Mixing and Mastering

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Working from home in an environment I can control and working on projects that I truly become attached to. Being part of something is an amazing feeling.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Mainly, where do you want to take this project? What type of sound are you looking for? What are YOUR perspectives and aims with this project.

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

A: All I would say is give home studio owner a chance. At the end of the day what have you got to lose. Home studios are cheap to run and can give amazing results to clients. We can pass savings onto you, so why not give us a try???

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

A: My original carrier path still is Graphic Design. I have been mixing, seriously, for around 2 years and trying to build a portfolio. Audio is where I want to be and, hopefully, I can build to towards making it a full time career.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Relaxed, non pressured, if possible. Deadlines should be adhered to but there's no sense in driving yourself into the ground and suffering for it.

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

A: Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters. Having been a fan of Nirvana in the 90's and seen him grow into this amazing musician, producer, mix engineer....I'd absolutely love to sit down with him and write a song......or ten!!!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't rush things and, if you find that you're hitting a bit of a wall, simply walk away and come back to the project the next day. Give yourself a rest.

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

A: I mainly work on Rock, Country, Folk, Acoustic and, sometimes Pop. I prefer to focus my attention to these genres as I feel I know them a little better.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my attention to detail. As the saying goes, "if you're gonna do something, do it right". I've never liked the "that'll do" attitude. Always give 100%, that way you will have a clear conscience.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A different set of ears, a different perspective, a different focus of creativity. My main trade is being a graphic designer, so I'm used to thinking outside the box a little and trying things out, even if they don't work.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I tend to stick to the 'top down' or 'backwards' mixing process. I feel that I can get better results much quicker. Mastering is pretty much the same, as I start with getting the track to, around, commercial loudness before adding any other plugins. I tend to feel that this method focuses my attention much more as I have the target 'loudness' that I then stick to.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is based inside a detached building at my home. Roughly the size of a single car garage, I have been able to accommodate and focus the potential of what this facility can offer. Whilst I can record in my studio, I tend to steer clear of this because of the logistics. Mixing, Editing, Mastering and Podcast Production are my main focuses.

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

A: I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for Joe Gilder over at Home Studio Corner. As my studio is a home based facility, many potential clients may feel that you can't get great results but this is completely untrue. Joe Gilders business is based from home and I think that is a fantastic plus point for all of us 'Home Studio' engineers.

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

A: Audio Editing, Mixing and Mastering projects for clients. I'm occasionally asked to Compose, Record, Mix and Master small musical hooks or intro bites for podcasts.