Mixing + Production

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Entirely depends on the project itself. Sometimes I'll start with recording scratch tracks, sometimes I've already got a strong idea and just program it in. If I'm editing I tend to listen through completely to get an idea of what I'm working with before I begin editing. From there, it's fairly standard faire.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Most of my sound is routed through a Soundcraft GB4 that I monitor on a pair of JBL LSR308s or Audio Technica M50x' and I've got a rack of EQs that I use for detailed EQing. All of my DAC I/O is handled by either a Tascam US_16x08, or a first gen Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Why not! Analog has a certain vibe and so does digital.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Loose, comfortable, unless it's dialogue editing. Focused on details with an eye for how they influence the total project.

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

A: All sorts. I'm experienced with singer-songwriter for the most part, but I enjoy almost all contemporary genres.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Usually quick ideas and implementation of those ideas. Occasionally I can help with lyrics, but usually I'm better at making a song fit around the lyrics or lead instrument.

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

A: I've been doing audio as long as I've had the capability. I've been sensitive to sound since I was born, and utilize that. My greatest dream is to help others share their music with others.

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

A: I'll do my best to bring you a sound I'm proud of, and if I can't manage that, I won't expect pay.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It's never the same project. There's always some unique variable I get to work with.

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

A: Why should I hire you? Usually my answer is my attention to detail.

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

A: It's all dark magic. It's actually just regular magic, thanks.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who is your audience, and how quickly do you need this done by?

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

A: Be open to answering detailed questions about what you need from me. I like to know exactly what you want out of hiring me, and being left to make bigger decisions doesn't sit right with me for your projects.

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

A: An acoustic guitar, an sm57, an OP1, and some interface and computer with the necessary cables. (and a way of powering it all, of course!)

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

A: Vylet. She puts so much into her music and asks for so little in return, and her work is so detailed and cinematic at times, I'd love to have a project with her on it.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Listen to your projects wherever you can, to get an idea what it'll sound like for all sorts of people. That and sit with the mix for a day after you think you're done.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Critical listening. I have a high sensitivity to odd sounds that folks usually start to filter out when listening for long hours.

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

A: Honestly, smaller artists. Those folks producing hits for a smaller audience out of their apartment tend to be at the top of my playlist.

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

A: Recording and production in general. Editing and bringing out the best sound I can in a project.