their schedule and what they need at a specific time or day.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup at home is currently 2 Rokit 5 monitors, a Focusrite interface, AT2020 microphone, and a 2018 MacBook Pro. I still have a beginner-like budget type of setup, but generally, I like to book out studio sessions around my area for their high-end equipment and environment that home studios don't usually have.

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

A: I look up to almost about anybody who's better than me in this industry. To me, there's no age or skill level that dictates what category of talent you're in. BUT, one of my top favorite engineers has got to be Derek Ali. His ambition, passion, and work ethic is undeniably a solid example of what kind of drive you need to be successful in this industry. As far as artists/musicians, I really love listening to Summer Walker/Bryson Tiller type of artists. I'm also a fan of hip-hop/rap specifically artists like BLXST, P-lo, and Shoreline Mafia. I enjoy paying attention to the drums and vocals in these type of genres because it's what stands out the most in every mix.

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

A: My work varies from the production process to the post-production side of music. However, I find myself working more in the post-production process because I like to tweak and adjust the elements of a song, rather than create it generally.