Tracking, Mixing & Mastering

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I often record in A-List studios in Los Angeles, then I do the mixing at home. I have Pro Tools HD, KRK Speakers, and many unique plugins I use for mixing.

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

A: I have had the privilege and honor to train under these greats: Robert Carranza, Spike Stent, Doug McKean, Alan Parsons, Billy Bush, Al Schmidt, Jim Scott, Darrell Thorp, Don Was, Steve Lillywhite, Ed Cherney, Gil Norton, Mike Clink, Greg Koller, Bill Bottrell, Greg Kurstin, Jerry Finn, Mike Plotnikoff, Mark Needham, Blake Mills, Dave Schiffman, Mike Shipley, Manny Marroquin, Greg Townley, Nate Kunkel, Frank Wolf, Brad Haehnel, Jim Hill, Gabe Moffat, and many more.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goal for the project? Who is your target audience? Is there any additional editing (time alignment, vocal tuning, multi-track editing) needed or is the project ready to mix? Do you have a demo or reference mix? What format are your files in? Do you have stems? Multi-track files? Pro Tools Sessions?

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

A: I always strive to provide the best service possible. I want to make sure my clients are not only pleased with my work, but are so happy that they will refer me.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't make everything dirty, if you are looking for a grungy mix don't distort everything, distort a few things and have pristine sounds as well for contrast.

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

A: I usually work with rock, but I have a fair amount of experience in pretty much everything, so I am comfortable with all projects.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I usually try to get things to sound as pristine as possible. However, I also appreciate lo-fi and grungy sounds as well. In the end I go for the best of both worlds, one where everything is audible and sonically unique.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I believe in both, in an ideal world I would record with all the best analog gear, using analog outboard on the way in, then use all the benefits of digital in the mixing and editing stage.

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

A: Pro Tools, Neve 1073, GML 8200, AMS RMX16, KRKs

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

A: I have been in the industry for over 16 years. I went to recording school and took the traditional path of working my way up at A-List recording studios in Los Angeles. Due to the top studios I have worked at I have trained with many of the industry's best engineers and producers.

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

A: Tool is one of my all time favorite artists, and I would love to work with them. However I have had the opportunity to work with some of my favorites already, including Foo Fighters, Muse, and Steven Wilson.

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

A: I often do complete projects, recording and mixing. For film work I usually do the score mixing only.