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Interview with Jake Riedel
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I hate questions like this. I'm proud of anything I release and would stand by it.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Recording an album with a client locally.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Many other engineers. And yes, especially for services they may be better suited for.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Pc, audio interface, guitar, studio monitors, a satellite internet connection.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: 10+ years producing my own music. About 2 years at a hobbyist level producing music for others.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Self taught. Not always by the book. Striving to always be better than last time.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Any talented artists. I enjoy producing music that I can enjoy listening to as I mix it.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: A good stereo bus compressor can pick up a lot of slack on an unmastered track. Also, sample replacement can be your best friend when mixing drums.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Heavier metal and core based music. I also mix a lot of more mainstream rock for clients, and compose my own electronic stuff from time to time. Looking to branch out more on mixing projects in the future.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Drum and instrument midi programming. Hands down. I can make incredibly realistic sounding programmed drums. I can make most other virtual instruments sound excellent and human if the sample library is extensive enough to permit it.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: My music composition, arrangement, and production background. I know how to make songs flow well, and I know how to make a balanced mix.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Depends on the project.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Nothing overly exciting. Basic 24bit interface. Room treatment. Several sets of low and mid range monitors. Some inexpensive workhorse microphones. A few tube amps, and a drum set.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Glenn Fricker, Joey Sturgis, Brian Hood, Joel Wanasek, Eyal Levi, Ermin Hamidovic, Andy Sneap
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: General music production, midi drum and instrument programming, mix engineering, light in house mastering.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital. Makes sense from a financial perspective. Some outboard analog gear can't be replicated, but much can.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Happiness with the recording quality.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Enjoying and improving upon the music and art of others.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Is this going to be the final copy?
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Not sure.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Depends on the project. Quality of stems is usually a concern if the band records themselves.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Don't overpay for a big name.
