GUT PUNCHING MIX ENGINEER

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When a prospective client approaches me, I start with questions designed to truly understand their vision beyond just the technical requirements: 'What is the core emotion or message you want this song/album to convey?' I want to know the feeling they're aiming for. 'Who are some artists or albums whose sound you admire, and what specifically about their production appeals to you?' This helps me gauge their sonic taste. 'What do you feel is currently missing or could be improved in your existing recordings/demos?' This highlights their pain points. 'What is your ultimate goal for this release – is it to gain new fans, cement your existing sound, or experiment?' This helps me tailor the production approach. 'Are there any specific sonic elements, textures, or experimental ideas you'd like to explore?' I love working with artists who push boundaries. These questions help me align my expertise with their artistic intent, ensuring we're on the same page from day one to create something truly special.

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

A: My journey into music production began early, fueled by a deep passion for alternative and heavy music. I started cutting my teeth as an engineer in the UK's underground alternative scene when I was just 14 years old. That early immersion gave me a real-world understanding of what makes bands sound raw and authentic. For over 15 years now, I've been honing my craft, evolving my techniques, and building a reputation for delivering impactful, genre-defying mixes. It’s been a continuous learning process, always pushing to achieve bolder, more distinctive sounds.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is punchy, aggressive, and character-driven. I prioritize impact and dynamics over sterile perfection, crafting mixes that hit hard and cut through with undeniable presence. I leverage a hybrid analog-digital workflow to infuse warmth and depth while maintaining the tightness and clarity essential for heavy music. I'm not about making things 'clean' for the sake of it; I'm about making them powerful and unique, ensuring every track has its own distinct sonic identity that grabs the listener by the throat.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My setup is a testament to my hybrid mixing philosophy. It's built for maximum impact and flexibility. While I leverage the precision and recall of modern digital tools, I believe in the undeniable character of analogue. I've curated a small but potent collection of analogue gear – high-quality preamps, compressors, and EQs that add a crucial warmth, punch, and dimension that you just can't replicate purely in the box. This blend allows me to maintain tight, aggressive mixes while imbuing them with a depth and grit that separates them from the often clinical sound of modern metal. It's a setup designed to serve the music, giving me the tools to achieve that signature 'loud and punchy' sound my clients seek.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Whatever feels right at the time.

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

A: If I had to pick one, it would be Code Orange. Their approach to heavy music is fearless – they constantly experiment, blending abrasive industrial elements with raw hardcore and metal. Their production is always innovative, pushing sonic boundaries and creating an incredibly visceral experience. I'd love to contribute my punchy, aggressive mixing style to their unique sound, helping them explore even more extreme and impactful sonic territories. It would be a true challenge and an incredible opportunity to create something genuinely groundbreaking.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Absolutely. My top production tip is: Don't chase clinical perfection; chase impact and vibe. In heavy music, sometimes the raw, slightly imperfect elements are what give a track its character and power. Focus on the feeling, the aggression, and the overall 'vibe' of the song. A mix can be technically flawless but emotionally sterile. A mix that punches hard and has undeniable energy, even with minor imperfections, will always connect more deeply with listeners. Let the music breathe, and don't be afraid to leave some grit in the machine.

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

A: My strongest skill is undoubtedly my ability to create impactful, sonically aggressive mixes that retain clarity and individual character. In a genre where 'loud' can often mean 'muddy,' I excel at crafting mixes that hit hard, cut through, and possess a distinct identity. This stems from my deep understanding of heavy music dynamics, coupled with my hybrid analog/digital approach. I don't follow trends; I aim to create a powerful, unique sonic signature for every client, ensuring their music doesn't just get heard, but felt

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is undoubtedly my ability to create impactful, sonically aggressive mixes that retain clarity and individual character. In a genre where 'loud' can often mean 'muddy,' I excel at crafting mixes that hit hard, cut through, and possess a distinct identity. This stems from my deep understanding of heavy music dynamics, coupled with my hybrid analog/digital approach. I don't follow trends; I aim to create a powerful, unique sonic signature for every client, ensuring their music doesn't just get heard, but felt.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring an uncompromising vision for impact and individuality. Beyond technical expertise, I bring a unique ear for aggression, clarity, and that elusive 'vibe' that makes a song truly land with an audience. My mixes aren't just loud; they're purposefully loud and punchy, designed to command attention and carve out a distinct identity. I'm not afraid to push boundaries and ensure a track stands out from the current trends. I also bring a collaborative spirit, working with the artist to amplify their message, rather than imposing my own. Ultimately, I bring the experience and passion to transform good tracks into unforgettable anthems.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My process is collaborative and tailored to each project, but it generally begins with a deep dive into the artist's vision and goals. I want to understand the core emotion and aggression they're aiming for. From there, it's about meticulous preparation – cleaning up tracks, ensuring everything is tight. Then, the mixing phase begins, where I blend my hybrid analogue/digital workflow to sculpt the sound, focusing on dynamics, clarity, and that signature punch. We'll go through revision rounds, ensuring the artist's voice is heard and incorporated. Finally, it's about mastering the tracks for impact across all platforms. Throughout, communication is key – I keep clients informed and involved every step of the way, making sure the final product isn't just great, but their great

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

A: I draw a lot of inspiration from those who dare to challenge the norm. Mick Gordon is a huge influence – his philosophy on constantly evolving the process to achieve unique outcomes deeply resonates with my own approach. I admire how he crafts soundscapes that are both brutal and incredibly dynamic. Beyond that, I’m inspired by iconic producers who defined eras with their sonic signatures, like Andy Sneap for his undeniable metal clarity, or even pioneers who pushed sonic boundaries in different genres. Ultimately, anyone who makes you feel the music, not just hear it, drives me.

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

A: My most common work centres around full-stack production and mixing for bands and artists in the metal and rock genres. Clients typically come to me for that final, impactful punch and clarity that makes their music stand out. Whether it's taking raw tracks and crafting them into a cohesive, powerful album or providing a distinctive, aggressive mix that cuts through the noise, my goal is to deliver a finished product that not only sounds incredible but also amplifies their artistic vision. I'm not just pressing buttons; I'm helping shape the very identity of their sound