Sound Engineer, Music Producer

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 the “Antologia della canzone napoletana classica (Ricordando Sergio Bruni)”, a personal tribute to the musical culture of Naples and to the legendary songwriter and maestro Sergio Bruni. I’ve been working on this ambitious discographic project since 2011, where I serve as the main performer, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and sound engineer for recording, mixing, and mastering. This project is completely self-produced, and I’ve poured my heart and soul into preserving and modernizing the traditional Neapolitan sound. The first two volumes are already out, and I continue to work on further releases, with occasional collaborations from fellow professionals like Pierluigi Potalivo, Franco Pietropaoli, and Fabrizio Bianchini. It’s an endeavor that truly reflects my passion for Naples, its musical heritage, and my artistic vision.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I'm working on a series of unreleased projects, and for that reason, I can't share any details, but they are amazing!

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

A: Yes, me!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both have their strengths. Analog offers warmth and character, especially with certain instruments and effects, but it is now a terribly outdated and rather surpassed system, given the power of digital emulations. Digital, on the other hand, allows precision, flexibility, and advanced processing, with notable speed and simplification of time, although it requires much more time and effort to achieve a properly balanced sound, well-colored, and with perfect naturalness in transient definition. Personally, I prefer to stay in the digital realm, using a few irreplaceable analog machines that are extremely characteristic for their quality and coloration.

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

A: My promise is to deliver impeccable sound, in line with current industry standards, attention to detail, and professional communication, ensuring that every project reaches its highest potential.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the limitless creativity and the ability to turn an idea into a track that comes to life.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask my potential clients about their vision for the project, the style or sound they’re aiming for, and their goals for the final product. Understanding their expectations is key to delivering the best result.

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

A: My advice to a client seeking a provider like me would be to trust in clear communication and to be open to collaboration. It's important to discuss your vision in detail so we can work together to create something that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Every project is unique, and I focus on providing customized solutions that bring out the best in your music. Whether you're looking for an original sound or a professional mix and master, my goal is always to deliver the highest quality possible and ensure that you're completely satisfied with the final result.

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 bring only five pieces of equipment, I would choose: A high-quality laptop (for running my DAW and software) A portable audio interface (to record and mix my ideas) A pair of high-quality headphones (for precise monitoring) A midi controller/keyboard (to create melodies and arrangements) A solar-powered charger (to keep everything running without needing a power source).

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

A: I have been immersed in music since I was very young, developing a deep passion for singing, keyboard playing, arrangement, and mixing. My journey began in 2001 when I enrolled at the University of Music in Rome, where I honed my skills in piano, keyboards, and synthesizers, and gained knowledge across various genres. Over the years, I focused increasingly on pop and classic Italian music, finding inspiration in legendary artists like Ennio Morricone and Sergio Bruni. I also studied the works of composers such as Vangelis, William Orbit, and Hans Zimmer, which helped shape my approach to music production. After working for several years as a stable sound engineer at Melody Records, I expanded my expertise in music production, mixing, and mastering. Now, with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in crafting original sounds, or recreating those of the past, with a meticulous focus on quality and sound design. As a singer and interpreter, I bring a unique depth to my work, blending technical skill with artistic expression.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is versatile and adaptive, allowing me to work across a wide range of genres while maintaining a strong focus on delivering high-quality, polished sound. I always aim to bring a unique character to each track, balancing creativity with technical precision. My approach combines both modern and classic elements, ensuring that each song feels fresh while staying true to its roots. I enjoy experimenting with sound textures and innovative techniques, but my main goal is always to make the music feel alive and impactful.

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

A: Madonna. I love her.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: My advice for music production is to never stop experimenting. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and try new things, even if they seem unconventional at first. Pay attention to every detail of the track, from the arrangement to the mix, and always be open to making adjustments to get the best possible result. Additionally, trust your instincts and have patience—good music takes time, but the rewards are always worth it.

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

A: Pop, rock, singer-songwriter, rap/trap, soundtrack, world, folk, acoustic, classical, jazz, latin.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is the ability to blend creativity with technical precision. I have a deep understanding of sound design and arrangement, and I excel at translating an artist’s vision into a polished, professional final product. Whether it's crafting unique musical arrangements, shaping the dynamics of a track, or ensuring that every sonic element fits perfectly within the mix, my focus is always on delivering a high-quality, impactful sound. I’m also skilled in fine-tuning the smallest details during the mix and mastering process, ensuring that each track has depth, clarity, and balance, ready to stand out in any context.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a music producer, I bring both creativity and technical precision to every song. My focus is on enhancing the artist’s vision while ensuring the track sounds professional and polished. I specialize in crafting unique arrangements, creating dynamic soundscapes, and elevating the song’s emotional impact through thoughtful production choices. I take pride in paying attention to every detail, from the smallest sonic nuance to the overall energy of the track, ensuring that each element contributes to the song's story and feel. Whether it's through the use of innovative sound design, smooth transitions, or precise mix and mastering work, I always strive to make sure the song shines in the best possible way

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical workflow starts with understanding the client's vision and the style they want to achieve. I begin by discussing the project in detail, whether it's an original composition, an arrangement, or a remix. From there, I move on to the creative process of building the foundations — starting with the arrangement, often adding beats and harmonic elements to give the track structure. Once the arrangement is in place, I focus on sound production and fine-tuning the details, paying close attention to the tone and atmosphere of the track. I use a variety of high-quality instruments and plugins, from virtual synthesizers to hardware, to achieve the desired sound. Next, I begin the mixing process, focusing on balancing the elements and ensuring the clarity of the track. This includes EQ, compression, automation, and then adding saturation to enrich the sound, give it warmth, and a more organic character. The goal is to achieve a cohesive yet dynamic mix. After that, I work on the spatiality of the mix, using reverbs and delays to create depth, give the sound a more three-dimensional feel, and place the instruments in a wider sonic space. This helps to separate the elements and makes the track more engaging and “open.” Each effect is carefully dialed in so that it enhances the experience without overpowering the balance. Finally, I move on to the mastering stage, where I ensure the track is polished and ready for distribution, maintaining the quality and integrity of the original sound while preparing it for streaming or release. Throughout the process, communication with the client is key, and I make sure to incorporate feedback and revisions when necessary to ensure they are completely satisfied with the final product.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is designed to provide the best environment for creativity and precise audio work. I have a fully equipped setup, including high-end gear like an Apple iMac and MacBook M1Pro for seamless performance. I work with professional sound converters such as the Antelope Pure 2 and RME Fireface 800 to ensure the highest quality sound. The DAWs I use are Avid ProTools, Cubase Pro, and UA Luna for a flexible workflow. For mixing and mastering, I rely on a range of industry-standard plugins and tools, including iZotope Ozone, Waves, UAD bundles, and more. The studio also features essential outboard equipment like the Avalon VT-737 Tube Channel Strip and Neve Portico II, which help me achieve a polished, professional sound. In terms of acoustics, I use high-quality monitors like the Neumann KH 120A, and for headphones, I have options like the Sony MDR-7506, allowing me to monitor mixes in various situations. My studio is set up to handle every phase of music production, from composition and arrangement to final mixing and mastering.

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

A: Some of the musicians and music producers that inspire me are Henry Mancini, Hans Zimmer, William Orbit, Ennio Morricone, John Williams, Quincy Jones, and Vangelis. I’m also influenced by the sound and production techniques of classic pop and rock artists, such as Queen.

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

A: I mainly focus on music production, creating arrangements, beatmaking, mixing, and mastering.