Christian Cummings on SoundBetter

**HEY THERE! I no longer update or use this profile. FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND SAY HI!** Agent of good sound. Destructor of bad mixing. Platinum award-winning producer, engineer and musician. I've been at it long enough to have started on tape, but have long since embraced digital. I'm based in Southern California.

Indeed, as I approach two decades of involvement in the music business, I am able to provide my clients with skill and unique insight based on experience and success. I approach all projects, big or small, with the same meticulous care, dedication and passion that they deserve.

I've worked with hundreds of artists and have had many different types clients over the years, but check the list below for a few you might find interesting.

Song samples in the supercut:

The Feelings Mutual
RIYL: Dinosaur Jr, Tom Petty

Benesser (Sweden)
RIYL: Muse, Prog Rock

VS (Emeli Sandé Cover)
RIYL: Emile Sandé, Adele, Florence + The Machine
(Side note: This is all real instrumentation, no virtual instruments or samples)

The Mulroys
RIYL: The Eagles, My Morning Jacket

Susy (BK Cover)
RIYL: White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, Black Keys

First Wave Hello
RIYL: Failure, Ken Andrews, The Rentals

Tailgunner
RIYL: Weezer, Foo Fighters

Lighterburns
RIYL: Fall Out Boy, Pop-Punk

Helen Earth Band
RIYL: Finch, Minus The Bear

Orchestra/Pop/Cinematic Example (end)
All real instruments, no VSTs, including a 17 piece string section.

* All of these examples are recorded, mixed, and produced by me unless noted
** Pricing is customized for each project. Average pricing listed is general.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

3 Reviews

Endorse Christian Cummings

by Josh W.
Verified
Christian rules. Will be working with him again!
by Tom Kelley
I've worked with Christian on several different mixes and he always delivers. Bonus points, he was also able to help me with my release plan!
by Jason T.
I hired Christian to mix a track I'd been banging my head against the wall to get right for over a year. HE NAILED IT.

Interview with Christian Cummings

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm currently working with a very talented local artist, Charlie Mudd, on finishing up his debut EP. It'd classify it as a mix of blues, americana, and folk. We're producing it as a trio with Dan Bailey (Father John Misty) on drums, and Tyler Halford (Foster The People, Frank Ocean) on bass.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I am thoroughly in love with all aspects of the recording process, regardless of the artist. If the artist is awesome, then whoa nelly!
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Best place to start is by hitting the contact button. ;)
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Binoculars, a lighter, a shortwave radio, an inflatable boat, and maybe a towel.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: So much variability! But generally Rock (in its many forms), Pop (especially with live instrumentation), Electro-Pop, and folk/country/americana/blues stuff.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most common would be mixing, followed closely by recording and producing. I also occasionally do a drum session.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Growing up in Southern California, I followed my family trajectory of life in the arts. At age 13 I assisted on my first recording session, at age 15 I played my first gig in Hollywood, and at age 17 I recorded my first single. While touring the US in my 20’s I managed to get a BA in Communication from San Diego State University, and shortly thereafter began my career in music production. Now, after approaching two decades in the business, I’ve recorded, produced and mixed hundreds of projects.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Be honest in your creative process, and do everything you can to allow mediocrity to creep in.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Objectivity, honesty, creativity and my love for the process.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Of the roles I play in any production, each requires a different approach. That said, gaining an understanding of the artist's creative goals seems to be an overarching theme in my process. This typically can be achieved with open, honest communication. What music inspires your work? What are your artistic and sonic goals? What are some examples of music you love? These questions and more greatly influence my direction and approach.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I'm Producer/Engineer in Residence at Signature Sound Studios in San Diego. As such, I have several rooms available to work in, depending on the needs and desires of the artist/client. On a grand scale, Studio A features a 32-channel API console with Avid D-Command integration, Genelec 1031As, NS-10s, Tannoy SRM-10Bs, Vintage Neve 1073s, BAE modules, and most of the compressors you could ever need (Distressors, 1176s, LA-2As, DBX, Retro, etc). Microphones in here are the best of the best. I can scale down from this depending on budget and needs.