Mike Lizola Rocha on SoundBetter

With 20+ million Spotify streams, I've collaborated on over 1,000 songs in-studio original music productions, produced for artists in studios around North America. I am formally trained mix engineer and performing musician that brings a diverse background of industry knowledge.

The local and long-distance mixing process is the same: simply provide all separated audio tracks starting at the beginning of the song and I can get to work from there.

We'll have an "in-person" meeting (either by phone or video call) before I get started to go over your ideas and vision, and to discuss some reference points that you have in mind. I'm also more than happy to also assist in preparing the audio files if you have any questions, or are unsure of the process.

Normally -- in pre-covid times -- artists and bands are more than welcome to attend the mixing sessions and I'm happy to explain the process since lots of people are quite interested in it. That being said, I always caution that the listeners don't wear out their ears. It's always a good idea to keep your ears as fresh as possible!

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

Discogs verified credits for Mike Rocha

Dinosaur Bones
Greys (2)
Electric Youth
Black Pistol Fire
Greys (2)
Greys (2)
Bossie
Ace Of Wands
Electric Youth
DK Ibomeka
Dinosaur Bones
Electric Youth
Black Pistol Fire
Greys (2)
Greys (2)
R. Missing
Ace Of Wands
Bossie
1990 Future
Ace Of Wands
Ace Of Wands
Jacksoul
DK Ibomeka
Dinosaur Bones
Greys (2)
Greys (2)
Electric Youth
Black Pistol Fire
Greys (2)
Greys*
Greys (2)
Moses Sumney
Ace Of Wands
Bossie
Grace Potter
Ace Of Wands
Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band
Bon Bon Vivant

9 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Mike Lizola Rocha

by Scott L.
Verified
Very quick turn around, made a big improvement to my piano recordings. Thanks Mike!
by danrosedk
Verified
It was very cool and easy to work with Mike. He understood my notes immediately and had some cool insights and suggestions that I liked. Communication was easy and free flowing. I ended up with exactly what I wanted, so I am very happy and satisfied.
by Gregory-Yves F.
Verified
I sought Mike out after hearing his work on other projects. He really listened to my vision, references and notes but also brought an outside expertise that was needed to elevate my track and the result was something really cool that allowed me to hear my own stuff in a different light. I would recommend him and will work with him again in the future.
by Brady W.
Verified
Great working with Mike!
by Michael N.
Verified
It's SO hard to find a great mixer. Often I'll get mixes back that sound "mixed". No one wants there record to sound "mixed", you just want it to sound like a record, right!?!

What I got back from Mike was awesome. It had more depth, grit and attitude, and sounds like a record! NOT template mixing. Just a matter of time until Mike is huge
by Rebecca Emms (Girl Meets Bear)
I'm so grateful to have recorded with Mike over the last couple years. He is creative and understands the artists goals with an an amazing ear and attention to detail. Mike has a great work flow, he is productive but keeps things relaxed to get the best take! Also one of the most genuine and non-flakey music industry peeps I've ever met.
by Shehzaad Jiwani/Greys
My band has been working with Mike since we started out and we would not be anywhere without him. His knowledge and his attention to detail makes him an invaluable asset to any recording session. He's pushed our band to be better than we ever thought we could be and any musician should feel lucky to be able to work with him.
by Bossie
Mike is an absolute blast to work with. Our time together in the studio has been highly productive and fulfilling - as well as educational. He has introduced me to lots of new hardware, and helped me to become more comfortable in the world of sound synthesis. Mike has been instrumental in the development of my band's sound. A++!
by Samuel Sholdice
I've done 2 records and 2 EP's with with Mike over several years. I've recommended him to several others. He is extremely knowledgable as an engineer and has a great ear. I especially recommend Mike for those who are doing a first record or ep as he works very hard EVERY project and is great at communication!
Sam - Liver, Bossie, Rival Boys

Interview with Mike Lizola Rocha

Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: "Record it the way you want it to sound in the mix."
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My setup has almost totally moved from fully hardware based, to fully software based. I'm a Plugin-Alliance Beta tester and an avid Cubase fanatic and I love the efficient workflow and the speed at which I can can send mixes and revisions back and forth to artists.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: "Record it the way you want it to sound in the mix."
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both absolutely. Analog because there is a character and uniqueness that each piece of gear can bring. Digital because the ability to build in incredible amounts of detail through automation is pretty hard to match in the analog world.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How long does it take to mix a song? Although it certainly varies, 12hrs is usually the average time to mix one commercially released single.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My work in music started studying formally through Royal Conservatory of Music as a pianist, then adding on orchestral playing on the Upright Bass. All along the way I was playing in rock bands and learning to record those bands. 12 years ago I turned this into a full-time career, and have been working exclusively with the creation of original music since.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Music mixing and mastering is the most frequent work and I enjoy working collaboratively through the process with a continuous flow of communication. I also very frequently consult with artist or prospective clients to help with decision making or questions they have about any parts of the production process.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: A common thread for all of my projects is a strong emphasis on live-performed elements. So, even synth-pop records maintain the feel of a live-band-style energy.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I always joke that one of my strongest stills is to be able to listen to a song thousands of times without getting tired of it, and furthermore still finding new bits and ideas that resonate with me on every new listen. I think it's pretty key for every mix to become your next favorite song, and that only happens by painstakingly going through every moment.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: In advance of my first day mixing, I'll spend a few hours listening through references that the client has chosen as a target. On the day of mix, I'll dive in and start identifying the key elements of what make the song tick. I'm always looking for the "sonic hook" of the song; that fraction of a moment as you're spinning the radio dial that grabs your ear and immediately sounds recognisable. I'm looking for my favorite parts of the song, and building everything else to support those favorites.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Over and over I find myself referencing David Bowie, the Talking Heads, Nine Inch Nails, Bjork, of Montreal, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Brian Eno, Daft Punk, Neutral Milk Hotel, Chemical Bros and on and on it goes! I also have a major love for 60s and 70s soul/funk of just about any kind, as well as classic and contemporary soundtrack scores.