Since finishing studying at University, I have taken advantage of opportunities to work with a range of artists, including; Excellent Adventure, Exit Black and James Day. Early 20's, I work from my home studio in High Wycombe. Recently I have begun to take on more studio based work, get in contact!
Taking on Engineer, Live sound, Vocal tuning, Mixing and Mastering jobs currently and soon Re-amping and Session work (guitar and vocals). Prices are very flexible as I'm a Post-Grad and understand low budget situations!
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Interview with Xander Hamilton - Engineer, Mixing and Mastering
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Recently I've actually put together my own band, I'm the vocalist/producer, myself and the guitarist write most of the songs and then everyone adds in at the PrePro stage to perfect the song. It's been such a journey finding the right way to write together, we're practicing currently once a week and it's really coming along, can't wait to find some free time to record it all!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A full length album with a band, they are staying at my flat too which is feeling pretty cosy right about now! Their plan is to tour then release it I believe so watch this space!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Not on soundbetter, however some of my friend's are considering it!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I could talk a lot about this, but, in this modern age, my preference is to try and at least get the source sound at an analogue stage, guitars and drums etc, but I'll cater to any needs
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: We'll realise that vision you've got in your minds eye and find it, or maybe something that you prefer more, lets get started!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Getting the chance to hear people from all walk's of life show me their artistic creation/Idea
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Is that okay? Of course! I'm providing a service for you! Can you change it slightly? Yes! I'm more than happy to do revisions. Are you always that enthusiastic? Clearly! Get me involved and I'll get excited about your project
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That I'm not open to smaller tasks that would rather be delegated, If you have a track you need mixed, I'll edit those drums and vocals if you need it done.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Purpose of the final product and time frame, if it's going on a record it's going to be different to if it's going on TV, let's get it perfect!
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Get in contact, we'll figure out the best way to move forward and get the ball rolling, if it's not for you, I can probably point you to a colleague.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Providing there was power? Macbook, Interface, my Marshall, Custom Ibanez and, er I guess it's cheating if I don't count all the software on my macbook as some gear, so that!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I want to capture the sound you've crafted, if you haven't, we'll find it together
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Hurt, I've heard them in the best and worst scenario, I know their singer J. Loren personally and he has always inspired me to be all I can be, I would love to have the tables turned and inspire him to give all he has
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Know your own gear, that's what's important. Be the master of your own domain!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Usually anything along the pop to rock to metal spectrum, mainly real instruments, but lately I've been branching out
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Creating a full sound to inspire confidence before the mixing process begins
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Comfort for an artist to really show what they want on the final product and help them find that vision
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Get it right at the source where possible!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Mainly in the box as far as processing, however I have a space to record drums, a lovely Marshall JCM a few nice guitars to choose from and several microphones
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: John Feldmann
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mixing/Editing/Production of artists and Programming drums
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've fallen into production through producing my own bands, I've been doing this for about 7 years
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $50 per song
- Recording StudioAverage price - $100 per day
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $30 per song
- Vocal TuningAverage price - $10 per track
- Singer - MaleContact for pricing
- Programmed drumAverage price - $25 per song
- Sound DesignAverage price - $100 per minute
Generally I allow 2 Revisions before additional costs are necessary, however I understand low budgets and a need for flexibility
- Yamaha HS7 Monitors
- Focusrite Pro 40
- Custom Built PC
- Macbook pro
- Range of Microphones
- Range of plugins
- Access to Analogue Hardware
- Update 2017Mar 11, 2017
Upgraded my amp!
Marshall JCM 2000 DSL, original one, it needs new valves so this weekend is going to be full of tinkering, very excited, can't wait to get it on another record! - Blackstar HT20 and Custom Made 2x12 Cab with V30(G12h) and G12Aug 18, 2014
Since Purchasing my Blackstar and Custom Made 2x12, I've barely scratched the surface of it's sound until now, where I am able to record at high volumes to push the tubes to get the great sound all guitarheads crave! Paired with a great OD pedal and My fender Telecaster (soon to have a BareKnuckle Aftermath installed) it sounds great. Sound clips coming soon!
- Yamaha HS7sAug 18, 2014
After much deliberation and listening to many different monitors, I finally settled on the HS7s a few weeks ago and after finally moving into a treated room, I can hear just how clear they really are. I'm very glad I made this purchase! Paired with my Pro 40 and microphones, I've made some great sounds whilst recording my own band's demos. Can't wait to get back to work!
