I understand that the music community has a way to go in being inclusive and representative. I offer both a physical and digital space that is safe and accessible for QTBIPOC. I take pride in acknowledging my various privileges and work hard to stay on top of social justice issues. I'm also a pretty bad ass mixing engineer and producer.
I work completely in digital using only the hardware and software that I know as well as my own gorgeous face. I don't waste time cycling through plugins, and because I am mobile, the only piece of hardware I use to mix and process is a Lynx Hilo.
If I am working with you on a production, I do have an array of microphones and preamps to use, but only enough to offer a nice choice without bogging down the process. Although I am available for just pressing the record button and mixing from reference material, I do my best work being creative with an Artists both in the recording/production phase and the mixing phase. I play various instruments and can quickly program drums and keys if you can describe the sound your looking for.
My goal is for you to walk away feeling like you've accomplished your dreams, and there are few things that bring me that kind of job too. Except for my kids. You'll probably never get close to that unless you're THAT good.
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Interview with Pájaro Dulce
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Every project I've worked on has been unique and has had its own set of challenges. I feel like this question is a catch22 - so I'm going to stick with my first sentence for the answer. There are elements of every project I've worked on that I am especially proud of, and I am proud of every thing I've done for people.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Production with a few Artists in Winnipeg, music for publishing, raising super amazing babies.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I'm new here, so not at the moment.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital. Sounds great, lots of options, cheaper, and faster, FOR ME. I like to be mobile and keep my costs down. I can work out of a space with all the gear you could ever want, but that's always going to cost more!
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: I want a connection with you and your music. If we don't feel like we can work together, then it's unlikely we'll get the sound you're looking for. Also, remember that you are the Artist and at the end of the day, you have to be happy with what you put out.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: iPhone, solar panels and battery to charge iPhone, 2 high quality charging cables. This way I could use garage band to record all the wild sounds I'd find on the island!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: 10+ years. Looking to move into studio work full time as I've spent many year also playing in bands.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Productive, inventive, playful.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Please see list of Artists I'm currently listening too. They are the ones that are making me move right now, and although I love some higher profile Artists, the above are what inspire me now.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Once you've done one mix, save as and do another one without thinking about it too much. The new one will be cleaner, clearer, and more precise 95% of the time.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Hiphop, RnB, Indie
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Creative mixing - using the entire stereo field and depth to put listeners in an environment.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The kind of creative mixing that draws listeners in, without distracting from the music.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Listen, Listen, Listen. Organize and colour code. Edit. Drum. Bass. Instruments. Vocals. LISTEN. Bring all faders down and start again. Add FX's as I'm working on each track if needed. Bounce. Listen in the dark. Revisit.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Great computer with lots of processing power REAPER Plugins by WAVES, SOUNDTOYS, VARIETY OF SOUND, SOFTUBE, MELDAPRODUCTION, ACON DIGITAL, SOUNDHACK, TOKYO DAWN LABS, STILLWELL AUDIO, as well as MELODYNE Audio tracks are divided into categories (Drums, Bass, Keys, Guitars, Main Vocals, BGV's) and outputted on separate busses in the HILO, which then sums the signals internally, and returns it to REAPER. This results in a greater depth and stereo field, as well as more clarity and fidelity.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Here's what I've been listening to lately: Kendrick Lamar, DAMN Emily King, THE SWITCH Major Lazer, PEACE IS THE MISSION H.E.R., 2 Aminé, GOOD FOR YOU Chairlift, MOTH Sabrina Claudio, ABOUT TIME
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Creative Mixing, Collaborative Production and Recording
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: That I will honour their time and their Art. I will always respect who they are, and I expect the same in return.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Making dreams come true.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How long will it take? - It depends how prepared you are before you come in! Do I have to do it in one take? - Nope. Very few people can do that! We can put it together so it sounds natural, and so the process is easy on your physical self. If you get tired too quickly, we won't have productive days. Do I have to do it perfectly? - You are where you are at. This recording is a snapshot of you now, and you should be very pleased with where you are now. As an Artist, you will always grow, and if you judge yourself by where you wish you were, rather than accepting where you are and then working to something better over time, you'll record, but never release and then no one will ever have the chance to connect with you!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Recording - that you'll walk in there and leave early. Unless you've done a ton of studio time, I always recommend budgeting for a few more hours than expected. Mixing - that it can happen in a couple of hours. Yes it can, but you'll get a generic sound. Creativity takes time and familiarity. If you're willing to give me that time, I can give you something unique.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are your plans for the recording? What do you want to sound like? Do you get in your own way when working on music? What kind of work to you want from me? Do you want to just tell me what to do, or is there a creative dialogue?
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $200 per song
- EditingAverage price - $100 per track
- Vocal TuningAverage price - $100 per track
- Time alignment - QuantizingAverage price - $50 per track
- ProducerContact for pricing
- Top line writer (vocal melody)Average price - $150 per song
All work is charged at 40$/hr, and a mix, with revisions is anywhere from 4 - 12+ hours. There are no additional costs. The charge applies to revisions, stems, and anytime I am working on your project
