Remote Mixing

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

A: At the moment, I'm really just focused on mixing. With the clients I've worked with, some of whom are very talented composers and producers, I'm really proud and happy that I've managed to improve and add value to the mixes. As someone who has only been doing this for five years and is definitely still learning, it brings me great joy knowing that I'm at a stage in my growth where I can help others elevate their mixes to the point where they are release-ready. And when clients order from me, they can expect not just a mixing job but honest communication as well. I believe that the mixing process is very much two-way so that is a huge part of my service, giving honest feedback about the songwriting/arrangement of the track, before mixing it and bringing the best out of the elements in the track.

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

A: I've worked with a bunch of people on Soundbetter. These are the few that immediately come to mind: Mixing/mastering: Vintage Division (Paul Jalowiecki) for tech-house/techno, Connected Mastering (Damian Handzlik) for more nuanced house productions, Austin Leeds for EDM-style stuff, Sonar House Studios for indie/rock Piano: Jonah Wei-Haas Saxophone: Carlo Saxophonist Vocals: RobinB., Kat Webb, Eileen Jaime

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: It's as basic as they come: an iMac + Steinberg UR12 + KRK Rokit speakers + BeyerDynamic DT990 Pro headphones. All mixing is done ‘in the box’ (digitally). Just loads of plug-ins from a variety of developers.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start by analysing the song and breaking it down to the different elements, to really see what's critical and what's 'noise'. If necessary, and depending on the project, I would recommend some arrangement changes and maybe suggest a few elements to bring in or take away. And when it comes to actual mixing, I guess the workflow is as typical as it gets: kick and beats, bass, topline/vocals then everything else.

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

A: This interview actually documents my journey quite well, so if you fancy a bit of a read, do check out https://www.lifeinarpeggio.com/blog/saiful-idris-interview-surrender-hq-house-producers-singapore

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

A: Give the young, 'cheaper' providers a chance. I've been doing music for over fifteen years, as a singer/guitarist/songwriter for an indie rock band and now, a dance music producer and mixing engineer. Throughout that time, I've worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, some at very great expense, people who charge top dollar for services like mixing and mastering. Some of those experiences were really wonderful, e.g. mastering with Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound in NYC was an experience I will never forget, but most of the time, I realise we were just paying for the name and expensive gear but not much else. In fact, right now, the two mastering engineers that I currently trust and rely on heavily are those who charge just slightly more than I do. I reckon if you spend enough time doing your research, you'll find someone as good as any who won't cost you an arm and a leg. And nowhere better to find them than right here on Soundbetter. :)

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Original school dance music. It's music that moves the mind, body and soul, built on elements that transcend the different sub-genres of house and techno music, but all bound by a deep appreciation of the structure and aesthetics of early but timeless electronic dance music - of the old but original school.

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

A: At the moment, because of my current endeavour as a dance music producer and record label owner, my focus is very much on dance music, specifically the different sub-genres of house and a bit of techno.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Bringing out the emotive potential of a song. My favourite kind of music is the kind that speaks to my emotions, and I think every good song has the potential to do that, if treated right.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I don't just bring the ears of a mixing engineer but those of a songwriter and true music lover.

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

A: As a producer, I am largely inspired by the sounds I fell in love with back in the early 2000's - from the warm, organic, deep and soulful sounds of Blaze, Osunlade, Masters at Work, Francois K, Ben Watt, Bugz in the Attic, Restless Soul, Tortured Soul, DJ Gregory, Jerome Sydenham, Joe Claussell, Dennis Ferrer and more, to the big room, electronic manouevrings of Danny Tenaglia, Steve Lawler, Futureshock, Circulation, Subtech, Pete Heller, Underworld, Sasha, Max Graham, John Digweed, Gareth Emery and of course, Singapore’s very own Aldrin Quek. The goal - to create music that not only moves the body, but the heart and soul.