Mixing, Mastering, Dolby Atmos

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

A: I was a hired gun for a full length hiphop album "Candyland" by the Rapper Wasiu. The project is full of energy that I was blessed to be able to help translate for them. It's beautiful and a true experience the artist takes you through. He's on tour and his squad is the definition of DOPE. Check him out!

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

A: With me you get a top level professional who cares about your project and treats it to the highest standard.

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

A: "Do you have time in your schedule for a mix?" or, "Do you work with independent artists?" The answer is Yes and Yes! I am fully independent myself and am very fortunate to be doing this full time and work with incredible independent artists and major label clients! I treat every project with the same intent and only have the best aspirations for your music!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Are you ready for mixing/mastering? Have you finished with all the production? Did you get the takes you really want? Are your vocals tuned? Are files labeled and does everything line up and match your final demo?

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

A: Love the takes and recordings you have before you send them to me. You need to be content with everything you send me. Because no matter how professional and expensive the gear anyone has and uses on your music. If you aren't content and happy with what you hand off you will always have that doubt. Have all your vocals tuned and all files properly labeled too :)

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

A: My vocal chain: U87 - Neve 1073 -Tube Tech CL1B My Audio Tecnica Turntable (with a few good records;)) My Sennheiser HD600 headphones Working on getting a Fairchild Compressor to keep warm on the cold island! LOL

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

A: I have been the field for 11 years and running!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is so much more.

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

A: HipHop has my soul but the world has me in a clench lol this months projects have been part of, Broadway, Classic Rock, Billboard Pop, SingerSong Writer, French Rap, Afro Beat, NY Drill, 90'sBoomBap, Heavy Metal, Jazz, Americana, EDM, & Reggae. I love it all so much <3

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

A: Every single one. Send them all and tell them who sent you! We have records to make!! I love what I do and I want to work with others who love what they do. Fortunately that's music and I'm excited every day I walk into the studio. Ed Sheeran would be pretty cool!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: We talk and evaluate the needs and goals for your project. Along side the files you send I request the most recent version of your song(s) that you've been listening to. I'll listen to that A LOT to understand the energy and get my direction. My assistants prepare the files and I begin the session. My first submission to you is my opinion of the record. That being said it is not the FINAL (sometimes is! lol) My rate includes all revisions until you approve the final! Once you approve I print "FINAL PASSES" and licensing stems for you. My goal is to create a great relationship with you and get your song over the finish line and have it expressed exactly how YOU want, I am here for you.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Top secret stuff that I'm soooo PUMPED for you to hear! I just had the pleasure of delivering the Dolby Atmos Master for the new Alicia Keys single "Kaleidoscope"!! For her new Broadway musical "Hells Kitchen" which got 13 Tony nominations!! I also recently mixed the latest single "What If" for the American Idol Pop Star KAYKO. That's a heart felt record that he slayed.

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

A: Ken Lewis.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love them both so I use both! My approach is very hybrid focused but analog gear is not necessary or 100% needed. If I feel the mix or master will benefit from the Analog BetterMaker Limiter, Neve 1073s, or optical compressors I have then I won't hesitate! Like a chef with their spices I learned the gear, then when it comes time to prepare your project, my tools are like the chefs knives. I have selected each one specifically for the type of cut, fillet, and seasoning that is needed to finish your project.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love every second of this.

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

A: I always say this is really the "Magic Industry" because you bring me onto a project so you don't have to worry about a thing when it comes to the Mixing, Mastering, Immersive, or all three!! The misconception is that I'm not going to produce your record. All of your production decisions you made for the song should be in the files you send. However there are times when I can add additional production & arrangements when I truly feel it will only help the song, I let you know if I do. If you want me to add transitions risers, drops, or specific moments let me know and I'll feel it out, your song might not need it at all! I don't tune vocals. lol BUT I got some people for you!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Strictly Finessements.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening :) lol

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring the final vision the artist, producer, & creatives, hear in their head and present it to them to experience between their headphones and speakers. The music is already great. I'm only helping translate their moment to their listeners.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a 9.1.4 Immersive & stereo mixing room. My mains are a pair of PMC's & the surrounds area IK MTMs with 2 Kali Audio Subs for LFE & bass management. The vocal chain is Neumann U87 to Neve 1073 into a Tube-Tech CL 1B into AVID converters. Nice and cozy delivering some AMAZING records :)

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

A: I love it all! Due to my diverse clientele I'm blessed to be able to experience different tastes of music throughout the world! Some of my music inspirations are Mac Miller, The Beatles, Biggie Smalls, Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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

A: Mixing & Mastering. I specialize in immersive audio. Delivering Dolby Atmos Masters for artists such as "Alicia Keys, Donna Summer, Rema, XG, Bazzi, Poobear, Skrillex" & Many more! I am also fortunate to have contributed to the 2024 Album of the Year "Midnights" by Taylor Swift :)