Recording and Mixing Engineer

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I really like a hybrid system if i can. Most of the time it is project and location dependant but digital is getting so close to analogue nowadays that most people probably wouldn't notice the difference.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It's my hobby, I love gettin out of bed to go into the studio and have fun helping someone mould their vision.

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

A: That it is a simple point and click job that can be done if half an hour and you can make anybody sound great. Recording alone can take more than a day depending on the project and i usually try to allow for 1-2 days of working time on a mix for a song before i call it done.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What style of music do you play? Have you recorded before? What do you expect of me?

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

A: except for the obvious computer etc that i would need to run my system, i would take: avid s6 control surface, Neuman u87 mixed pair, 1176 compressor, tama superstar hyper-drive kit,

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

A: I have been working with audio as a hobby for 5 years now, but I am only beginning to cut my teeth as a professional.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Traditional and relaxed. I find that rushing my work will end in me making more errors, taking more time and costing more money for the client.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't necessarily pick the take that is the most technically correct, some of the greatest albums are great because of the little mistakes.

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

A: I usually work on pop-rock music but i love working on anything.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is mixing, it is what i have been able to work on most.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I help to bring out the emotion that the songwriter is wanting to express. That i believe is the most important part of a song. There is no point in making everything technically correct if the emotion has been taken away.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: As a freelance engineer I usually spend a day tracking a band in a recording studio local to the band. I then take the session to my personal mixing studio and mix the song ready for mastering.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: For tracking i work out of many studios all with different setups. For mixing I use pro tools 11 and mostly plug-ins to complete a mix.

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

A: As an engineer guys like Dave Pensado, Warren Huart, Chris Lord Algae, Andrew Scheps and Mick Guzauski are huge influences. As a musician i have influences form across the spectrum from Lady Gaga to The Killers to Slipknot and Muse.

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

A: I usually work with an unsigned artist on a new demo single or EP.