Recording | Mixing Engineer

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Where do i begin... 27" IMac Pro Tools Ultimate Avid HD Omni with 192 16x24 Barefoot Footprints NS -10s Neve Portico Master Buss Processor WA76 Distressor X 2 DBX160A BAE 1073MP Chandler 500 MK ii X2 CAPI VP312 X4 Skibbe Electronics 736-5 X2 BLA B12A X2 Focusrite ISA-428 Avalon U5 X2 and a whole bunch of guitars, pedals amps, and microphones.

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

A: I was blessed to Produce, Engineer and Mix "Stoop Goodnoise", a band from Chicago and we just completed the new LP coming out in January.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Just got the new "Stoop Goodnoise" record back from being mastered by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Mastering, you can hear it on my profile.

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

A: Yes! Any pop or hip/hop production and mixing go to Matt Dougherty

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Because recalls or easier digitally but hitting analog compressors, EQ's, and Pre's adds a vibe thats different from plugins.

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

A: The goal and vision will be obtained and every penny spent will be worth it

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to be creative and help others finish a vision that they started. Every project is a new canvas for me. Essentially people trust me with their babies.

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

A: When will they have the first mix. I usually answer well you havent sent the files so maybe 2 days lol

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

A: I think people often think that they can "fix it in the mix" to be honest its usually not lol. There is only so much click bleed one can take out. Soooo take your time and record some good quality sources. You dont need expensive mics just good technique

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: i like to ask if they have any specific deadlines and also for reference tracks and rough mixes

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

A: Never hesitate to ask questions about the process. And invest in your projects. A mix cant save a crappy recorded drum set or out of tune guitars

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

A: Is there electricity?

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

A: After earning a degree at L.A.R.S (Los Angeles Recording School) in Recording Arts, I worked at Cherokee Studios and Nightbird Studios in Los Angeles. Eventually I came in contact with Grammy nominated Producer Johnny K and engineered Plain White T's "Big Bad World" leading to the opportunity to work along side Johnny K and engineer his future projects at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago. While doing so, I had the pleasure of working with Sevendust, Disturbed, Plain White T's, Anthrax, Alien Ant Farm, Finger 11, Pop Evil, Nonpoint, Airbourne, Staind, Trapt, and many other major label acts. I currently own and operate Command Space Audio in Chicago.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would like to say i am pretty laid back. I like to push the artist to play solid takes so the music doesn't need a ton of edits. I like things to sound natural and human, an element missing in modern music.

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

A: damn...this is tough Obviously The Beatles...do i need to say why? Dr. Dre - I grew up in LA listening to Dr Dre and all the West Coast rappers...and he's ridiculously talented. Cage The Elephant - Indie vibe but a lot of production layers Thrice - so many cool guitar tones The Kills - great tones and so much emotion Adele - Would love to track her amazing vocals Beck - He would teach me so many tricks

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Sometimes less is more. But other times layer a bunch of things. :0)

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

A: I work on a lot of Alt-Rock, Indie Rock, and Hard Rock.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Im not afraid to tell an artist if i think an idea is weak and that i know they can create something better. I like to push them so that they know they tried their hardest to make a record that will be with them forever.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a fresh ear and unique perspective to any given song. I try to make new sounds if i am engineering and not scared to record every idea to see what it does for a song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When it comes to making a record I typically listen to a band or artists previous work/live performance to see what the vibe is and what they have/havent done. When it comes to a mix I would ask the artist to send me references if they are digging another artists sound. I would also listen to the rough mix that is sent to hear if there is anything specific or cool that i would want to keep in my mix.

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

A: There are so many artists and other professionals that inspire me and push me to become a better Mixer/Engineer. No matter the genre i can fine something special that will catch my ear, weather its a cool effected overdub or a cool snare drum that hits you in the chest.

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

A: Through SoundBetter most of my work is Mixing and some editing. At my studio Im Producing, Engineering, and Mixing full projects and send out to mastering for a fresh ear.