Mixing & Mastering Engineer

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

A: My best project so far was with my band "Malbianco". We are an Italian indipendent alternative-rock band and we're building a quite strong fan base. I take care of almost everything, from backing vocals, bass and guitar playing to recording, editing, mixing and mastering. Handling the entire process is my strongest skill.

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

A: I started off as a musician when I was 12. When I was 20 I started studying soung engineering in a Conservatory and here I am, two "summa cum laude" degrees later.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Accurate. I like when every track has its space in the mix. Impactful. Even average songs have a chance when they punch way above their league!

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

A: Go check Ayreon if you don't know them yet. Arjen Lucassen is a Genius. He works with musicians worldwide and brings them in the same room. Or should I say Universe?

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: 1- Song is sent 2- I listen, objectively. I take notes on what needs to be done before even opening my DAW. 3.1- Song gets re-arranged (if needed) 3.2- I write/record new tracks to empower weaker spots of the song (if needed) 3.3- I edit/tune off wrong parts 4- Mixing starts, I move faders and knobs with purpose. My goal is to preserve and let the artist's emotion reach the listener 4.1 Revision process via online services/video call. Yeah, a mix is never finished, only abandoned... but you tell me when it's ok to abandon it :) 5- It sounds good in our rooms and headphones; what about the rest of the world? Let's master it!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: What a time to be alive! I take some free time every once in a while to explore the latest plugins technologies and my enthusiasm grows stronger every time. I'm a profound believer that good analog gear sounds really great (it's actually indispensable in the tracking process) but ITB mixing has exceeded its expectations and limits. I can recall a sessions full of sampled analog gear plugins in seconds, that's all. I work in my acoustically treated studio with coaxial monitors and high-end studio headphones.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Choosing a guitar pick is the first stage of the mixing process. Great sounding tracks lead to faster, better sounding mixes. Take your time to make them sound great.

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

A: I usually work on hard rock and metal, but you'll find many other genres on my web portfolio: from instrumental ambient electronic to pop to orchestral soundtracks.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring 10 years of experience as a Musician, composer and a lifelong love for sonic arts.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Whatever suits your song. If you're not sure just take a blind test ;)