Remote Mixing and Mastering

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

A: I have been recording for the last 20 years. I started with humble beginnings with a gateway computer and Cakewalk Sonar, which my father's friend had gave me. Audio engineering and studio production started for me as a necessary tool for songwriting. I needed a way to write music where I could hear all the instruments to create a full song, and simply to practice. This art immediately became a love and passion. Over the years I have found this industry is a winding path and you never know exactly where you will end up. Hone the skill you know and you will find the right spot for you. At this time, I am finishing up my Bachelors of Science in Audio Production, but am looking into film scoring as my childhood dream. But for now I am working as a freelance audio production engineer and helping others achieve their dreams along the way and gaining experience and reaching new heights myself and learning from my clients.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As an artist, I would say my biggest decade of influence due to my age would be the '90s. To me this decade had some ups and downs, however I am very influenced by it due to my exposure to music at that age. During that time I was studying a lot of classical music, jazz, alternative, pop, hip hop and latin music. Into the early 2000's I started my journey into world music such as eastern indian music to japanese theory. Today my style (so I have been told) in my writing style is very kin to Steely Dan.

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

A: This is such a hard question to answer as there are so many! The more artists the better, because the more you learn. Everything boils down to experience and exposure. As much as I as a producer can have knowledge of the industry, it's all about working with as many artists as possible to really hone the skill. One artist or "group" I should say would be Radiohead. The reason for this, would be working specifically with Thom Yorke. He is such a unique individual, he has such a different outlook and technique that I would love to learn from.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: ALWAYS cater to your client and earn your clients trust. If you think your client needs direction and should follow you on your ideas, prove it. You want your client to trust you more than anything as their artistic endeavors are in your hands and should never be taken lightly. Treat your clients projects as you would treat your own and always give it your best. Have good communication. The better communication you have, the better the end product. Give sound advice when it is necessary. Don't try to be a "know it all" but also don't try too hard to be a people pleaser. Be real, be honest. TRUST... that is what everything comes down to...

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

A: As I have stated before, I work with all types of music including writing and recording my own with all types of music. I am currently a music library contributor for film and commercials which involve all types of music from Latin Jazz, to Pop, to Hard Rock etc.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am very well rounded... on top of being a recording engineer, I have honed my skills playing music since the age of 4. Over 3 decades of tenure playing music, listening, recording, writing, and arranging... I have extended experience in 13 instruments, including classical orchestral instruments, to world instruments and theory. I have been worked with all different types of setups, with low budget in the early years, I have learned to be creative with doing a lot with a little. With the powerful setup that I have now, the sky is the limit and I am quick on my toes. My strongest skill I would personally would say is intuition and reading my client. I want to be able to be a step ahead at all times as an engineer and producer. I have often wowed my clients by simply adding something in or advising ideas that takes your piece to a new level. Clients that I have earned their trust often leave issues with me to solve with quickness... they often say "Aaron, work your magic", and so far I have come through every time without dissapointment.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a bright and fullness to the music and bring it to it's full potential while using my education in audio production and years of using my ears, constantly analyzing and digesting new music and sounds, I want your music to not only be unique to your taste, but to stand out above the rest.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I tailor my work specifically to the client. I generally work on Google Drive to transfer files back and forth and like to use Microsoft Excel to to take notes on the specific things that the client wants in his/her/their song or songs. In this system I always send out a rough draft from what the artist initially asks for, take notes on any changes or new ideas they may have in the process and update promptly and accordingly while sending notes on the specific changes I have made to let the client know that I am listening intently and there for them.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work mostly "in the box"... I am currently running Pro Tools Ultimate but also work with and proficient in Logic Pro and Ableton Live. So depending on your project needs, not only am I versatile, but everything in my studio is industry standard to give you that "radio ready" sound you are looking for.

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

A: When it comes to production professionals, Quincy Jones is my hero. In my humble opinion, he is the definition of innovation. He also has inspired me to be non judgmental in music and shows that there is always something to learn and enjoy in all walks of art.

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

A: I am well rounded, I have worked with everything from hard rock, to classical, to jazz and R&B, to pop. In the past I have worked with several local artists in my area as well as sharing the stage with Jason Hann from String Cheese Incident, to Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico from Moe among others...