Creative Engineering

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

A: This year we released the Hempress Sativa project. I recorded all the vocals, played in the horn section, mixed and composed some of the tracks. I assisted Scientist with the Dub Versions. Because she travels so much, it was recorded in different studios but we were able to bring it back to California and make it sound cohesive.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm doing my best to artistically counter the racism and hate from our government. Dubrobot has a new album and a bit of international touring ahead this year.

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

A: Many of my talented students are on here. If you see a young engineer starting out, give them a shot!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. Its the natural evolution of things. Let music grow

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

A: Together, we can accomplish anything!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Working with all kinds of people and their ideas.

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

A: Can I attend your mix session? Absolutely!

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

A: In music, people think you have to be drunk or stoned to catch the vibes. I don't mind if artists need to relax during a session with a joint or beer. I work with a lot of people who religiously smoke. People rely on me to be the sober one handling all the moving parts.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I only work on things that move our culture forward. I stay away from backwards material (misogyny, oil companies, racism, etc...)

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

A: Communication is the key to success.

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

A: Laptop, Sax, Push, Headphones, SubPac

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

A: My first commercial recording was with the Ziggens in Long Beach followed shortly by my work with Sublime on 40oz to Freedom. Before that, I was in the bedroom with the 4 track cassette recorder. It was only intense music study for a long time, with touring, performing and recording with different ska and reggae bands. Then I discovered Film sound through my interest in 5.1 mixing. I was brought on at the LA Film School to head their advanced post production courses. The SubPac idea came along and I had to leave my teaching position to devote my full attention to getting that off the ground.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Lately I have re-discovered what a powerful tool re-amping is. This is the process of taking a signal and sending back out to an acoustic space, tape machine or guitar amp for processing. The world is the most interesting plug-in!

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

A: I look up to experienced people that are humble. You will find me going far back to the source of movements for inspiration. I like to find connections in other art forms to music.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a transparency that most people miss out on. I try to not overdo the mixer's "signature" sound. I'm proud that my clients sound like themselves.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: ProTools - Film and some Music clients Reaper - Music and some Film/Game clients (Foley and Sound Design work) Ableton - Music, Sound Design, and Composition/Sequencing Reason - Sequencing

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am a minimalist. C24 Surface with ProTools. X32 Interface for Tracking. Sound Devices Interface (192) for Mastering. 3 sets of monitors. Custom channel strip. Selection of dynamic, ribbon, and condenser mics. A handful of fun synths, devices, and weirdo stuff I have made/modified. A creative, and inviting vibe.

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

A: I find people value the way I explain things to them. When you work with an expert, it is o.k. to ask questions. My clients are comfortable asking questions.

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

A: I have a large body of work in Ska, Reggae, Rocksteady and Dub. I'm interested in all types of music

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Creative and flexible

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

A: Tom Waits. I have listened and studied his music throughout the decades and it is as deep as the ocean.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Patience.