Fili Filizzola

Mastering Engineer

starstarstarstarstar
44 Reviews (42 Verified)
Fili Filizzola on SoundBetter

I have mastered and been a part of the mastering process of incredible artists such as SZA, Bieber, Harry Styles, Khalid, Doja Cat, Snoh Aalegra, Lagum, Jota Quest, Lulu Santos, Djonga and many more. I have the inside knowledge of what amazing records need in order to sound huge, punchy and modern. I am here to help you achieve that sound!

I am a Los Angeles based Mastering Engineer and I divide my schedule by working at Becker Mastering as a mastering engineer and assistant to my mentor Dale Becker, as well as running my freelance mastering business.

As a musician (Bachelor's Degree in Guitar Performance) I have been a part of every single stage of the music making process, from writing, to rec/prod, editing, mixing and finally mastering, and I believe that musical know-how has contributed to how I hear your song on this final, important stage called Mastering. I have a unique and individual approach to each song. There is no "go-to" chain or settings because each song demands its own approach and in a way, is its own puzzle piece. My job is figuring out what it needs and doesn't need in order to be the best possible track it can be. I like to approach that in an artful, musical, less "engineer-y" way.

I am excited to work on your music and elevate your sound to the highest standards!

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

Credits

Discogs verified credits for Fili Filizzola
  • Aloe Blacc
  • Niki (31)
  • Ayokay
  • Ayokay
  • Ayokay
  • Latto*
  • Ruel (6)
  • Doja Cat
  • Kim Petras
  • Snoh Aalegra
  • Niko Moon
  • Joy Oladokun
  • Fousheé
  • Sasha Alex Sloan*
  • Latto* x Mariah Carey Ft DJ Khaled
  • VanJess
  • The Talbott Brothers
  • Lauv
  • Sinead Harnett
  • Betty Who

44 Reviews - 7 Repeat Clients

Endorse Fili Filizzola
  1. Review by Annabel Hailey
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    It was an absolute pleasure working with Fili, very good and positive communication and he was able to translate my vision, and much more, into reality. He is the next level mastering engineer that exceeded my expectations and brought my track alive. Can't wait to work with him again!

  2. Review by Marco Marco
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili did a fantastic job for me. He definitely moved my track on the next level. Very professional skills, great communication and approach. Will definitely hire him for the future again, recommend.

  3. Review by Gabriel
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili is a great mastering engineer! I gave him a reference track and he brought more life into my song. More energy, warmth, and not harsh at all! Fili definitely has a good taste in sound. This was my first time doing business with him and all all I can say is wow... he's good.

  4. Review by Dane S.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili really helped me out with this one. He promptly took care of my master and he even rushed it so I could get my track in on time. As a producer/engineer I had really specific hopes for my master and Fili exceeded all of my expectations. Great communication as well. Thanks Fili!

  5. Review by Daniel V.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili was such a professional throughout the process. I’m very pleased and will most definitely use him again. The sound is amazing. Thanks once again.

  6. Review by Raysallas
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Quality of work: One of the best Fili gave the track the life it needed. Excellent Communication and Time Delivery

  7. Review by ANDRE SWISH
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Thank you Fili
    Awesome Mastering!

  8. Review by jordnxx
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Great communication, & great quality masters

  9. Review by Bryxe
    starstarstarstarstar
    by Bryxe
    check_circleVerified

    If you’re looking for a mastering engineer and you have the luxury of finding Fili’s profile, you just struck gold. Don’t look any further, Fili is THE guy you’re looking for, book him NOW

  10. Review by Mai O.
    starstarstarstarstar
    by Mai O.
    check_circleVerified

    Fili was amazing to work with! Easy to work with, sends back high quality masters with a quick turn around. Will definitely work with again in the future!

  11. Review by EA Studios
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili, is phenomenal. This was the first time working with him, and I really enjoyed. The way, he looks at things, tells how to good of an artist he is, himself. Looking forward to work with him in the future.

  12. Review by T Brixson
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili is incredibly efficient with communication and very professional in meeting and exceeding deadlines.

    I'm very happy with the quality of the Master he produced and would definitely recommend him 100%.

    I can't wait to work with Fili again!

  13. Review by Gorgin R.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili is super talented and delivered top level work. He will get you that commercial, radio ready sound for sure. It was a pleasure working with him with his quick communication, attention to detail and positivity. He made sure I got exactly the sound I was looking for.

  14. Review by David S.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili is my new go-to mastering engineer. Not only is he super prompt and skilled, he is also a nice guy and super pro. He feels the songs and elevates them !

  15. Review by Jesus N.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Super knowledgeable and quick turnaround. Most importantly, amazing sounding master! Fili elevated my song and injected a lot of life and energy into it

  16. Review by Kimi P.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili was AMAZING to work with! He responds so quickly and his mastering is crystal clear. He got my mix to sound louder, fuller, and cleaner. He captured the groove I was looking for as well. So happy I was able to work with him especially because of his professionalism. I recommend him!!

  17. Review by Matthew Ray
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili managed to retain the warmness of the original mix, whilst adding power and energy, delivering a master that sounds instantly engaging for the listener. I really liked how Fili’s enthusiasm and professionalism made this project feel special and individual from the outset. It has been a huge pleasure to have had Fili involved with my music.

  18. Review by ANDRE SWISH
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Another great master. More on the way!

  19. Review by ANDRE SWISH
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili is awesome guy to work with and a great mastering engineer. Gets the track where it needs to be from the first master. Talent!

  20. Review by Renata P.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fili is a true artist! He masters not only technically, but also very sensitively. Great communication and punctuality. I HIGHLY recommend him to everyone.

Interview with Fili Filizzola

  1. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  2. A: My main listening setup involves the super clean and ultra great conversion of the Lynx Hilo paired with PMC IB1S. Those two along with a great sounding room give me a very accurate read of any song which to me is the most important thing. You can't fix it if you can't hear it. You can't enhance it and bring it out if you can't hear properly and accurately. You get the point. To my listening army I add my trusted Audeze LCD-X heaphones. If I feel the song needs analog juice, warmth or 3D vibes I can the option of choosing my Manley VariMu for a nice tube sound, my Stam SA4000 mkii for that classic SSL sound along with their Neve mod to add some nice juicy harmonics to the low end. I also have with me the beautiful maag EQ2 for some phat low end and/or the classy Air band and the TKlizer for any light attenuation or enhancement I want to make.

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

  4. A: I'm very proud of having been able to assist on the mastering part of the Doja Cat album "Planet Her". I was the Assistant Mastering Engineer.

  5. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  6. A: Lots of great artists, including, Lagum, L'FREAQ, Ashley Nicole Emerson, 500 Year Flood, Coasted Kid, and few others. All very exciting!

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

  8. A: Absolutely. Vic Cuccia is the man if you need top notch mixes.

  9. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  10. A: Both. It just depends on the song. I have my tools and I know when and how to use them. The worst thing a mastering engineer can do is run a track through a piece of analog gear just because they spent a fortune on it and feel like they need to use it because it just "makes it better". It doesn't always make it better and nothing should be forced through gear just because. Sometimes hybrid, sometimes digital. It depends on the song and the vision the artist has for the track.

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

  12. A: My total and utmost dedication. I treat every single song with the same amount of pure dedication and attention. I truly care about the music that is sent to me and my clients can feel that.

  13. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  14. A: Having artists trust me with their music and being able to contribute to their work is the most satisfying part about mastering! Being the last stage before a song is released is a lot of responsibility but I think it's a beautiful thing which I don't take for granted, ever!

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

  16. A: What format should I send you? 24 or 32 bit files in the sample rate of the session it was mixed in. Export in that exact sample rate. No need to upsample and especially not downsample anything. Leave it to me!

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

  18. A: I'd say the biggest misconception is that a song that wasn't recorded properly can sound just as good as mainstream industry standard released music. An amazing track starts not only with an amazing song, but with an amazing recording. Record like there is no mix. Mix like there is no master. Master like... well leave this part to me! I got you!

  19. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  20. A: What is the vision of the project? What do you love about this track/these tracks? What do you feel is lacking? What are your expectations during the mastering stage? What final formats do you need?

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

  22. A: Be certain the mix has been approved by everyone that needs to approve it. Have your files ready. If you need ALTS, have everything printed and ready from the get go. And please, QC and check your files after you've exported from your DAW. Make sure everything sounds that way it should and no element is missing. I once had someone send me a file which he said was the final mix and it indeed said (Final Mix v3) but that file was a soloed acoustic guitar. QC and listen to your files after you export.

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

  24. A: Assuming on a desert island there would be no electricity and no clients then there would be no way of me mastering anything for anyone I'd most likely pick my Martin acoustic guitar which I love in order to maintain my sanity. If this desert island did have electricity and costumers I'd definitely have my Lynx Hilo, my PMC IB1S, my Audeze LCD-X, my Manley VariMU and I guess a computer! HA!

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

  26. A: I have been playing guitar and dedication to the art of guitar for over 2 decades. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Guitar Performance. I have played and love all style but mostly Jazz, Blues, R&B, Funk and Rock. I started studying tracking and recording to be able to record my band without having to hire someone every time we wanted to record something for YouTube and down the road I fell in love with mixing which then led me to mastering. I have been mastering for over 5 years now.

  27. Q: How would you describe your style?

  28. A: That's an interesting question. I am the only person that hears music the way I hear it. That is an individual trait of all of us. The changes I make, the approach I take on a master is all based on how I hear music. Even if I am being guided by the artists' vision and wants. It therefore makes more sense for others to try to describe my style after I have worked on their music than for me to brand myself with handcuffed descriptions of something that to me is just me and the way I hear things. In the words of the great Bruce Lee: "My style is no style"

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

  30. A: Kanye. He is a genius and knows what he wants, therefore seems to be very hard to please but I'd love the challenge of taking in his vision while also seeing what my ears tell me the material needs and contributing to the art with that and seeing what happens.

  31. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  32. A: But I am a mastering engineer, and what even is mastering?

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

  34. A: Pop, R&B, Rock, Funk. Music with energy and low end.

  35. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  36. A: Knowing when to change something or not to change it at all.

  37. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  38. A: Punch, clarity. Massive and beautiful low end if the style calls for it. Depth and separation between elements that might be feeling clogged up and muddy in the mix. If it's a pop song the vocals will be clear and up front, separated from any instrument such as synths that might be getting in the way of a beautiful and strong vocal. Volume and density with punch and transients that sound alive. I love tailoring each song to its specific needs.

  39. Q: What's your typical work process?

  40. A: I warm up my ears at the beginning of every day with a list of references I have gathered throughout the years. Once I start on a specific track I like familiarizing myself with that style as well to get my ears warmed up. I listen to the track a few times before making any moves and just try to notice what I am feeling. What I feel is missing or what I feel needs to be pushed back and tamed usually present themselves to me on the first couple of listens and I have a big picture idea of what this song should sound like to sound its best. I then go to work to make that initial vision possible. The moves I make along the way are in order to chase the final product. Along the way I like listening passively as well and not thinking about the track at all and during these valuable moments I sometimes get glimpses of things I hadn't noticed before so I dive in on those and I listen to check if those changes are improving the track or not. Each song is a puzzle piece and I love figuring each one out.

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

  42. A: I find inspiration in the work of so many musicians working on so many different styles. I'd say Quincy, Kanye, Pharrell, Bieber and Finneas are all producers I admire so much. As for musicians I really like the sound of Dua Lipa, Kanye, JoJo, H.E.R, Olivia Dean, Jamiroquai, and many more.

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

  44. A: Stereo Mastering! I love the challenge of being able make such a huge difference to a song working only with a stereo track. I love hard hitting, loud, dense tracks that don't sound like the life has been squeezed out of it, in fact, there is more life, openness, tone and texture after I get my ears on it.

loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next
500 Year Flood - Behind My Shoulder

I was the Mastering Engineer in this production


  1. play_arrow
    pause
    500 Year Flood - Behind My Shoulder
  2. play_arrow
    pause
    Sophia Marie - Not What You Want
  3. play_arrow
    pause
    Sest Feat. Djonga - Suite 14
GenresSounds Like
  • Doja Cat
  • Khalid
  • Dua Lipa
Gear Highlights
  • PMC IB1-S
  • Lynx Hilo
  • Manley VariMu
  • TK-Audio TKlizer
  • Maag EQ2
  • Stam SA-4000 mkii
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

Discount package rates for 5 songs or more

  • SZA - SOS AlbumJan 05, 2023

    Hi friends! 


    Hope you all had a fantastic New Year's and Holiday season!


    I was very blessed to have been able to master the new SZA album (the immersive/Dolby Atmos version) with Dale Becker! What an incredible opportunity! This album is amazing! Have you listened to it yet? 


    I've added a printscreen of the Tidal credits for the album so you can see for yourself!

  • Grammy certificates arrived!Sep 01, 2022

    It was a pleasure and honor being able to be an assistant mastering engineer on Doja Cat's Planet Her album which was up for Album of The Year and Snoh Aalegra's Temporary Highs in Violet Skies album which was up for R&B Album of The Year! Check out my photos for pics of the certificates! 

  • 884 verified credits on Jaxsta!Sep 01, 2022

    Check out all the music I've been a part of!


    https://www.jaxsta.com/one-sheet/fili-filizzola