Mixing & Soundscapes

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: A mixture of the two. But I generally prefer to achieve an analogue sound most of the time. I like the warmth different kinds of saturations (tube, tape ect.) can add!

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

A: Make sure you discuss your artistry and influences. Allow some time for you to get on the same page about what you want. :)

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

A: MacBook Pro, Rode K2, Acoustic guitar, Focusrite 2i2, Arturia Midi Keyboard.

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

A: I have been producing and mixing artists for 3 years, I have been a professional musician for 7 years (bass and guitar on cruise ships, wedding bands, original music)

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Dynamic, Prudent, Clear, Nuanced.

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

A: I would love to work with Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, Brandy Carlile, Silk Sonic. I would love to work with artists who have amazing songs that I can compliment on various levels. Bon Iver or Phoebe Bridgers would allow me to go deep on editing and complimenting vocals but artists like Brandy Carlile or silk sonic might need subtle suggestions to create an energetic performance from the bands.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I think the bridge between chaos and order is the most important fundamental. In regards to tone, we want well recorded (orderly) engineering but we want interesting and novel movement (chaos) which can be achieved with modulation effects, saturations ect. This is true for dynamics and automation too. I believe a mix can come to life when the automation is not just straight lines punched in with a mouse click. Putting in the time to make the volumes more chaotic and accentuated on each track with faders makes the overall sound more subtly interesting.

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

A: I usually work on folk music which bridges into folk/indie rock (acoustic instruments + electric guitars).

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is awareness of space and how parts and tones work together to compliment the meaning of a song. I have a lot of experience recording high quality drums, bass and guitar in professional studio environments and my standard is quite high when it comes to capturing a great sound from the source.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I can bring clarity, drive, energy and excitement to a mix. I also enjoy surprising myself and the listener. I am always looking to push my own learning and experimentation is a huge part of bringing music to life for me.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Depending on what I am doing, my work process will vary. If I am mixing a song, I look for reference tracks according to the artists desire and consider the artists own mix before diving in. Ill mix in 3 hour intervals, having a break so that my ears can adjust. once done, I'll listen on a variety of speaker and headphone systems and deliver the goods! If I am producing, I try and let my intuition guide me and add layers in a kind of "throw it at the wall" fashion. I will then mix and mute some layers, keeping the best tracks and making sure there is not too much.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have an array of high quality guitar and bass equipment including Boutique tube amps, hum-bucker and single coil American made instruments, a variety of pedals for various modulation effects and quiet power solutions to allow it to function as well as it can. I have various high quality condenser, dynamic mics and mic pre amps to capture real instruments in my treated studio room. I also have a variety of orchestral percussion instruments which can add nice ear candy to a track.

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

A: For production, I am inspired by Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, The Paper Kites), Rick Reuben (Obviously), Dr. Dre and Finneas. For playing guitar, I am inspired by players like Chris Buck, John Mayer and Derik Trucks.

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

A: I often get work to add extra production elements to peoples projects. I will add extra instrumentation, atmosphere, samples and transitions to bring a song to life.