2 x Grammy winning engineer, 2 x Oscar and 2 x Emmy nominated engineer. I’ve been in the studio with the best there is: Prince, Justin Timberlake, Metallica, Morrissey, Audioslave, Ben Harper, Jimmy Cliff, John Mayer, Beck, Joe Cocker, Heart, John Legend, Keith Urban, Michael Buble,
I will record anywhere and everywhere. While I frequent Sunset Sound, where I worked as an assistant engineer from 2004-2011, I work at The Village and East West often as well. On tracking sessions, I strive to get as close to a finished sound as possible, before even hitting record! I also have the capabilities to record a full band at my home studio for those on a tighter budget, with fantastic results.
I also have packed up my gear and recorded in obscure places, such as warehouses, sound stages, lofts…even on a mountain top for a commercial. I work mostly in Pro Tools, but ‘grew up’ on tape.
I have recorded and mixed several scores for TV shows and films, earning Emmy and Oscar Nominations.
I love people and creating music, and I always do my best to make the artist feel as comfortable as possible. I pride myself in having many repeat clients!
For a playlist of projects I’ve recorded, mixed and produced, check out the sample section below.
For projects I’ve recorded, check out this playlist:
For projects I’ve mixed, check out this playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5gooZ6zWD3ICfjTOKmcJ27?si=Bvs6fjCFRXWz-NzavVjjAw&pi=u-qsd4pFcjRRK8
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
Credits
Discogs verified credits for Bill Mims- Nancy And Beth
- The Wonder Years
- Yonder Grove
- Devil Doll (2)
- Devil Doll (2)
- Goldfrapp
- Manchester Orchestra
- Brandi Carlile
- David T. Walker
- Charlotte Gainsbourg
- Goldfrapp
- Scott Healy With The Eastman Chamber Jazz Orchestra
- The Wonder Years
- Orianthi
- Oxbow & Peter Brötzmann
- Audioslave
- Lorenzo*
- The Like
- Audioslave
- Euge Groove
- Nine Black Alps
- Nine Black Alps
- Nine Black Alps
- Nine Black Alps
- The Like
- Audioslave
- Nine Black Alps
- John Legend
- The Like
- Silversun Pickups
- Lee Ritenour
- Yellowcard
- Yellowcard
- Ima Robot
- John Legend
- The Like
- Sylvie Vartan
- Sara Bareilles
- The Thrills
- Lauren White
- The Spill Canvas
- Remi Nicole
- Remi Nicole
- Ryan Adams
- Rilo Kiley
- Dappled Cities*
- Donavon Frankenreiter
- Goldfrapp
- Joshua Radin
- Donavon Frankenreiter
- Goldfrapp
- Children Collide
- Silversun Pickups
- Euge Groove
- Brandi Carlile
- Biffy Clyro
- AFI
- Carl Verheyen Band*
- AFI
- EZ Tiger
- David T. Walker
- Herbie Hancock
- The Black Crowes
- Tom Jones
- Gin*
- Tom Jones
- Tom Jones
- Young The Giant
- Truth & Salvage Co.
- Charlotte Gainsbourg
- Boy & Bear
- The Airborne Toxic Event
- Grinspoon
- The Preatures
- Alanis Morissette
- Mark Eitzel
- Steve Forbert
- Rickie Lee Jones
- Jimmy Cliff
- Alberta Cross
- Alanis Morissette
- Goldfrapp
- Keaton Henson
- The Airborne Toxic Event
- Keaton Henson
- Tristen
- Ben Harper With Charlie Musselwhite
- Keaton Henson
- Ed Motta
- Joseph Arthur
- Joseph Arthur
- Robyn Cage
- Silversun Pickups
- Various
- Robyn Cage
- Peter Case
- Julia Holter
- Sam Morrow
- Night Terrors Of 1927
- Aaradhna
- Haroula Rose
- Heart
- Teddy Thompson & Kelly Jones (16)
- Morrissey
- Moses Sumney
- Flagship (2)
- Flogging Molly
- Jamie Lawson
- Morrissey
- The Night Game
- Death Cab For Cutie
- The Wonder Years
- Death Cab For Cutie
- Morrissey
- Morrissey With Billie Joe Armstrong
- Eleni Mandell
- Morrissey
- Devil Doll (2)
- Devil Doll (2)
- Richard Edwards (4) And The Velvet Ocean
- Manchester Orchestra
- Liily
- Various
- Steady Holiday
- Yonder Grove
- Liily
- Orianthi
- The Districts (3)
- Pomplamoose
- Lana Del Rey
- Lana Del Rey
- Audioslave
- John Legend
- Ryan Adams
- Goldfrapp
- AFI
- The Black Crowes
- Alanis Morissette
- Heart
- Morrissey
- Morrissey
- Euge Groove
Languages
- English
Interview with Bill Mims
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: As an assistant engineer, Prince on Lotusflower. Working with a genius like that is unforgettable As a recording engineer, both Ben Harper and Jimmy Cliff since they won Grammys. As a mixing engineer, both Brandi Carlile’s ‘Touching The Ground’ and the soundtrack to ‘The Sun Is Also A Star’
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: There are pros and cons to both. I ‘grew up’ as an engineer on analog machines. I love the sound of them! But the limitations of the 24 tracks is very much a double edged sword. You have to be willing to commit right then and there to the part, sound and ‘are we keeping this performance or going over it’? There is no play listing or undo! I feel the way I record to pro tools give me the analog sound in a digital world
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Working with very talented musicians every day and being creative with them.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That it’s all fun and games. While I keep it light in the studio, and it is wonderful to be able to be creative and work hand in hand with talented musicians, I take my position very seriously.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are you looking for; what is the vibe of the song? What message are you trying to convey to the listener? What is the expected completion date?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: 1-My ATC’s. 2-1176’s. 3-Neumann 47. 4-API 312. 5-API 550a
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started out at Sunset Sound in LA in 2002 and was an assistant engineer there until 2011. I have been freelance since, while also working at The Bank and Carriage House studios. I have 2 Grammys for engineering, as well as 2 Emmy nominations and 2 Oscar nominations for scores I have either recorded or mixed.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Just because you own every plugin made doesn’t mean you have to use them all! And don’t be afraid to commit to something, but be smart about it.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: All types of music from Brandi Carlile to Iggy Azalea, but mostly rock, indie rock and indie pop
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening to people, understanding what the artist is looking for in a finished product and giving it to them.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring the appropriate sounds for the song. That’s what matters to me…making sure that the sounds being captured are what the song requires and the artists wants, and the professionalism that comes with that.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have the capabilities of recording a full band at my own home recording studio live. Lots of vintage analog gear (1073’s, API312’s, 550A’s, 1176’s, LA2A, BA6A). I use PT HD with Avid IO’s. My monitors are ATC SCM45a’s and NS10’s with a Grace m905 monitor controller.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I get hired for all aspects of record making and TV/film scores…recording, editing, vocal production/tuning and mixing.
