Mixing, Mastering + Post

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

A: I was the mix engineer on Choc Quib Town's 2007 single "De Donde Vengo Yo," which won a Latin Grammy for best Latin Alternative song. Though it is the songwriters that get awarded for this category, I received a participation award for handling the mix on this hit. Talk about being naive and working from the gut! On this mix, I worked in a small room, on a Digi 002, with just the basics to get by. It was a beautiful surprise to receive the news that they had won the Latin Grammy.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Digital mastering for the soundtrack of an upcoming independent film. I'm consistently working on audio post promos for one of ten networks owned by Scripps TV.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: #1 That I'm working on music and with creative minds. #2 If it's an audio post project, that I get to manipulate sound and influence the overall outcome of the visual.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always ask for references for where they want to head with the mix or master. It could be for the overall mix/master, or even references for sections or elements within the song. This is super helpful for getting on the same page as the client.

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

A: Unfortunately or fortunately, I am just not a much of a gearhead. I've struggled with that my whole career, being surrounded by those that love their gear. I have opinions on tools that I like or dislike, but I'll use what I have at hand to provide the best outcome. Just give me a listening environment that I'm familiar with, and I'll deliver the best possible product.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: It doesn't have to look right, it just has to sound right to you as the creator. Follow your gut, use your ears, listen at low volume, take breaks, then make your decision.

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

A: I'm generally working on soundtrack-type masters or darker, electronic masters, but I also delve into a lot of the Latin indie movement, which encompasses so many other genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I try to stay out of the way of the production and arrangement that is already there, and instead just try to serve the song and bring out it's strongest qualities.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. I love the convenience of being able to work on multiple projects at once. Having recall at the click of a mouse is so invaluable to today's workflow. Plus, plugin manufacturers are getting way better at creating quality products that range from transparent, to something with tons of character, or even analog "warmth."

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

A: Andrew Wallace, Sebastian Krys, Gustavo Santaolalla, Adrian Quesada, Paul Leary, Arto Lindsay

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

A: Digital music mastering. Multi-track music mixing. Short-form (usually anywhere between 5 secs - 2 minutes) audio post-production promo mixing - usually includes music, voiceover, dialogue, and sound effects.