Mix, Master, Produce, Musician

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

A: Aaron James Wright "A Little Stronger". I suppose it’s because I was able to apply myself to the entire process. Production, tracking all instruments (except horns), mixing and mastering. They were little more than a click, acoustic guitar and scratch vocal when we started. Aaron was nice enough to give me complete creative control and permission to take the songs wherever I "heard" them going. We were very pleased with the results. The songs came a long way throughout the process. The positive feedback that we've received after the release made it all worthwhile.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I just finished tracking, mixing and mastering a full length record for Heavy Rock/Stoner/Fuzz band Bonehawk called "Iron Mountain" released on Cursed Tongue Records. Available on streaming, CD, Vinyl. Recently finished tracking, mixing and mastering a full length record for Punk band Thee Elder Gods - "Kill 'Em All". Available on Vinyl, CD, Cassette.

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

A: How did you get sooooo good at what you do? Kidding! They'll ask how I got started doing what I do. I reply with the long story... Guitar player. Bought recorder. Recorded friends. Friends started paying me to record them. Bought more gear. Studio grew. Bought building. Studio and client list continued to grow.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What did you dislike about your last recording experience? How would you like the finished product to sound? Do you have examples? What are you going to do with the recording after it's finished?

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

A: The short version is that I started as a guitar player, taught myself how to record and that grew in to owning and operating my studio full-time. I've been a self-employed studio owner and musician for 25 years.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: In terms of mixing. I like to quickly assemble a rough mix. From there, I begin to dissect, get ideas, see what it needs etc... Make mental notes of which tracks should be boosted/featured throughout the song. I push forward to the next level where I get the "nuts and bolts" out of the way (track routing, bussing etc...) At this point, it begins to transform from a rough mix in to a finished cohesive sounding track. Next, I begin to refine, get creative and detail all the components of the mix. I'll let it sit to refresh my ears, then bounce and listen on different systems to check for consistency. When I hear what I want on all my reference systems, I know it's done.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: There's no "right" answer to this question. Having had experience on both, there are things I like about each. For me, today, it's digital. It works best for me and my client's expectations in terms of budget and workflow. In the end, whatever assists you best in getting the results that you (and your clients) desire is the "right" format for you.

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

A: It's your song, not mine. I'll do whatever it takes to deliver a finish product that you're happy with. It doesn't do me any good to have dissatisfied clients. I want you to come back for the next one!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Every song, mix and recording project is different. It provides a fantastic opportunity to apply my skills and creativity in an art form that I love.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Detail. Excitement. Creativity.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: 1,800 SF space with large live and control rooms, 2 iso booths and full kitchen. I have a versatile collection of high-end mics and preamps for tracking. I use Pro Tools Ultimate with a great collection of plug-ins including Waves, Slate, Brainworx, Izotope and many more.

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

A: I generally work on full album projects with artists from start to finish - tracking, mixing and mastering.