Jason Reif on SoundBetter

Some songs require special attention to meet your vision for them. If you are having trouble with your mixes, I can help you bring them together to make them competitive, interesting and creative.

My name is Jason Reif, I am a producer and mixer from Bethlehem, PA. - halfway between Philadelphia and New York City. Over my 12 year career I have been working out of my city's one major studio, and had the privilege of working with local singer/songwriters and indie bands from my local scene and beyond. I am proud to have seen some of my favorite clients move on to amazing opportunities in bigger music markets.

Throughout my career working in music, I have found that mixing is my favorite part of the process and have helped many DIY artists finish their records in a way that they couldn't do on their own.
My clients appreciate my ability to immerse myself in their influences, and create mixes for their songs that are genre-specific all while finding an artist's unique voice.

If you are unsure about your mixes, need a little extra help, or know that a fresh perspective is needed to complete your vision, then I would love to work with you on your project.

Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

Credits

4 Reviews

Endorse Jason Reif

by Eric Sirianni
I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Jason on several project over the years, and as I reflect on these experiences a few key things come to kind:

1. He’s a blast to collaborate with and just an all around awesome person to be around.
2. He puts so much care into every single project and takes the time to understand the artist’s goal and the direction he should take with the mix. I’ve worked with tons of engineers over the years and this isn’t a common experience.
3. Everytime I work with him I’m more and more impressed with how much he continues to hone his craft.
by Aaron Lerch
Jason is creative, technically skilled, timely and professional. I had the opportunity to work with him for a full length project that he produced, engineered, mixed and mastered (with the help of Jason 2). Most recently, Jason helped touch up and master a couple singles that my band had been working on. For both projects he delivered top-notch work. He makes remote collaboration a breeze, and he’s an absolute pleasure to work with in-studio!
by Seth Witcher
Jason is such a great producer. He has worked with me PATIENTLY and CONSISTENTLY throughout the whole process until I loved everything about my song. I highly recommend him and his studio as it is extremely professional and efficient.
by Kamin Personett
Jason from Freestone Productions took on our project and breathed a whole new level of life into it. We couldn't be happier with his leadership, ideas, and overall performance as a producer... he really put his heart into it. Top notch work from start to finish. He made the final product even better than we thought it could be. Seriously, do not hesitate to choose to work with him. You won't be disappointed!

Jason: Thanks again for everything! You far exceeded our expectations!

--Kamin, from Constitution & Ninth

Interview with Jason Reif

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: My work on Hannah Noel's EP "Tying Loose Ends" is one of my favorite projects. I produced and mixed the whole project, and it really shows how I can slide between genres without losing the soul of the artist.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Anthony Cubbage
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I love using analog gear for tracking, but digital gives the necessary flexibility for modern production and mixing.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are your goals for your music? Who are your influences? How many songs do you have to choose from?
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started playing guitar in bands at age 14, and after some time working in Christian music I developed a love for arranging and production. I started recording in 2005 asa hobby, and started producing professionally in 2012.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Practice, practice and practice. The best thing you can do for your project is to be prepared so that you can focus on your performance and not get lost in details.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I find I am adept at diving into an artist's influences in order to bring out a unique and custom sound for each project. I am most proud of my Philosophy of production which if focused of keeping songs interesting and engaging for the listener.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Michael Brauer, Al Schmitt, Michael Beinhorn, Glyn Johns
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Lots of small singles and EP's for local artists.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will do whatever it takes to make sure you are happy with your project.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: That I work in a positive, collaborative and professional studio.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Most people think production isn't necessary, but having someone with a plan and another ear on your songs will always make your project better.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: A person with great credits may not be the best fit for you, find someone who works well with you, and has the same opinion of what sounds good.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Relaxed and easygoing. If the process isn't fun it will show in the music. I like to collaborate on all decisions and add may own ideas when they arise. There are no wrong answers and I don't get offended if you don't like my ideas.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I will meet with an artist to pre-produce the songs so that they can be the best possible before we even record a note. During tracking we take whatever approach is most appropriate for the project. I like to work continuously on a project, yet leaving space for the songs to linger so that decisions can be better informed.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have my own production suite within Real Studio in Bethlehem PA. Our main recording space is a beautiful, 32x32x18 live room connected to our comfortable Control Room A It includes 32 channels of Antelope Audio Conversion. Pro tools HD, preamps from API, SSL, Focusrite and more.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Seeing the big picture of what a song can be, whether that be in production or mixing.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Taylor 514, Custom Koa Telecaster, Vox AC-15, Apollo Twin, and Mojave Mic.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I just love making a living supporting my local music scene.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Singer-songwriters, Americana and Rock
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Start to finish production of songs including song development and arrangement.