Jacob Chatelain on SoundBetter

I want to work together to reach that finished sound you're hearing in your head. I like to retain the life of your production, while adding punch, clarity and loudness.

Artists I've worked with include X Lovers, Ayokay, Matt Maltese, IU, Maggie Lindemann, Wethan, Chloe Moriondo, and Carol Ades as a mixing/mastering engineer, producer and touring drummer.

What I pride myself in most are my communication skills and commitment to problem solving. I want to keep the life in your track while also bringing punch and clarity to it, and work together to create that finished sound that you hear in your head. Hit me up!

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

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Interview with Jacob Chatelain

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I'm very proud of Kalyja Rain's upcoming ep, Persephone. My role was mainly production. We explored a lot of genres and brought in some really talented players for fiddle, slide guitar, banjo and harmonium.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yianni AP is a great mixer. I'd recommend him to anyone!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I just finished an ep for Kalyja Rain. Next month I'll be on tour with Carol Ades.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Either. Digital emulation is at a place where it's virtually indistinguishable from analogue. You don't need to listen to me, even Chris Lord-Alge says he usually uses the software version of his CLA-2A compressor.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will be patient and provide feedback when needed.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Tweaking sounds and getting a good spacial mix. Also, working from home!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: I don't like to overly insert my mixing preferences over a client's. Usually, I'm the one asking questions to get the mix to the right place.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: With current DSP integrated loudness formatting, there is plenty of space for dynamics and headroom in a mix while competing with top tier artists. Most likely, a properly mastered track will sound quieter than the demo master.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are you looking to achieve with your mix? What's a reference track you want your mix to sound like? When do you need the mix done?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Ask me any questions you have!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started drumming at 11 in a band with my best friend. I learned to produce and mix at 18. We signed to RCA at 20. Since we decided to end the band I've been producing, touring and mixing for a number of artists.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Patience is always helpful to me when problem solving or taking a first look at a mix. What wants to come out of a mix will usually make itself heard.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I like being surrounded by artists I know and like. I like the community of people I have around me in LA, and I hope to continue working with passionate people interested in finding their sound.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: When you're feeling rested and confident, go with the first thing that comes out of you. Second guessing is the difference between a naturally flowing song, and one that takes months to complete. Both can be good, but the first always feels better:)
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Indie pop and pop.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My commitment to problem solving and communication.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Working from the perspective of a producer, I want to maintain the character and life of your track, while also bringing forward clarity and punch. That's a general approach, but it really depends on the needs of an individual track.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: A simple top down gain staging followed by effects and spacial mixing.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work in a treated room on Genelec monitors. I like to reference in headphones and different environments such as the car and phone speakers.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I love Jack Antonoff's production style, will always remember the first time I saw him perform with Fun at the greek in berkley. Mixers I love include Russell Elevado, Michael Brauer, Peter Henderson, Laura Sisk and Stu White.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most of my experience is as a signed artist, producer, mixing/mastering engineer and touring drummer. I've started on Soundbetter to expand on my mixing/mastering work.