Producer / Mixer / Engineer

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

A: I produced, engineered and mixed Paul Gilbert's Werewolves of Portland album. Paul is world renowned guitarist who is insanely good. One of the best in the world in my opinion. It was recorded during the pandemic. He played all the instruments on it! It's one of the audio samples on my profile page. Check it out!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I'm producing Rooftop Screamers. It's the brainchild of songwriter Mike Collins. He writes songs and has some of the most amazing musicians and singers around world perform on the tracks. It's been a blast and an honor to work on it.

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

A: Sorry, I'm new. Don't know who's on here.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. The best of both worlds. They both have their strength and weaknesses. Whatever the job calls for.

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

A: Professionalism and attention to detail. It's the little things that matter. I believe these two things sets me apart from others.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creating and collaboration. It's very satisfying when a job is completed and knowing you help facilitate a great creation.

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

A: It's usually about cost. I have a soft spot for independent artists that work hard for their money. I try to make my services affordable. I understand the state of the music biz and I'm in the spirit of making it work for everyone.

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

A: I've worked a lot of audio magic in my time but there is no substitute for passion. The biggest misconception I come across is I can fix or create something that isn't there.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goal and expectations with your music? I always have this in mind when I'm working on a song. It will help me in making decision for their mix.

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

A: I believe I can elevate just about any project. I'm at a point in my career where my clients benefit from my experience, access to the best gear and consistently delivering.

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

A: Ha! Easy. My modded Neuman U7s, API preamps, LA-2As, Barefoot monitors and Dangerous Music monitoring system.

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

A: I've been fortunate to be running Opal Studio in Portland, OR for over 20 years now. It's amazing how mixing and music production a lifelong craft. I still get excited about working with clients and to see if we can create some magic!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I think my style is to be organic. I look for a flow and natural direction in my sessions. There is nothing worse than something that sounds forced or it trying to be something that it is not. The audience hears it and can sense it in recordings. My favorite recordings sound true and unobstructed.

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

A: I think working with a band like Muse or a singer like Adele would be interesting. The challenge of working with musicians at the top of their field would be both frightening and exciting. I like pushing myself at times.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When tracking, make sure are things right before moving ahead with mixing. Make sure the arrangements, tones, intonations are working and exactly the way you want it. You can't always "fix it in the mix".

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

A: I do all kinds but the majority of my clients are singer/songwriters and bands.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Experience and expertise. Over 20 years in the business, I've come across so many situations. I also pride myself on delivering great work. I want my artists and my work to stand out in a crowd.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Being a musician myself, I mix in a way that is musical and inline with the artist's vision. Understanding what they are going for is so important. I aim to convey the emotion and feeling of the song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For mixing. First, I will put the tracks up and just listen. I listen for the artist's intent. I try to support and enhance the emotion and vibe of the song. I'm looking for the things in there that are unique and interesting. I also want to create sonic signatures that not typical.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I'm a big fan of analog gear. Top five pieces I use a lot are API 512 preamps, SSL G series compressors, LA-2A, Manley Vari-Mu and for microphone, late 60's Neumann U87s modded by Klaus Heyne.

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

A: I love musicians, producers and engineers that take risks and can think outside the box yet create work that is accessible. Some of my faves are Butch Walker, Muse, Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails...

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

A: I do tons of mixing and mastering. I mainly work with rock bands and singer/songwriters. I've been fortunate to have many client relationships that span over a decade.