Arranging, Recording, Mixing

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

A: We were responsible for the EP that got Breaking Benjamin a multi-album deal with Hollywood records.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Hop-Hop tune with live instruments!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: We are currently in an age where the choice is yours based on convenience and process. Analog tape is wonderful for "forcing" the process of getting great takes. There is no "UNDO" button. Digital recording into a DAW is wonderful for quick arranging and is an expanded tool for creativity. Use it all!

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

A: I will, to the best of my ability, guide you toward the most creative part of yourself.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love sound! Instruments! Amps! Great songs!

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

A: Should I (as an artist) have a marketing plan ready to go? The short answer is yes, but not before you have compelling content. The artist is the art these days, however you need to give your audience a reason to love you. That will be the connection you have musically with the world at large.

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

A: Recording music happens in the computer. It does not- it happens in pre-production, rehearsal and with a producer. The computer or tape deck documents all the work!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have; new strings/drum heads? demos of each song? a budget for your project? expectations for you sound?

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

A: Have your songs rehearsed, tracks organized and a vision of what you are.

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

A: SM57, Placid Audio Copperphone, Empirical Labs EL9, Looptrotter Monster and a giant generator!

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

A: I have been recording music since 1988. Signed to A&M Records in the 90s, I've toured and recorded in the US, Canada, Hong King and China.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always keep in mind that song is king. In order of importance- song, arrangement, recording, mix! There are many ways to get cool sounds and performances. Keep an open mind and allow for crazy things to happen!

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

A: We record a lot of rock, pop and hop-hop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: We are seasoned musicians, engineers and producers. We love tones and use lots of different tools to achieve creative arrangements and recordings.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: With our expertise in arrangement and recording, we will help you get the most out of your song and production ideas.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: We put a heavy emphasis on pre-production and arrangement. Sonically we enjoy pushing the limits of what sound and production can do in the studio.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Our control room centers around a 1978 MCI JH428 analog console. We use Pro Tools, Logic & Studio One Pro along with a wide variety of microphones and outboard gear to record and mix. Our complex was designed by John Storyk (Electric Lady, NYC) and is a classic studio/control room layout with booths and an airlock for isolation.

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

A: Owner Paul Smith cites Sylvia Massy (Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool, Johnny Cash) and Tchad Blake (Crowded House, Los Lobos, Tom Waits, Sheryl Crow, Arctic Monkeys) as his main influences.

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

A: We engineer and produce music on a daily basis. Genres include rock, hip-hop, pop and country. We work with a variety of professional players and arrangers.