Mixing & Mastering / Composer

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: This is a tough one. Naturally I jump to analog but not everyone has the money or space to accommodate all the gear. For my absolutely essential gear I use analog. Mixers, compressors, EQs, tape machines etc. and then for everything else I use digital emulations of analog as there are some incredibly realistic imitators on the market now. Overall it depends on the feeling of the track you're going for, but analog just delivers that natural, warm sound that is dominating every genre right now.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Without trying to sound cheesy, it's simply my passion and I put a countless hours into honing my craft to get it to the point where it's also my job. That for me is just the best thing ever. It means I can work hard for you but still enjoy it, and trust me, the product you get from someone who is really into what they're doing is so much more valuable.

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

A: Ask me questions! My portfolio is only a small part of my total work and if there's something you'r unsure about just ask! Give me references, examples, tell me when something sounds a bit funny to you. There is never a request too stupid or small. At the end of the day it is your hard work and creativity you're handing over and I wan't to make sure you are absolutely ecstatic with the final product.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The most important for me has to be gain-staging. It's simple but often overlooked and can completely destroy your mix if not focused on. Every sound needs to be leaving a process at the same volume it went in, this is the ONLY sure fire way to get heaps of volume and depth to your mix. (Also EQing reverb is a must to keep the mix from getting too muddy!)

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

A: Indie pop/rock is my main strength but I have such a huge range of sound banks, samples and instruments that I find anything is doable. I've worked on a good amount of dance music (namely house, reggaeton and techno) but also dabbled in hip hop and more main stream pop. I use a combination of Izotope, Addictive and TBPro Audio to achieve those super refined polished tones indicative of more mainstream genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Achieving your desired sound. I'm an artist myself and when I used to have my work mixed for me the most important thing was that my creative direction was met. Producers often implement their own style on a track and whilst I can definitely bring that to the table when needed, my overarching focus is to ensure the track comes out exactly how you want it to, just way more professional and radio-ready.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For a mix I'll usually listen to the clients other work if they have any and if not their desired influences, this just lets me get into the right mindset for the sound they want. I spend a lot of time getting a perfect balance in the low end, using soundwave sculpting, sidechain EQs and very selective tone enhancemen. (for me if a tracks low end is sub-par, it reflects on the whole song) Then I focus on vocals making sure they sit perfectly in a mix. Around here I'll take a break, reset my ears and listen to some more references to ensure the direction is correct. Then comes the rest of the percussion if there is any, panning, tonal effects and automation to enhance a tracks arrangement. Everything gets sent to my clients along the way to ensure they are more than happy with the direction.

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

A: Ian Kirkpatrick is a huge influence of mine. Really pushes the boundaries of the feel of track and puts so much focus into getting every tiny piece of a song sounding tight and individual. Kevin Parker is another favourite just for his eclectic style and the experimental approach he applies. His hands on, analogue methods are ones I've studied and referenced time and time again. A musical genius with a stylised sound he worked really hard to achieve.

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

A: The main bulk of my work could be simplified to mix engineering but I always love to go the extra mile. Being an artist myself I have a ton of creative software and so I love to really add to a song and emphasise it's artistic intent if it's needed. This could be via extra instrumentation if you'd like or through experimental mix techniques to really add character, depth and individuality to your mix. All in all I will bring to life a tight and lively mix filled with whatever personality you really want to shine, and if you need that extra sparkle I will work tirelessly to fit it in. I'm also an avid score composer and have had the chance to work on several short films (some award winning) and animations. A huge strength of mine is composition, being able to encompass the emotional vision you have for your piece is a skill I pride myself on. Send me a message to chat more about this!