Mixing • Master • Production

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

A: I loved the Everything Everything record 'Arc'. I was the recording engineer. They are a very talented bunch and I enjoyed being there.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: We just finished a Incognito record, which I recorded, mixed and mastered. A couple of mix projects in the pipeline...

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

A: Not sure. I am new here. Might change this answer later. Probably tons of people.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. And it doesn't matter. There are so many great tools around. It's what you do with them, that counts.

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

A: That I will work hard.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like to get stuck in. The challenge to squeeze the most out of a recording.

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

A: How long does it take to mix a track? It usually takes a day. (not the most exciting answer, but I am just being honest)

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

A: That engineers make everyone sound great despite their talent. Not true. Only great artists make great records.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your favourite artist at the moment?

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

A: Supply references. Always compare to your favourite records. We hear our own music differently than we hear other people's music. Our mind plays tricks on us when it comes to our own work. Keeping perspective is key.

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

A: Powerful laptop. ATC SCM25A speakers. Audeze headphones. Pro Tools and a coffee machine.

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

A: I trained at Mayfair and Olympic Studios starting in 2003. And went freelance when Olympic closed down. Think that was 2009. I have been working as a freelance engineer, mixer and producer since.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Direct. Detailed. Song serving.

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

A: Yebba. Her songs have so much substance. They resonate.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't judge your work till it's finished. I mean, don't be too hard on yourself. Allow your creativity some breathing space.

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

A: Recently it has been a lot of jazz and soul. But I have also worked of plenty indie and pop records.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Not stopping till it's done. Keeping perspective while working on details.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Experience. Knowing what works and what doesn't. Carving out dynamics. The understanding what makes a recording a record.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Mixing is usually done unattended these days. At least up to a level. My initial step is to thoroughly review the multitrack I am given. What do I love already, what needs some TLC. I try to form a picture in my head of what I am going to do before I jump into doing anything. So I don't get lost in the process.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work out of Colibri Sound Recorders which I run with Incognito's bandleader Bluey. We have a control room and two live rooms. Quite a big setup. Lots of toys, instruments, outboard etc. I am a Pro Tools guys.

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

A: I am a fan of Tom Elmhirst's mixes. And Manny Marroquin. I grew up listening to Radiohead, but are also a big Jazz head.

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

A: The most common is definitely mixing. But I also record and produce records. Especially band productions. And I do mastering, too.