Electronic Mixing Engineer

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Try treating your own MIDI and musical ideas like flipping an old sample. Freeze it and turn it into audio, then stretch, re-pitch, and cut accordingly. Repeat this process over and over with the same 'sample' and who knows what you will end up with. Bouncing it down into audio forces you to move forward and not look back. I find it to be creatively freeing.

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

A: Waterbaby’s debut album. I was in love with that record the moment I heard their demos. Bringing it to life as their sole mixing engineer was an honour and a pleasure.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I couldn’t possibly say as it changes every other week!

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

A: Other than many of the legendary engineers I know of, most of my musician friends aren’t on SoundBetter. I’m looking to change that!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: For mixing I work mostly in the digital realm, but both have their positives and negatives. There is no winner. Right now, for me, digital keeps costs low and suits my workflow, but who knows what the future holds. As for production, I have a range of outboard gear, so I'm more seated in the analog realm on that end of things.

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

A: To deliver them the highest quality work that I can do, no more or less for anyone else.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Bringing artists' visions to life is a very rewarding process, and working to my own daily schedule.

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

A: Most commonly, I'm asked what I think of their music.

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

A: Probably that we mixers just turn volume knobs up and down. I promise it's a lot more than that!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to get the boring (but important) details out of the way first, like stem count and deadlines. But the real chemistry between a client and me begins when I ask questions like, ‘What are your influences, concepts, and feelings for your record?

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

A: Ultimately, what matters is if the provider's work and sound resonate with you. Long credit lists and high prices have an enticing Hollywood look to them, but what matters is if you love their sound and feel.

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

A: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Studio Headphones, iPhone for voice notes, Focusrite 18i20 interface, studio monitors, and my laptop.

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

A: Only a few years. I graduated from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2021. During my studies, I built up practical skills in pursuit of making my own music sound as professional as possible. When I had the chance to mix Waterbaby’s debut record, everything fell into place.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is informed by many differing styles, tastes, and references. If I had to summarize, it’s essentially caught between American hip-hop-centric aesthetics paired with the thriving energy of underground electronic music. I trust my taste and lead with my instincts.

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

A: FKA Twigs would be a dream. Any artist who's not afraid to take creative risks or be a non-conformer to trends and ideas is very appealing to me.

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

A: With my mixing, I often work with alternative and electronic styles influenced by both pop and dance/club music, aiming to bring a fresh, daring take on those crossovers. As for my production, I usually find myself in hip-hop and R&B styles.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My broader sense of musicality, coming from a classical background, gives me musical awareness in even the most technical moments. More specifically, I'm very confident in my vocal mixing and production, and my drum programming.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Energy and finesse.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It really depends on the job and client I'm working for. But one thing that remains consistent, no matter the project or style of work, is beginning each process with an exercise in critical listening. Then I take notes. From there, anything can happen!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work out of my studio in Southeast London. It's fitted with acoustic treatment, analogue synths, drum machines, guitars, and plugin bundles such as UAD, Waves, Slate Digital, Elysia, Fabfilter, Eventide, Unfiltered Audio, Melda Productions, and Soundtoys.

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

A: So many! But a few would be mix engineers like Jaycen Joshua and Michalis MsM. As for producers, Jam City, Sophie, Pharrell, and Frank Dukes are all excellent.

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

A: Mix engineering! I also offer production and vocal editing services, but generally, I find most of my clients fall on the mix side of things.