Producer, Mixer and Engineer

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

A: Biffy Clyro - Futique

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: An RnB record for young, up and coming artist Tate Marnyi An indie rock EP for Swedish band GOLA An indie pop album for German and Giant Rooks

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital but analog when needed. Digital makes the workflow faster and more consistent and still sounds just as good as analogue (with the right knowledge and execution). However, sometimes things want that analogue character, in that case I'll use it selectively but more for it's sonic effect than as a workflow standard. To me, a hybrid approach, understanding of the uses of both mediums, is the way to create innovative and high quality records.

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

A: I'm here to make YOUR music the best it can be. I'm fundamentally in service to the song which sometimes means questioning your decisions by diving into the 'why' of it, suggesting ideas or explaining my thoughts and observations but ultimately, at the end of the day, it's your music and the final decision is yours. I can provide options, experience and expertise but you are the driving force. I'm here to help stoke the engine and steer the ship towards a common goal.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Collaborating and creative problem solving.

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

A: Q: Can we.....? A: Yeah, let's try it! Q: What if it doesn't work? A: Then we're honing in on what does work. Q: How long will this take? A: Is that a priority? If so - as quickly as possible without cutting corners. Q: Can you do it cheaper? A: No, the cost is a reflection of my commitment to the project and the summation of my experience.

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

A: More gear = better product. Learn your tools well and how to apply them creatively. One magic piece of outboard won't save you.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your goal with this? What do you want to get from collaborating? What resonates with you in this song? What do you like about the production/mix now? What don't you like about the production/mix now? Where would you like the production/mix to go? Do you have derivations of the performances/recordings? (DI's, extra takes, wet/dry versions) How open are you to creative input? What timeline are you expecting for this? Do you have a release window set?

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

A: Hire me, I'm really nice and very good. More seriously - take some time to really consider what it is you are wanting from collaborating. Be specific and detailed in where you think you're at and where you would like to go. The more I know about your vision, the better I can execute it.

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

A: AEA R44 active ribbon mic Neve 1073 Midi Keyboard Soundtoys Computer

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

A: I studied at LIPA doing Sound Technology. While at University I was assisting at Angelic Studios every time the opportunity came up. After graduating in 2019 I worked at Angelic for 1 year before being picked up by George Daniel and being his engineer for 2 years. Working on the latest 1975, The Japanese House and No Rome records while working with George. Then moved onto working with Jonathan Gilmore engineering Nothing But Thieves 'Dead Club City', Kid Kapichi 'There Goes the Neighbourhood', The Criticals 'The Criticals', Biffy Clyro 'Futique', Giant Rooks 'If Heaven Exists, This Might Be It' as well as mix assisting a multitude of projects with Jon. I have been mixing and producing for upcoming artists throughout this time when I'm not committed to a larger album project. I am now moving into more production and mixing and my experience and background in engineering has given me the ability to execute every stage of the record making process with care and attention.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Tasteful, punchy, detailed, honest.

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

A: Bon Iver - creatively and sonically it's inspiring to me, drawing on many genres and sonic choices to create something nostalgic but also progessive.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Leave yourself breadcrumbs throughout the process, sometimes the creative rabbit hole has a way of making you feel lost and having a way to retrace your steps is very useful.

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

A: All sorts. Lots of band and Indie music, some RnB, some Hip Hop, some Garage and Dance music, some Rock, some Pop, some Jazz, some Singer Songwriter. Basically anything but heavy metal/screamo - not a genre I have much intuition for.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication. Intuiting artistic vision, crafting performances, creative mixing/production.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a deep understanding of music, production, engineering and mixing together to enhance the emotional impact of a song. Using a multitude of techniques to build the scope of the artists vision and execute a high quality, commercially viable product.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Firstly to communicate with the artists explore what their vision is and what the song/production is trying to say. Moving onto identifying the key aspects of the recording that support the intended sentiment and build the production/sonic landscape to support the song's meaning. Production and Mixing are there to serve the song, not distract from it. Technical workflow varies project to project but usually it will be: Receive stems and rough mix Review, refine and edit the best performances possible while maintaining it's original character. Mixing Revisions Master or collate all deliverables for mastering and release (Mastermix, Instrumental Mix, TV Mix).

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work almost totally in the box, using Pro Tools mainly but am fluent in Ableton and Logic too. I use pedals and other boxes of tricks to add some sauce when needed. I also have the capacity to record any part of a production apart from drums.

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

A: Eric Valentine, Queens of the Stone Age, Radiohead, George Daniel, Jonathan Gilmore, D'Angelo, Russel Elevado, Andrew Schepps, Shawn Everett, Aphex Twin, Dijon, Bon Iver, Outkast, Jon Hopkins to name but a few. There's many more but I'd be here all week.

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

A: Engineering and Mixing - Instrumental editing and comping, Vocal comping, editing and tuning, additional production/ sound design, Mixing