Record audio, mix and master

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

A: Honestly, there are too many to consider. I was the engineer on all the projects I've been involved in. Sometimes I also was the producer. I also was in a band that recorded and released 5 studio albums. I'm proud of all of it.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have 4 album projects I'm currently working on with clients. Three are with singer-songwriters, and one is with a southern country/gospel band.

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

A: Sorry, don't know anyone.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: DIGITAL. I worked in analog for years using a professional 2" master recording deck and a half track mix machine. The limitations are far beyond what I have in digital, both from the recording of basic tracks, to overdubbing to editing. There's really no comparison. And anyone who says you can't get the same sounding recording with digital as you can with analog ("warmth" is a word often used), is kidding him or herself.

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

A: I'm very patient and will help you as long as you need me. I make suggestions if desired, and do not criticize.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Helping people realize their musical aspirations. The creative aspect of music is what energizes me.

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

A: How long will it take to....? My answer is: it depends on how prepared you are and how satisfied you'll be with your performance.

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

A: I honestly don't know.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is the nature of your project, and what do you want to do with it when it's finished?

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

A: Make sure you like the engineer/producer, and that his/her goal is to get the best representation of YOUR musical intent, not his or hers.

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

A: A guitar, a computer (assuming there was power available on this desert island <LOL>), a microphone, recording software and a comfy chair.

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

A: First a musician, then gravitated to engineering, mixing and production 30 years ago.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Beatle-esque.

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

A: Vince Gill. Because he's an exceptional talent.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Get it right at the source. And bonus tip: everything should serve the song.

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

A: Pop, country, rock, blues, Americana

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Recording and production.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Production advice (if requested), instrumental additions (electric and acoustic guitar, bass, drums, fiddle, trumpet --- any or all if requested).

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Depends on project.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: 20'X30' recording room including a vocal booth and drum booth. 18'X12' control room with JBL monitoring system (mains and sub). 32 input digital mixer (PreSonus StudioLive 32 Series III), with 6 individual stereo headphone mixes for player monitoring. Tama 5 piece drum kit, Yamaha Motif 88 keyboard, Hammond portable single manual organ, and various guitars and amps available.

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

A: All those producing high-end recordings in the pop, jazz, country and blues market.

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

A: Record and mix audio.