Producer, Mixer, Studio

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

A: Saint Motel's album Voyeur, my role was Producer. It was an amazing process. We had a great time making it, and the record helped lay the foundation for the bands continued success. Now they are signed, touring worldwide, and have an incredible career. It's always a joy to see them play those songs live and see the crowds reaction. Another project I’m very proud of is Ayron Jones. I produced and engineered. His first Single “take me away” is currently #4 on the Rock Billboard Charts, and I am the #10 Producer on the Billboard Producer Hard Rock Charts.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have two artists in pre-produciton, both remote and I am wrapping up mixes for a very exciting compilation album.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Seeing a vision come to life and the process of getting there. The joy of hearing playback and being speechless, or dancing around like fools in the control room.

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

A: A common misconception about producers in general is they take absolute control and change everything. It may be true of some, but that is not my philosophy. I get to the heart of the intentions, organize the process, and make sure it goes smoothly. A common misconception as a Mixer is “we’ll fix it in the mix”. That’s a big mistake, the mix stage is about balance and impact, not reworking a song or a performance.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are your goals, why are you doing this, who are your favorite artists. What’s your timeline, what’s your budget.

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

A: See the music production tip above. Google the person, check out various links, music they've worked on, speak to them directly they may have worked on some cool stuff that’s not updated online and make sure the vibe is right. Chemistry is everything.

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

A: I'll assume there is already a computer to record and power :) Neve channel strip, Neumann U67, Gates Sta Level, My Jumbo Gibson 250, and an ukulele (make it a tropical island please)

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

A: I was in a band called the Days In Between. We toured the northwest and southwest, made and sold thousands of records independently. It was an incredible experience and I learned a lot as a DIY musician. I was also the band member who was always over the engineers shoulder, always the last one to leave the studio. It wasn't long before other bands started to ask me to work on their material. I owned and operated "Crown City Studios" in Los Angeles for a decade, produced many records I'm very proud of there, and eventually joined ownership of London Bridge in Seattle in 2013, and created a second space, The Sound. I’ve produced or mixed records in LA, NY, Seattle, Austin, Portland, and beyond.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am very mellow, believe in the studio and a sacred and safe place, and believe the time we have making the record is a direct reflection of and just important as the record itself. I put the artists vision first, and once we collectively agree on and understand it, I hold everyone on the project accountable to it. I’m not into second guessing or endless hefty revisions. I’ve found in my experience the longer an artist spends on a record or revising and toiling over mixes, the worse things come out. It’s not unheard of for an artist to be on mix 11, then realize the first mix was magic and just needed minimal little tweaks.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Find someone you believe in and trust to collaborate with, then trust them, and let them fill that role. You are hiring them for a reason. Also, get out of your head, second guessing can be your worst enemy.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Arrangement is very important. I get to know the intention intimately and can help arrange the song accordingly. I'm great with adding additional melodies and hooks when needed, helping add to or re-construct lyrics. As a mixer, harnessing the intention and style behind the recording, and get the most impact possible based on that.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It varies depending on the needs of the project. One thing as a Producer that is always consistent is pre-production. As a mixer, I’ll have a consult to gather the scope and direction and plan out the process with the artist from there.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: London Bridge Studio was build meticulously. It was designed by acoustician Geoff Turner. The original 30 Channel Neve 8048 has been restored and an SSL AWS has been added to complement. There's a Studer 2" tape deck, a healthy outboard gear collection, and a great mic locker. I toggle between 3 monitors there, our original built in JBL, a brand new JBL M2 system tuned to the room, and Genelec 1032’s. It's really an incredible and inspiring space, with a lot of history. I also have a second space called “The Sound” with tons of outboard gear, JBL 7 master reference monitors matched to emulate the M2’s at London Bridge, and the Adam A77x Monitor system with a Sub. This allows me to toggle between the studios and get the best out of all my mixes. Plug in wise, I have the full UA suite and plenty of DSP to use it as well as the full WAVES Mercury Bundle with all the add ons.

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

A: I truly love a variety of music, what sticks out most to me are recordings that create vivid landscapes. I truly believe in the art of record making, but I'm also not afraid to be very organic (especially with such incredible acoustics at a place like London Bridge.) An acoustic and vocal can still be very compelling, so can an orchestra, or hard rock band. Its’s all in the approach, balance, and intention.

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

A: If I’m producing, typically I work on a project form start to finish. I first do extensive pre-production with an artist to help create a road map for the entire project. I usually engineer the records I produce, with 1-2 assistants on hand. If we have another mix engineer lined up then I help oversee and direct communication throughout that process, help select and communicate to a mastering engineer. I mix 75% of the records I produce, and take on a lot of outside mixing projects of various size and scope.

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

A: Definitely, I have a wide network of musicians and industry professionals.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, they each have their place, just depends on the project.

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

A: I can help you be the best version of yourself in this moment in time, and help you put it on record.

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

A: Ray LaMontage, and War Paint. Both artists on opposite ends of the spectrum, that exude raw energy, emotion, and purpose. Their records are intentional with ease.

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

A: Indie, Pop-Rock, Rock, Singer Songwriter, Acoustic.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I serve the song and the artist, I am always objective and in line with the projects goals. I have a lot of experience working with a variety of musical styles, and a lot of experience keeping projects on message and on task.

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

A: Most of the ones answered here, good job SoundBetter :)