Mixing Engineer

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 power supply, 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 an axe. (Yes, booze is "gear." Stay with me.) • If I were a washed up rock star, I would take a crate of booze, a crate of drugs, a giant mirror (to see my reflection and for the drugs,) an acoustic guitar, and a survival kit (knife, medical supplies, etc.) • Realistically, I would take flint/steel, an axe, rain proof clothing (for the hurricanes,) a large mirror, and water filter or pot to boil water. Maybe instead of water proof clothing, I would take a fishing pole instead, or a fishing net.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I have a few. • As an audio engineer, my recording and producing style is simple: be a thoughtful listener, create a comfortable environment, and then let you do your thing. I prioritize trust and empowerment. I have deep empathy for how difficult it is to be a musician, and I want my clients to be able to drop their guard, and pour themselves into recording. • As a mix engineer specifically, I have been mixing music around fifteen years, but I am still learning on a daily basis. I am fairly quick at mixing these days depending on the size, and complexity. However, I only got into mastering a year ago. So, I could master for you if you want, and I would charge you less than the lowest offer. • As a singer, I love most genres, and styles. I suppose that also goes for guitar and keys. 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. • Personally, what I do for myself, I love making spooky Hard Rock. Shock Rock. Such as Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and Wednesday13. Vocals, drums, bass, keys, and guitars. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. So, it makes sense to me anyway.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital because I am poor right now. Analog is expensive, and fun, but ultimately unnecessary.

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: Not yet, but I hope to network on SoundBetter.

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 work for less than my competitors.

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.

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

A: That it is "tedious." Also that it is a ridiculous career to pursue.

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? How many songs?

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

A: While I have many skills to start with, I am new to the business of audio, and appreciate your patience as much as the opportunity we both bring. I am not the slowest, I am not the quickest, but I work less than my competitors. I get better with each gig. There is so much to learn about music, 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: 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. I have been playing piano for 40+ years, guitar for 28 years, singing for fifteen, and making rock songs for about six. I have been in four local rock bands. I have also been recording and mixing other bands since 2022.

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

A: Whichever one will help boost my career and get me out of this hole. Half joking aside, it would be great to work with any of them in any genre. Pick from the list of ones who have inspired me. Any of them would work. OK, Rob Zombie would rock though. Not only have I been a fan for most of their career, and have been inspired to make music because of him, but I also love the genre, themes, and style/image. It would be great to be a part of the process, to perform with him, and also see how he works behind the curtain.

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

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, now and always.

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 ... 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