Mix & Master That Cuts Through

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

A: One project I’m especially proud of involved working closely with a band on their album mixes. I was able to keep the band completely satisfied with the sound of their songs. However, the client chose to have the album mastered by a major record label, and unfortunately, the final mastered product compromised the quality of the original mixes. Seeing this, I offered to master all their songs for free, and the band was thrilled with the improved results. It was rewarding to help preserve the integrity of their music and deliver a final product that truly honored their vision.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I recently completed mixing and mastering an album for a Japanese indie artist, who was very satisfied with the final results. Right now, I’m preparing to take on new projects and continue helping artists bring their music to life with a polished, impactful sound.

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

A: Yes, I highly recommend P. Necobayashi — a talented guitarist with a strong musical sensibility. Working with someone who understands both skill and musicality is invaluable, and I believe clients would greatly benefit from his expertise.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both analog and digital have their unique strengths, and I believe the best results come from combining the two. Digital tools offer precision, flexibility, and efficiency, making the production process smoother and more accurate. However, analog processing brings warmth, depth, and dimension that can elevate a track, adding that crucial extra 5 to 10 percent of creative magic. Analog gear acts like the icing on the cake — it’s essential for giving a mix its final polish and emotional depth in ways digital alone can’t fully replicate.

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

A: My promise to clients is unlimited revisions until they are 100% completely satisfied. For me, mixing and mastering isn’t just about the money — it’s about the passion I have for helping artists bring their music to its fullest potential.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job is being able to support upcoming artists who may lack the resources or budget to fully realize their creative vision. Helping them elevate their work so it sounds professional and impactful across all listening environments is incredibly rewarding, knowing that I’m making their music worthwhile and ready to be shared with the world.

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

A: Customers often ask about my previous work and the genres I’m most passionate about. I usually share mixed demos I’ve worked on as well as some of my favorite bands to give them a sense of my style and influences. Being passionate about and deeply appreciative of music, I genuinely enjoy working across a wide range of genres and can connect with the unique vibe of nearly any style.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When working with prospective clients, I ask for demos of their songs to get a clear sense of their musical ideas. I also encourage them to share as much detail as possible about their vision, including the mood, style, and any specific elements they want emphasized. This open communication helps ensure that the final production aligns closely with their creative goals.

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

A: When hiring a provider like me, it’s important to deliver vocals with authentic emotion and accurate pitch. While I can fix minor issues using Melodyne and Auto-Tune, these tools are not substitutes for a solid performance. Embrace your originality and be open to exploring new ideas, as this creative spirit helps elevate the project. Consistently aiming for excellence and pushing boundaries not only enhances the quality of the final production but also ensures a memorable and impactful listening experience.

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

A: I’d bring the Pultec EQP-1A because its warm, musical EQ shapes really bring tracks to life. The Manley Variable Mu is my go-to for smooth, natural compression that adds richness without squashing dynamics. For recording, the AKG C12 is unbeatable — it captures vocals with a beautiful, classic tone. ProTools is essential as my DAW because it’s reliable and lets me work efficiently on any project. And the Audeze LCD-X headphones give me crystal-clear monitoring so I can hear every detail and make the best mixing decisions.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My versatility is one of my strengths; I enjoy working in genres like Pop-Rock, Gospel, Folk, Hip-Hop, R&B, Metal, and EDM, allowing me to tailor my sound and creativity to fit each unique track.

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

A: I would love to work with an artist who values creativity and emotional authenticity, someone who isn’t afraid to push boundaries and explore new sounds. Collaborating with such an artist inspires me to bring my best work forward and helps create music that truly connects with listeners. While there are many incredible artists I admire, working with someone open-minded and passionate about innovation would be especially rewarding.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One of the most important tips I can share is to record your tracks exceptionally well from the very beginning. Digital audio isn’t magic; while mixing and mastering can polish a track, they can’t fully fix poor recordings. Capturing clean, well-balanced takes requires both musical skill and technical know-how — from precise microphone placement and proper gain staging to performing with intention and clarity. Avoid common pitfalls such as recording in noisy environments, clipping signals, or neglecting monitoring quality, as these issues can severely limit your options during mixing. Paying close attention to these details provides the best canvas for creativity, allowing the final production to shine with impact and professionalism.

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

A: My versatility is one of my strengths; I enjoy working in various genres, including Pop-Rock, Gospel, Folk, Hip-Hop, R&B, Metal, and EDM, which allows me to tailor my sound and creativity to fit each unique track.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is clear, open communication, which I believe is key to building trust and turning every project into a true creative collaboration. By listening closely and providing thoughtful feedback, I ensure I fully understand each client’s vision and deliver results that not only meet but often exceed their expectations. This reliable and collaborative approach keeps projects on track and helps transform ideas into polished, compelling work that clients are proud to share.

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

A: One of the biggest misconceptions is that digital tools can fix anything—that a poorly recorded track can somehow be “saved in the mix.” In reality, a great mix starts with great source material. Another common myth is that louder always means better, but I focus on achieving balance, space, clarity, and depth. That’s what truly sets a mix apart—not just volume.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My mix process usually begins with building a solid foundation—starting with drums and bass, then adding rhythm elements and finishing with vocals. I sometimes re-amp guitars through a Fender Twin Reverb to bring extra life and character, and I selectively incorporate outboard gear where it adds value. I’m particularly meticulous with vocals, often spending significant time to make sure they sit just right in the mix. Once we go through revisions and the artist is fully satisfied, I run the mix through analog gear for that final punch, depth, and glue during mastering.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is designed for accurate, reliable mixing. I work in a well-treated room with high-precision monitors to ensure my mixes translate consistently across systems. While I mix primarily in-the-box using top-tier plugins, I also integrate select analog hardware for warmth and depth—gear like the Pultec EQP-1A, API 2500, Black Box HG-2, and the Manley Vari-Mu. Everything is routed through Crane Song converters to maintain clarity and detail at every stage of the process.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring warmth, character, and a unique vibe to every track, ensuring each performance feels genuine and engaging. By blending emotional depth with technical excellence, I focus on pitch accuracy, clear articulation, dynamics, and expressive phrasing to deliver a polished sound that resonates with listeners. Beyond simply hitting the notes, I aim to tell a story and evoke emotion, creating an experience that draws people in and keeps them coming back for more.

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

A: I began my career as a live sound engineer, which gave me a strong foundation in managing audio in dynamic, real-time environments. From there, I transitioned into recording engineering, honing my skills in capturing high-quality performances. For nearly 12 years, I’ve been mixing albums and singles, blending technical expertise with creative insight to help artists bring their music to life. My creativity and passion for music keep me motivated and drive me to consistently take each project to the next level.

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

A: I draw a lot of inspiration from legendary engineers and artists like Al Schmitt, Spike Stent, Peter Gabriel, Daft Punk, Alan Parsons, and Bob Horn. Their creativity, technical mastery, and dedication to pushing sonic boundaries have greatly influenced my approach to mixing and production. They remind me that great music comes from balancing innovation with emotion and always striving for excellence.

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

A: I work across a wide range of genres, including pop-rock, gospel, folk, hip-hop, RnB, metal, and EDM. This versatility allows me to adapt my approach to fit the unique style and energy of each project, ensuring every client’s vision is realized with the right sound and vibe.