Grammy Winning Creative Mixer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am mixing different projects on a daily basis: Indie Dance Pop, alternative Hip Hop, Folk, Neo classical and Alt Rock.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Josh Tyrrell

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Are we still talking/caring about this? Not important, make good music.

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

A: My goal is to help you create music that you are proud of and that connects with your audience. I am dedicated to making your experience enjoyable and fulfilling, and I look forward to being a part of your musical journey.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I'm blessed with the opportunity to collaborate with artists and help bring their creative visions to life. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking a raw idea or a collection of tracks and transforming them into a polished, finished product that resonates with listeners.

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

A: FAQ includes What services do you offer? I offer a range of services, including mixing, mastering, and additional production. I can help enhance your tracks by balancing levels, adding effects, and ensuring a polished final product. When can you start? NOW! Can you Melodyne/Tune a few words? Yep I'm not super happy with some of the tones of the guitars and synths, can you make it dance? Yep.

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

A: Mixer's and producers only work on specific genres.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Questions for Prospective Clients What is your overall vision for this project? What genre or style are you aiming for? Do you have any reference tracks that inspire you? What specific services are you looking for? What is your timeline for this project? Who are the key collaborators involved in this project? What are your expectations regarding communication and feedback? What is your budget for this project?

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

A: Having a clear Vision in terms of sonic references and exceptions. Ask potential providers about their process, experience, and how they collaborate with artists. Understanding their workflow and communication style can help ensure a good fit.

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

A: They got power on this island? Aku guitar, some percussion, flutes, acoustic bass and a vibraphone for vibes.

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

A: In bands playing bass in the 90's, helped make film scores and TV music in the early 2000's, moved to Montreal in 2003 to help bands like the Unicorns and Arcade Fire.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style evolves alongside the art and artistry I work with. I see myself as a conduit, dedicated to bringing your vision to life and ensuring it resonates with listeners.

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

A: Mitski, Steve Lacy, Hozier, Autechre, Conan Gray, Glass Animals, Wendy Eisenberg, Chief Keef, Chanel Beads, Magic Circus, Fredagain, All You Children, Jamie XX, Snirco, Sabrina Carpenter, Laura Marling, Magdalena Bay, Nilüfer Yanya, skaiwater, Charli XCX, Cindy Lee, Sexyy Red, Slick Rick, LL Cool J, Wu-Tang, Noname...

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Focus on the songs and arrangements and the mix will be an extension of the creation.

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

A: I work across a diverse range of genres, including: Pop, Hip-Hop, anything rock and roll with acoustic instruments. Blending the electronic with the acoustic and making is live in the same universe. Film scores, string ensembles, noise bands...

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: The ability to communicate the artists vision through my own experience and taste. That may sound simple, but it really is important in defining how art and artistry should be presented.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a combination of creativity, technical skill, and a collaborative mindset to each song, ensuring that it not only sounds great but also resonates with listeners. I crack the code for the universe that the song needs to live in.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process begins with an initial consultation with the artist to understand their vision, goals, and any specific ideas they have for the project. This helps me get a clear sense of the sound they’re aiming for and any particular elements they want to highlight. Once we’re aligned, the next step is to review the tracks provided. I listen carefully to each element, assessing the overall balance and identifying areas that may need enhancement. After that, I dive into the mixing process. I focus on balancing levels, panning instruments, and applying EQ and compression to ensure clarity and cohesion. I often incorporate my analog gear during this stage to add warmth and depth to the mix. Throughout this process, I keep the artist in the loop, sharing updates and seeking feedback to ensure we’re on the right track. Once the initial mix is complete, I send it to the artist for review. I encourage open communication, so they can share their thoughts and any changes they’d like to see. Based on their feedback, I make the necessary adjustments until we reach a final mix that everyone is excited about. Lastly, if desired, I handle the mastering process, ensuring that the track is polished and ready for distribution. This includes optimizing the sound for various platforms while maintaining the integrity of the original mix. Throughout the entire process, my goal is to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience, making sure that the artist feels heard and satisfied with the final product.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is designed to provide a comfortable and creative environment for mixing and producing music. I work primarily in a hybrid setup that combines both digital and analog equipment to achieve the best sound possible. Featuring hardware by: Universal Audio Thermionic MAAG Audio Neve Dyn Audio Eventide In addition to my hardware, I have an extensive library of plugins that cover a wide range of effects and processing options. This combination of analog and digital tools enables me to create a rich and dynamic sound that meets the unique needs of each project. Pro Tools, Ableton Live and sometimes Studio One Pro make it easy to collaborate with artists using different platforms. In the end, we make the music! Overall, my studio is a space where creativity flows, and I’m always looking to enhance it with new tools and technologies that inspire me and my clients.

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

A: I find inspiration in anyone who is passionate about their craft and willing to experiment, as it encourages me to continually evolve and explore new possibilities in my own music production. Brian Eno, Metro Boomin, Finneas, Jack Antonoff, Tame Impala, Alan Parsons, Pete Rock, Frank Ocean...

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

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients involves mixing, additional production and some vocal production. Typically starts with reviewing the raw tracks provided by the artist, where I focus on balancing levels, enhancing clarity, and ensuring that each element of the song complements the others. When the song requires a SONIC identity to help tell the story, I reach into my analog and digital toolbox and craft an image, space and depth for the artist to shine. Creating a cohesive and polished final product that aligns with the artist's vision.