Mixing & Mastering

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

A: I've been writing and recording since I was 14 years old, cassette tapes and 7" records then being the ultimate goal. I went to college and graduated with two degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics, while also being a program manager and DJ for the FM college radio station. After college, I worked in live sound for a year and then moved to LA and got a job at Paramount Recording Studios as a runner. From there, I've worked in LA as a session engineer for 12+ years, and have still managed to do live sound and performance for tours here and there.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Up to date old school

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

A: Flaming Lips...love so many of their records and seems like it'd be a fun time!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Sometimes getting the idea or getting the melody down is more important than if it's the right mic or sounds correct, etc...quick decisions and improvised recording techniques can bring out creativeness in clients.

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

A: I have a nice credit list of things in the Pop/Rap/Dance world, but I usually gravitate to rock and band oriented stuff in my free time. As one of the main engineers at Conway, I get a healthy dose of awesome randomness from projects I wouldn't normally seek out.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My experience as a professional still alive and working in the music business! Haha...I've worked as a runner, 1st and 2nd engineer, label man, head tech, janitor, songwriter, producer, artist, you name it...been in the room when the big decisions were being made and have luckily seen how records, big and small, get finished and released. I like to believe that this gives me a unique insight to help guide sessions and projects to their ultimate goals.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: It'll vary depending on the role I'm playing in the project. If I'm a mixer, I'll give the best possible mix I can deliver. If I'm tracking, I'll give you the best sounding, most organized session I can, so that you can meet your production needs and easily sort thru the recorded material. If it's a studio setup, I try to give the max flexibility with the best sound and routing flow possible.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It varies widely from project to project. Usually a lot goes into pre planning and organization so things can be as smooth as possible (from tracking to mixing).

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Currently running a 24 in/16 out hybrid analog/digital setup comprised of a custom built computer with Avid Pro Tools HD, UAD Apollo Quad, custom Digi 192's, Ampex Tape Machines (multi format), various vintage reverb and fx boxes, as well as an assortment of outboard gear from AML, Shadow Hills, Urei, Orban, API, Apogee, and Sony.

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

A: I've always gravitated to innovators like Hank Shocklee and the Bomb Squad, Husker Du, The Prodigy, Phil Spector, Butch Vig, RUN DMC, but also find inspiration in people like Al Schmitt who are still doing sessions into their late 80's

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

A: Typically, it's workflow setup and signal flow routing so that they are in a completely hassle free zone to create and work. Regardless of if I'm in a world class studio or small project space, the clients usually have very specific needs, and I aim to be as efficient, creative and flexible as possible. This will include anything from multi instrument, multi player recording setups, digital/analog production techniques, vocal tracking and/or fully automated console mixing setups.