Mixing & Mastering

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: The studio I work out of is centered around an 80 channel SSL 9000 J console, a ton of outboard gear, and a Pro Tools HD system. In tandem, I work out of my home studio as well utilizing some of the finest gear from Dangerous Music, Crane Song, Black Lion Audio, and more.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working with an R&B artist by the name of Kristen Avian. Very talented and a joy to work with.

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

A: Do you tune vocals? Yes I do.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who in the music industry influences you, and what is your intent and influence for this particular song?

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: The ability to not do too much. Not everything needs to be eq'd or compressed. I live with the rough mix and try not to deviate too far from the artists original intent, yet still enhance it in my own special way.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I begin with the clean up process, repairing or removing noise, hum, clicks, pops, etc. Next, if the vocals require tuning/pitch correction I do it and align vocal stacks if needed as well. Next I tackle the balance with eq and dynamic processors. Follow that with some time and spatial effects for width and depth and wrap it all up with some automation for the final touch before going to mastering.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital because of it's recall capabilities and it allows me to travel and work from anywhere.

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

A: If you're not happy, I'm not happy, and I won't be until you are.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to use both my left and right brain.

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

A: The biggest misconception I get as a Mixing and Mastering Engineer is that people have no clue what that is. They think once the beat is produced and the artist records, it goes out to the public sounding beautiful on it's own.

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

A: Listen to the demos.

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

A: Macbook Pro, UA Apollo, Neumann U87, Akai MPK Mini, ATC SCM25A Pro Monitors

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

A: I produced music for ten years, learning everything I could on my own and from mentors. Then I went to school for two years and received my AAS Degree in Engineering. I have been a freelance engineer ever since then for the last seven years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I've been told that my mixes are very clear, detailed, and open.

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

A: Jay-Z hands down. I'm inspired by his journey from where he started to where he is now and the causes he's chosen to elevate with his celebrity.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Study the principles of psychoacoustics and how humans hear. From temporal fusion and frequency masking to the ear's acoustic reflex and Fletcher-Munson curves. It will open your eyes and the results are better arrangements, production, and mixes.

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

A: Hip-Hop, Pop, R&B, Gospel

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my patience and attention to detail.

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

A: Bruce Swedien, Quincy Jones, Timbaland, Dave Pensado, Jaycen Joshua, Teddy Riley

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

A: The majority of my work consists of Mixing and Mastering singles for recording artists, producers, songwriters.