Producer, Mixer, Remixer

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

A: I am especially proud of my work on the David Cloyd "Cage of Water" Remixes. My role was as a Producer and Remixer, taking David’s incredibly powerful, guitar-driven original and reimagining it through a more atmospheric, electronic lens. What made this project so fulfilling was the challenge of maintaining the "confinement and longing" of the original song while introducing a sense of "motion." I focused on building a cinematic soundscape that amplified David's vocal performance rather than competing with it. As Magnetic Magazine noted in their review of the project, the remix "does not overwrite the original; rather, it amplifies its sense of confinement and longing, translating metaphor into motion." This project perfectly represents my philosophy: using "shimmer" and synth-driven textures to serve the narrative of the song. It was a true collaboration between an organic, soulful foundation and a high-end, modern electronic aesthetic.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently finishing a new solo EP that is being co-produced and mixed by Ben Hillier (known for his work with Depeche Mode, Blur, and ELBOW). This project is a deep dive into the "sophisticated melancholy" I specialize in—blending introspective, organic songwriting with high-end, UK-inspired electronic textures. Working with Ben has been an incredible opportunity to refine my "sonic world-building" approach, focusing on how to create massive atmospheric depth while keeping the vocal intimacy front and center. The sessions have been a masterclass in "shimmer" and "weight," and I’m applying everything I’m learning from this collaboration directly into the production and mixing work I do for my clients here on SoundBetter. It’s an exciting time to be in the studio, and I’m looking forward to bringing that same level of detail and "high-end" aesthetic to the artists I collaborate with next.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Yes! Because we have both at our fingertips, why choose? I believe the magic happens in the hybrid space. I use digital for its surgical precision, its infinite recall, and its ability to handle complex, multi-layered sessions with absolute clarity. As an Avid Certified Pro Tools Specialist, I rely on the digital domain for the "architecture" of a mix—ensuring phase coherence, transient snap, and a clean signal path. However, I turn to analog (and boutique analog-modeled hardware) for the "ghost" in the machine. Analog brings a specific harmonic warmth, a "suave" saturation, and a sense of nostalgia that digital alone often lacks. Whether it’s tracking through a character preamp or using hardware synthesizers like the DeepMind 12 to find those "shimmering" textures, analog provides the "imperfection" that makes a track feel human and lived-in. Ultimately, I use digital to get it right, and analog to make it feel right.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: To ensure we’re the right fit and to help me get inside the "world" of your song, I usually start with these four questions: What is the "North Star" for this track? Beyond the genre, what is the core emotion or "moment" you want the listener to experience? Are we aiming for a "quiet epiphany," a "shimmering nostalgia," or a high-energy "dancefloor" energy? What are three "Sonic References"? These don’t have to be songs you want to sound exactly like, but rather tracks that have a vocal treatment, a drum "weight," or an atmospheric space that you admire. What is the "Essential" element? If we stripped everything away, what is the one part of the demo (a specific synth hook, a vocal line, a rhythmic pulse) that must remain the focal point? What is the intended "Home" for this song? Is this for a cinematic album experience, a club environment, or a moody, ambient playlist? Knowing the destination helps me make better decisions regarding the final mix and spatial depth.

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

A: When you're looking for a producer or mixer in the atmospheric or alternative space, don't just look for someone who has the right gear; look for someone who understands your "North Star." Before you reach out, try to define the emotional arc of your song. Is it a moment of "quiet epiphany"? Is it meant to feel like a "nostalgic shimmer"? My best collaborations happen when an artist shares their references—not just other songs, but colors, films, or even a specific memory they are trying to capture. If you can communicate the "why" behind your music, a provider with the right technical skills (such as Pro Tools certification or a specific aesthetic) can more effectively translate that into the "how." Look for a partner who respects your original intent but isn't afraid to help you "reimagine" the track into its most impactful version.

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

A: Assuming this desert island has electricity (lol), here are my five: An Acoustic Guitar: No matter how much I love synthesis, the heart of a great song usually starts here. It’s my ultimate tool for songwriting and finding the emotional core of a melody. Tascam Portacapture X8: I’m a big believer in using found sounds and field recordings to add "ghost" textures to my tracks. This would be essential for capturing the island's sounds and turning them into ambient layers. My Laptop running Pro Tools: This is my "nerve center." With all my current plugins, I have an entire high-end studio in one machine. Akai MPK mini: It’s small, but it’s all I need to perform and program the intricate synth-pop and dancefloor-ready patterns that define my sound. Neumann NDH30 Headphones: If I’m on an island, I need a monitoring environment I can trust. These headphones provide the "Precision Mode" I need to ensure my mixes have the spatial depth and clarity my clients expect.

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

A: I have been immersed in the world of songwriting, production, and synthesis for over three decades. My path began in the mid-80s as a founding member and songwriter for the synth-wave band Eleven Pond. That era was a masterclass in "hardware-first" creativity, working with early analog synths and drum machines to create atmospheric, post-punk textures. Over the years, my career has evolved from those "jangly acoustic" roots into a deep specialization in high-end electronic production. A pivotal part of my path has been the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from legendary UK producers like Stephen Hague and Ben Hillier. Working alongside them on projects for my band, The Heroic Enthusiasts, as well as my solo work, provided me with a "behind-the-curtain" education in the art of sophisticated, world-class pop production. Today, I balance my creative work as a recording artist with my technical role as an Avid Certified Pro Tools Specialist. Whether I’m producing ambient soundscapes for Synambient or mixing a "shimmering" Britpop track, my career path has been defined by a constant search for the intersection of organic heart and electronic precision.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I describe my style as "Sophisticated Melancholy with a Cinematic Shimmer." It is a blend of the "architectural" songwriting of the great literary artists and the lush, atmospheric textures of the UK synth-pop tradition. My work lives in the space where organic elements—like a 12-string guitar or a vulnerable vocal—meet a refined, electronic environment. Whether I’m producing a track from scratch or remixing for the dancefloor, my style is characterized by clarity, spatial depth, and a sense of "suave" nostalgia. I’m drawn to music that feels both intimate and expansive, and my signature is a production style that feels "expensive" and polished, yet maintains a raw, emotional core.

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

A: Peter Gabriel. To me, Gabriel is the gold standard for balancing cutting-edge technology with deep, organic humanity. He has spent his career exploring the "space between the notes" and using textures—often world-music inspired or experimental—to support a powerful, vulnerable vocal. I’m inspired by his ability to create a completely immersive environment for every song; his productions aren't just tracks, they are physical places the listener can inhabit. Working with an artist of that caliber would be the ultimate masterclass in using "shimmer" and "atmosphere" to amplify a song’s emotional core rather than just decorating it. He understands that a synth or a sample is only as good as the emotion it provokes, which is exactly how I approach my own production and remixing.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Layer for 'Ghost' Textures, not just Volume.: When building an arrangement, I often see artists stack three or four synths to make a sound "bigger," but it usually just makes the mix "cloudier." Instead, I suggest layering for contrast and movement. If you have a digital, "ice-cold" synth pad, try layering it with a very quiet, organic "ghost" texture—like a 12-string guitar with an EBow, a field recording of wind, or even a vocal hum passed through a grainy reverb. By tucking that organic "imperfection" just below the threshold of the primary synth, you give the digital sound a "soul" and a sense of nostalgia. It creates that "shimmer" where the listener can’t quite tell where the technology ends and the humanity begins. That’s where the emotional magic usually happens.

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

A: My "sweet spot" is the intersection of Alternative Pop, Electronica, and Indie Rock. Most of my projects live in the world of modern Synth-Pop and Britpop—music that prioritizes a strong, melodic vocal but surrounds it with sophisticated, atmospheric textures. I frequently work with singer-songwriters who want to transition from a "folk" or "acoustic" foundation into a more cinematic, electronic-infused sound. Beyond traditional songs, I do a significant amount of work in the Remix and Ambient spaces. I love taking a track and reimagining it for a different environment—whether that’s a pulsating, high-energy dancefloor remix or a deconstructed, experimental soundscape (much like my project Synambient). If a project explores themes of nostalgia, sensuality, or introspection, I’m likely to be a great fit regardless of the specific genre tag.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is sonic world-building. I have a specialized ability to take a foundational melody and wrap it in a specific, evocative atmosphere—what I often call "shimmer." Whether it’s through the use of carefully layered synthesizers, processed organic textures, or spatial mixing, I excels at creating a cohesive "vibe" that feels both suave and deeply emotional. This skill is rooted in my "song-first" intuition; I know how to add complexity to an arrangement without suffocating the vocal. I’m able to identify the "ghost" of a feeling in a rough demo and bring it to the forefront, ensuring the final product doesn't just sound professional, but feels like a complete, immersive world.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a sense of narrative intuition. Because I am an active songwriter and lead singer myself, I don’t just hear a track as a collection of frequencies; I hear it as a story. My primary contribution is finding the "emotional center" of a song—the moment of quiet epiphany or internal conflict—and ensuring the production serves that specific feeling. I have a particular affinity for "the space between the notes." I bring an ear for sophisticated, atmospheric textures that add a layer of nostalgia and "shimmer" without cluttering the arrangement. My goal is to provide a high-end, cinematic polish that makes a song feel "suave" and timeless, as SPIN described my work. Ultimately, I bring a collaborative spirit that respects the artist's original intent. I view my role as a "translator"—taking your internal creative metaphors and turning them into a sonic environment that the listener can physically feel.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My process is built on clear communication and a "song-first" mentality. I view myself as a partner in your creative vision, so I generally follow a three-stage approach: Discovery & Reference: Before I touch a fader, we discuss the emotional "intent" of the song. I ask for reference tracks and specific "feel" keywords. Whether we are aiming for the "shimmer" of Britpop or the "longing" of a moody remix, getting the North Star right is the most important step. The Foundation (Rough Mix/Draft): I start by establishing the core—usually the relationship between the vocal and the primary rhythmic or harmonic element. For production projects, I’ll build out the atmospheric textures (synths, guitars, etc.) that support the vocal. I then send a "V1" to ensure we are aligned on the direction. Refinement & Delivery: Once the direction is locked, I move into "Precision Mode." This involves surgical EQ, spatial placement, and fine-tuning the automation to ensure the track has a dynamic "arc." As an Avid Certified Specialist, I maintain a highly organized session, making the revision process fast and painless for the artist. I provide high-quality 24-bit WAV files and am always happy to provide stems and Instrumental mixes upon request. My goal is to deliver a final product that feels "finished" and radio-ready, yet deeply personal.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is designed for a hybrid workflow—combining the surgical precision of a modern digital setup with the character of analog hardware and boutique synthesizers. At the center of my workspace is a high-performance Avid Pro Tools environment, where I leverage my status as a Certified Specialist to ensure efficient, professional-grade sessions. I use a range of high-end interfaces (Audient iD series) and monitoring (Kali Audio) to ensure that every mix translates perfectly across all systems. My "sonic signature" often comes from a curated selection of hardware and software instruments, including: Synthesis: I rely on a mix of classic and modern hardware like the Behringer DeepMind 12 and Sequential Prophet textures, supplemented by a deep library of Rob Papen and Native Instruments virtual instruments for complex, ambient soundscapes. Guitars & Textures: I often incorporate organic elements like the Danelectro Hodad 12-string or electric guitars treated with an EBow to create those "shimmering" layers mentioned in my reviews. Processing: My "in-the-box" toolkit includes elite processing from FabFilter, Softube, and Plugin Alliance, alongside specialized tools for vocal tuning and spatial enhancement. Whether I’m tracking a lead vocal or building a massive electronic remix, the setup is optimized for a fast, creative flow that never gets in the way of the music.

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

A: My inspirations are rooted in the intersection of emotional songwriting and innovative electronic textures. On the production side, I am deeply inspired by the "architects" of the synth-pop and alternative worlds. Working with Stephen Hague and Ben Hillier has been profoundly influential; they’ve taught me how to balance high-end pop polish with an experimental edge. I also look to Brian Eno for his creative strategies and use of "oblique" atmosphere, and Dennis DeSantis for his approach to electronic composition. Lyrically and structurally, I draw a lot from "architectural" songwriters like Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. I’m fascinated by how they build emotional weight through simple but powerful frameworks. Sonically, my current palette is shaped by artists who master the "melancholic but soulful" space—think James Blake, Beach House, Mark Hollis (Talk Talk), and the lush textures of Pet Shop Boys and Marc Almond. I’m constantly inspired by music that uses silence and space as effectively as sound.

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

A: My work typically falls into three categories, all centered around a "song-first" philosophy: Atmospheric Production & Arrangement: I often work with singer-songwriters who have a strong foundation—perhaps just a vocal and a guitar or piano—but want to expand their sound into something more cinematic. I specialize in building out textures that add depth and nostalgia without losing the intimacy of the original performance. Creative Remixing: This is where I truly "reimagine" a track. Whether it’s for the dancefloor or a moody, ambient lounge setting (much like my work with Synambient), I focus on amplifying the emotional core of the song. My goal is never to "overwrite" the artist, but to translate their message into a new sonic motion. Precision Mixing: As an Avid Certified Pro Tools Specialist, I provide efficient mixing that focuses on clarity and spatial depth. I enjoy the challenge of taking complex, multi-layered sessions and carving out a space where every element—from the grit of a synth to the breath in a vocal—feels intentional and impactful. Ultimately, my clients come to me when they want a mix or production that feels both sophisticated and deeply introspective.