Mixing & Mastering engineer

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

A: One project I’m especially proud of is a collaboration with an up-and-coming artist in the alternative rock genre. The artist came to me with raw tracks they had recorded in a small studio, and while the core of the music was great, it was clear that the mix and overall sound needed some polishing to bring the vision to life. My role was to mix and master the entire album. It involved a lot of fine-tuning—adding depth to the guitars, tightening up the drums, and ensuring the vocals sat perfectly in the mix. We also worked on some subtle automation to create dynamic shifts throughout the songs. The project had a lot of emotional depth, so I paid close attention to making sure the energy of the tracks translated well. What made this project so fulfilling was not just the sound we achieved, but the connection I built with the artist. They were thrilled with the final result, especially how the tracks sounded both impactful and polished without losing the raw energy that they wanted to keep intact. The album went on to gain significant attention, and the artist was even able to secure a few sync placements, which was a huge step forward for their career. It was one of those projects where both the technical work and the creative side came together, and seeing the artist’s reaction to the final product made all the effort worth it.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now, I’m working on several exciting projects, mostly centered around mixing and mastering for artists across different genres. I’m currently mixing a few indie rock tracks for an emerging band, ensuring the songs have that raw energy but also that polished, radio-ready sound. I’m also working on mastering a hip-hop EP, where the challenge is finding that perfect balance of punch and clarity without losing the warmth of the vocals. Aside from these, I’m continuously updating my skills and exploring new production techniques and audio tools to stay ahead of trends and ensure I offer the best sound quality possible. I’m also in the process of refining my portfolio to showcase the diversity of work I’ve done, so potential clients can get a better sense of my range. Overall, I’m focused on delivering the highest quality to each project and making sure the clients’ music stands out!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: oth analog and digital have their unique strengths, and it really depends on the context of the project. Analog brings a certain warmth, depth, and character that’s hard to replicate in the digital world. There’s a natural compression and saturation that comes from analog gear, which adds a rich, organic texture to a track. For genres like rock, soul, or anything with a vintage vibe, analog gear can provide that extra punch and harmonic richness. On the other hand, digital is incredibly precise, flexible, and consistent. It offers an immense variety of tools that are affordable and easily accessible, making it ideal for modern production workflows. Digital mixing and mastering also allow for cleaner results, dynamic range, and the ability to correct things that would be difficult or impossible to fix with analog gear. Plus, the ability to recall mixes instantly and work in a non-destructive environment is a huge benefit in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting. For me, the best approach is a hybrid of both: I use digital tools for precision and convenience, but I also incorporate analog warmth when needed to give the track that extra special touch. The blend of both worlds often yields the best results, bringing out the strengths of each.

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

A: y promise to my clients is simple: I will bring your vision to life with the highest level of professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. I am committed to ensuring that your track sounds as good as possible—whether it’s a subtle enhancement or a complete transformation. I’ll work closely with you throughout the process, making sure that your feedback is valued and integrated into the final product. You’ll get a mix and master that not only meets but exceeds your expectations while staying true to the essence of your music. And most importantly, I promise to always deliver on time and with the quality you expect. Your satisfaction and the success of your project are my top priorities.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job is the ability to transform an idea into something tangible and polished. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking a raw, unrefined track and shaping it into a piece of music that not only sounds professional but also conveys the artist’s vision exactly how they imagined it. I also enjoy the creative challenge that every project presents. Every track is different, and it’s always exciting to figure out the best way to bring out the character of the song, whether it’s through EQ, effects, or mixing techniques. It’s like solving a puzzle where the end result is a beautiful piece of music that connects with listeners. And of course, the most rewarding part is seeing the artist’s satisfaction when they hear the final version—knowing I played a part in helping them bring their music to life.

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

A: Here are some of the most common questions I get from customers and my answers: 1. “How long will it take to mix and master my track?” Answer: The time it takes depends on the complexity of the track and how many revisions we go through. Typically, mixing can take anywhere from 2-5 days per track, and mastering takes about 1-2 days. However, if you have a specific deadline, I always try to accommodate that and make sure everything is delivered on time. 2. “What is the difference between mixing and mastering?” Answer: Mixing is the process of combining all the individual elements (vocals, instruments, effects) of a track, balancing them, and ensuring they work together cohesively. Mastering is the final step, where I ensure the track sounds great across all playback systems and formats, optimizing loudness, clarity, and dynamic range while maintaining its artistic integrity. 3. “How many revisions do I get?” Answer: Typically, I offer 2-3 rounds of revisions, which are included in the price. I want to make sure you’re 100% happy with the final product. If you need more revisions, we can discuss the terms, but I always strive to get the right sound in the initial rounds. 4. “Do I need to send the stems or the mixed track?” Answer: For mixing, I prefer receiving the individual stems (separate tracks for vocals, instruments, etc.) to ensure maximum control over each element of the song. For mastering, you only need to send the final mixed stereo track, as that’s what I’ll be optimizing for the final release. 5. “Can you make my track louder?” Answer: While I can definitely increase the loudness of your track during mastering, it’s important to balance loudness with dynamic range. Making a track too loud can sacrifice the clarity and punch, so I focus on ensuring the track sounds competitive without losing the integrity of the music.

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

A: One of the biggest misconceptions is that mixing and mastering are just about turning knobs and pushing buttons to make a track sound good. In reality, it’s much more than that. It’s a creative and technical process that requires a deep understanding of sound, structure, and the emotional impact of music. A lot of people think that mixing is just about balancing volume levels, but it involves things like panning, EQ, dynamic control, and stereo width, all while maintaining the integrity and energy of the original performance. Mastering, on the other hand, is about finalizing the track to sound polished across all platforms, not just making it loud. Every track is different and requires a tailored approach—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s not just about adding effects or making it louder; it’s about enhancing the artist’s vision and making the track sound its best in every listening environment.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Here are a few important questions I typically ask prospective clients to ensure I can deliver the best possible results: 1. What is the overall vibe or feeling you want to convey with this track? Understanding the emotion or atmosphere you’re aiming for helps me approach the mix and master with the right creative direction. 2. Do you have any reference tracks or specific sounds that inspire the direction of your song? Reference tracks provide invaluable insight into your vision and can guide me in achieving the sound you’re aiming for. 3. What is the intended platform or format for this project (e.g., streaming, radio, film, etc.)? Different formats may have different requirements (such as loudness or stereo width), and I want to ensure your track is optimized for where it will be heard. 4. Are there any specific elements in the track you want to highlight or any sounds that should be less prominent? This helps me understand your priorities when it comes to balancing instruments and vocals, ensuring the final mix aligns with your vision. 5. What is your deadline or timeframe for this project? Knowing the timeline ensures that I can plan the work and deliver the mix and master within the desired timeframe. These questions help set clear expectations and ensure that I’m aligned with the client’s vision from the start.

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

A: My advice would be to have a clear vision of what you want for your music. The more details you provide about the sound you’re looking for—whether it’s a reference track, specific tonal qualities, or the feeling you want to convey—the better I can tailor the mix and master to match your vision. Additionally, communication is key. The more we can collaborate and discuss ideas throughout the process, the better the end result will be. Don’t be afraid to share feedback or adjustments as we move forward. It’s all about making sure your track sounds exactly the way you imagined. Lastly, trust the process. Good mixing and mastering take time, and I want to make sure that every aspect of your music is polished to its highest potential. We’ll work together to bring your track to life and make it stand out.

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

A: If I were on a desert island and could only take five pieces of gear, I would choose: 1. Laptop with DAW (Ableton Live or Logic Pro X) – This is essential for producing, mixing, and mastering music on the go. Having a powerful laptop gives me flexibility and the ability to work anywhere. 2. Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) – Reliable and portable, this interface allows me to record and connect instruments, microphones, and headphones, crucial for any production work. 3. Good headphones (Audio-Technica ATH-M40X) – I rely on these for detailed monitoring and critical listening. These are versatile, portable, and give me accurate sound representation in any environment. 4. Portable MIDI Controller (Akai Professional MPK Mini) – With its compact design, it’s perfect for creating melodies, beats, and triggering sounds without taking up too much space. 5. A versatile plugin suite (Waves or Arturia FX Collection) – This would allow me to apply mixing, mastering, and sound design effects, ensuring I have all the tools necessary to produce high-quality tracks. These five pieces of gear would give me the essentials to produce, mix, and master music, even in the most remote locations.

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

A: My career path started out of pure passion for music. I began experimenting with sound at a young age, learning to play the guitar and bass, and eventually started producing my own tracks. At first, I was self-taught, diving into the world of audio production and learning through trial and error. Over the years, I honed my skills in mixing and mastering, understanding the technical side of production while maintaining a strong creative vision. After building a solid foundation, I decided to formalize my knowledge by pursuing studies in audio engineering and music production. This was a game changer, giving me a deeper understanding of both the art and science behind mixing and mastering. I’ve been working professionally for over X years now, and in that time, I’ve had the privilege of working on hundreds of projects across a variety of genres. Each project has helped me grow and refine my approach to audio production, and I’m always learning and adapting to new techniques and technologies. I’m committed to delivering the best sound possible for every client, no matter the project.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a blend of technical precision and creative flair. I focus on making sure every track sounds polished and professional, with clear separation of elements and an immersive, dynamic range. At the same time, I aim to keep the emotion and energy of the music intact, making sure the final product connects with listeners on a deeper level. I enjoy experimenting with different textures and spaces in the mix, using techniques like stereo width, punchy low-end, and atmospheric effects to create a balanced yet impactful sound. Whether it’s a crisp, radio-ready pop track or a rich, layered rock anthem, my goal is always to make sure the music feels alive and engaging. In short, my style is all about achieving a sound that is professionally refined, sonically dynamic, and emotionally captivating.

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

A: I would love to work with Tame Impala. Their unique blend of psychedelic, electronic, and rock elements offers endless possibilities for creative mixing and sound design. The way they push boundaries with sound textures and atmospheric elements is something that really inspires me. I think collaborating with an artist like Kevin Parker would be an incredible opportunity to experiment with unconventional sounds and techniques, creating something that not only stands out sonically but also evokes deep emotion and atmosphere. His music blends both organic and synthetic textures, and I’d love to bring my expertise in stereo enhancement, dynamic control, and creative sound manipulation to take those ideas even further and help shape the next evolution of their sound.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One valuable music production tip I always recommend is to focus on the arrangement before diving into heavy mixing. A strong arrangement is the foundation of a great mix. Make sure your song has a clear structure, with each element having its own space to breathe. For example, if your track has multiple layers of instruments, try to balance the frequency ranges by ensuring that bass-heavy instruments don’t clash with mid-range or high-frequency elements. This will make your mix cleaner and easier to work with later. By getting the arrangement right first, you’ll have a much easier time mixing, and the end result will be a more polished, dynamic track that feels cohesive and balanced.

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

A: I work on a wide range of genres, but I specialize in rock, metal, hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. Each genre has its own unique characteristics, and I adapt my approach to bring out the best in every track. For rock and metal, I focus on achieving powerful, punchy drums, tight low-end, and aggressive yet clear guitars while ensuring vocals cut through the mix. In hip-hop and pop, I prioritize deep, controlled bass, crisp percussion, and polished vocals to create a modern and radio-ready sound. For electronic music, I enhance stereo width, dynamic contrast, and sonic depth to ensure an immersive and impactful experience. Regardless of the genre, my goal is to make each track sound balanced, professional, and emotionally engaging.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my ability to balance technical precision with artistic intuition. I have a deep understanding of how to shape a mix and master to ensure clarity, punch, and depth, while also preserving the emotion and energy of the song. I excel at creating space in a mix, ensuring every element has its place while maintaining a full and immersive sound. Whether it’s tightening the low end, enhancing vocal presence, or achieving a wide and dynamic stereo image, I know how to make a track sound polished and professional. Additionally, my adaptability across different genres allows me to tailor my approach to each project, ensuring the final product aligns perfectly with the artist’s vision.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring clarity, depth, and emotion to every song I work on. My goal is to enhance the artist’s vision while ensuring the track sounds polished, powerful, and industry-ready. Through expert EQ, compression, stereo enhancement, and dynamic control, I shape each element to sit perfectly in the mix, allowing the vocals and instruments to shine. I focus on creating a balanced, punchy, and immersive sound that translates well across all playback systems, from high-end speakers to smartphones. Beyond the technical side, I bring a creative approach—understanding the feeling and energy behind the music to make sure it connects with listeners. Whether it’s adding warmth and depth to a ballad or making a track hit harder in a club setting, I tailor my mixing and mastering to bring out the best in every song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process is structured yet flexible, ensuring that each track reaches its full potential while staying true to the artist’s vision. 1️⃣ Understanding the Project – I start by discussing the client’s goals, reference tracks, and any specific requests to align with their artistic direction. 2️⃣ Session Preparation – I organize and clean the stems, checking for phase issues, unwanted noise, and ensuring optimal gain staging before diving into the mix. 3️⃣ Mixing – I craft a balanced mix using EQ, compression, saturation, stereo enhancement, automation, and reverb/delay effects, all while keeping clarity and depth in mind. 4️⃣ Mastering – Once the mix is finalized, I enhance the track’s loudness, polish the tonal balance, and optimize it for streaming platforms, ensuring it competes at an industry level. 5️⃣ Revisions & Final Delivery – I provide the first version for client feedback and fine-tune the mix or master until they are 100% satisfied. The final files are delivered in the necessary formats for distribution. Throughout the process, my goal is to bring out the power, emotion, and energy in every track while maintaining a professional and competitive sound.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is designed to deliver professional-quality mixing and mastering with a combination of industry-standard hardware and software. I work with Ableton Live 12 Standard and Logic Pro X, complemented by high-end plugins like Waves Platinum Suite, Plugin Alliance, Arturia FX Collection, and Mastering The Mix tools. For monitoring, I use Audio-Technica ATH-M40X headphones and M-Audio studio monitors, ensuring accurate frequency response and precise mixing decisions. My Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface provides clean and transparent signal conversion, while my M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini MIDI controller allows for creative automation and sound shaping. This setup enables me to achieve clarity, depth, and punch in every mix and master, ensuring that my clients’ music stands out across all listening platforms

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

A: I draw inspiration from a variety of musicians and producers who have shaped the sound of modern music. Engineers like Chris Lord-Alge and Andrew Scheps inspire me with their powerful and dynamic mixes, while mastering legends like Bob Katz and Luca Pretolesi have influenced my approach to achieving clarity, depth, and balance in the final product. I also admire producers like Rick Rubin and Quincy Jones for their ability to bring out the best in every artist they work with. Their attention to detail, creativity, and sonic precision push me to continuously refine my craft and deliver the best possible results for my clients.

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

A: The most common work I do for my clients is mixing and mastering, ensuring their tracks reach a professional, industry-standard quality. I focus on achieving a balanced mix with clarity, depth, and punch while enhancing the unique character of each song. My process includes precise EQ adjustments, dynamic control, stereo enhancement, and harmonic saturation to bring warmth and energy to the final product. Whether it’s a polished master ready for streaming platforms or a mix that highlights every detail of the production, my goal is always to deliver a sound that stands out and connects with the audience.