indie/alt Mixing Engineer

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

A: The last project I worked on was with a content creator to mix a commercial rock/electronic track that was used in a sponsored video. The biggest challenge was taking guitars through amp sims and making them sound alive and vibrant. This job also forced me to step up my game mixing mid heavy tracks, where many parts occupy the same sonic range (2 guitars, synth pad, synth lead, synth ambience). Without detracting from the sound of any part, I carefully created space and depth for each part with a focus on the original idea the artist brought to me.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At this moment, I am working on using EQ and compression to help parts go from static to organic. Especially in the time of soft synths and perfect digital effects, having tracks feel alive can be difficult. But with careful and educated moves to replicate the functions of analog and vintage gear of the past, I am crafting a technique that focuses on using the power and leverage of modern tech to reach the results of old, but with much more control.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Whatever better balances the need to control and the desire for organic harmonic saturation and unpredictability. I think analog in (synths, real amps), and digital out (effects, mixing) is a really powerful flow that starts with a great sound that can be tweaked and effected later with the precision of automation.

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

A: I've come to learn that most of my job hinges on proper choices in the leveling and fader stage. Many people go into mixing thinking about huge consoles and incredible outboard gear. But with a laptop, good monitors/headphones, and some plugins that I know and trust, most of my goals aren't too far off.

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

A: Spend 80% of your energy on choosing what levels your parts should be at before any effects. Oh, and cut the lows from most of your tracks besides kick and bass.

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

A: Fab filter pro C, pro Q, mac book (hopefully with internet), Beyerdynamic DT1990 pro, DSI prophet 6.

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

A: I want to explore the sound design of Tame impala. That guy gets it.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: A powerful and reliable macbook, and adam audio T5V in a well treated room. Thats all you need, seriously. Good results come from creative exploration and intentional/well thought out decisions more than gear.

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

A: Bobbing. Right off the bat his songs excite me. Every part is both present, yet sits right where it needs to. I am really inspired by both of his albums and would highly recommend anyone to listen to them.

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

A: The most common work I do with close work with artists. I have, in the past, helped along the way with sound design, instrumentation, mixing, and mastering. More recently, I have begun working with EDM and DJ artists to bring their mixes to the next level.