Mixing Engineer

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

A: One project that holds a special place in my heart is "Ascension" by the artist Corby, where I had the pleasure of serving as both the mixing engineer and producer. This song was an incredibly fulfilling experience for me from beginning to end. As the mixing engineer, I meticulously balanced the vocals and instrumentation, sculpting the sonic landscape to ensure clarity and depth in every element of the track. Working closely with Corby as the producer, we collaborated on shaping the overall sound and direction of the song, incorporating atmospheric elements and refining every detail to enhance its emotional impact. What made this project so meaningful was the seamless collaboration and shared creative vision. Witnessing "Ascension" come to life as a cohesive and impactful piece of music that resonated with listeners was truly rewarding. It exemplified the power of teamwork and the joy of translating artistic ideas into a compelling sonic experience.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on multiple songs to release over the remaining months of this month and solidifying my specific sound entirely.

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

A: As of now, not yet

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital because I work better with what I am used to

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

A: I promise open communication, transparency, and professionalism throughout our collaboration. Your satisfaction and the success of your project are my priorities.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job is the opportunity to bring artistic visions to life through music. I enjoy the creative process of crafting sounds and arrangements that evoke emotions and resonate with listeners. There's a sense of fulfillment in collaborating with artists and translating their ideas into compelling musical compositions.

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

A: Customers commonly ask me these questions: Can you mix my song? Yes, I offer comprehensive mixing services to ensure your song sounds polished and professional. What genres do you specialize in? I specialize in R&B and Hip Hop but I'm versatile and can work across various genres. How long will it take to complete my project? The project timeline depends on its scope and complexity. I provide personalized estimates based on your specific needs and deadlines.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that it's solely technical. In reality, music production involves artistic vision, emotional storytelling through sound, and creative decision-making. It's not just about operating equipment—it's about crafting unique sounds and resonating with listeners on a deeper level. Producing and mixing music takes time, effort, and attention to detail to achieve a polished result. It's a blend of technical expertise and artistic creativity.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When engaging with prospective clients, I typically ask the following questions to understand their needs and vision for the project: 1. **Project Details**: - What type of project are you working on (e.g., single, EP, album)? - What genre(s) or style of music are you aiming for? - Do you have specific ideas or references for the sound you want to achieve? 2. **Scope and Timeline**: - What services are you looking for (e.g., mixing, production, mastering)? - What is the timeline for completing this project? - Are there any specific deadlines or milestones we need to meet? 3. **Materials and Requirements**: - Do you have existing recordings or stems for the project? - Are there any specific instruments, vocals, or samples that need to be included? - Do you require assistance with songwriting or arranging? 4. **Budget and Expectations**: - What is your budget range for this project? - What are your expectations in terms of quality and outcome? - Are there any specific preferences or technical requirements? 5. **Collaboration and Communication**: - How would you prefer to communicate during the project (e.g., email, phone calls, video chats)? - Are there any additional collaborators or stakeholders involved in the project? - What level of involvement do you envision during the production process? By asking these questions, I aim to gather comprehensive information and align expectations to ensure a successful collaboration and delivery of the desired musical outcome.

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

A: Please come with a well structured and clear and precise instructions so I carry them out. Please respect me and I will do same. I will not tolerate unacceptable behavior as well.

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

A: Studio Monitors, My Laptop, Midi Keyboard, Microphone and Audio Interface.

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

A: My career path in music began independently at the age of 15, where I immersed myself in various aspects of music creation—from writing and production to content creation. Over the years, I honed my skills and developed a deep passion for R&B, Hip Hop, Lofi, and Afrobeats genres. Along this journey, I collaborated closely with a dear friend I met, delving into content creation and expanding my artistic horizons. Through dedication and continuous learning, I have evolved as an artist and music producer, establishing a distinct style that blends soulful melodies with intricate beats. I bring nearly eight years of experience in the industry, driven by a lifelong commitment to creating impactful and engaging music.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as versatile and deeply rooted in the realms of R&B, Hip Hop, Lofi, and Afrobeats. I blend soulful melodies with intricate beats, creating a fusion of emotional depth and rhythmic energy. Overall, my style aims to evoke emotion while keeping listeners engaged with a modern and dynamic approach.

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

A: I would love to work with Pharrell Williams because of how he shaped some very lovely intricate details and sonic experiences in the Hip Hop and R&B world

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One simple music production tip is to focus on the arrangement. Pay attention to how different elements (such as instruments, vocals, and effects) are introduced and layered throughout the song. A well-structured arrangement can greatly enhance the flow and impact of your music, making it more engaging for listeners.

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

A: Hip Hop and R&B

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Mixing

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring my creative perspective to embellish what has already been laid out.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process involves receiving well-labelled stems for mixing. I start by cleaning up takes, addressing breathes and sibilance. Then, I balance levels, use EQ to shape tonal balance, apply compression for dynamics control, add effects like reverb and delay for depth, and use panning for stereo width. Automation is used to enhance dynamics. The goal is to achieve a professional mix that reflects the artist's vision while enhancing overall quality and impact.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: In my studio setup, I use a Rode NT1 microphone connected to a PreSonus AudioBox USB96 audio interface. I monitor my sound through PreSonus Eris 3.5-inch monitors and also use PreSonus HD7 headphones that come with the AudioBox USB96, ensuring accurate playback and detailed mixing. My workstation runs on Ableton Live, operating on a DELL E5550 laptop. Additionally, I incorporate a Samson Carbon 49 MIDI keyboard to add expressive melodies and control virtual instruments seamlessly. This comprehensive setup enables me to achieve professional-grade recordings and productions with precision and efficiency.

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

A: I draw inspiration from a diverse range of musicians and music production professionals. Quincy Jones has been a significant influence with his legendary work across various genres. Jon Bellion's innovative approach to songwriting and production inspires me to push creative boundaries. Charlie Puth's attention to detail in his productions and vocal arrangements is admirable. DPAT's soulful and atmospheric productions resonate deeply with me, and Travis Scott's pioneering sound and vision in modern Hip Hop are incredibly motivating. These artists, along with many others, inspire me to continuously evolve and explore new avenues in music production.

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

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients revolves around mixing Hip Hop and R&B music. This includes enhancing the overall sound quality, balancing vocals and instrumentation, fine-tuning the dynamics, and ensuring the final mix is polished and professional. I specialize in bringing out the unique character and vibe of each track, creating a cohesive and impactful listening experience that resonates with the genre's style and emotion. Whether it's a single, EP, or full album, I excel in elevating Hip Hop and R&B productions to their fullest potential through expert mixing techniques.