Music Producer & Remixes

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

A: I did remixed of 3 Marilyn Manson tracks that were challenging and rewarding to accomplish. My role in this project was to remix 3 songs in a unique style and I went with an outside mastering provider for this. I created my own sounds and integrated various elements of the original works into my mixes. 2 of them sound a bit like a DJ mixed it live, but no that's me in a multi-track environment.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A few miscellaneous mixing and mastering side projects for fun and planning my second original music release later this year.

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

A: Not yet, but when I do I will.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both have their place. Depends on the particular track and style of music. Personally, I have always appreciated analog sounds, but have come to love the digital qualities of sound also.

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

A: The job will be done, on time and without compromise. You will never have to wonder what happened to me during a project, I am proactive in keeping you posted and updated on progress. Unless there is obvious abuse, you will never have to worry about paying for every little thing that happens in a project. I am fair, if not generous in my process and final outcome.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The result of my efforts making a difference in someone else's life. It's gratifying to hear your music after working on it forever in a different way. I know what it feels like and enjoy sharing that with other artists.

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

A: + How much is this going to cost? ANSWER: It depends on the number of tracks, how much attention the mix or master needs, length of tracks used and how many tracks are being done during a single project or work for hire. + Can you make my music sound like [INSERT ARTIST NAME HERE]? ANSWER: If you have recorded your tracks properly, yes it is possible to "sound like" other artists. This is typically in terms of loudness, sonic character and the overall feel of a track. I have ways to match these and other elements to give you a sound similar to that of another artist you admire. + Can you make this louder for me please? ANSWER: Sure thing, but remember that different uses of your finished audio file can require different settings and levels to be adjusted. Standing out in the music industry should not be about being the loudest, but instead, the most interesting. Sometimes loud is ok, but other times it can really work against your goals. + When do you usually do your mixing and mastering work? ANSWER: It totally depends on what my workload is and the schedules of my clients. I can flow at night, during the day or anytime in between.

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

A: That it's rocket science and only a trained wizard can do it. Not true, I believe with dedication anyone can learn how to mix and master like a pro...but it takes a lot of time and practice, no doubt about it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: + At what stage is your song/project? + Do you need cleanup or are your tracks ready for mixing and mastering? + How many tracks per song? + Are tracks all digital, live, or a mix of both? + At what level of quality are your track files recorded? 16 bit, 24 bit, etc. + How would you describe the sound you are going for? + Do you have ideas for desired changes, effects, etc.? + What is your desired turnaround time? I am sure there are a thousand more, but this gives a general idea of what to expect.

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

A: Go with your gut instinct when hiring someone, it's not always the higher or lower price that matters. The person working on your music should feel "right" to you and that's an entirely subjective thing.

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

A: Gear on a desert island? LOL - No thanks, I'll go with a renewable water source, a mix of vegetable seeds, a machete, a mix of cannabis seeds (it's going to be boring way out there) and a high powered cb radio to get back to civilization when I'm good and ready.

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

A: My passion for music began as a child, which led to playing bass for several years in metal & hard rock bands (original and cover) and eventually landing in the luxury of digital audio production. After 20+ years of creating and producing original and re-mixed music I'm excited to share my knowledge and art with others seeking to improve their productions and sound quality.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Free flowing and dependable.

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

A: OK GO - These guys have captivated my imagination and senses with their music and videos. Plus I personally enjoy New Order and enjoy the sound of the bass in this band.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Forget what the other person is doing and stick to creating your own brand of style and sound that makes you happy. You can still keep things between the lines and be unique.

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

A: Rock, Metal, Hip Hop, Pop, Electronic, Jazz, Dance, Ambient, Instrumental, Soundtrack.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Creative analytical thinking and problem solving in mixes. Sometimes a song needs something, but nobody knows what...and this is where a fresh perspective can make all the difference in an outcome. Overall, I believe it's a set of skills that make things work best - not to be limited...

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A perspective unencumbered by the mainstream music industry. My ideas revolve around what sounds best for a particular song in the context of it's purpose and overall project scope (ep/album). I add a little sizzle when something needs it or when I feel it will provide an impacting result. Otherwise, it's all about a well balanced sound. When I work on a project, it's treated as my own. I do not listen at loud volumes unnecessarily and maintain dynamics wherever possible. I always give my ears time to rest before working on a mastering process. When I work on someone's music, it's important to me that it's as perfect as possible and I do my best to make that happen every time.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Coffee + Creativity + Consistency = Happy Sounds

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run an all digital studio with a broad spectrum of effects, tools and instrumentation at my disposal. My main monitors are KRK 8s with a Rokit Sub and I use Sennheiser HD 380 headphones for referencing, in addition to 4 other systems I test audio on during the production process.

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

A: I find inspiration in a wide variety of artists and producers from around the world. No need to name drop here...

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

A: I primarily provide mixing and mastering services. Post production effects and audio enhancements would also be included in this area. Cleaning up tracks, editing mixes, remixes are also among my core service offering.