Producing, Mixing, Mastering

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

A: I actually went to school for engineering. Music production has a very technical aspect, which fits quite nicely with engineering. As a career in music, I just want to share my talents and art with the world, and help others do the same without taking all of their money in the process. I've been a musician for over ten years, playing many instruments and working with various DAWs. I hope to keep doing this til I can't anymore.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My portfolio. I love learning new styles and practicing with my own projects. Because of that, my portfolio keeps changing and growing. I think that's a pretty healthy sign of a versatile artist.

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

A: I'm fairly new to the platform, so not really. But I'm looking forward to meeting new people!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. Digital has created almost infinite possibilities. I've worked with analog gear, and I'll choose digital every time.

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

A: There is no such thing as the perfect recording or the perfect mix, but I will try to get as close to perfect as possible. In the end, if you're happy then I'm happy.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love seeing how creativity can mesh and mold into something so new and different.

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

A: The question I hear most often is "why do you charge so much less?". I do it because I have seen many friends who love making music flat out quit because the resources out there are so expensive. There are some beautiful voices out there that just need a little help to shine.

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

A: That I am just another mixing/mastering engineer who will do exactly what you've seen or heard on YouTube. Music is all about creativity, and any artist or engineer worth their weight knows that, yes, the technical aspects are important, so mastery in those is a necessity. But the creativity and passion that an artist or engineer can bring to the session or project is the MOST important thing they can offer.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is the scope of the work? What are your end goals for this project? What are your must haves? Who are your inspirations? Most importantly, how often would you like to communicate about the project?

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

A: Let's talk. At the end of the day, if our visions don't align then the work won't either. Months of collaboration and feedback can be spared if we talk out our wants and needs upfront.

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

A: My audio interface, an SSL 2+. This thing is magic. My monitors next, absolute gold mine when I found those guys out in California. I gotta have my desktop then, personally designed and built. Lastly, my first electric guitar, a Fender Tele, and my first bass, a Fender J-Bass.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Very mixed, like me! I've been told my style is very VERY new age, which is the greatest compliment. Music is always evolving, and I would be humbled if I am a part of this next stage of musical evolution.

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

A: SAINt JHN. His lyrics are very emotional, and he perfectly connects that emotion in his words with the vibes of the beats he chooses. He does it in such a way that you could be crying on the inside while rocking out loud.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Take breaks. Your ears are your greatest asset, and they can go numb after listening to the same thing repeatedly.

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

A: I have more experience in modern pop and hip hop, but absolutely love the punk rock, pop punk sound.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ability make gold out of crap. That doesn't mean I layer a bunch of things together, which ultimately leads to ear clutter. I believe there is a great sound in even the worst samples.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My ability to learn. I am all about combining my styles with those of my clients. I don't just mix your song to the right decibel level for Spotify, I bring my own sound and my own creativity. That is what you get when you collaborate with me, an artist and a skilled technician.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I prefer to start every project with a conversation with the client. That is so key for me and the work. Then from there we can figure out direction, sound, and a solid schedule for feedback and deliverables. It sounds very technical, but being organized is what separates the little guys from the professionals.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My monitors are my best friends in the studio, as well as my numerous electric and bass guitars. I've had the same MIDI keyboard since college, but when something works it just works, right?

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

A: Rezcoast Grizz, SAINt JHN, Son Kuma, Dave, and Jack Kays are some of the biggest influences in my production. For mixing and mastering, I reference Post Malone and SAINt JHN a LOT.

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

A: Lately I do mixing and mastering for pre-produced tracks. My favorite type of work is end-to-end, where collaboration and creativity help build amazing music from the very first instrument to the finishing touches.