Heavy Music Mixing/Mastering

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

A: I’d say the Horror of Pestilence album “Surviving,” which I produced, mixed, and mastered. In my opinion, HOP is the best metal band in China—hugely underrated, with killer musicianship, strong players, great songwriting, and they’re cool people on top of it. We recorded real drums for this very demanding material, and I think I did a great job executing the mix and master. I believe I helped them find their own sound and break out of the “generic modern metal” box, giving the music a new level of identity and meaning. I’m proud of being able to guide clients to that point. Go check them out on streaming platforms.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I just finished an album for a black metal legend (this album sounds nothing like your typical raw black album, it's very modern and competitive imo). I will be producing two bands, one is a tech-death band from London, and another is a band based in Yorkshire, which was founded by one of My Dying Bride's members, super cool stuff. I have a few mixing projects lined up down the line too.

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

A: Not yet....so I will update this in the future.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: How about both? They each have their merits and downsides. I love how nonlinear analogue gear behaves and how it colours the sound in a musical way, but I hate having to change tubes in my Pultec EQ every year. I love the convenience of digital and being able to recall a session in an instant, but sometimes its limitations can only be complemented by analogue.

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

A: You won't be disappointed!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Help people achieve the sound they have always wanted and see their music enjoyed by people. It's magical. I am getting goosebumps just thinking about and writing this, haha!

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

A: How much do you charge? Well, it depends on the project and the time I have to invest in the project.

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

A: A common misconception is: “You just throw some plugins on the audio. I can buy the same plugins, produce/mix myself, and call myself an audio engineer.” Yes, we use plugins, and many of us have some nice outboard gear, but it’s never really about the tools. You’re hiring a producer/engineer for their experience, taste, and ability to get that sound out of whatever gear they use. So don’t be dazzled just because someone owns fancy hardware, and also don’t dismiss someone who works entirely in the box. What matters is whether they can help you achieve the result you want, and whether you trust their ears, taste, and decision‑making. As a mentor once told me, you can’t really teach mixing — it has to be learned.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Before anything else, I would ask for their released music or demos so I can hear their sound and what I can offer. Then, I always ask about their vision, references, and priorities so I know what they’re really aiming for. I’ll also ask what records they love, how polished vs organic they want the sound, their timeline and release plans.

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

A: Look for someone whose work already sounds close to what you’re aiming for, then be clear about your vision and references. Ask about their process, revision policy, and communication style, so you know you’ll work well together.

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

A: My Peavey 5150 block letter 1992, the Smart Research C2 compressor, the Maag EQ, my Mayones Duvell guitar and my PRS Custom 24 guitar.

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

A: I took on production for my band at uni because we were poor, and then I was fascinated by the process. So I pursued an education in music production and audio engineering, and earned a PhD in audio engineering too. I have been working full-time as a producer and mixing and mastering engineer for 10 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Organic yet punchy and brutal.

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

A: Meshuggah, because they are the sickest metal band.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Learn the basics, own them, so you can forget about everything and let the music guide you. Also, there's no magic plugin.

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

A: Mainly heavy music and extreme metal. I also work on rock and indie rock music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Helping artists find their sonic identity. Mixing and mastering for agrresive yet organic sound.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My strengths lie in helping artists achieve an organic sound while maintaining impact, punch, and maximum heaviness. I’ll help you reach a competitive, yet dynamic and natural mix that supports and showcases your signature sound.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I'd love to get to know the artists first, and listen to their music (if there's anything already released, or a demo). Then I would like to chat with them about their vision and the stories behind their music, so I can develop ideas for crafting their unique sonic identity. Once everything is agreed upon, we can start working.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work in a hybrid approach. I believe the power of analogue, combined with the convenience of digital, can make the most impact. The studio is equipped with state-of-the-art Lynx Aurora N converters, Smart Research C2 (a legendary SSL-style bus compressor), Maag EQ4, Pultec Stereo Tube EQ, and SSL Fusion. Additionally, for every project, I will reamp your guitar sound through my amps. I have a collection of real guitar amps that, in my opinion, provide the dynamics and detail that digital sims lack.

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

A: Will Putney, Christian Donaldson, Jens Bogren.

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

A: Producing, mixing, mastering, recording, arranging, reamping, etc.