Recordist, Mix Engineer, Live

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on a web show called Late Nite Music Club hosted and produced by recurring client and friend Ryan Pressman. Which allows me to meet and work with new talent in Los Angeles.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I used to not care either way, but as I gained more experience my views changed as I learned more about even harmonics and how that enriches the audio perception. Truthfully digital cannot live with out an analog coming in or out. So I suppose I am of the hybrid sort granted that the analog end sounds great and the converters work great. Because there is such a thing as good digital and bad analog equipment.

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

A: There artistic vision is either met or surpassed through the creative process.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I most enjoy the decision making and the collaboration with the talent.

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

A: That everything is an easy fix and that things just happen.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are your intentions with this project both in short term and long term nature? What do envision with this project? What are your expectations of me? How can I make your life easier?

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

A: Telefunken AK-47 MkII, Neve 1073, Teletronix LA-2A, Universal Audio Apollo AD/DA, and I don't know...maybe barefoot monitors to complete the signal chain.

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

A: My father is an electronic engineer who began building his own live sound equipment in the early 80s (crossovers, power amps, snakes, PA Speakers etc). I began an interest in recording in high school and slowly learned from working in the Live Sound company run by my uncle. I've been working in my family's company a better part of 7 years. I recently graduated from California State University Northridge with a degree in Music Industry Studies. There I would record my own projects as well as met some my first clients.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I feel I'm very easy going and personable. I try to create a light and comfortable vibe through humor and creative experiments.

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

A: I would personally love to work under Robert Schneider of the Apples in Stereo I love all the albums he produced in the 90s with great sounds with little gear. Other artists I would love to work with would be Wilco, Beck, and Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Never stop learning. If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. Also, preparation is everything.

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

A: I do some work with Americana which I suppose also means blues and country. I have also worked with genres in the alternative, psychedelic, and post rock formats.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is the working with personalities and allowing them the space for them to create the best performance. I feel I can make big decisions and back them up by weighing in all perspectives.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Most songs come to me already written. I tend to work with strong writers so that tends to make the job easier. What I often bring is that extra spice or enhancement within the sonic arrangement to bring the song to its full potential.

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

A: Eric "Mixerman" Sarafin for his aggressive zen style, Robert Schneider for his thrifty resourcefulness, Glyn Johns for simplicity in recording and letting performances play out. Dave Pensado for creating the new School of Athens for audio.

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

A: I often see the recording process from tracking through to mixing. Same goes for my multimedia projects.