Mixing Engineer

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

A: Look for an engineer who actively listens to your creative vision. Audio tech and music styles are constantly evolving, so I approach every track with a commitment to continuous learning and meticulous attention to detail to make your music cut through. I am not the slowest, I am not the quickest, but I will do what it takes to make it right for you. I will be honest, fair, communicate clearly, and ensure you get absolute professional value for your budget. I get better with each gig. There is so much to learn about music, the art of making music, and music tech that I will probably always be learning. There will never be a time when I will claim that I know everything.

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

A: It’s tough to pick just one. David Gilmour for his atmospheric mastery and experience, Joe Satriani for his pure virtuosic technique, and Rob Halford for his unmatched vocal presence and legendary industry insight.

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

A: I will do what it takes to make it right for you, I will be honest, I will be fair, I will communicate clearly, and I will give you a great deal by working for less than my competitors.

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

A: That it is tedious. Or that it is easy to learn.

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

A: If I were an insane audio engineer I would take a solar generator, a laptop, a mic, a giant speaker system, and an instrument such as a guitar. • If I were an insane mixing engineer I would take a blender, a solar power supply, a giant crate of booze, a giant mirror, and suntan lotion. (Yes, booze is "gear." Stay with me.) • Realistically, I would take flint/steel, an axe, waterproof clothing (for the hurricanes,) a large mirror, and water filter or pot to boil water. Maybe instead of waterproof clothing, I would take a fishing pole instead, or a fishing net. A satellite or flare gun does not sound like a bad idea either.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As an audio engineer, my style is built on active listening, trust, and empathy. I create a comfortable digital space where artists can drop their guard and pour themselves into the track. As a mixer, I lean into punchy, dynamic, and raw sonics. While I can capably navigate multiple genres, my personal creative passion lives in the dark, atmospheric spaces of spooky Hard Rock, Shock Rock, Punk, and Alternative music. As a singer, I love most genres, and styles. I cover around 200 (or so) songs in various genres such as hard rock, blues, rock, soft rock, electronic, pop, punk, syth-pop, new wave, folk, alternative, hip-hop, and country rock. Maybe a few others. I am willing to work, and collaborate, in most styles & genres. I love making spooky Hard Rock and Shock Rock. Such as Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and Wednesday13. Vocals, drums, bass, keys, and guitars. Skulls. Zombies. Vampires. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. So, it makes sense to me.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. While analog gear is classic and fun, modern digital workflows allow for incredible precision, surgical correction, and an infinitely faster, cost-effective turnaround for indie artists.

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

A: Recording and mixing the Fried band. I was the lead audio engineer with two assistants. It was the first time I recorded and mixed a five-piece rock band with an ASP8024. There were also no hiccups. It was smooth sailing all the way from pre-production to delivery. We knocked out four songs in one four hour session. Mixing was quick too, taking only a day.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Two new original rock songs that just released. So, I have been working on those marketing campaigns ever since. I am also working on a new cover song that will be released within the next two weeks. Then I have about eight more original songs, and three more covers, on the way after that.

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

A: I am new, so not yet, but I hope to network through SoundBetter.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It is fulfilling to make music, work with audio, perform music, and help other people.

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

A: What should I bring? Whatever you need. I can provide a mic, but if you prefer your own, bring it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What genre? What is the project? How complex is the project? How many players? What gear would you be bringing to the studio? How many songs?

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

A: 1. Artist (visual and audio). Academically and professionally. However, I briefly studied theater for a couple years because I also wanted to be an actor. 2. I have been doing this all of my life. Although, professionally, I have been playing piano, guitar, and singing for fifteen years. Running my own production company for about fifteen years. I have been in four local rock bands. I have also been recording and mixing other bands since 2022.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: There are no hard rules.

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

A: Rock, Indie, Punk, and Alternative

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Piano (40+ years)

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Everything (or as much as you want from me.) Blood, sweat, and tears. Skill. Talent. Creativity. Art. Dedication. Love. Passion. Hard work. That may all sound cliché but it is true. Not only have I mixed several songs, but I have also written, composed, recorded, and produced several. I have been playing music for around 40 years. Plus, I am currently in the middle of a marketing campaign for two new releases.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It depends on what I am doing or which hat I am wearing. Basically, it breaks down to 1.) Planning / Pre Production: Defining goals, deadlines, and requirements. 2.) Execution / Production: Completing the core tasks such as recording and mixing 3.) Review / Quality Control: Evaluating the output against the initial requirements. Check for errors and ensure quality standards are met. 4.) Delivery: Presenting the finalized product or service to the client 5.) Continuous Improvement

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I currently have a desktop, audio interface, keyboard synth, mic, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and effects pedals.

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

A: I love most genres of music, and I have been listening to music for most of my life, so the list of musicians who inspire me is vast & varied. Music production professionals include: Dave Sardy, Dave Ogilvie, Michael Beinhorn, Warren Huart, Brian Wilson, Bob Rock, Trent Reznor, Robert Carranza ... etc. To name just a couple musicians / bands: Oliver Tree, Ugly Kid Joe, Butt Trumpet, Genitorturers, Dr Hook, Leonard Cohen, Cradle of Filth, Tracy Chapman, Ween, NIN, The Doors, Depeche Mode, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, And One, Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, Erasure, Pansy Division, Green Day, Ozzy Osbourne, The Beach Boys, Goldfrapp, DEATHSTARS, Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure, Type O Negative, Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Behemoth, Bile, Slash, Midnight Syndicate, Nox Arcana, Marilyn Manson, Rammstein, Coal Chamber, FLA, Little Big, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, Pink Floyd, Wumpscut, Yello, and many many many more ...

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

A: Recording and Mixing