Stephen Adwell: Owner/Engineer

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

A: Find someone who believes in your music and is passionate

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

A: I've been working in the industry professionally for 10 years. Whether it be as a live sound engineer, or studio engineering, I haven't had a real job since I was 22. I've been privileged to have studied under some great producers and engineers in my early years. I've also been fortunate to mix some very high profile artists while working at House of Blues in Houston. So far, I've had a great career in music!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't worry how the EQ visualization looks, if it sounds good/cool, then it's good

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: It's hard to say. There are basic "rules" in audio, but each person has certain tastes when it comes to musical preference, and those preferences subconsciously dictate how we as engineers manipulate sound. So to answer the question, I bring my ears to the table! (:

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

A: If I'm on desert island I assume electricity isn't viable. Therefore, I wouldn't need recording equipment. For giggles, I'd say an acoustic guitar. It's light weight and easily transportable. Then I would make sure I have lots of water, matches or lighters (60 year supply), survival skills handbook (desert addition), and a knife similar to Crocodile Dundee's.

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

A: Rogues Among Us - Analysis Paralysis EP. I produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered this project from start to finish. It holds a deep place in my heart, mostly because after the production of this EP, their drummer was unable to go on tour. So they asked me to fill in. Not only did I work on these tunes, I learned these songs, along with their back catalog, and spent a few weeks on the road with them. On all of my projects, I consider myself to be a member of the band, at least for the moment, but this time I actually became a touring member. This was also the first project I worked on after losing my studio to flood water in Houston's "Tax Day Flood" in 2016 (that's right, my studio was flooded in 2016 & 2017). I spent 4 months repairing my home and studio with the sole purpose of getting this project started. So this project is very dear to me on many levels.

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

A: I promise to listen to your wants and needs so I can provide a final product that exceeds expectations and fully embodies both of our musical visions.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Helping music jump off the speakers

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I utilize both analog and digital mediums into my production. I like the warmth, depth, and width, analog gear provides. I also like the limitless possibilities the digital world offers. By combining both, it allows me to take my productions to greater heights sonically.

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

A: I get inspiration from anyone and everyone. I try not to play favorites. Any music that I listen to, I always take away something. Whether it be arrangements, production tricks, melodies, meter changes, etc., there is always something to tuck away for future projects.

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

A: The majority of my work is what I call Full Production. This includes recording, editing, mixing, and mastering. I'm also the producer on most of the rock records I've done.