Mix | (Co)Produce | Edit

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

A: I'm very proud of all the projects that received Billboard chart status, platinum certifications and do well in the box office. More so than industry-peer awards and nominations (which I also have), because like I explained earlier, I don't purposely think about making an album or a score soundtrack to impress my colleagues, but to reach as many listeners/viewers as possible.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Patti Austin (a big band album with full orchestra, it sounds killer and she sounds amazing!!!) Also starting pre-production on a couple of feature films, more on those soon...

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

A: Feel free to contact me in advance so we can answer all possible questions your project may have, I can't tell you how many times a conversation with me will spawn a slightly different approach during recording/production for the benefit of the process and the music!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Plan ahead. (*Unfortunately the humor is lost here, so Google images - nevertheless the sentiment remains)

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

A: I work on all kinds of albums and records, as well as all sorts of video game, film & TV scores/soundtracks.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I don't have a formula, so I always stick to the story or the concept which is always unique in every project. Everyone I've ever worked with shares the same point of view that I have, which is to deliver a product that will be enjoyed by as many people as possible and that will stand the test of time. Top quality work on a technical level, that fits with the current standards, yet it stands out because of its originality.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: If it's a song, I'll typically start with the vocals and listening to the lyrics so I can get literal or implicit cues on how to approach the rest of the track. If it's a music score for a film/tv/video game, I'll usually start with a turning point in the plot where the music is paramount to the story and typically the rest of the soundtrack will fall into the right place from there. I'd say not always in the same ratio but, 40% of the time I spend 'solving technical hurdles' and 60% of the time I spend balancing creatively to achieve the most compelling version of the music.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Its a hybrid between digital and analog equipment specifically designed to maximize the potential of both or discreetly.

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

A: I get inspired by all kinds of new and vintage music. I love to stay current and enjoy all the new turns music takes and how it is received by the audiences in mass appeal, but I also love to hear 'classic' retro music/soundtracks and I always marvel at the ingenuity of the details and little things that bring a track or soundtrack to compel the listener. I am impressed when something is timeless and its certainly something I always stride for!

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

A: Depends on the project, sometimes I get involved with my clients from the inception of a project and consult on pre-production concepts that will ensure the vision and the quality of the music will rise above throughout each stage since the first downbeat is recorded until the project is delivered. Other times I get involved in various stages of the recording, editing, or mixing process having happily done so since I was able to bring something special to the final product that brings it to a new level.