Mix and Master Engineer

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

A: Trafik! 10 years 3 albums and some amazing moments.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am still an artist with Trafik. We have a new album due this year.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Mix of both. Analogue has a punch that we don't quite have in the digital environment. But digital affords more options and creativity.

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

A: You're gonna love the finished product.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Music is everything. The greatest gift of all.

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

A: Can it be louder ha ha? I say 'turn it up' :)

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

A: That mixing/Mastering is a repair process. it shouldn't be. The record should sound great at all stages, and at all stages sound better and better.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Which music do you love? How do you want the record to sound? Is there anything you're not happy with? What about the record do you love the most?

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

A: Dont ever worry about giving feedback. Criticism is part of the creative process. If who you work with can't handle it, then you're not working with right people.

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

A: Mac. UAD Apollo Thunderbolt. Access Virus Ti. Fender Strat. Fender Jazz. Neumann U87.

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

A: Nigh on 20 years. Was signed as a songwriter in 96/97, toured with a band till 2000. Worked in the dance music industry. re-singed as an artist Trafik in 2003 and toured the world till 2009. Worked the entire time as engineer. Have always mixed and mastered records but think i've only got really good the last 3/4 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Powerful but clinical.

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

A: Sia. Shes an incredible artist and writer.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: A good song is key. Write a good song, arrange it well and the mix and the master will pop. The sound of the record is born the second you play note one.

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

A: Electronic based music, be it pop or alternative. But I love working on all genres of music. Variety gives you scope. Scope gives you excitement.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Experience and understanding. Ive worked on records since 1996 and am still learning. But, what my clients tell me is that I bring professionalism and quality that they've struggled to find elsewhere.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I like to think I bring the fairy dust and sparkle to the music that people have poured their heart and soul into. Making sure that I understand what they are trying to achieve and get them there in the best way possible

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to play through the rough mixes a few times and get a feel for the track. Then I play through a few tunes that i feel the artist is in the same ball park as for reference. Then its a case of reacting to the material and finding the best sound for the record. There's no one method for every track - react to what's there not what you want to be there.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a full mix room, a programming suite and a recording studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Click the link and have a look :)

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

A: Anyone with a real care for finesse and details.

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

A: The most common request is a full-mix combined with a working master.