Mix Engineer

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

A: I co-produced a record with an old band and utilised some really fun guerrilla recording techniques, lots of kitchen equipment used, guitar re-amping in the bathroom etc.. I love getting my hand dirty with that stuff.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm just finishing off mixing record with a longtime colleague, most mixing tweaks were don remote as he has been in Aus which is a challenge but with modern technology anything is possible!

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

A: Nick Tsang, a wonderful human who's impossible to not get on with and even more wonderful musician. Go hire him now.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I believe both can achieve fantastic results. At the end of the day what comes out the speakers is what's important, and the end will always justify the means. That said, analogue can often bring a little magic ;)

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

A: That you will be heard, seen, and receive my full attention while we work together. I like to work collaboratively, and always respect the artists eye view on creative decisions.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The variation, I can be playing in a room with people one day and spending the next doing vocal editing at home, it keeps it fresh!

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

A: That mixing is a science.. (x+y = great mix!), it's not. There are scientific elements to it, but they're only valid if they're used in an artistic way, to enhance the shape and emotion already present.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What kind of feeling they want from their music!

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

A: These relationships are just like any other, you need to have trust and to feel comfortable in communicating honestly with the people you hire. So yes, pick them on their merit, but also pick them based on who you feel comfortable being yourself with, just like a friend.

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

A: Ok, instrument wise it would have to be my Fender Precision, it's not always the bass I take to gigs but it's like comfort food going back to it, a little slice of home.. My great river mic pre is a wonderful accompaniment to any DI'd source (the p bass), and great with mics too which is handy.. For mixing; my pair of Rupert Neve 542 tape emulators have been across every mixbus since I purchased them, what they give feels almost unquantifiable, gluey soft-clipping texture at its finest! My Focal Solo 6's so I can, you know, hear things.. My Shure SM7B, I have other mics, pricier mics for sure, but this guy is just a workhorse!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: To follow music production tips with a degree of caution. It's always nice to hear what works for others, but it is never necessarily the case that it will work for you. Just because someone has an impressive resumé, or creates music you love, it doesn't mean that they know more about your process than you.

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

A: A lot of singer, songwriter style stuff, but with layers and fun textures and stuff. Recently I spent a week doing some fun, syncopated acoustic techno type stuff for a library. It's a real mix!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication. Understanding what people want to achieve, and working collaboratively with them to achieve it!