Mixing Engineer & Producer

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

A: I think the two i previously mentioned are two artists i'm very excited about. However i think working with Sony Extreme on some sync opportunities has probably been my highlights so far.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have 7 regular artists i'm working with, i'm currently mixing a new EP for Ash Dodd (Noah Kahan style) who is starting to do so well, and working with an artist who i'm also super excited about called 'Aaron and the Magic Pets' (The Wombats, Bleachers)

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital because its super flexible and theres no recall issues, but analog has a vibe, we can't deny that, and VU's will always be cool to watch.

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

A: Deadlines. They're so important to me as well. When you have a heavy workflow you need to be solid with deadlines for the client and yourself. I actually try and get stuff back before deadlines.

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

A: I get asked a lot of questions when in a production with artists, I always offer them help in understanding my process, as it helps build a mutual understanding. I'm very against gate keeping.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Whats your experience? Whos your inspiration? Can you see this track play listing against anything in particular? Have you got any releases? are you signed? Anything you want me to stay away from sound wise? anything you've tried before and don't like?

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

A: 10 years in mixing, 20 years in performance (guitar and vocals) many bands, many writing sessions.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Mixing engineering, Production and Song writing

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I like mixes to have a solid bottom end, wide warm mids and crystal smooth top end. I bring in solid transitioning, a deep understanding for melodic patterns and hooks, extensive knowledge on compression, eq and time based effects. I Mix top down and have a method somewhere between Schepps and the Brauerising method.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Typically I like to have a phone call with the client and get to know their vision before, also so they know how i like the files received etc. we build a small reference playlist together and I normally ask for a good rough desk mix. I mix prep the day before, and mix the following day given no major issues. Im very open with my clients and try to give them a safe space to say whatever needs to be said. I also offer unlimited revisions within a 30 day period. I like revisions to be time stamped and sent back to me via e-mail, however i'm happy to have phone calls via Whatsapp.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a studio in central Brighton, UK. It is within a hub of other writers and producers who write in sync and also teach, so it is a good community of professionals. My studio is mainly a tracking and overdubbing suite, although i'm available to work remotely in studios internationally. I have Mac M1 ultimate, Audient preamps, Wa47EQ preamp, tones of guitar pedals and various Marshall, Fender, Orange amps, vocal mic is a C12 tube clone, Fully treated space, good listening environment, suits 3 people in the sweet spot. Monitoring through Kali LP6 Audios, Stereo Mix cubes, Audio Technics M50x's, D770 and Apple Earphones for quick referencing. SSL Fusion, Art VLA, API 2500, SSL 4000 Strips, I run Logic and Pro Tools Mainly, but can run Ableton also.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Everything, I'm so lucky to do what i do day in day out.

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

A: Reach out for a phone call, even though we spend a lot of time in a dark room, we're not monsters. Come say hello and see which person you resonate with, at the end of the day, this person might end up being a long term work partner. You have a chance now to find someone you can add to your team long term, take your time.

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

A: Macbook, Audio Technica M50x, Audient ID44, SM58, Fender Strat (obviously a bag of leads but that doesn't count)

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Lion taming magic

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

A: Paolo Nutini - I've always loved his raw talent and i think the beauty in a production lies in the performance of the artist. We as producers and mix engineers can only do so much, but if what your working with is gold, it takes an experienced engineer to know they have to do very little apart from capture it when it happens and nurture it gently to the finish line for the listener.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Find a common ground with whoever you're artist is and build a trust as soon as possible in session, first moves are critical for establishing a relationship where the artist can trust you have their best interest at heart when driving the ship.

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

A: Most types of Contemporary Singer-songwriter, Rock and Pop

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

A: Andrew Schepps, Max Martin, CLA, Dallas Green, Rick Beato, Michael Brauer, Steve Albini

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

A: Production and Mixing