Vocal Processing, Mix, Master

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

A: Duke DaPoet's album "The Inner Healing EP": https://open.spotify.com/album/3UEZ8O84fxOzAk437T6BtB?si=fLZa2uCsTpSO_slH5bOkUg I did all the vocal processing, co-producing, mixing, and mastering for all 12 songs on the EP/Album. However, my favorite projects are yet to be released.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: About ~10 of my own EDM tracks, 3 pop songs for a client, and a couple rap songs for a multitude of clients.

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

A: I am brand new to the platform, so no. I'll to some research and edit this answer.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital because I grew up with just a computer, but I've slowly been integrating more analog now that I have more money for it.

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

A: I will redo it until you love it. If not, then I won't take your money.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The satisfaction of creating a unique piece of art :)

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

A: Can you turn down the autotune? lol

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

A: I don't DJ. I produce, mix, master, and collaborate with artists I like to create unique, professional art.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Demo of the current track and specifically of the raw vocal recordings. You can't fix a badly recorded vocal.

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

A: Make sure the person enjoys your music. If you want the best mix, then you want a provider to be excited about working on your song.

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

A: Laptop, headphones, mix, preamp, and audio interface. Honestly, only need the laptop and headphones.

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

A: Since I was 12 years old, so for 13 years now. I've been consistently releasing songs as an independent artist while mixing and mastering tracks for multiple clients from genres ranging from pop to hip-hop.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Darker, edgy, melodic, minor scale music.

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

A: Skrillex, Billie Eilish, Travis Scott, Mike Dean, Eden, Flume... The list could go on forever, but I love working with talented vocalists.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: 1. Manage High Frequencies by Cutting Highs on Non-Drum/Vocal Tracks: Reduce frequencies above ~7K Hz on all instruments except drums and vocals. This helps maintain a clean and focused high end, preventing the mix from becoming harsh or cluttered. 2. Handle Samples Responsibly: Before using samples from platforms like Splice, use an app like Shazam to identify the original track. Then, adjust the tempo or pitch to create a unique sound and avoid potential copyright issues. 3. Create Space with Panning: Distribute your sounds across the stereo field to give each element its own space by panning instruments thoroughly. 4. Apply Mid/Side EQ: Use mid/side equalization to enhance separation between the center (e.g., vocals, bass) and the sides (e.g., guitars, synths), ensuring a balanced and immersive mix. 5. Sidechain to Drums: Apply sidechain compression to elements like bass or pads, triggered by the kick or snare. This prevents overlapping transients and allows each hit to punch through clearly. 6. Delay Transients: Delay percussion (like hi-hats) so that the transients don't hit at the exact same time as the kick or snare to help maintain rhythm clarity without cluttering the transient space. 7. Bus All FX: Route all reverb, delay, and other effects to dedicated buses. This not only keeps your mix session organized but also allows for consistent and efficient control over your effects, enhancing the overall cohesion of the track. By integrating these techniques into your workflow, you can achieve a more polished and professional-sounding mix. There’s so much more to explore, but these foundational tips will set you on the right path without overwhelming your creative process!

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

A: All sub-genres of EDM, Pop, and Rap.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Mixing and mastering tracks to create a full, professional-grade mix/master.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I add a unique flair to tracks through my mixing techniques that emphasize drops, hooks, and transitions to keep listeners engaged.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Lock in and produce the best result possible.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Efficient acoustic treatment, Yamaha's HS5s, Logic Pro X, and RGB LEDs of course.

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

A: Skrillex, Billie Eilish, Travis Scott, Mike Dean, Eden, Flume... Any song with a phenomenal mix and is unique.

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

A: Professional vocal mixing and full track mixing and mastering.