Stefan Farrer on SoundBetter

Mix and Mastered my own extended project. Have been songwriting for 10 years. I take an artistic and creative approach to mixing and mastering.

Having had experience being a recording artist myself, I take a very creative, experimental yet experienced approach to mixing and mastering which allows for the songs I add my twist to, to stand out, compete with radio singles and thrive the test of time. I love the level at which a good mix can bring a song and I love the escapism it can provide once the right touch has been added to the piece. As an artist I understand what makes a performance stand and what makes a mix separate itself from other songs.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

1 Reviews

Endorse Stefan Farrer

by Paul H.
I started working with Stefan in January 2022 to work on an album. I came into the studio with little experience and was working with him until December 2022. I left with an album and a handful of knowledge and experience in the music industry. I learned how to use my voice, and how to work with an engineer. I don’t think I would of wanted to have worked on this project with anybody else. I enjoy his mixing style and think that he’s very unique with the way he engineers a record. If you’re looking to work with someone, work with Stefan.

Interview with Stefan Farrer

Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: RECORD the vocal properly, otherwise we're fixing the vocal not mixing it. The magic is in the midrange for any mix as well. If you can perfect the balance of the midrange the track will sound full, lively and complete.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I've done a lot of work with rappers and singers who sing a lot of rnb so I find myself typically mixing those genres.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My vocal comping, levelling, mixing and mastering are all skills I've honed and perfected over the years.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring the ability to translate ideas to life. I like bringing my own unique mixing effects in the realm of vocals, delays and automation and have so much fun having that freedom to do so if the artist would allow it.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: In the studio, I typically do some vocal exercises with the artist to begin the session, just to warm them up and bring them to be as physically ready as possible to perform. After this we record 4 full takes all the way through for them to get into their rhythm. After this, we do another 2. By the end of this process, we sit side by side and comp the best takes from each take into one vocal. After this we get into layering, harmonizing and adding any adlibs the artist has envisioned. From here I begin levelling the mix, mixing the vocal and instrumental and taking any suggestions from the client. Remotely I begin by labelling each file appropriately for the organization. I open my daw and begin to organize my plugins, sends/busses, and wavs, through colour, names and icons which will help my workflow be fast once I start mixing. At this point, I've asked the client for their vision for this track. What they want to stand out, what they want the "vibe" of the track to be and I begin mixing. Once again I level, leaving room for the master, then mix everything and send a version to the client. If they like it, I'm happy and if they have suggestions of anything they need to be added I revise it immediately.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I currently own two Yamaha HS8's, a Neumann TLM 102 microphone, a Scarlett 2i2 Interface and a Dell G3 gaming laptop.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm very inspired by Rick Rubin as a producer and as a person who is able to bring the best performance out of the artists he works alongside with. He made me understand the value of presence in the studio session and giving the artist the space to find their flow and commit to their artistry. I love Reid Stefan's work as well, he is a wonderful engineer with a great ear. I'm very inspired by Josh Gudwin's vocal mixes and Jack Joseph Puig because of his perspective on the magic being in the mid-range.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I commonly work in the studio with clients, helping them record using vocal exercises I learned through schooling as well as mixing their music alongside them. I've mixed remotely as well, having clients reach out to me via social media and friend referrals to have their singles and projects mixed.