Mixing/Mastering/Post Engineer

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

A: As of now, my band Dynamite Delight! It is as simple as finally having a band where I mixed and mastered the EPs (I am also the guitarist and back up vocals) and get to have as my first release to streaming platforms for all to hear. It has inspired me to want to mix other peoples projects.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My music career! Film is ongoing but I am looking to pay my dues as to why I am where I am in the first place.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both are great but I am definitely toward the digital side simply because it is the generation I was born into and know.

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

A: To achieve a product as close as humanly possible to your vision.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The ability to help craft and create a vision to bring it to life. Bringing an idea into a real life, tangible thing is one of the most rewarding feelings.

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

A: That all stages of the mixing/mastering/post process are essentially all just one job. There are many positions in this field whether its music or film...especially in film.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goal with this project? What are you looking for this project to have in the mix? Are you aiming for a particular sound? How soon are you looking to completed?

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

A: Make sure you have everything ready to go into the mixing stage. Recorded in the best quality possible, ready to hand off (in WAV format) and get the process started. Know the intent/purpose of the song and references you're aiming for it to sound like.

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

A: 1. Electric guitar 2. Guitar amp 3. Acoustic 4. Digital recorder 5. I guess an iPhone/iPad with infinite battery so I have something to distribute my music through. Maybe instacart some food while I'm producing.

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

A: My original path was in music! I ended up taking all my knowledge from music production and applying it to the field of film sound and it has treated me quite handsomely since 2014.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Very indie and in-house. I've always appreciated the self-made, can-do approach to just making music happen regardless of the limitations. That said, I always listen and absorb the wisdom of the high end pros that I would love to have opportunities to work with as well. As in-the-box approach as I am looking to uplift a project with creativity, I take any high end experience I've had the pleasure of being a part of with me along the way up.

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

A: Any artist where the collaboration process breaths life and purpose to something new!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make sure to record your instrument/sound as clean as possible! As long as you can capture it in the mic as best as you possibly can, just about anything is possible in the mix from there on.

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

A: Typically anywhere from rock related genres, indie, and to film score and soundtrack style work. Always open to trying something new!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Being the dividing line between the musician and the producer/engineer. Being a musician first and wanting to understand the other half of the process so I can have a fuller grasp of how I wanted my own music to sound without restraints was what got me into the production side of music and film in the first place. I wont only tackle the technical needs of a song but also keep the importance of the creative intent of the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Aside from making sure every instrument is heard and respected, if called for I typically like to look at the mix in creative ways alongside the polish. I love to look for ways to treat the mixing process like another instrument in itself if possible, expanding the sonic palette.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Discussing, listening and noting what the artist is looking for in their song/project. After receiving the files and arranging the session, I'll listen through some more, set general levels for all tracks and typically start making my way through the mix via Drum and Bass first (if for a typical band arrangement). Next would be mid range instruments like guitars and keys before getting to the vocals. Once I make my first pass I send a preview to client and get feedback. Note, rehash, repeat until satisfied!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Gear set up is Mac Mini 2018, UA Apollo x8, PreSonus Eris E5 & T10 Temblor monitors and sub, Avid Artsit Mix & MC Transport controllers, Native Instruments Komplete MK2 S61. All set up in a compact rack desk. For software, my main DAW I run is Pro Tools (2022). I run major plug ins such as Waves, iZotope, Native Instruments, Output, Universal Audio. Plugin Alliance, and Audio Ease for the majority.

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

A: The band CKY is what got me into not only writing music but also wanting to mix. Chad I Ginsburg would mix and produce all their own records. Musician inspo would be Deron Miller, Dave Mustaine, John Baizley, King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard, John Frusciante, Buckethead, Mastodon, Modest Mouse, MGMT, Empire Of The Sun, Passion Pit, Nujabes, Pretty Lights...to name a few across the board.

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

A: Most common work would typically be for sound in film, both for location and post. I applied most of my knowledge from being in the music studio during college to get right into that line of work, and I still keep up with those practices when it comes to the musical projects I do on the side. I am currently looking to move that work from the side to the forefront!