Mixing, Mastering, Production

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog because anything digital is inherently made from analog processes under the hood.

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

A: If you are not happy with what I did, then neither am I. I want your work to sound huge, if I fail to make that happen I don't want your money or to waste your time.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I really enjoy getting a mix or master to sit right and translate, there is a certain feeling when its got that "thing", when it sounds like a record, that's the moment. Then I know the client is going to be happy and that makes me happy.

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

A: Well there is no power on a desert island so we have to go with acoustic instruments: guitar, bass, drums, piano and notebook with a pen. I guess that's 6, whoops!

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

A: I started recording music to a boombox, then a 4-track cassette recorder and I have been on Pro Tools since Digi 001! I still have Digidesign D-Verb on flobby disk! In the late 90's I graduated from the Institute of Audio Research in NYC and I had an internship at Bogga Basement in East Orange NJ. I wanted to be an artist rather than an engineer at the time, so I was only there a few months. To be fair the opportunity at Bogga was great and walking away was silly. However they mainly tracked vocals only, so it was boring to me. They were into R&B groups, so it was just vocals all day and night.. I am more punk rock in spirit, I like things to be a little off, mistakes are good, natural. After my internship I found my way into electronics engineering and had the pleasure of working at Eventide Inc., for over 6 years! What a great place and being apart of their rich history is a real highlight for me. I actually got to work on one their old Instant Phasers and Flangers, that was super! I remember having Tony in my office and we played a drum loop though the Instant Phaser, sounded just like ZEP record! Over the years I have been in a few bands and releasing music under my own project Big Bang Black Hole. Now I want to work with other artists and make some great records. All in all I have been recording for over 30 years I guess.

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

A: That is a tough one. Tricky. His work is some of my favorites.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Stop overthinking. Less is usually more. Things can get out of control quickly. Commit, be a little rebellious and live with the mistakes, Perfection is bliss, but at what cost. Once it begins to feel like work, you have probably crossed the line.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I want the work to translate as the client has envisioned it to and I'll do everything I can t get it there.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I am details guy, so I like to organize everything first. Before I start to work I like to listen to the clients ruff mix and any reference tracks they are aiming for. After that the fun begins.

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

A: Big Bang Black Hole. That's my personal outlet, so I get to do all the writing and be an artist. I engineer the whole project too, so that's fun.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on a master for a 5 song EP, two singles and a commercial.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When do you need your project completed by? Beyond output and quality, deadlines. It is imperative to have clear communication about when that date is.

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

A: Be honest about what you want out of your project and your budget.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Original and creative. Open and Dynamic.

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

A: Indie rock but I am open to everything.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Attention to detail.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run a hybrid setup in a GIK tuned room. Every project hits my outboard from Manley, Solid State Logic, Dangerous Music, Emperical Labs, Eventide, BAE, Universal Audio, Elysia, Bettermaker and more!

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

A: I am a huge music fan, from jazz to metal and all in between. I love big and open mixes that sound huge and retain massive dynamic range.

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

A: Mixing and Mastering.