Producer, Mixer, Songwriter

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Hybrid. There is no doubt that the workflow advantages that come with digital are great. However, I believe that at some point you need to run the tracks through something analog, where the voltages run on the same wires, through the same transformers to get something that really sounds natural.

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

A: I think many people think that mixing is just bringing up the faders and adding some effects. Its a lot more than that. You have to have a vision of what the song can be and make it the best version possible.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Have they tried arranging the song different ways? have they played it live? are they really happy with the version they want to record/mix?

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make sure that the core of the song is strong and that the parts around the core are playing the song and not pulling the listeners interest away.

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

A: Rock, Pop, Acoustic

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a multi-instrumentalist and a fan of good arrangements I can bring a clear perspective to a song. I can evaluate parts and ask the questions about what they contribute to the overall track. Sometimes the artist is too close and "falls in love" with a particular lick or sound and it may or may not gel with the song. Part of my job is to help evaluate alternatives so that the artist is happy not just the week after the mix but a year after too.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For mixing I like to start with the vocals and the beat. Once I get that working together, pretty much in mono, then I bring in the other instruments around that. This gives a great perspective to songs because if the vocal and beat are right .. then the mix is right :-)

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am currently building a new studio in Dublin that will house all my mixing gear plus a live room to be able to do the full end-to-end process. Meanwhile I can Produce and Mix. I have a Rupert Neve Designs 5060 which gives mixes a great "mixed on a console" sound. I also have a pretty complete set of UAD plugins with 2 Apollo 8 interfaces, Adam A7X monitors and a growing list of outboard gear.

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

A: I like good music, well recorded regardless of style.

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

A: I do a lot of styles, from Pop to Rock and some acoustic work