Recording/Mixing/Production

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Mainly digital, but I occasionally run things through the old reel to reel for some lovely tape colouring.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creating music is so fascinating because it really is an endless journey of discovery! It can be the most complex thing, and yet other times the most simple and basic approach can be the best way to achieve the desired result. Knowing how to achieve a certain result instinctively is something that you can't fake, but after many years of working with so many different artists things just tend to fall into place.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you drink tea?? Tell me about yourself and what led you to create the music that you create.

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

A: As a child I began creating music on eMagic Logic 5 - before Apple bought it! I then went and did a degree in music/music production at the University of Huddersfield up until 2012. After that I started doing all sorts of audio work including soundtracks and advertising. Eventually I opened Bookmatch Studio in 2016 and started working with bands and other companies. I've been there ever since.

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

A: Chris Stapleton - the guy makes an unbelievable sound! Larkin Poe - blues rock with beautiful vocal harmonies is a wonderful combination.

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

A: A combination of band based music, acoustic, rock, country, pop. As well as electronic theme tunes and entertainment/marketing songs.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening. Hearing potential and knowing how to achieve it in a mix, a recording or both.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Fresh ears! Sometimes an outside perspective from an experienced engineer can completely transform a song. I'm always looking for ways to bring the magic out of any song, whether that's instrumental ideas, vocal harmony suggestions, whole new sections - or maybe nothing at all! It's about knowing when to intervene and when to leave a great song alone.

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

A: Eric Valentine is an engineer/producer I admire. I really enjoy his approach getting the best possible sound, clean and tidy, nothing is overdone and yet the sound is huge. Andrew Scheps is another engineer who has a very 'no-nonsense' approach to capture and produce real grounded mixes in a very concise and stylish way. Of course, Rick Rubin is a fountain of Knowledge and his work speaks for itself.

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

A: Recording and mixing artist's albums and singles. I love to work with the artists to develop the sound that they're looking for and enhance it in every way possible.