Reggae music recorder, Dub Mix

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: new albums. B Davis and Jah Adam. After that, touring!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A song is multiple layers. When the general public listens to a song, they just hear the whole product. They don't know the layers that made that possible. From the inception, to the arrangement, to the dynamics. Then it comes to Hoboken HiFi. I must make the necessary adjustments for cohesive, intelligible but pleasing sounds. The recording, mixing and mastering are the reason why people love a song. They just don't know it.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It depends on the job. When it comes to dub mixes, I like to listen to the song a few times so I can see what new sound I can make from it. Certain parts, maybe a horn line here or an organ bubble there that will stick out to me and how I can accentuate or effect it in some way. When it comes to recording (tracking), we will work with the writer and producer on a solid arrangement and chart it out. We may rehearse it a few times to make sure we have the proper sound we are aiming to achieve. Then we hit record and the rest is history.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: It's a sub level with open rafter ceilings. Everything down to the paint on the walls was planned and has a purpose. There is a certain stigma about how studios should look but it really all comes down to the person who is engineering. The best music was recorded in garages and basements. Some with dirt floors like Hitsville USA aka Motown.

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

A: I am inspired by my musicians, in particular our arranger and bassist Steve Capecci. Working with him has made me a better musician and writer. I love many types of music and although I may not record all genres, I find certain sound profiles pleasing and they become apart of my experiments. I have a huge love for 1930s and 1940s era pop music. The way they got the best quality sound with very minimal microphones is astounding. That had and still pushed me to use less.

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

A: Dub remixes and riddim creation.