Mixing & Mastering Engineer

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As I mentioned previously, being able to play multiple instruments allows me to add new elements to a mix if necessary and under the approval of the artists and producers. I put a lot of passion into this creative work, and I'll collaborate with the artists and producers to ensure we are all excited and proud about the final product.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When I receive a client's raw files, the first thing I do is listen to the rough mix and reference tracks, if they provide them. Then I start bringing each element one by one, slowly discovering the music that is there, and re-discovering the song that I may have listened to in rough mix form, and do as much as I can to get the best sound of that song as possible. I'm a huge proponent of collaboration, and I'm willing to work with the client as much as possible in order to get the best-sounding mix or master, as I take pride in my work and, as an artist myself, I would expect as much love and care provided to my creations as I provide to the music I'm privileged to work on.

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

A: I've always been involved in music, whether it be the several bands I was in growing up, the consistent gigs doing acoustic covers in bars, writing and recording my own music, etc. However, I have been in the Information Technology industry for decades, which has allowed me to stay in the loop with advances in technology, and at this time technology is so amazing that it allows us to produce music in a way that was only possible through extremely expensive production equipment, for a fraction of the price. I've been professionally mixing and mastering for others, beyond my own work, for almost three years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would say I'm very approachable, I love collaboration, and will pour my soul into the work.

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

A: Ed Sheeran, because he's an extremely genuine person and artist, and his songs are deeply personal. He also seems to evolve from one album to a next, venturing into new genres as if he had been a master at those already.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Keep adding elements/instruments to a song as it builds, so that the second verse has more energy than the first, each chorus builds up from the one before, etc. Don't be afraid to omit that wonderful cello harmony from the first chorus, so that when it does show up in the second chorus, the song has suddenly gone to a next level.

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

A: I love and have experience working in every genre, but I would say rock, pop - whether it be electronic, soft or pop rock -- and singer/songwriter works are my strong suit.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I listen to the client's intentions and requests, and using my creative and technical experience, strive to achieve as close a result as possible.

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

A: I was the mixing and mastering engineer for a local band on one of their album releases. It was an amazing experience, as we very quickly were able to understand one another and what vision they had for their music; being able to go to their album premiere, and hearing live what we worked on together, was indescribable.

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

A: N/A

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Nowadays I can say both, because you can create work in digital form, and then apply analog effects to give it that timeless quality. However, just like real 35-mm film will always be far superior in what film truly means than digital, analog brings out much easier the quality of raw talent, because it has to already be there, instead of being able to "manufacture" quality through the use of digital processing and transformation. And I hope this isn't a cop-out, but both have their reasons to remain in existence and coexist.

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

A: That I will deliver the best mix and master to the further extents of my abilities, and that you will be extremely satisfied with the results we achieve together, because I work with you all the way.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Collaborating with the clients, but especially when you're first discovering that song by bringing each element in one by one, "chiseling" out the audio until you find that perfect masterpiece together.

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

A: - Do you charge the same for a 30-track song versus a 4-track song? The answer is yes, because I give the "smaller" the same care and attention - if not more, because less tracks means you can't mask or hide anything - as a 30-track song.

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

A: That anyone can be just like the other famous mixers. Granted, you can learn all the technical aspects of audio engineering, develop the creative sense and ear to achieve incredible mixes, but your "audioprint" is your own. There is only one Chris Lord-Alge; there is only one Greg Wells; and there is only one you. Find what your audioprint is and ride it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: In no particular order: - Which artists do you consider yourself similar to? - Are there any reference songs that you're hoping your song will sound like? - When do you need this by?

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

A: If you're looking for an audio engineer, find one that matches your vision and your creative direction, regardless of what genre they may have experience in versus the one you find yourself in. If you're looking for a vocalist, find someone whose vocal range is varied, but whose voice evokes the right emotion for your song.

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

A: 1. A nylon string guitar - for when I'm feeling philosophical 2. A steel 12-string guitar - for when I'm feeling whimsical 3. A drum set - for when I'm feeling angry 4. Noise-cancelling headphones - for when I want to be truly alone 5. A device (iPod, even the oldest version) with my favorite 3,000 songs

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Since my studio is focused on mixing and mastering, it consists of a powerful Mac computer, professionally manufactured and installed sound treatment, Studio One as my primary Digital Audio Workstation, and Waves and Slate Digital plug-ins for adding the harmonic warmth of analog sound.

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

A: Chris Lord-Alge is a legend among legends. He inspires me because he is not restricted by rules, but rather follows the best rule for an audio engineer possible: listen and trust your instincts.

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

A: I provide mixing and mastering services for several genres, including: singer/songwriter, folk, rock, alternative rock, progressive rock, pop, pop-rock, future pop. As a multi-instrumentalist, I am also able to enhance my mixing and mastering services by adding new elements to a mix if necessary and under the approval of the artists and producers. I'm also a vocalist, write and produce my own music, and I also provide services as a session vocalist.