Producer, Mix Engineer

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

A: Assuming that there will be electricity, it will be: AKAI MPC5000, Yamaha NS10, Neumann U87, Virus TI, Fender Stratocaster

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

A: My journey in music began at the age of six when I started playing the accordion, teaching myself the basics. Recognizing my growing passion, my parents enlisted a private piano teacher to nurture my musical talents. By the age of 16, I discovered the exhilarating world of computer music during its early days. This marked a pivotal moment in my musical exploration, as it opened up new avenues for creativity and production. Throughout my teenage years, I played as a keyboardist in various bands, honing my skills and gaining valuable experience in live performance. However, it was around the age of 22-23 that I achieved notable success in my home country, Romania, with several number one hits as a producer, songwriter, and mix engineer. These early achievements propelled me into the spotlight and solidified my reputation within the local music scene. Building on this success, I continued to refine my craft, and my dedication soon resulted in the creation of a global hit. The journey from playing the accordion at six to contributing to a worldwide success has been a continuous and rewarding evolution. Music has been an integral part of my life, shaping my identity and providing a platform for self-expression from a very young age. Now, with over 20 years of experience in the music industry, my career path reflects a lifelong commitment to exploring, evolving, and contributing to the ever-changing landscape of music production. The diverse facets of my musical journey, from playing instruments to producing chart-topping hits, have collectively shaped my unique perspective and approach to music.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: When working on a project, my goal is to create music that is easy to listen to, inviting the audience to connect with the emotions and nuances of the composition effortlessly. The directness in my approach comes from a belief in the power of clarity. Each element in the mix serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall narrative of the song. I strive for a balance where every instrument, vocal, and sound effect has a defined role, ensuring that the listener can engage with the music without any unnecessary distractions.

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

A: I have a deep admiration for the rich musical traditions emanating from Africa. The groove, simplicity, and powerful emotions present in African music have always captivated me. If I were to choose a specific artist or region to work with, it would be difficult to pinpoint just one, given the incredible diversity across the continent. Collaborating with artists from Africa would not only be a tremendous learning experience for me but also a chance to contribute to the global appreciation of the continent's vibrant music scene. I believe that the fusion of my production expertise with the unique elements of African music could result in something truly special—a harmonious blend of diverse musical influences that transcends borders and speaks to a global audience.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Silence, when strategically placed, can be as powerful as any musical note. It allows for breathing room, emphasizing dynamics, and creating anticipation.

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

A: Over my 20 years in the industry, I've worked across a spectrum of genres, each sharing the common thread of being sonically engaging and emotionally uplifting. Whether it's crafting infectious pop melodies, energizing electronic beats, or rhythmically dynamic dance tracks, my versatility allows me to bring a sense of joy and movement to the music I work on.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I approach each song with an open mind and a genuine appreciation for the artistic expression it represents, ensuring that my work is not just a technical process but a creative collaboration that respects and enhances the artist's vision.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. My extensive background encompasses various roles, including music production, songwriting, and mixing engineering. This breadth of experience allows me to approach a song from multiple angles, ensuring a holistic and well-rounded creative process.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I begin by thoroughly organizing my session, creating a streamlined workflow that allows me to navigate and manipulate elements efficiently. This includes labeling tracks, setting up markers, and organizing the session layout to ensure a seamless creative process. Once the organizational groundwork is laid, I dedicate time to immerse myself in the essence of the project. This involves listening to the raw material and taking moments to visualize the direction in which the song naturally tends to evolve. I pay close attention to the emotional and sonic nuances, allowing them to guide my creative decisions throughout the production, songwriting, and mixing stages.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is centered around a Neve console, which serves as the heart of my hybrid workflow. I believe in the power of analog warmth and the tactile experience it provides, which is why I incorporate a significant amount of analog hardware into my setup. This includes LA-2A, API 2500+, 1176LN to add depth and character to the recordings. In addition to my analog setup, I have an extensive collection of high-quality plugins that complement and expand the creative possibilities of my studio. This allows me to seamlessly integrate the best of both analog and digital worlds, ensuring flexibility and sonic excellence in my productions and mixes. When it comes to digital audio workstations (DAWs), I adopt a versatile approach based on the specific requirements of each project. I am proficient in using Pro Tools, Logic, and Cubase, allowing me to adapt to different workflows and collaborate effectively with artists who may have preferences for a particular platform.

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

A: As a music producer and mixing engineer, I draw inspiration from a diverse range of high-ranking musicians and music production professionals who have left an indelible mark on the industry. I make it a habit to immerse myself in the work of acclaimed artists, analyzing their chart-topping songs to discern the intricate details that set them apart. I'll name just two because the list is too long... Tom Coyne and Tony Maserati.

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 involves managing the entire production process from inception to completion. This includes crafting original songs, overseeing the recording process, and ultimately delivering a polished and professionally mixed product.