Mixing, Mastering, Composing

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

A: Probably ''The Boys from Ferriday" by Jimmy Swaggart and Jerry Lee Lewis. I was the assisting engineer on the album. Getting to be part of that album with two people that have been in the industry for so long made me realize I can do this with anyone. This was also the last album that Jerry Lee Lewis would ever record.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: a Country song! Of all things haha. While helping someone else write music for a country song I got inspired to write one myself.

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

A: I don't know anyone yet, but thats because I'm new here.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I love harmonic and dynamic sound created by analog gear. There is some great software out there but there is nothing like running your song through actually physical elements from the earth. Digital is great, because its super quick, and you have to the ability to use your own presets.

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

A: I will never disrespect you art.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being creative and getting inspired. I love new sounds and trying to new things.

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

A: Can I send you a project to look at? I need some advice. Yes! I don't mind looking over a project if you are having issues or need some advice.

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

A: That I can fix poor performance or poorly recorded tracks. If something sounds bad when you record it, you should rerecord it. I also can't take a stereo file, and split all the different elements and instruments of that file into different tracks.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Whats is the project. What services are you requesting (mixing/mastering, writing, editing, adding instruments). Can I pitch correct vocals if needed?Do you need background vocals added? Can I use drum replacement if needed? Do you have any preferred file format or LKFS level. Would you need an instrumental.

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

A: Be detailed in your requests. Song references are helpful. Try to be organized with your file managment/ audio clips. Ask questions.

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

A: Audient ASP8024-HE Console Antelope Orion 32+ Manley reference mic Jackson Soloist guitar MAC computer with RAM for days (maybe the island had internet)

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

A: I started in my teens playing guitar and recording myself on an eight track Tascam or maybe it was a Fostex. I cant remember. I did that for years before going to school and the Conservatory of Recording Arts in Sciences in Gilbert, Az. From there I went to work mixing for television and have been doing that for the last ten years. I've also worked with musicians on the side writing, editing, and mixing.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Old School work flow, new school sound

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

A: Trivium, Soilwork, Evergrey. Each of these bands make great music. They are all highly skilled musicians and are known to be perfectionist in the studio.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Balancing faders first during the mix will get you the most of the way there.

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

A: I usually work on Rock, Heavy Metal and HipHop. Its what I grew up on and what inspires me the most.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Probably writing melodies. I like to make earworms.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I like to make it memorable. I want you to be able to hum it back to me after one listen.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Mixing: Listen to the song first. Try to get a basic balance of everything. Then I edit drums, instrument, and vocals where needed. Pitch correct vocals. Use EQ, compression, and FX where I see fit. Use so automation to give it some life. Mastering: Try to balance and address any issues on the frequency spectrum. Control the dynamics without destroying them. Make your mix sound bigger with MS or Spatial treatment without causing phase issues. Give you my perspective, and make your song as competitive as possible.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I mix in the box (for now) on a Mac. I use Avid Pro Tools with thousands of dollars worth of plugins from Waves, Plugin Alliance and others. I use Yamaha Hs speakers to monitor. I record through an Audient interface with mics from Shure and Lauten Audio. I have various electric and acoustic guitars to write with.

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

A: Andy Sneap, Colin Richardson, Tue Madsen, Josh Wilbur, Jens Bogren, Jason Suecof

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

A: Mix and Master is what I do most, but I also write music, and edit music and sound for film.