Platinum Pop HipHop Master Mix

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I Mixed & Mastered Shordie Shordie's single "Betchua" that generated over 7 million(and counting)YouTube views in 3 short months, placed on Spotify's "most necessary" playlist, and got the artist a big record deal with Warner Bros. I also Mixed and Mastered Tate Kobang's "Bank Rolls Remix". Proud of this song because it reached #4 on Spotify, #22 on Billboard, was featured in HBO's "Ballers", MTV's "Wildin Out", and a Play Station commercial. Also gained over 6 million views on the official You Tube video.

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

A: I started Djaying and producing at 16, went to Institute of Audio Research in 1998, assisted engineers in New York for a few years and worked with a few underground Hip Hop artists (The Beatnuts, DJ Honda, etc...), did freelance engineering for various record labels(Def Jam, Arista etc...), started my own studio business(Above Ground Studios) in 2005, executive produced a few artists, built a new state of the art recording, mixing & mastering studio in 2014 to provide high quality audio services to the independent music industry.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm mixing & mastering Universal/Republic recording artist BandHuntta Izzy's (Love and Hip Hop star, and Freshman Class XXL Nominee) forthcoming album. Also mixing and mastering new Shordie Shordie single "Distractions" set to be released on Warner Bros Records accompanied by a music vide directed by Cole Bennett (Lyrical Lemonade).

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: You'll sound your best!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Listening to music everyday

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

A: Partner with an engineer you can communicate with. Communication is key to realizing your musical vision.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Professional audio mastering room designed by studio architect Frank Comentale (Hit Factory, Code Red, etc...) Totem Fire speakers and stereo Totem Thunder subwoofers, Macintosh MC302 power amplifier, Lynx Hilo A/D/A converter, Auratone speakers, Sound Blade HD and Pro Tools HD software, Sonic EQ, Quartet Dyn PEQ, Fab Filter, Waves, Sound Toys, Navy

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Whats your rates? On my website

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I Mix until the song sounds amazing and the music envelopes the listener. I Master to enhance the mix and make the song radio ready.

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

A: Quincy Jones, Kanye West, Rick James, RZA, the Beatles, Harry Nillson, Timbaland, Bob Marley, Prince Paul, George Clinton, Dr. Dre, Easy Mo Bee, Rod Lee, DJ Blaqstarr, Pharell, Bruce Sweiden, Dave Pensado, Tom Coyne, Chris Athens, Brian "Big Bass" Gardner

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

A: Mastering albums, eps, and singles. Mixing multitrack recordings.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Clear, Full & Dynamic!

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

A: Kanye West because he pushes the limits in Hip Hop.

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

A: Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Pop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Mastering

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Re-Playability

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Tom Coyne, Irko, Dave Pensado

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both because analog sounds amazing and digital can do amazing.

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

A: You name it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What songs do you like and why? Whats your vision for your music?

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

A: SSL routing console, Focal Grande Utopia BE Loudspeakers, Mackintosh amp, Neumman U87 mic, 24 track reel to reel tape machine

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Highlight the song's emotion.