Rock & Pop Mixing Engineer

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

A: One project that I am especially proud of is when I was hired to compose and produce the full soundtrack for an independent film. This was a unique opportunity for me to showcase my skills not only as a composer, but also as a recording engineer, session musician, and mixing/mastering engineer. As the composer and producer of the project, my primary responsibility was to create a musical score that would enhance the emotional impact of the film. I worked closely with the director to understand their vision and the intended mood of each scene, and then I crafted a series of musical pieces that would evoke the appropriate emotions and enhance the story being told. In addition to composing the music, I was also responsible for hiring and recording the local orchestral musicians who would perform the score. This involved working with a range of musicians, from string quartets to full 60-piece orchestras, to create the desired sound for each piece. As the recording engineer, I ensured that each session was set up correctly, captured the highest quality audio, and provided direction to the musicians where necessary. Once the recordings were complete, I took on the role of mixing and mastering engineer to ensure that the music was cohesive and sonically balanced. This involved a careful process of EQing, balancing levels, adding reverb and other effects, and ensuring that the music was consistent across the entire film. Finally, I was also responsible for implementing the music into the film itself. This required a deep understanding of the film editing process, as well as the ability to work closely with the film editor to ensure that the music was timed perfectly to match the on-screen action. In the end, I was incredibly proud of the final result. The music enhanced the film in a way that elevated the story, and I was thrilled to be able to contribute my skills to the project in such a meaningful way. This project was a testament to the power of collaboration and creative problem-solving, and it reminded me why I love working as a mixing engineer and session musician in the film industry.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I am working on several exciting projects as a mixing engineer and session bassist. I am currently in the midst of mixing and mastering two soundtracks for films, which involves carefully balancing the various audio elements to create a cohesive and immersive audio experience for the audience. In addition to the film soundtracks, I am also working on mixing a few albums for local bands, which allows me to work closely with the artists to bring their musical vision to life. It's always a rewarding experience to collaborate with talented musicians and help them achieve their goals. One of my most ambitious projects at the moment is mixing and mastering a symphony played by a 120 piece orchestra. This involves capturing the nuances and dynamics of each instrument and section, and ensuring that the final mix accurately represents the grandeur and complexity of the performance. Finally, I am also recording bass on several albums, including one for a filmscore and four for band projects. As a session bassist, I am able to bring my unique style and sensibility to each project, and work closely with the other musicians and producers to create memorable and impactful music. Overall, I am thrilled to be working on such a diverse and exciting array of projects, and am constantly striving to provide the highest quality service and support to my clients.

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

A: I am new to this site, however I am sure that there are lots of incredible sellers here!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, I believe that both analog and digital technology have their own unique strengths and limitations, and that the choice between the two ultimately depends on the needs and preferences of the project and client. Analog equipment is known for its warm, rich, and natural sound, as well as its ability to add a certain character and personality to recordings. For certain genres of music, such as rock or blues, the subtle imperfections and coloration of analog equipment can add an organic and vintage feel that can be difficult to replicate with digital technology. On the other hand, digital equipment is known for its precision, consistency, and flexibility. With digital audio workstations and plugins, it's possible to manipulate and process audio in ways that would be impossible with analog equipment. This can be particularly useful in genres such as electronic music, where precise control over every aspect of the sound is crucial. Personally, I believe that the best approach is to use a combination of analog and digital technology, taking advantage of the unique strengths of each. For example, I may record bass through a vintage analog preamp to add warmth and character, but then process it with digital plugins for precise EQ and compression. Ultimately, the choice between analog and digital technology depends on the specific needs and goals of the project and client. As a mixing engineer and session bassist, my job is to use whatever tools and techniques necessary to create the best possible final product, whether that means using analog or digital equipment, or a combination of both.

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

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, my promise to my clients is to always provide them with the highest quality work and to exceed their expectations. I am committed to delivering a final product that not only meets their needs and goals but also reflects their unique creative vision. In order to fulfill this promise, I always take the time to fully understand my clients' needs and objectives. This involves asking questions, listening carefully to their feedback, and being open and receptive to their ideas and suggestions. I also promise to be transparent and communicative throughout the entire process. I understand that hiring a mixing engineer or session bassist can be a big investment for clients, and I want them to feel confident and informed every step of the way. That's why I always keep my clients updated on my progress and seek their input and feedback regularly. Finally, I promise to be professional, reliable, and responsive in all my interactions with my clients. I understand that their time is valuable, and I always strive to deliver my work on time and within the agreed-upon budget. In summary, my promise to my clients is to provide them with the highest quality work, to be transparent and communicative throughout the process, and to be professional, reliable, and responsive at all times.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, there are many things that I love about my job. One of the things that I enjoy most is the creative process of working on a project from start to finish. Whether I am mixing a song or playing bass on a track, I love the challenge of taking a raw idea and turning it into a polished final product. Another aspect of my job that I enjoy is the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients and artists. Each project is unique, and I love the challenge of adapting to different styles and genres and working with different personalities and creative visions. I also enjoy the technical aspects of my job. Whether it's experimenting with different signal chains, exploring new plugins or software, or simply tweaking settings to get the perfect sound, there is always something new to learn and discover in the world of mixing and bass playing. Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the impact that my work can have on others. Whether it's helping an artist bring their vision to life, or contributing to a song that connects with listeners on an emotional level, there is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that my work has made a positive impact on others. Overall, I feel very fortunate to have a job that allows me to be creative, technical, and collaborative while also making a positive impact on others. It's a challenging and rewarding career that I am grateful to be a part of.

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

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, customers often have a variety of questions for me when considering my services. Some of the most common questions I receive include: What is your experience level and background? - I am happy to provide details on my education, training, and professional experience to give customers a sense of my skills and expertise. What is your workflow and process like? - I can explain my typical approach to mixing or playing bass, and how I work with clients to ensure their needs and goals are met. What equipment do you use? - I can provide a list of the equipment I use and why I find it effective in producing quality results. Can you provide examples of your previous work? - I am happy to share samples of my previous mixing or bass playing work so that customers can hear the quality of my work and get a sense of my style. How much do your services cost? - I can provide a clear breakdown of my pricing structure and any additional costs or fees that may apply, so that customers can make an informed decision based on their budget. By addressing these common questions, I can help customers better understand my services and feel confident in their decision to work with me.

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

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, I think one of the biggest misconceptions about what I do is that it's a simple and easy process. Many people assume that mixing a song or playing the bass is just a matter of turning a few knobs or playing some notes, and that anyone can do it. However, the reality is that there is a lot of skill, expertise, and creativity involved in both mixing and playing bass. For mixing, it's not just a matter of balancing levels and adjusting EQ and compression. It involves a deep understanding of music and sound, as well as a creative ear and the ability to make artistic decisions that enhance the emotion and impact of a song. It's a complex process that requires a lot of attention to detail and a strong technical background. Similarly, playing bass requires more than just knowing where to put your fingers on the fretboard. A good session bassist must have a solid understanding of music theory, rhythm, and groove, as well as the ability to read charts and collaborate effectively with other musicians. They must also be adaptable and able to play in a variety of styles and genres. In both cases, there is a lot of hard work, practice, and dedication involved in achieving great results. So, the biggest misconception about what I do is that it's an easy or simple process, when in reality it requires a lot of skill, expertise, and creativity to achieve the best possible outcome.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, when talking to prospective clients, there are several questions that I typically ask to help me better understand their needs and goals for the project. These questions may include: What type of music are you looking to create? What is the overall vibe or feel that you're going for? What is your timeline for the project? What is your budget for the project? Do you have any specific ideas or inspirations in mind for the project? What is the intended distribution of the final product? Do you have any specific requirements or requests for the mixing or recording process? Have you worked with a mixing engineer or session bassist before? Are there any other musicians or professionals involved in the project? Do you have any specific concerns or questions that you'd like me to address? By asking these questions, I can gain a better understanding of the client's vision and needs, and can tailor my approach to best meet their expectations. It also allows for clear communication and helps to avoid any misunderstandings or surprises throughout the project.

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

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, my advice for a customer looking to hire a provider like me would be as follows: Define your project goals and requirements: Before hiring a provider, it's important to have a clear understanding of your project goals and requirements. This includes things like the type of music you want to create, the level of complexity and production value you're aiming for, and your overall budget and timeline. By having a clear vision of your project, you can better assess whether a provider is a good fit for your needs and whether they can deliver the quality of work you're looking for. Additionally, be sure to communicate these goals and requirements clearly to the provider so that they have a clear understanding of what's expected of them. Communicate your needs and expectations clearly: Be clear about your goals and expectations for the project. This will help the provider understand what you're looking for and how they can help you achieve your vision. Ask for references or reviews: It's always a good idea to ask for references or reviews from previous clients to get an idea of their experience working with the provider. This can help you make an informed decision when choosing a provider. Be open to feedback and suggestions: Remember that the provider is an expert in their field and may have suggestions that can help improve the project. Be open to their feedback and suggestions and work collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcome. Establish clear timelines and deadlines: Make sure to establish clear timelines and deadlines for the project. This will help ensure that the project stays on track and is completed within a reasonable timeframe. Be prepared to invest in quality: Quality work requires time and expertise, so be prepared to invest in a provider who can deliver high-quality results. Remember that in the long run, investing in quality can save you time and money by avoiding rework or revisions. By following these guidelines, you can find a provider who will be a great fit for your needs and help you achieve your creative vision.

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

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, if I had to choose just five pieces of gear to take to a desert island, I would choose the following: Laptop with Digital Audio Workstation (DAW): A laptop with a reliable DAW would be my number one choice. This would allow me to record, mix, and produce music on the island, using plugins and virtual instruments to create a wide variety of sounds. Audio Interface: An audio interface would be essential for recording and playback. This would allow me to connect microphones and instruments to my laptop and monitor the audio quality. Shure SM57 Microphone: A Shure SM57 would be my choice for recording my amp. It's a versatile microphone that's great for capturing the sound of anything in a variety of settings. Fender Precision Bass: A Fender Precision Bass would be my go-to instrument for laying down basslines. It's a classic instrument that's used in a wide variety of genres, and its warm, punchy sound would be perfect for the island vibe. Battery-Powered Bass Amplifier: As a session bassist, I couldn't leave without a bass amplifier. A battery-powered option would allow me to play and record basslines on the island without the need for external power sources. These five pieces of gear would give me everything I need to create and record music on a desert island. The Shure SM57 would be great for recording live instruments, while the Fender Precision Bass would be my choice for laying down basslines. And of course, the laptop with DAW, audio interface, and battery-powered bass amplifier would provide the essential tools needed to bring it all together.

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

A: I started playing bass in school bands when I was younger and quickly fell in love with music. When it came time to choose a career path, I knew that I wanted to pursue music in some way. I decided to study music technology at university, which gave me a strong foundation in both music theory and technical production skills. Throughout my university career, I worked as a session bassist and audio engineer on a variety of projects, including theatre, film, TV, and adverts. This gave me a broad range of experience and helped me develop my skills as both a musician and a producer. After graduating, I continued to work as a session bassist, building up my reputation and network of contacts in the music industry. I also started to take on more mixing engineer work, recording and mixing projects for a variety of clients and genres. Overall, I've found that my background in music technology and experience as both a bassist and audio engineer have made me a versatile and valuable asset in the music industry. I'm excited to see where my career path takes me next and look forward to continuing to grow and learn as a musician and producer. In total I have been working in the industry for about 6 years, and have been a mixing engineer and session bassist for 4 of those years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As a mixing engineer, my style is focused on achieving a balanced and dynamic sound that emphasizes the emotional impact of the music. I prioritize clarity, depth, and cohesion in the mix, while also paying attention to the individual elements of the arrangement and ensuring that each instrument has its own space in the sonic spectrum. I also enjoy experimenting with different textures, effects, and creative processing techniques to bring out the character and personality of the music. As a session bassist, my style is versatile and adaptable, with a strong foundation in funk, soul, and R&B. I strive to create grooves that are both technically precise and emotionally expressive, with a keen sense of timing and a deep understanding of the role of the bass in the overall sound of the music. I also enjoy incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and other genres into my playing, and I am always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what the bass can do. Ultimately, my goal as a bassist is to serve the song and support the other musicians, while also adding my own unique voice to the mix.

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

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, there are many artists that I would love to work with. One artist that stands out to me is Lianne La Havas. I have been a fan of Lianne's music for years, and I am constantly impressed by her soulful voice, intricate guitar playing, and thoughtful songwriting. As a bassist, I am particularly drawn to the melodic bass lines that feature prominently in many of her songs. As a mixing engineer, I appreciate the attention to detail that is evident in Lianne's recordings, from the carefully crafted arrangements to the nuanced vocal performances. I would love the opportunity to work with her in the studio, to help bring her vision to life and to contribute to the sonic landscape of her music. Overall, I believe that collaborating with Lianne La Havas would be an incredibly rewarding and creatively fulfilling experience, and I would relish the opportunity to work with such a talented artist.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One music production tip I can share is to make sure your recordings are clean and well-organized before you start mixing. This means recording each instrument and vocal with a good quality microphone in a well-treated room, and making sure the levels are balanced and free from distortion. It's also important to label and organize each track in your session so that you can easily find what you're looking for when it comes time to mix. This includes naming each track clearly and grouping similar instruments together, such as drums, bass, guitars, and vocals. By starting with a clean and organized recording, you can save a lot of time and frustration in the mixing process, and ensure that your final mix sounds as polished and professional as possible.

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

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, the type of music I work on varies greatly depending on the project and the client's needs. However, I have experience working on a wide range of genres including pop, rock, hip hop, electronic, jazz, R&B, and more. As a session bassist, I am comfortable playing different styles of bass playing such as fingerstyle, slap bass, pick playing, and more. I am always open to experimenting with new sounds and techniques to create the best possible bass lines for each track. As a mixing engineer, my job is to bring out the best in each track by using a combination of EQ, compression, reverb, and other effects. I work closely with the artist to achieve the sound they want, while also using my experience to suggest any necessary changes to make the mix sound as good as possible. Overall, my experience as a mixing engineer and session bassist has allowed me to work on a wide range of music genres, and I'm always excited to take on new challenges and projects.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: As a mixing engineer, my strongest skill would be having an excellent ear for audio frequencies and being able to distinguish between different instruments and sounds in a mix. This includes being able to balance and blend different tracks, adjust levels and panning, and apply EQ and other effects to create a cohesive and polished sound. As a session bassist, my strongest skill would be having a deep understanding of different bass styles, techniques, and grooves. This includes being able to play both simple and complex bass lines that complement the song and support the other instruments. Additionally, having good communication and listening skills to work well with other musicians and take direction from the producer or bandleader is also essential.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a mixing engineer, I bring a unique perspective and set of skills to a song. My primary goal is to enhance the overall sound and emotional impact of the song by manipulating the individual tracks and elements to achieve a cohesive and balanced mix. I use various tools such as EQ, compression, reverb, and delay to shape the sound and create a sense of depth and space. Additionally, I can also offer creative ideas and suggestions for arrangement, instrumentation, and production techniques to help elevate the song further. As a session bassist, I bring a solid foundation and groove to the song. My primary focus is on supporting the rhythm section and providing a strong backbone for the song's melody and harmony. I work closely with the drummer and other instrumentalists to create a cohesive and tight rhythm section, while also adding my own personal flair and creativity to the basslines. Additionally, I can also offer suggestions for song structure, arrangement, and instrumentation based on my experience as a musician and producer.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: As a mixing engineer, my typical work process involves several steps: Listening: I listen to the raw tracks multiple times to get an overall sense of the song and identify any potential issues or challenges that may need to be addressed during the mixing process. Organization: I organize the tracks in my mixing software, grouping similar instruments together, and labeling everything appropriately for easy navigation. Balancing: I set the levels for each instrument to create a balanced mix, adjusting the volume of each track to ensure that everything can be heard clearly without any one instrument dominating the mix. EQ and Compression: I use EQ and compression to shape the sound of each instrument, making sure that each one sits well in the mix and doesn't clash with any other instrument. This involves cutting or boosting certain frequencies, controlling dynamic range, and adding character to each sound. Effects: I add effects such as reverb, delay, and chorus to create depth and space in the mix. These effects can help instruments sit better in the mix and create a more cohesive sound. Automation: I use automation to create movement and interest in the mix. This involves adjusting the volume, panning, and effects over time to create a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Reference: I compare my mix to reference tracks to ensure that it's competitive with other similar songs and sounds good on a variety of playback systems. As a session bassist, my typical work process involves: Listening: I listen to the song and identify the key, chord progressions, and overall vibe of the song. Preparation: I prepare my gear and make sure it's in good condition and tuned properly. Recording: I record multiple takes of the bassline, experimenting with different ideas and variations. Editing: I choose the best takes and edit them together to create a cohesive performance. Mixing: I mix my bass track into the overall mix, making sure it sits well with the other instruments and supports the song without overpowering it. Revisions: I'm open to feedback from the producer or artist and make any necessary revisions to my bass part to better serve the song. Overall, my approach to both mixing and bass playing is to serve the song and make sure everything sounds as good as possible. I prioritize clear communication with the producer or artist to make sure we're all on the same page and working towards a common goal.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: As a mixing engineer and session bassist, my studio setup is designed to meet the demands of both roles. I have invested in quality gear that allows me to capture great bass tones and mix tracks with precision and clarity. For my bass playing, I have a variety of basses, amps, and pedals to choose from depending on the tone I'm going for. I typically record through a high-quality DI box, which allows me to capture a clean and transparent signal that I can then shape and enhance during the mixing process. Some of my favorite bass gear includes a Fender Precision Bass, a Gallien-Krueger MB Fusion 800 amp, and a selection of pedals from companies like MXR and Electro-Harmonix. In terms of my mixing setup, I use a combination of analog and digital gear to achieve the best sound possible. I have a pair of high-end studio monitors, which provide accurate and detailed playback of my mixes. I also use a variety of plugins from companies like Waves, FabFilter, and Universal Audio to shape and enhance the sound of individual tracks and the overall mix. Some of my favorite pieces of analog gear include a Neve 1073 preamp and a Universal Audio LA-2A compressor. Overall, my studio setup is designed to provide me with the tools I need to create great bass tracks and mix them to perfection. By investing in quality gear and constantly honing my skills, I am able to deliver great results for my clients and bring their musical visions to life.

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

A: As a mixing engineer, I find inspiration in the work of many other engineers who have honed their craft to a high level. Some of my personal favorites include Chris Lord-Alge, Andrew Scheps, Dave Pensado, and Michael Brauer. These engineers have a distinct style and approach to mixing that is both unique and effective, and I am constantly learning from their work. As a session bassist, I am inspired by a wide range of musicians across many genres. Some of my favorites include James Jamerson, Jaco Pastorius, Paul McCartney, Marcus Miller, and Pino Palladino. These players all have a distinctive style and approach to the bass that has had a significant impact on the way I play and think about the instrument. I am constantly listening to their recordings and studying their techniques to improve my own playing. Additionally, I am inspired by many of the producers and engineers I work with, as their input and guidance help me to refine my bass parts and contribute to the overall sound of the record.

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

A: As a mixing engineer, the most common type of work I do for clients is taking individual tracks that have been recorded by the client and blending them together into a cohesive, balanced, and polished final mix. This involves a variety of tasks, such as adjusting levels, panning, EQ, compression, and reverb, as well as editing and aligning the timing of individual parts. I also work closely with the client to understand their creative vision and make sure that the mix serves the song and captures the intended emotional impact. This often involves making creative decisions about the arrangement and sonic character of individual elements within the mix. As a session bassist, the most common type of work I do for clients is recording bass parts for their songs or projects. This involves working with the client to understand their vision for the song and creating a bass part that complements the other instruments and serves the overall arrangement. I also bring my own musical sensibility and experience to the recording process, suggesting ideas for melodic or rhythmic variations that can enhance the song. In addition to playing the bass, I may also be asked to provide other services such as programming additional instruments or helping with the arrangement of the song.