Mixing, Mastering, Re-amping

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

A: There are lots of! Single and EPs. I believe the one is by the band named Πrysma. There were 19 years old with good energy and their songs very promising. I decided, although with zero experience inside the studio, to take them in and do the whole production. The result is a very nice warm sounding album which I am proud of! https://prysma1.bandcamp.com/album/closer-to-utopia

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A 5-song EP (folk Greek)

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Both have the good and bad. If you can combine the two worlds well, then you get a very balanced result. The non linearity factor with the magic of the binary system.

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

A: I will give my best and help them get the most out of their song! In the end every song has a distinct route which leads to the result.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: To record and get the most out of every song. Find the best tools for this wonderful musical puzzle. The same goes to the mixing process.

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

A: Not to hesitate! I will deal with the song(s) as were of any other client I have in the studio. With profession and seriousness.

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

A: I graduated from a Technological Faculty in Greece (2005) and then worked for sometime in a studio and as a freelance PA engineer in small, but well known club/venues in Thessaloniki, Greece. In 2008, I left. I took my Master's at the University of York, UK and came back. I worked in both public and private education as well as in venues. In 2014 I decided to start my own business by opening a commercial recording mixing and mastering studio.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Trying to be more raw and analog but using fully modern technology. I firmly believe to: commit to the sound. Find the right path before recording and stick with it.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: If I am working with a client on a mix for example, I usually work alone. I take time preparing the mix session, for example what outboard gear should I use or what workflow path I will choose depending of the song and the demands of it. Then I will mix fast for 1 1.5 hour, stop and change song. On the second pass I change and fine tune staff. After that it depends clearly on the song the size the demands etc. I believe in working fast and not too much on "solo" mode

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

A: I would love to work with Quincy Jones. He is a very inspiring person in both music and life! I would gladly be an assistant next to his production enterprise.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Although its difficult to sum it up in a few words I strongly believe to the signal flow (chain). Good player, the right microphone and the correct coupled mic preamp.

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

A: Folk/Acoustic, Rock and Pop and Jazz.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Recording and commitment to sound source. But I strongly believe that my mixing skills are strong too!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I am trying to elevate the sonic imprint of each song due to its uniqueness! Though the better the recordings the better the result, I always try to find the sparkle which gives that "something"...

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: The studio was built according to the universal acoustic standards by Athanasios Thanos, who specializes in studio constructions. It has three rooms and one control room. The main room, 50 square meters in size, can change its acoustic response from dead up to fully diffused, so it can be used to record in more flexible and creative ways. The other two booths are less to almost non-reflective, suitable for re-amping and/or instruments which require less “room”, as well as much more. The control room is 38 square meters in size and is designed in LE.DE mode. The studio provides a comfortable environment for musicians to express their best! There are many different pieces of analog gear, such as Neve, AEA, TLAudio, Telefunken, Siemens as well as many different microphones from dynamic to condensers and ribbons.

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

A: In this vast industry, there are many people who can inspire you or give you the right push to continue working and move further. I believe Quincy Jones, Warren Huart, Bob Clearmountain, Steve Albini.

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

A: Recording and Mixing