Mixing & Mastering | Mentoring

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

A: One of my most fulfilling projects was the creation of an entire album for a theatrical piece. In this endeavor, I took on the role of handling the composition, execution, recording, as well as the mixing and mastering of 80 minutes of captivating music. The experience was nothing short of amazing, and the results within the play were truly exceptional. Witnessing how the music seamlessly integrated with the theatrical performance was immensely gratifying, and the audience's response was overwhelmingly positive. The demand for the music exceeded expectations, leading us to print more CDs than initially estimated. The project's success not only brought me great pride but also reaffirmed my passion for music production and its ability to elevate storytelling and engage audiences on a profound level.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently, I've been quite busy with multiple exciting projects. I just finished mastering an album for "Gablú," which was a gratifying experience. Additionally, I'm in the process of co-producing my own track with Kate, and it's been a delightful collaboration so far. Moreover, I'm actively working on mixing and mastering tracks for "Kiranjot Kaur," a project that I'm genuinely enthusiastic about. These diverse ventures keep me inspired and engaged in my passion for music production.

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

A: Absolutely! On SoundBetter, I highly recommend Daniela Rivera for her exceptional mixing skills, and Kate Brunotts for her remarkable talent as a music producer. Both have a proven track record of delivering top-notch results, and I'm confident they will meet and exceed the expectations of my clients.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer digital over analog because it provides me with everything I want and need, offering cleaner, faster results that meet the high standards of modern music production. The versatility and efficiency of digital tools allow me to achieve my desired outcomes with greater ease and precision.

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

A: My promise to my clients is to deliver a signature blend of unique sounds crafted with exceptional taste. Each project receives my utmost dedication to creating a distinctive and captivating audio experience that exceeds their expectations.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job is the opportunity to take something that may initially sound subpar and transform it into something truly wonderful. Being able to elevate the quality of the music through mixing, mastering, and sound engineering brings me immense satisfaction and joy. It's incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact my work has on the final product and how it resonates with listeners.

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

A: Customers commonly ask whether I can assist in changing or enhancing the arrangement or music production. However, my role primarily focuses on mixing, mastering, and ensuring the best possible sound quality for their music. While I may offer suggestions or feedback, substantial changes to the arrangement or music production fall outside the scope of my responsibilities. My expertise lies in optimizing the audio elements to deliver a polished and professional final product.

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

A: The most significant misconception about my work is that I will simply imitate and deliver a generic, mainstream mix and master. In reality, my approach is centered on crafting unique and captivating soundscapes that truly resonate with the essence of the music. I strive to bring out the artist's vision and elevate their creativity, producing a result that stands out and connects deeply with listeners.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When speaking with prospective clients, I inquire about a reference track to better understand their musical vision. Additionally, I may ask if they wish to share the story behind their music, as this can provide valuable insights into their creative direction. One crucial aspect I make sure to clarify is that the arrangement and production process is completed to their satisfaction. Ensuring a clear understanding at this stage helps us focus on other essential elements of the project and ensures a smooth and successful collaboration.

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

A: My advice for a customer seeking to hire a provider like me is to prioritize honesty and straightforwardness throughout the entire process. Clear and open communication with minimal hesitation leads to better results and a smoother collaboration. By establishing a transparent working relationship, we can work together more effectively to achieve your musical vision.

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 desert island and could only bring five pieces of gear, I would choose my interface, computer, headphones, microphone, and a MIDI controller. With this essential setup, I could still create, record, and produce music even in the remote confines of a desert island.

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

A: My career path in the music industry began many decades ago when I first started as a musician. However, I've been specializing in sound for over 20 years. While it hasn't always been a full-time pursuit, my passion for sound has been a constant presence throughout my journey.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style can be described as a fusion of classic vibes intertwined with a modern touch. I draw inspiration from the timeless elements of music, infusing them with contemporary techniques to create a captivating and dynamic sound.

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

A: I am open to collaborating with any artist who shares a deep passion for music and embraces their unique sound. I am particularly drawn to those who appreciate the essence of their music and desire to add that extra touch to make their songs shine. My approach is to keep the process simple yet beautiful, working with precision and delicacy. My ultimate goal is to elevate the artistry of the music, enhancing every aspect to bring the most pleasure to the listeners.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One valuable music production tip I'd like to share is experimenting with speaker placement. Try moving the speakers and listening from different positions in front of them. Additionally, explore mid/side techniques across all levels of the mix. Afterward, repeat the process with headphones to gain a fresh perspective. As you fine-tune your setup and find the sweet spot, you'll be able to enjoy a more immersive and well-balanced listening experience.

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

A: I typically work on music that aligns with my personal preferences and interests. While my repertoire spans various genres, I tend to focus on styles that resonate with me. However, I do not usually work on projects involving rock-metal directions, as they are not in line with my preferred artistic direction.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is determination. When faced with challenges, I possess an unwavering commitment to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. This tenacity drives me to persistently work towards excellence and find innovative solutions to any problem. My determination empowers me to continuously grow and succeed in various endeavors.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: When working on a song, I bring a touch of magic that elevates the overall experience. With a keen sense of good taste, I infuse the track with a sparkling stereo image, capturing the essence of classic vibes while incorporating modern elements. The song benefits from a powerful bass foundation that gives it depth and impact. Additionally, I ensure the mix has crisp and well-defined high-end frequencies, creating clarity and excitement. Moreover, I take great care to enhance the richness and depth of the vocals, making them stand out in the mix. Ultimately, my goal is to breathe life into the song, making it a captivating and unforgettable auditory journey for listeners.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process follows a structured approach. I begin by focusing on colors, creating the desired tonal palette. Next, I fine-tune the spatial aspects, ensuring each element finds its place in the mix. Once the foundation is set, I work on setting proper levels and refining the finer details of the arrangement. Afterward, I take a break to rest my ears and come back with fresh perspective for a deep-detail tuning session, which may involve going through mix2 and/or master2 iterations. I meticulously evaluate the sound across various speakers and headphones to ensure its compatibility with different listening environments. During this stage, I take notes of any potential improvements or adjustments. Subsequently, I implement these notes, meticulously refining the mix. Following another ear-resting period, I conduct final checks across all speakers and headphones to ensure utmost quality. Once I'm satisfied with the results, I send the project to the client and eagerly await their feedback. Collaboration and client satisfaction are crucial aspects of my work process, allowing me to continuously improve and deliver exceptional music experiences.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup consists of a powerful Mac Mini M1 running Studio One 5, complemented by a Universal Audio interface. I have an extensive collection of plugins, along with various speakers, headphones, and other essential equipment to create music and bring my projects to life.

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

A: I find inspiration from musicians and music production professionals like Daniela Rivera, whose mixing skills impress me, and Jacquire King, from whom I've learned a lot.

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

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients involves recording, mixing, and mastering.