Production, Mixing, Mastering!

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

A: I recorded a full song with an artist at Decoy in a single day, which was fantastic fun. I also record with local musicians in my area who then go on to release music and rank in the charts.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on a four track EP with a singer songwriter, stay tuned it will be out soon...

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

A: Yes, Rob Sellens. I worked with him at Decoy Studios and he is a great guy who knows his stuff!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog. It sounds better.

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

A: I'm not happy until you are happy.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It's my passion.

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

A: Q: When will the mix be done? A: When you are happy with it.

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

A: I can fix everything. Sometimes I may offer to re-record or re-amp something for you. I want you to have the best sound possible.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your vision for the Single/EP/Album, and what can I do to help you get there?

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

A: Ask questions, get the best person you can. Find someone who is as passionate about your project as you are. Someone like me.

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

A: Coles 4038 Shure SM7B Universal Audio 1176 Silver Face Cymatic Audio uTrack 24 A/D Convertor MacBook running ProTools

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

A: I started mixing in my bedroom about 7 years ago. Mixed a lot of rubbish, started mixing some good sounding records and started affiliating with knowledgeable people who could help further my mixing.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I like to enhance the natural sound of an instrument. If a snare drum has some great overtones, I want to emphasise that.

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

A: Jack Johnson. Great songwriting, production and natural sound.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't try to "save" a mix after the recording process. If you aren't happy with your kick drum sound, re tune it, adjust the mic placement and record it again. Mixing should be polishing a trophy, not a turd.

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

A: Rock, Pop, Indie, Jazz, Singer Songwriter... I am open to pretty much anything though.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have a good musical ear, so can make judgements based on the music rather that what the book says.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Class, sophistication and professionalism.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Receive the stems, edit them and rough mix in the box, and then do the main mix on the console once the audio has been tidied up.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: It is constantly growing... I use as much analog gear as I can. The console I use is a Allen & Heath GL3300, which has nice mic pre's and EQ. I use outboard gear like DBX and ART Pro VLA II Compressors, and then have plugins like Slate Digital, Waves and UAD for in the box mixing.

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

A: I recently worked with the legendary mix engineer Cenzo Townshend, so he is a big influence. Warren Huart also encourages me to make great music.

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

A: Mixing and Mastering. I have some great gear available to me, both analog and digital, so can offer professional and huge sounds.