The MIX is the last big creative step on the production of a song. Get the mix wrong and you wasted all the hard work so many people put in before you. My goal is to honor the artists and producers hard work by giving them a powerful and emotional experience when they first listen to a MIX I`ve done!
Graduated from RIT in Hollywood CA
Worked at Henson recording and the village.
Owner of Lounge Studios (LA) and (Brazil)
I Grew up in a family of musicians listening to all kinds of good music. That gave me a lot of versatility and a deep understanding of different genres.
I am a mix between old school organic vibes and modern production and mixing techniques. being a Musican first and then a producer and mixer, I understand each role really well and know what its like to be on the other side. So I will give you what you need, the way you need it, with no ego or resistance. We will make people fall in love with your music together.
Although I have a strong technical background I focus on the emotional appeal of the song. Trying to take the listener on a beautiful ride.
Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.
12 Reviews
Endorse AJ Oliveira- check_circleVerified
AJ was so cool to work with. You can tell he loves his job and he made us love our music even more. He was really excited to work on our mix and that really translated into some magic like he says! haha We are new to this world of atmos and he really made it so big and awesome! cant wait to work with hims agan!
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AJ is simply the best producer and mixer I've ever worked with. His musicianship and technical prowess are outstanding, and above all he has immense passion for his work, which results in a really deep connection to the song and to the artist. We've just produced an EP of 6 songs together, and it was one of the best musical experiences of my life. I have absolute certainty that the final product will blow everyone's minds!
Wow. I took a gamble when i saw his profile didnt have that many reviews compared to some other mixers. But something told me this was my guy. WAS I RIGHT! AJ is super cool. approachable and super into his job. The turn around was faster than expected and he gladly did the revision without any resistance. The Final result was mind Blowing! I will be back for more for sure! Thanks AJ
Great producer, amazing sound engineer, I've recorded 2 albums with him and 2 singles. Amazing sound, rich, bold, heavy. He really put his heart and soul in every work.
AJ IS a GREAT producer, piano player and such a pleasant guy to work with.
He is so good in understanding the artist, making the creation process much easier.
Thank you so much, brother.
AJ is Someone you will be able to get wonderful things from different words.
When he produces, sound goes beyond expectations due to his knowledge, his musical influences and all the shortcuts he knows in order to get a really good result.
I know him for a looooonnng time and music had always been part of what he breathes.
I admire his concerne about knowing what is up to date when making music.
Best hands to your sound!
I could write a huge text, full of adjectives, but I can summarize AJ as someone who, besides being extremely competent and talented, has the differential of putting the overflowing love for every detail, for every process! Everything becomes light, enjoyable, and the result of each work becomes a work of art! The best professional I had the pleasure of seeing in action!
Hard-working, talented, and driven. AJ Oliveira is an incredible multi-instrumentalist, producer, mixing engineer and songwriter. I hired him earlier this year to work on a project with me, and I am very happy I did. He is a quick communicator, and strives for perfection. Do yourself a favor and hire AJ for your next project!
AJ knows what he’s doing in the studio. Great combination of musicality and technological expertise. Never phones in his work- he always shows up fully to the job at hand. Highly recommended!
AJ was awesome to work with. I just love his passion for music and sound. Mate thanks so much for making our music stand out. You rock.
AJ made my music sound like it was supposed to. Emotional and huge. He really captured the essence the song was trying to convey. Not to mention how cool he is to be around. I cant recommend him enough! I will always be thankful to his professionalism and the way he made me feel comfortable in the studio
The best Audio Engineer of all time. I’m not exaggerating, AJ knows how to make you sound the best that you have ever been in your life. I highly recommend him.
Interview with AJ Oliveira
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: One of my best projects I`v ever worked on was with a band called KOMOX, with the bass player from Lifehouse. It had unlimited budget so we could really spend time getting the perfect vibe. I was one of the producers and mixed a few of the songs. The band doesn't even exist anymore but the music is still amazing and I`m very proud of it!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Im producing an up and coming artist from Brazil. It's a full production and mix project, we started with songwriting together. gonna do the stereo and Atmos mixes!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Im new here, but I`m open to making new colleague friends.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I love the practical aspect of digital. you can get a lot more done quicker with digital at really high quality. But if I`m gonna be super honest there's something about analog that still inspires me/ Analog has a soul, an imperfection that I think it's magic. So I try to use the best of both worlds!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: It doesn't matter how big or small your career sis at the moment, I `ill stop at nothing to giver you everything I got. Until you're completely happy with the result!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Connection with other amazing artists!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Who have you worked with? my answer is : I could name drop all I want here, but it really doesn't matter. What matters is the work I do now. So check out my mixes and be the judge. If you want people to feel the same thing you felt when you heard my work, than I`m your guy!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: When it comes to mixing a lot of people believe it's a technical process. When in fact is highly artistic and creative. the technical is a given, you need to know your stuff, but that's the easy part. the real work is conveying the emotion the artist had when he or she wrote the song. So that's when I spent most of my time trying to achieve in a mix! The technical is just a tool.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I wanna know what their music means to them. what are the goals, what's the target audience and what type of reaction they're looking to get out of their music.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Talk first! get in touch! make sure you're not just a number. Make sure you connect with the provider and that he or she is gonna really devote their passion into your music. Credits and Big names doesn't mean they're the perfect fit for YOUR project. It's a trust thing. Sometimes its better to hire someone with no big names behind them but with lots of talent and enthusiasm for your music, than hiring a guys that's just gonna do it mechanically without giving it their all, just because you're an independent artist. you get the gist.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: U67, neve 1073, MacBook Pro, fender telecaster, Yamaha grand piano
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started as a piano player from an early age, then started singing and songwriting when I was 13 and moved to LA in 2000 when I was 24 to perfect my craft as a singer songwriter, In school I fell in love with the studio and ended up taking the RIT program at MI in hollywood. After that I started working as an assistant engineer at Henson Recording Studios and I learned everything I know from the best producers in the world, such as John Shankesm Randy Jackson, David Kahne, amongst others. After working there for a while I decided to build my own studio and work with mostly independent artists. I have a studio in LA and one in Brazil and I split my time between the two developing some artists from scratch or mixing for other producers.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I take risks. I don't play it safe. I always go for the jugular when it come to the emotional appeal of the song. If I can make people cry or get pumped up and ready to mosh around I consider the job done! mission accomplished!
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with Lizzy Macalpine lately. I love how smart her lyrics are and how much she feels every one that she sings. Also the sound of her voice is so soothing and she has a very wide dynamic range which I love. I feel really connected to her music. I Would also love to work with lewis Capaldi, for his voice and his amazing songs.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Stay in the moment! trust your instincts and never second guess yourself. Enjoy the process and feel free to explore and experiment.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on music played by real people and real instruments. That's not to say I don't like electronic, I do, but I feel like I connect on a deeper level with real bands, real instruments being played, good singers. The Style doesn't matter that much as long as it's honest and artistic.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Making things sound dynamic and very emotional.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring my musicality and a lot of love and passion to everything I do. Combining technical expertise of more than 20 years with the emotional and artistic appeal.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I usually start by getting to know the artist. I think it's super important to understand what the artist is all about before I even start working on the music itself. The more we connect the stronger the trust and I think that once that's established the magic starts happening. Once I know we're on the same page I dig in. If I`m just mixing I`m gonna listen to the rough mix and listen to the artists references and then I just let the music speak for itself and I do my best to translate the emotional appeal of the song.If I`m producing, its a whole new game cause I`m gonna help from the songwriting process making sure the lyrics are strong, the formula, the tempo, the vibe everything. Producing is a way more involved process.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: After years of working in different environments and getting feedback from other producers and artists I finally think I`ve achieved the sweet spot in my studio. First of all I have a Genelec 7.1.4 dolby ATMOS mix room (sounds RIDIC!), I also monitor my stereo mixes on good old NS10s with Bristol amp. Pro tools HDX ultimate with Avid Mtrxstudio. I also own an SSL AWS 900, when I wanna have some fun with analog mixing.My live room is large and sounds big and open. perfect to track real drums. I have a killer DW collectors kit here that nouns gigantic. The vibe here is super intimate and chill. Super creative Vibe. once you get in here you just wanna stay forever and time flys by.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I`m forever inspired by the Beatles, for their songwriting. But I do like many styles of music, if it's heartfelt and honest Im probably gonna love it. Love the way Lewis Capaldi sings. U2 is also an exemple of what a band should be. IDK too many amazing artists I've been a fan of for different reasons.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Ive been a producer for 21 years but in the last few years I have been MIXING most of the time. And most recently just upgraded my studio for Dolby ATMOS.
I was the Mixing engineer in this production
- Dolby Atmos & Immersive AudioAverage price - $400 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $350 per song
- Post MixingAverage price - $150 per minute
- Recording StudioAverage price - $400 per day
- Full instrumental productionContact for pricing
- Live drum trackContact for pricing
- Pop-Rock ArrangerContact for pricing
mix turnaround time is less than a week. 2 free revisions.
- Peter Gabriel
- Paramore
- Billie Eilish
- SSL Aws 900
- Pro tools HDX Ultimate
- Avid S1 (16 faders) avid Dock
- Avid Mtrx Studio
- 7.1.4 generic Atmos monitoring system
300 per mix