Allround Studio Guy

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: This question is obsolete. The debate was relevant 10 years ago. But nowadays you can get a good sound with either. And since my workflow is better with digital, my result are better with digital.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love that I can create something artistic. Because that's what it is; we're working on a piece of art. It might not be my own song, but everyone involved needs dedication and attachment.

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

A: If I were on a deserted island, I would want a few instruments to pass the time with. No need to record anything if you're alone. Just playing some instruments and being happy.

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

A: I'm in the recording and mixing business since 2012, but I have been a professional musician since 2001 and work as a drum teacher since 2004. Nowadays most of my time is spend in the studio.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: While the gear is one of the fun things in this business, you should consider that part a hobby. It's all about getting the source the way you want it to sound in the eventual product, and that's the work! That said, I was simple astonished when I upgraded my converters to Antelope Orion 32, as if hearing sound for the very first time! Everybody should be able to hear music that way.

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

A: Rock, Pop, Jazzy stuff, and old school hiphop and punk.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I just want to work hard and be nice. And I'm very punctual. If I say I will deliver, I shall. I don't like it when people have to wait for me. I'm not important enough for that, haha.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Getting the sound right at the source! Then finding a way to record it in a compelling way at suits the song. For mixing I always start with what gives me the best impression of the song. Sometimes that's the vocal, sometimes the drums, bass, a guitar, or something else entirely.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Though I've got an awesome GS-R24M motorized mixing desk, I use my external preamps most of the time. I've got some great ones like the Universal Audio LA-610 and 4-710d, the Warm Audio WA12 and of course my beautiful Neve 1073. The desk works more as a summing and routing box for me. I use the awesome Antelope Orion 32+ converters, which makes everything sound so clear and detailed. And in the box (with Pro Tools 12) I have plugins by Slate Digital, Fabfilter Pro, Universal Audio, SoundToys and more of that. But of course it starts with a microphone. I've got a pair of Coles 4038's, Slate VMS, and more stuff by AKG, Shure, BeyerDynamic, and so on.

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

A: Musicians: Sun Ra, John Coltrane, Fela Kuti, Sunny Murray, Moondog, Brian Blade, Brant Bjork, Ane Brun, ad many others. Engineers: Eric Sarafin, Dave Pensado, Butch Vig, John McBride, Sylvia Massy, and many others! So many talents and experienced people in this business, it's hard to not be inspired all the time!

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

A: I'm mostly a mixing engineer these days. I just love to go into that tunnel of mixing until I see the light, haha. But recording is always fun and far more a social experience and team effort. I love to do that as well.

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

A: Customer: "Can you make us sound like that band?" I: "Well, do you sound like that?" Customer: "No, not yet..." I: "Keep practicing and get some good gear, because your going to sound like what and how you are playing."

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

A: Provide me with a soundboard which has a couple of songs that you feel have a great arrangement or mix and tell me what you like about it. Also give me some examples of what you don't like. That gives me some clues about your vision, because I want you to be happy with the result!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I like to bring out the human part in the music. I want instruments to sound organic, live or even raw and distorted. But naturally, it's all about what the song needs and what the artist or producer wants.