Indie Producer Engineer

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

A: When I lived in LA I was working on my first solo project. I taught myself a lot about recording. I was more accepting of messing up my recordings than a client's, so I experimented a lot. Did some unconventional recording, re-amping, and just made sure it was fun and weird.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Mastering tracks for some clients, a couple of up-and-coming artists working on their first projects. I'm really excited to see what they do!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Why do they have to be mutually exclusive? Analog recording, bounce and mix in the box.

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

A: Clear and respectful communication.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Having a creative profession.

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

A: What do hear is missing in this song. Not much you've got it and I love where you're going with it, let me take a stab and if you're not into it we can go back from here.

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

A: That indie production is lo-fi.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are you going for, who do you like to listen to, and what's your intention with the project?

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

A: Reach out, and we can talk about what your needs are and I'll do what I can to fulfill them.

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

A: Studer, u87, neve 1073, 1176, Gibson acoustic guitar.

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

A: I graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Music Composition. I gained the skills to write for classical instrumentations like string quartets. I've spent the last three years working in music studios in Los Angeles. A majority of this time was at Clear Lake and Fever recording. There I learned how to complement my writing skills by learning how to properly record instruments I was already working with.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Laid back, chorus echo, vibrato, reverb, singer-songwriter, professional.

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

A: Jonathan Rado. He's an incredible writer and musician, but also produces amazing albums. I would like to see the process.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Live automation. The nobs on your console or in your DAW can also be an instrument.

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

A: I typically work on indie rock, which I think means a lot of things. Folk albums, garage rock, punk, indie producer kind of vibes, and even some jazzier indie.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Working for the best possible result, which is sometimes not the most conventional result. I have worked on projects that have been ruined because someone in the session wanted to make sure it could be on the radio. This is totally fine if that's what the situation calls for, but not every song and artist calls for this kind of style and production. I want to help make music that sounds like the artist and will complement the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Creativity. Mixing shouldn't be mechanical or routine, every session should have at least one new/unique element to it that is exciting and has never been heard before.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I can get a song 85% of the way there on the first day of mixing. I will tinker with it, bounce it out and listen on any speakers/headphones available, and make little tweaks. I can definitely get the first mix by one week. When It comes to producing I can just sit down and start creating and throwing ideas at the wall and see what sticks.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a Tascam 388 which takes 1/4 tape (the same console as used by artists like Mac Demarco and Tim Bernardes), Acoustic Energy AE1 Active monitors, Fender guitars and amps, custom baritone and resignation guitar, and more than enough plugins needed for a pro mix.

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

A: I love modern artists that are using tape. I love how Nick Hakim's album sound, there's so much creativity in the production and he isn't scare to use echos and reverbs as a tool rather than a subtle flavor.

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

A: I typically will receive songs that are almost there. The artist usually says it's done but doesn't know what is missing or why they aren't head over heels for it. When I come in I'll mix the song creatively to create more of a hi-fi "Indie vibe" that takes the song to the next level.