Mixer for Hire

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

A: I worked on a few songs on the most recent John Legend album. I engineered organ and some string arrangements. It was an absolute dream to work on his music, his music has meant so much to me since I was a teenager. His whole team made the process so smooth, it was joyful all the way through.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A sync project called WILMORE. Absolutely beautiful and cinematic songs.

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

A: Usually they ask me how long it will take to get a mix back. I always communicate ahead of time what my schedule is and when they can expect a mix. I never want them to feel like they are not important, or not valued.

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

A: That mixing is just pushing faders. I see mixing as a creative process.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What some of their musical influences are... so I can get an idea of their expectation and serve them well. I love for the client to send me a song that is similar to what they're trying to achieve. I also ask what their release schedule is, to make sure I am ahead of their schedule.

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

A: I think you really need to think about what you value in your music. Do you value someone who is committed to delivering a great mix and great experience?

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

A: 1) U47 microphone 2) Upright piano 3) Acoustic guitar 4) UA interface 5) Barefoot monitors

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

A: I originally moved to Nashville for the sole purpose of touring as a drummer. After a few years I began playing on records, and then began tracking drums remotely for records. I always loved shaping the drum tones before sending them to clients, and slowly started to experiment with shaping tones of other instruments as well. During Covid I joined OneRepublic's production team, engineering instruments and vocals remotely. I learned so much from my time with that camp, and got to work on some really incredible music. I then began to mix and have found my voice there.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Thoughtful. I make decisions based on the artist's vision for their project.

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

A: I would love to work with Adele. Her voice and musical arrangements are out of this world.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I don't think it's a good idea to use a compressor to make something louder. I think compression is a wonderful tool, and use it on every song I work on, but oftentimes I think it is misused.

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

A: Most of the music I work on is for independent artists, although I work on major label projects as well. Most of the songs I work on are musically based around the piano or guitar, with the vocal being at the forefront of the mix for the listener. I equally love mixing songs that are huge and dynamic, and also simple and intimate.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is communicating with artists and producers. I want to get in their headspace and really understand the vision of the project, so that I can serve them the best way possible. I am in this business to deliver wonderful art, and to enjoy the relationships with those I work with.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring creativity and confidence. The artist or producer will always get my best effort, infused with creativity and care for the art they have created. My goal is for my client to enjoy the mix process, not be anxious or stressed about the end result. I am on their team to execute their vision!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to have some sort of communication with the artist or producer on what their goals are for the song. I want to hear about the vibe they are going for, so I can align with their vision from the start. I like to hear the latest version of the song, usually I'll listen to it a few times before I dig into the session files. After I feel like I have a solid grasp of the song I will begin mixing. When I feel like the mix is stellar, I will send a draft to the client. I expect some feedback and some requests to address a couple things. We'll go back and forth a time or two and then arrive at a product they are very excited with. My goal is to put the artist and their vision first.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a home studio in Nashville, TN that is just larger than 350 square feet. I do all my mixing and drum recording from the same spot. It is acoustically treated with a couple different sets of monitors, allowing me to check my mixes in multiple environments for quality control.

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

A: Stuart White. Tom Elmhirst. Michael Brauer. Tchad Blake. Tony Maserati. Shawn Everett. Jack Antonoff. Tony Hoffer.

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

A: I mix songs for clients from my personal studio in Nashville. I either receive multitrack files or the session itself if it was produced in Logic Pro X. I also record drums and percussion for artists and producers.

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

A: That I will always serve the song above anything else. I am in a position of foundational support and will make choices from that place.

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

A: Brandon Chase. He's a great singer/writer/top liner.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Why not both? I love blending the two, when appropriate, to achieve a great sound. They certainly both have their merits, depending on what you're looking for musically. The song determines it all.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: That I get to create and make relationships along the way. I love the personal connection.