Mix for Country, Pop, and Rock

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: If I have to go with just one, I would go digital any day. The convenience and flexibility of digital just can't be beat.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love being able to hear the difference of before and after the mixing process. Though many artists and producers hate having to worry about mixing, I absolutely love it. Taking raw tracks and making them sound like a record never gets old.

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

A: I feel that nowadays people think that all recording and production mistakes can be "fixed in the mix". While mixers definitely have the responsibility of improving the sound of a track and making it sound like a record, I feel like people often use this is an excuse to skimp on quality in the recording and producing stages. The better the recorded tracks sound, the better the mix will sound!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I love to hear all about my clients' journeys. What have they been through? What are their goals for their music? What direction do they hope to take the music they are currently working on?

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

A: I'd definitely stress the importance of listening to work that the provider has done before. Do you like their end results? Would you be happy if your music ended up sounding like that? Secondly, I definitely recommend reaching out and having a legit conversation with the provider if possible. Do they seem like someone you would enjoy working with? Do they seem like someone you can relate to?

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

A: Give me a laptop, an interface, my monitors, and a few plugins and I'll survive!

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

A: I've been in the music industry for about 4 years now. I studied Commercial Music with an emphasis in Audio Engineering in college, and became the head engineer and studio manager at the recording studio on campus before graduating. I've since moved to Nashville, Tennessee in order to be more involved in the country music scene here. I have experience working both in amazing commercial studio facilities as well as in smaller project studios.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Some engineers claim to have a certain "sound" or "style" to their mixes. Though I think this is great, I also like to think that I just give each individual song what it needs. If its a country song in need of lots of compression, then that's what it'll get. If I'm working with a more stripped-down singer-songwriter track that needs the lead vocal to be up front and intimate, then that's what I'll give it.

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

A: I would love to work with Rascal Flatts one day. I LOVE the sound of their music.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make your recordings as high quality as possible right out the gate. Though people often plan on "fixing things in the mix", the truth is that the song will always sound better in the end when quality is ensured through every stage of the creation process, starting with recording.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I feel that my strongest skill is working alongside my clients and making sure they are satisfied with the end product.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a combination of what I feel the song needs as well as what the artist wants for the song.

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

A: Some of my favorite country artists include Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, and Florida Georgia Line. Some of my favorite pop artists include Charlie Puth, Lauv, and Adam Turley. Other mix engineers whose work inspires me include Justin Niebank, Jim Cooley, Serban Ghenea, and Jeff Braun.

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

A: I do everything I can to make sure my clients' music sounds SICK by giving them a great mix:)

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

A: My promise to you as a client is that I'll do everything I possibly can to make sure you are happy with your experience working with me, and that you'll end up with a track that you are proud to share with the world.

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

A: I typically work within the country, pop, and rock genres. Since those are the genres I am personally most passionate about, I feel that working mostly within those genres helps me connect with the artists I work with and to be passionate about their music with them.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I typically like to have a conversation with the artist first. I love hearing about their careers, aspirations, and their vision for their current project. Getting this info from the client helps me have a better perspective on what the artist wants and needs for their music, which in turn helps me turn out a better mix for them.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I typically mix from home, but have been in and out of multiple commercial recording facilities doing mixing and recording work as well.