Remote rock mixing, guitarist

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

A: I am especially proud of my last 2 albums, Dead Horse Creek which is a country rock album and The Rock, which is a straight ahead "classic" rock album. I had goals when I wrote all the songs and played all the instruments , I wanted to make the best album I could at that time. I wanted to find my voice and be a bit bolder on the mic. I think I did that on both albums, so I am very proud.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am promoting my latest release, "THE ROCK". I am also doing a cover song because I want to know, I want to learn what makes this song great, so by recreating those footsteps I will try to find the formula. I know there is no formula but is there a better way of making music. I'm all about improving my technic.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, analog by way of playing all the guitar parts, digital by way of getting the best out of a performance such as comping a vocal track or a lead solo.

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

A: I will give you, to the best of my abilities, the product you are asking for. I will give you a product that you and I can stand behind and be proud of.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The creative process, the moment when you realize "hey, this is good, this is really good".

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

A: If you think it's easy making music that matters and stands the test of time. I DO NOT want to make music that is disposable and trendy. I want to make music that stands up for decades to follow.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are YOUR expectations ? After that is resolved we will either part ways or we will make great music together. We have to be on the same page for this to work. I am at your disposal , you run the show, I can only have input if you can express your goals.

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

A: Take a chance with someone who has a passion for creating music. Listen to what I've done up to this date and determine if we're a good fit for each other. If you have the same passion for creating rock and country rock music like I do then we will do great things together.

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

A: Acoustic guitar, acoustic guitar, acoustic guitar, acoustic guitar and a set of bongos. I'm assuming there is no electricity.

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

A: I have always been the working guy who creates music in his "spare" time. I would love to make being a music producer my full time gig. My kids are grown up and out, my life is now ready for the next step, making music full time.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I love classic rock from the 70's and 80's. This is my style, this is the kind of music of love to make. I will be open to new music of course as long as it fits into my skill set.

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

A: Any new artist who is ready to go out and let the world hear them. My genre of choice is Rock and country rock. I would not give a rapper the expertise they would need to succeed but I can give a rocker what they need top succeed.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Let each instrument have it's own space. Use eq and compression to keep each track in it's own space. Let the vocals sit on top of the mix by not using a lot of reverb, instead use delay. I always use a reference track to compare my new mix to a proven one. I will ask you, my client , for these reference tracks so we are on the same page musically.

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

A: I work on Rock music and country rock music. You can hear samples of both at this link, http://www.stevepope.hearnow.com/ My latest album is called "THE ROCK" and it is classic rock album. My second album is called "DEAD HORSE CREEK" and here is where you can get a sample of my country rock genre. Both albums are also available on every streaming platform I can think of.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I strongest skill is my listening ability. I have been making and recording music for decades I have the knowledge to know what works and what doesn't. I am always open to ideas but my base knowledge allows me to work quickly and efficiently to make your project a reality.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a fresh perspective and fresh ears. I want you to bounce all of your ideas off me and let's come up with a unique song. I'll take all of your ideas and compile those ideas into the song you want and the song you'll be proud to shop around.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I write all my lyrics so I usually start with the chorus or hook of a song. I'll grab a guitar and start working out structure and chord progressions. I will already have an idea of what direction I want the song to go in and of course genre. I'll build off this, I'll then write the verses and bridge. I'll pick a tempo, lay down a quick drum pattern just to work with and start laying down tracks. Guitar firsts, then bass. I'll then record the vocals. I'll record a minimum of 5 takes of each verse & bridge . The chorus I can go as high as 15 to 20 tracks. A main vocal, and then harmonies until I'm satisfied. It's all a pleasure to do and the results are very satisfying.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a typical "Home" studio. When I record a song I am the entire band so a small space is perfect for me to work in. I work in a treated room, the sound is nice and dead in here so recording vocals or acoustic guitar come across clean. My DAW is Studio one by Presonus, My main studio monitors are Kali Audio LP-6's other monitors are Mackie & Paradigm. My studio headphone are Audio-technica and JBL. My go to vocal and acoustic guitar mic is an Audio-technica AT2035 and my go to guitar amp mic is Sure beta 57. My main guitar amps are Marshall and Garnet. I have 2- 1x12 speaker cabs with eminence speakers and 1- 4x12 with old marsland speakers. my electric guitars are Gibson, el-Degas and Ibanez. My bass is a Takamine I have 2 acoustic guitars, 6 string and a 12 string. My keyboard/midi controller is a M-Audio and my drums are Alesis.

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

A: I am inspired every time I hear Hearts first album Dreamboat Anne, the sound is perfect. The album sounds like it should, all the instruments come across in the mix and blend perfectly. My other "go to" inspirational mix is from my favorite band RUSH, the album is A Farewell to Kings and the track is Xanadu. These are the kind of mixed I aspire to create.

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

A: I have not yet been involved with clients as of March, 2024, I have the skills and the ability to make professional radio ready sounding mixes.