Tuning, Mixing and Mastering

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

A: I just recently did some recording, vocal tuning, production, mixing and mastering for my local church and their Easter service. They featured 2 live choir songs, and 3 full band songs recorded in a studio, then played over like a music video. I am proud of the work I completed on this and I think it turned out great.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on a year long project with a duo called "Mother lion". They are releasing 1 song per week this year. A crazy and awesome goal! So far, it is going great! Each song is completely different and their fan base is growing because of this unique approach.

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

A: No, not at the moment.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. I find that there is a smaller learning curve so I get to learn about more, quicker. There is also less that can go wrong with digital, less cables, and a lower buy in point.

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

A: My promise is that I will elevate your art to a place where you feel confident and excited to share it with the world.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the complexity of problem solving within mixing and mastering as well as the creative discovery in new, unique sounding music.

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

A: Can you fix this one part? The answer is almost always yes! Unless there is a problem with the actual recording, I don't mind editing within reason. I want your sound to be perfect.

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

A: Many times mixing is seen as just moving a fader up and down, when it requires a deeper knowledge of compression, eq, reverb and a whole tool box of other things to make a great mix.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your timeline? Do you have any reference tracks? Is this a part of a larger project? What is your primary goal with this project?

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

A: Start a conversation with your provider, they can probably answer any questions you may have or point you in the right direction. We're here to help!

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

A: Mac Pro, Warm Audio mic, Fab Filter Bundles, Martin guitar, my favorite speakers.

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

A: I have been working in music for about 15 years, officially mixing and mastering for 5. I have always loved gear and working in bands or with artists, but recently I have had the chance to grow on my own, and I am loving every second. Some of my family are making music and my goal is to help them achieve success and meet new likeminded artists and create things that sound beautiful.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is limitless, I find joy in almost every style of music.

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

A: I would love to work with modern pop and artists that want to push their creativity to their fans. I love hearing new sounds and fitting them into a palatable package.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I have found that less is usually more in mixing. The ear can only handle so much at once, yet you want the song to be listened to multiple times and have the listener experience a sense of discovery every time. Riding that fine line is crucial.

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

A: I usually work on Pop and live performances (usually rock/Christian worship for some of my clients). I have been branching out into trap, rap, and EDM.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is sound matching and tuning. I truly appreciate attention to detail in the music I love, and I try to bring that to the table when I work with my clients.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a new perspective and a detailed knowledge of engineering. I know how to solve some of the hiccups in my clients sons and i am able to achieve their desired effect.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start by checking any reference tracks my client may have to get in their head space. I then take a critical listen to the track to see where I need to start mixing first. I usually keep detailed notes and slowly mold the track to what the artist wants over the course of 2-3 mixing sessions so I always have a fresh ear on the piece.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Right now I utilize an Apollo Twin X and software based plugins to save space. I run two Yamaha HS8's and monitor on other outboard speakers when mixing. I primarily work in Logic Pro X, as most of my clients find it the easiest to work with.

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

A: I mostly melodyne, mix, and master for my clients. I spend most of my time mixing, but I am very proficient at Melodyne (vocal tuning) and mastering.