Versatile Mix Engineer

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

A: Good Game by The Orion Smith Project. Orion has been my friend for years, we’ve worked together for years, and this album I feel like we really got in our groove, we built up chemistry, and made some awesome tracks!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m working on some solo music at the time! More specifically I’m putting together an alternative project with math rock influences

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

A: Unfortunately not yet! I’m still so new to this, so I can not recommend anybody at this moment.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer analog. There’s a few reasons but I’ll be honest, there’s no greater feeling than being able to physically move a dial, turn a knob, or push a button.

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

A: I promise I will bring your dream to life! I’m just as excited to work on your music as you are, and I want to make sure that it’s exactly what you pictured in your head, and I’ll stop at nothing to make sure of that.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Listening to some sweet music! The main reason I fell in love with this career is because of how much music I listen to. Not only do I get to listen to more, I get to help make these songs come to life!

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

A: How long will it take to mix? I usually give customers a time frame if 1-2 days per song. One song usually takes me one day absolute max, but I don’t want to promise anything that I can not follow through with!

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

A: That it’s an easy job, in all actuality it isn’t! I thought it was until I started, it can be challenging, but its the best.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who are your influences? Do you have a reference track in mind? When do you plan on releasing? (that last one is usually because I’m SO excited to hear it released)

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

A: Shop around a bit! The first person you find may not be the absolute best fit for your song!

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

A: Easy. 1) my macbook. 2) an electric guitar (preferably a fender telecaster since they’re so versatile). 3) Apollo Twin interface. 4) 1176 compressor. 5) Yamaha HS8’s

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

A: I’ve always loved music and knew I wanted a career in it. I’ve been an engineer for the past 5 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Loud, raw, but beautiful

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

A: Currently the Callous Daoboys. They’re a mathcore band from Atlanta, and I’ve fallen in love with their music. They have so many different styles they do so well, they’re all so talented, their production is top notch, and I can’t stop putting their music on repeat

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The 1176 compressor sounds good on EVERYTHING. and you should be using it more.

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

A: I usually work on metal and emo music. Those are my favorite genres, it’s what I grew up with, and luckily I’ve surrounded myself with people that make my favorite music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My communication by far. I feel that the level of communication I bring to a relationship is second to none, which makes the whole process go much smoother with clients.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Hard hitting drums, beautiful instruments, clear vocals, and somebody that mixes music for fans that love their headphones up high.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My work flow is fairly straightforward. First I create the session, add my click, and then I bring the files in. From there I do my editing, such as cutting any unnecessary noise from stems, tune my vocals, and then I start mixing (typically I start with drums, they are my favorite to work with, but it depends on the day). After I mix I’ll send a draft over to my client, take a break and let my ears rest, then come back 30 minutes-1 hour later to do any revisions and make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup currently is very basic. I have my old faithful focusrite interface, Yamaha HS5’s, various microphones, and both a Macbook and desktop I built, which depending on if I’m mixing, recording, or producing determines what computer I use. Last but not least I’m a guitar player, so I have a couple guitars, amps, pedals, and more cables than I know what to do with. For now everything I do is in the box, which is nice and convenient, but I plan on building a nice professional studio here in the near future.

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

A: I’m heavily inspired by Greazy Wil, Billy Mannino, and Will Yip

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

A: Usually my clients are looking for full EP’s to be mixed, most of the time 3+ songs. The majority of my clients are alternative rock or metal bands.