Rock/Indie/Acoustic Mastering

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 particularly proud of is my work with True Strays. I’ve been involved with their entire back catalogue since the beginning – not only mastering, but also recording, producing, mixing, and occasionally contributing instrumentally and vocally. While my primary focus is on mastering, being part of their creative journey has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a clear example of how a long-term, collaborative relationship can evolve to create a truly cohesive body of work.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m currently mastering a variety of projects for both emerging and established artists, ensuring each track achieves that perfect balance of clarity and impact. It’s an exciting time with a steady stream of releases, and I’m always eager to tackle the next creative challenge.

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

A: While I’m fortunate to work closely with a range of talented professionals, I’m always happy to recommend trusted mixers and producers with whom I’ve collaborated over the years. I believe in fostering a network of quality professionals who share a commitment to excellence, so if you need additional services, I can certainly point you in the right direction.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I primarily work in-the-box these days. Modern digital plugins offer a level of precision and ease that’s hard to beat, making it possible to recall projects instantly and tweak them effortlessly. That said, I do appreciate analogue gear – I have a few cherished pieces that add their own unique character when needed. Ultimately, it’s not the tools, but how you use them. My focus is on achieving the best sound for your music, whether that means utilising the convenience of digital or the warmth of analogue.

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

A: Clients often ask, “Will mastering really make a difference?” My response is always a confident yes. A well-mastered track not only sounds more polished and professional, but it also plays more effectively on any system. I explain that the process adds cohesion and polish to your mix, ensuring your music is competitive in today’s market.

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

A: A common misconception is that mastering is simply about making a track louder. In reality, it’s a subtle art of refinement—enhancing clarity, preserving dynamics, and ensuring the track translates beautifully across all systems. It’s not just about volume, but about bringing out the full character of the music.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually ask about your vision for the final master, any reference tracks you admire, and whether there are specific areas in your mix that you’d like me to focus on. I also enquire about your release goals and the intended listening platforms, as these details help tailor the mastering process perfectly to your needs.

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

A: I've been immersed in the music industry for over 20 years. My journey began with live and studio session playing and singing, which led to recording, songwriting and producing, which naturally led me into mixing and eventually mastering. Working in various roles across the studio taught me the importance of subtlety and precision – qualities that I now bring to every master I create. This extensive background has equipped me with a deep understanding of the entire production process, allowing me to refine each track with a clear, artistic vision.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is both precise and musical. I approach every project with a blend of technical expertise and a deep sensitivity to the artistic intent behind the mix. I focus on subtle enhancements that maintain the integrity of the original track while elevating it to a professional standard.

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

A: I’d love to work with artists who are fearless in their creativity and truly dedicated to their craft. Whether it’s a rising talent or an established act looking for a fresh perspective, I’m passionate about collaborating with musicians who are eager to see their music reach its full potential.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always leave sufficient headroom in your mix—around -6dB is ideal. This extra space gives the mastering process room to work its magic, preventing unwanted clipping and preserving the dynamic range, so your track can truly shine.

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

A: I predominantly work on rock, acoustic, and indie styles. My portfolio proudly includes projects for artists like True Strays, Lux Lisbon, and Sarah De Warren. I love working with music that has a strong sense of melody and character, and I always aim to bring out the best in every track.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is discerning the subtle nuances that make a track unique and enhancing them without overprocessing. I excel at striking the perfect balance between dynamic clarity and competitive loudness, ensuring that every master is both powerful and true to the artist’s original vision

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring clarity, balance, and a refined sense of touch that enhances the emotional impact of your music. My goal is to preserve the original spirit of your mix while adding a final layer of polish that ensures your track sounds its best across all listening environments.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I begin by thoroughly listening to your mix, absorbing its essence and identifying any areas that might benefit from refinement. I then apply subtle EQ, compression, and other carefully chosen adjustments, delivering 2-3 master versions per track. This approach not only preserves your mix’s original emotion but also ensures you have options to select the master that truly resonates with your vision. Open communication throughout the process means I’m always happy to make adjustments until we get it just right.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is a well-balanced blend of modern digital precision and a touch of analogue warmth. I primarily work in-the-box for efficiency and consistency, but I also have a selection of high-quality analogue gear at my disposal. This combination allows me to add just the right amount of character when needed, all within a comfortable, focused environment.

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

A: I’m inspired by professionals who push the boundaries of sound while remaining true to the music’s soul. Engineers like Bob Katz and the innovative approaches of mixing legends continuously motivate me. Their dedication to quality and the art of subtle enhancement resonates deeply with my own philosophy.

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

A: I specialise in providing high-quality mastering services. Most often, I take final mixes and transform them into polished masters by delivering 2-3 distinct versions per track, ensuring you have the ideal option that perfectly captures your vision.