Guitar-Driven Song Mixing

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

A: Mixing is the beating heart of Audio Mixology. The mixing process transforms ordinary audio recordings into impactful works of art that move souls. Emotion is wrought from a cacophony of sonic elements, order is given to chaos, and a beautiful song emerges. I am passionate about this process to say the least!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Hybrid? Don't get me wrong, the warmth and grit of analog is difficult to replace. On the other hand, call me new school, but the processing power of a digital workstation provides for capabilities beyond that of analog consoles and tape. Plus, digital can emulate analog, but the reverse cannot be done. I prefer a hybrid environment where I can work in the DAW but also utilize analog outboard hardware to capture that mojo.

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

A: I once recorded and mixed music for my fiancé's band. I was a ball of nerves going into the recording session because I wanted everything to go smoothly for them, as always, but with the added pressure of cohabitating with the guitar player! Oh my, would I have to hear about any major mistakes or foibles on my end. Fortunately, the session went well, and we had the unique opportunity to make music together.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Myself.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I subscribe to the acronym BEDA: Balance, EQ, Dynamics, Ambiance. These are the four fundamental details to getting a compelling mix. So, my mixing process somewhat follows that pattern, but there's always room for creativity. Sticking to a "routine" of sorts, however, lends itself to consistent results and an efficient process. As a result, clients value my attention to detail, quick turnaround, and ability to solve sonic challenges.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: A song should blossom, should move from verse to verse and chorus to chorus in a way that builds momentum. Adding instrumental elements or bits of ear candy to second and third verses and choruses is one way to do that.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication is my strongest asset. You can count on consistent and reliable communication from me throughout the project. I want every artist to know that I am in their corner and that our interests are aligned. I demonstrate this through direct communication so that I can help the artist can understand my process, and I can understand theirs.

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

A: I promise to represent and honor the artist's vision to the best of my ability while exercising my skillset to best serve the project. I want every artist to know that I am in their corner and that our interests are aligned.

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

A: Joe Reineke (Lady Gaga, Andre 3000) has been a massive influence on my career and skillset. Lending me his expertise has paved the way for my own journey.

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

A: Go with your intuition. There are many professionals that can help bring your project to life, but who will best represent you, the artist, in this process? Who will best honor your vision? Consider the person behind the console, and go with your gut.

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

A: The biggest misconception I hear is that it's simple to mix a song. You just set the faders, right, and voila, you've got a hit. If only it were so simple. There are art forms within the art form: For example, EQing is itself a challenging process in the mix down. I have spent considerable time training my ears to be effective frequency seekers. I would think that this process would mystify the lay person once exposed to it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: It's important for me to understand an artist's project through and through. My preliminary questions will help sort out the timeline, budget, intentions, and reference material for an artist. In order to imagine a new project, it is helpful to ask clients about their previous experiences, too. I'd like to identify any prior pain points so that, together, the artist and I can craft the best possible experience moving forward.

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

A: I toiled in a corporate office for many years before I said "enough is enough." I am blessed with duality in my brain: I possess both analytical and creative skillsets. The corporate lifestyle was sucking my soul from my body, so several years ago I up and left. To find my peace, I knew that I must exercise the creative part of me. I turned my passion for music into a journey and a career, and I never looked back.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is precise and energetic. Ultimately, I seek to energize the music, create flow, and build towards an inspired climax. I've always been a bit of a perfectionist, so I meet each project with the intention of "getting it right." I move through a project methodically with an eye towards attention to detail.

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

A: Slash. He has always been my favorite guitar player, love his style. It would be an honor and a thrill to work with Slash.

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

A: Hailing from the grunge capital of the World, Seattle, Wa, rock is of course a big part of what I work on. However, I excel in a variety of genres. From Folk to Metal to Country and so on, I am comfortable with virtually any mix down project that's thrown at me.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love being creative. There is truly a dichotomy in my brain, and producing music rewards both halves. The hardware and software of music production is quite technical, but the product is highly creative and subjective. I love this duality.

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

A: 1. MacBook Pro 2. Starlink 3. Headphones 4. Interface 5. SM57

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: When working on any project, I bring a careful eye for detail. It's important to me that the small details of a mix are not overlooked while also keeping in mind the overall vision for the song. Little things often make the difference between a good mix and a great one.