PRODUCER / MIXING ENGINEER

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

A: I started out as a drummer in a hard, raw rock band playing in lumberjack and biker bars in Northern Michigan. In the early 2000s, I was signed to an indie label as a solo rock/singer-songwriter and released one album and completed a 2nd one. The lessons I learned as a signed recording artist have GREATLY influenced my approach to working with artists as a producer. I've worked as a producer and engineer full-time since 2009 I also contribute to ItyDity.com as the Head of Music production where I both coach recording artists and oversee their projects and collaborations with other producer. I'm the drummer for the Alt Rock band Van Go Go (Rock Nacho Music).

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

A: Singer/Songwriter and Alt Rock. I prefer to work with artists with a little edge and who aren't afraid to push boundaries.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a 2-room studio running Cubase Pro, Waves Platinum and Abbey Road Collection, EastWest Sound Library, and a ton of misc. analog gear and digital plug-ins. I have a small live room big enough to track drums (Tama Granstar with Zildjian cymbals), lots of mics, guitars, synths, a home-made upright bass, and pedal steel guitar. It's housed in historic landmark home built in 1855 and clients have called it "a comfortable place to create."

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who are 3 artists you admire? Name 3 songs that have a production style you like? Do you have a deadline? What are your plans for this project?

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

A: Listen to work the producer has done before. They don't necessarily have to have done music just like yours but you can tell whether or not they're on the same page as you just by listening. Talk to them first and get a feel for their personality: are they good communicators? do they respond quickly? do they sound like they'll be fun to work with? You want to make sure you'll jell with them artistically and personally.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm a bit of a chameleon and adapt my style to the artist I'm working with. I enjoy the chance to get in their head and become an extension of them rather than fitting them into MY mold.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: PRE-PRODUCTION. I usually start by listening to a simple demo by the artist - the song at it's core. After absorbing the song, I'll talk with the artist about their influences, desired production style and choice of instruments. SKETCHES. Next, we'll work on a few sketches of possible approaches to the song – usually a verse and a chorus. We'll talk about what we like and dislike about each approach. Usually there's one sketch that the artist is especially excited about and that's usually the approach we start off in. TRACKING. When we have a clear direction of how to proceed, we’ll record each of the instruments. If we're working with the client remotely, we'll provide a rough mix for them to add their parts to. If I'm working with the artist in person, I'll help them through the performance. MIXING. I will then mix everything together for a dynamic and exciting sound. While I have my own mixing approach, I'll always listen to the client first and I am always open to suggestions and new approaches. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: I will work on the song until the client is thrilled.

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

A: A majority of my work is "all-inclusive" music production. I work with individual artists from the ground up to provide everything they need (recording, instrumentation, production, mixing, mastering) for market-ready music.

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

A: I will happily work on a project until you're completely happy. I realize that you're handing me your baby and I don't take that for granted. I won't stop until you're satisfied.

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

A: Blue October, Josh Homme, T-Bone Burnett, Sufjan Stevens, Peter Gabriel, Rick Rubin, The Milk Carton Kids.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't overthink. I've seen it happen over-and-over: the best art comes out naturally and over-working an idea often ruins it.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I started out in the business as both a recording artist and touring musician. Clients have often told me they appreciate this perspective of having been on both sides of the glass when I work with them. As a former recording artist, I know the expectations and fears my clients have when putting their art in someone else's hands. As a touring musician, I've learned what it takes to excite audiences. In the end, the most important thing is the song and that I've captured a true representation of the artist.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I like my productions to have character and soul. I abhor sloppy or out-of-tune performances but I'd rather get a great (though flawed) performance than fix it artificially and take out the humanity. I like my songs to be neat and tight but remain a little rough around the edges. I love using weird sounds tastefully to enhance a song. I still use mostly REAL instruments but I'll use whatever it takes to get whatever is in the artist's head onto tape.