Recording Studio, Mixing

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

A: Taking The First Step - JP Glovasa. I acted as the producer on this record and eventually signed the artist to my indie label. It was a pleasure to work on as the artist was very in line with my own vision for the record and together we were able to produce a fantastic debut album.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have a short film project that requires me to record and mix dialogue, score and effects as well as a progressive rock band's second album and a two song single for an industrial metal band.

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

A: Not yet.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both have a very relevant place these days. Analog is something our ears have come to love, for good reason, but it's important to understand how to record properly using analog gear. Digital captures the true frequency of sound and helps provide more clarity to a final production. I love and use both.

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

A: To give your art every chance I can with my ear and production skills.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The process involved when working on a song is what excites me. I love bringing life to something.

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

A: I am always asked about where you can take your music after production. I would recommend reading about digital distributors like CD Baby that can help an indie artist reach more fans.

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

A: That you can fix sloppy performances or sounds in post. That's rarely the case.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is this song about? What kind of artists do you enjoy and have inspired this piece? What sound are you trying to achieve?

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

A: Be open to feedback on your music/recording and never be afraid to ask questions.

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

A: An acoustic guitar, UA pre-amp, 1176 compressor, AKG C-214 condenser microphone and a Pro Tools portable rig!

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

A: Being a music producer has always been my ultimate goal. I used to dress up like John Lennon and mime Beatles songs when I was 9 years old and a deeper love for music has grown everyday since then. That means I've been doing this for 20+ years!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am personable, honest and hard-working. Music is in my DNA.

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

A: I don;t have anyone specific in mind but I do love working with an artist that may be new to the experience and requires guidance. I take a lot of pleasure out of teaching an artist to be confident in the studio.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Rehearse your song to death and over analyse all of its parts before you even consider the recording stage.

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

A: It varies for me but rock, pop, metal and country are common.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Working with musicians and talking their language.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a musician myself I often make suggestions for parts, keys, chords, etc. but my biggest influence as a producer is what the song is making me feel. This serves as a consistent guide to getting something down that will last forever. It needs to move me.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Depending on the project and the stage it's in I will always begin my process with the most important part. Is the tune in the right place and ready to record? This is fundamental. Once I am happy with the structure and all the parts work I proceed to tracking with the song style always in mind. For something heavy I use an array of microphones and techniques to ensure the right sound is captured up front. For country or jazz I use a less complicated approach and aim to get more of the room sounds than the instrument a lot of the time.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have access to two full scale studios with fantastic vintage and modern gear as well as my own home studio designed for post and mixing work. I use Pro Tools are my foundry DAW and have a wide range of in the box and outboard gear I utilise.

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

A: I love musicians that are proficient at preparing for studio work and are well rehearsed before recording. Some producers I enjoy are the Dust Brothers, Chris Lord Alge & Rick Rubin.

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

A: I often work on a variety of productions from film dialogue, film scores & film SFX to country, rock, metal & electronic music.