Mix/ Master , Session Music

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

A: There are way too many artists that I would like to work with. Basically I would love to work with/for the people who's music inspired me the most, for example Machine Gun Kelly, Blink 182, Sum 41 and many MANY more. I would love to work with those people because I love to challenge myself and I think the bigger the band, the bigger the challenge.

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

A: When do I get the finished product? - Within the next 5 days. Just kidding, the most common question I get is "did studying audio engineering help you with your mixes sounding better?" - The answer is no actually. I noticed pretty fast that everything I was learning at university was already in my knowledge through the experience I've gathered over the years. Everything I know comes from learning by doing and making a lot of mistakes along the way, at least for me. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't consider visiting a university if you're really interested about audio engineering, it just didn't have the impact on my knowledge I was hoping for.

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

A: MacBook Pro (I hope the charger isn't an extra item), An Audio - Interface, A Guitar, Microphone and 2 cables (XLR and a line). Yes, I know that's 6 items, math was never my strong suit but mixing is so lets group the two cables together and make it one item.

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

A: I started messing around with a cracked version of cubase se3 back in 2009. I learned how to navigate through the program and quickly started writing and tracking my own songs. They sounded awful but not because they were bad songs. I just had no idea songs have to be mixed haha. So I got around to learning how to mix songs by trial and error and it soon became one of my passions. I "officialy" started mixing as a side hustle for some friends that I had who needed a studio back in 2015. I then Finished my degree as an audio engineer in 2019 and have been doing this part time since then. I Recently built a studio from scratch and started doing Audio Work full time about 6 months ago. I also started offering session guitars, bass and vocals because I've been singing/screaming and playing instruments since 2008.

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

A: I usually work on everything that rocks! Lately I've been working on a lot of pop punk and alternative rock but also on some symphonic metal and death - Metal projects.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work on a Mac Studio 2022, Cubase 12, many many plugins (you probably know them all). Gear really isn't what I'm focused on. I think it's how you work with what you got that gets the job done. There's plenty of engineers out there that proof, that all you need is a stock version of a DAW and a proper set of ears and still get a killer result.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A solo album, many mixes and masters for independent artists all over the world and a few songwriting gigs here and there as well.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer keeping everything in the box since that's how I've been working like for the past 10 years. For the future I'm very interested in upgrading with a few analog pieces to build a beautiful hybrid setup.

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

A: You will love working with me. I promise x3 Okay, that answer is too simple, I get it. My promise to my clients is, that you will be satisfied with the music at the end of the day. Im very easy to work with and I always make sure to fulfill every wish the client brings to the table.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creating a sonic picture for my client that will put a smile on their face forever and hopefully even longer.

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

A: That it's a simple job that can be done with fl studio, a shitty old laptop and a big mouth alone.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your goal with your music? How can I help you with your vision? Which bands influence you the most? Do you have a favorite song?

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

A: Always listen to your gut. You have to have a certain feeling when talking to a provider like me, that something as precious as your music is in good hands and that the pro understands what your vision for the song is. He should be able to take criticism well and always be open for your ideas.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Some people call it mojo, some call it a vibe. For me its a feeling that the song triggers in me. Through my love to music I feel comfortable in (almost) every genre and every piece of music is touching me in a different way. My goal is to get the essence of the song and to bring your vision to life, with just a touch of my magic mixed in. (pun totally intended)

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I usually start by talking to my client about the vision for the song. In which direction does the song go, are there any artists that have influenced the track or that have a similar sound that the customer likes. I then take notes and brainstorm ideas because I think a proper Mix/ Song starts in the head. Then I take the client through the process of how to send their tracks my way. I put them into a brand spanking new project and get started, no pre mixed projects, every song gets the the attention it deserves. After I'm done with the first mix I send it out to the client and wait for the review to come in, even though they seldom do.

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

A: My main inspiration when it comes to mixing is Joey Sturgis and Gene "Machine" Freeman (even though there's way to many inspirations to list here). For production professionals, Travis Barker is killing the game right now so I would go with him.

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

A: The most common work I do for my clients is mixing and mastering. But I also do a lot of session music as well.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Very modern with a touch of punk rock.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Every song tells a story. Your job as a producer/mixer is to combine the individual parts of the song in a way that makes the song flow. So you should make it to the end with the music dragging you in. The best work you can do is if you are sad when the song is over and you wish it would've been just a little bit longer.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my work ethic. Through the years I've learned to be the most disciplined version of my self and that allows me to get through a mix in lightning speed, with no losses in sound or feel. Every song gets unique treatment, because every song deserves to be perfect.