Mixing engineer and Producer

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

A: If they can get a trial mix for free. Very occasionally I will budge on this if the client seems credible and I know it will benefit us both in the long run. If it is a stranger who has just gotten started in music and is just looking for a free mix then I have to be blunt and tell them no.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I feel the convenience and affordability of digital just cannot be overlooked with it helping a new generation of producers create a living for themselves. I work digitally the majority of the time but I'd be lying if I said I didn't use analogue equipment when I can, there is something about it that is just great to play around with!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being able to work with people who are just as passionate about music as I am. Having the same end goal just makes for a really healthy working dynamic.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For mixing I tend to ask the artist if they have any productions/mixes they especially love so I can get an idea of how they want their project so sounds sonically. From there, I complete the first mix and send it to the artists, we then stay in contact and discuss any revisions they'd like. Revisions are completed until the artist is happy.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: At my home studio I use both KRK Rokit 5s and KRK KNS8400 headphones for monitoring. I have access to a studio with Yamaha NS10s and an Audient mixing desk which I use regularly.

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

A: Songwriters and composers

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

A: Mixing

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on an album with singer-songwriter Tony Walber, producing songs in many different genres from Indie to Grunge.

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

A: That mixing is an 'afterthought' in the production process. Even though a song has to be well recorded in the first place to be good, a bad mix can still take a great song and make it average.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask for them to tell me artists that they like the sound of, whether that be the music or the sonic quality. I then ask what it is they're expecting when they hire me and then we can make sure that we're both on the same page.

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

A: Definitely do some research to make sure you know what the right files you need to send are and make sure if a mixer provides a lists of their requirements for the project then read it and make sure you tick every box!

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

A: Macbook with Ableton live, Apogee interface, an SM7B mic, a guitar and a MIDI keyboard.

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

A: I played in a metal band since I was 16 and then after leaving and studying music production at University I decided I wanted to take mixing and production more seriously. I have now been mixing for artists for a year and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I like my mixes to retain alot of the 'realness' from recordings and try and avoid delivering a product that sounds 'overproduced' while still keep the mix nice and clear. I go for a 'clean yet dirty' approach.

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

A: Yungblood because as someone who listens to all genres of music, being able to work with an artist that also plays different genres of music would be a perfect fit.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When dealing with a 'messy' mix, take it in turns to mute individual tracks. Sometimes the mix will clear up when a certain track is muted and this mean that that specific track probably needs the most work with an EQ.

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

A: Rock or Metal.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Client communication, I pride myself on really listening to any artist wants and taking great strides to achieve them.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I like to add as much energy as I can to a rock or metal mix and make sure it really pumps. For pop or any 'chilled out' music, I like to make sure the vocal really stands out and the emotion from the vocalist is felt.