mastering, production, session

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I do digital mastering

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

A: I worked on several projects at the art institute using experimental studio techniques, and one where I used an old Moog modular synth. I learned how to use DAT and A-DAT machines, Protools, a Mackie mixer. Times have changed and I don't usually use that stuff anymore, but I am proud to say I have a basis in traditional recording setups. I have even used a 4 track reel to reel doing some dub experiments.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on an album called Rooms that features the sounds of a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, a living room, a rehearsal space, and a deck. I amplify, eq, and distort these sounds making them sound interesting and/or at times, terrifying!

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

A: I am new to this site.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I like both. Sometimes if a track is sounding overly harsh or digital, a bounce to tape is welcome. Doesn't always need it though. I have done plenty of mastering using only digital tools.

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

A: We will arrive at a solution that best suits your needs, tailored to your own tastes.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It has always been my dream to work in music production, so I am living my dream.

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

A: How long will it take? Usually within a week.

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

A: that it is easy and fun, it is not easy and not always fun.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are your goals for this track? How do you want it to sound? Where was it recorded?

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

A: You would be helping out someone not associated with a big studio and I will give you the full attention you need to achieve the best results.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: your track should have dynamics while not being overproduced

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

A: rock, metal, jazz, experimental, electronic

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I will tune a track almost like someone would tune a guitar or drumset. The mastering process is important and all elements need to be working together.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I will breathe life into the song and won't leave your performances sounding flat.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I tailor a process for each track depending on the recorded material and the goals of the artist.

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

A: justin k broadrick, mike patton, autechre, aphex twin, prince, rob crow, steve austin... all the guys who do it all.

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

A: mastering work

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

A: mic, daw, laptop, speakers, headphones

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

A: I graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago's Sound Dept and have been working in recording, live sound, production, and mastering ever since.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: vivid and lively and tailored to each track

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

A: I'd work with anyone who loves what they do.