Remote Mixing & Mastering

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: It is vital that everyone who works on the project fully understands the final outcome. I always look for as much detail about the song itself, as well as any ideas the musicians have themselves that they wish to see happen in the mixing stage. Some artists want as little input from the producer as possible, while others may be looking for creativity and assistance within the process. I think it is very important to ask that question and to have an honest answer. It can be very easy as a producer to get too involved, but the clients vision is the most important thing to focus on.

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

A: It's not about how much money you spend on equipment, it's knowing how and when to use it.

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

A: Get in contact! There is no harm in sending me an email with a plan of action, or for some more information/advice. If you don't ask - you don't get!

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

A: Not sure how useful this question is... No electricity, so vast amounts of my gear is useless. I guess large hollow instruments like the Cello so I could fashion a boat from them and make my getaway?

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

A: I studied music production at college about 20 years ago, and was taught the fundamental skills required to record live bands, create music from scratch on a computer, as well as the concepts needed to mix and master. Having owned a simple 8 track as a child, most of the skills I was learning weren't completely new to me and I felt lucky to have an extra understanding of the subject. Since then, I have continued to write my own music and have been mixing and mastering at home. There are plenty of online courses and sound gyms that I have completed over the years as well that have been invaluable. The process has been a continuous one and I don't consider the end to be anywhere in sight just yet. There is always more I can learn!

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

A: Artists such as Dave Grohl or Brant Bjork have already made a huge impression on me. Both started as drummers in well known bands and have progressed to writing and recording their own work, much the same way I did. I would find it very beneficial to work with an artist that has perhaps approached music production from a different angle though. I am always hungry for new information, ideas and concepts.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Most technical aspects of production are overrated - always focus on emotion and energy. A great song that is well recorded will shine, but you can't polish a turd.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I really enjoy working with creative and talented artists. We can all learn so much from each other no matter where we are on our musical journey.

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

A: During my career as a music producer I have worked many genres ranging from acoustic folk, hip hop, reggae, drum and bass, punk, metal, through to grunge and stoner rock.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have been playing drums for 25 years, and have a fantastic sense of rhythm. This basic concept helped me become proficient at many other musical instruments as I grew up. When I studied music production at college it became obvious that this was a massive advantage.

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

A: I have a very eclectic music taste and draw inspiration from many genres across the world. Everything from Cat Empire to Rage Against the Machine. But my main inspiration comes from the desert rock scene with the likes of Kyuss, QOTSA and Truckfighters. I have great admiration for Graham Cochrane, Warren Huart and Dave Pensado in the world of production.

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

A: Aside from mixing and mastering, I have hands on experience composing songs for bands, and a solid knowledge of the recording process.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I give each instrument some space to breathe, clean up muddy mixes, and glue a song together with subtle mastering techniques to create a radio ready track.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: The process of mixing or mastering a track is anything but typical. Every song is unique.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Mixing & Mastering: I mainly use Presonus Studio One on a Dell 7510. Home recording: I record my own tracks using the Tascam DP-008EX. I play using a variety of Ibanez guitars and often use the Vox VT40+ amp.