As a music fan first, I care about helping artists realise what they hear in their head and I most enjoy working with musicians and creatives who are willing to take risks and who trust their instincts. Credits include Kinnship, Tina Boonstra, Nadine Yomi and many more great songwriters and artists.
I'm a freelance mix engineer, producer and drummer based in SW London with 10 years of professional experience working with some of the finest musicians in the UK. As a mix engineer my goal is to help form your recorded music into the shape you want it to be. As a producer I want to help you craft the individual elements of your music into a cohesive, singular unit and as a drummer I want to make sure that whoever listens to your track wants to nod their head.
I mix in the box using professional audio software from UAD, Slate Digital, Soundtoys, Waves, Izotope and many more plug in creators. I mix mostly on Logic but can also mix on ProTools if this important to you.
As a drummer, I do not record at home but am available for external sessions, shows, tours, etc or just as a consultant if you need advice on sound/gear to use. I also am comfortable programming drums on a DAW.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Interview with Alex Zahr-Iddin
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital recording/processing for ease but with analog instruments and real players because imperfection is what gives music it's soul. Having everything on the grid, perfectly tuned sounds rubbish (in my opinion).
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, Rock, Soul, Indie
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: When mixing I like to listen to the rough mix a few times and get a feel for the song. Then I'll listen to a few of the stems, maybe all the drums, then the synths, then guitars, then vocals or whatever is on the track and see what's been used in the track. I'll balance out the drums first, get a good rhythmic foundation then build the mix on top of that. Finally I'll work with the vocals and get them sounding great on their own, add them into the track and edit the backing track from there.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Yamaha monitoring, Apple Logic Pro/Avid ProTools. All mixing done in the box using Universal Audio processing, Slate Digital, Soundtoys, Waves, Izotope and many more.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Remote mixing
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I co-produced and played drums on Tina Boonstra's collection of EPs.. She's notching up several million plays and I'm so proud of the results. I got to work with some of my closest friends on one of the most authentic and heartfelt projects I've ever been involved with!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I studied music performance in one of London's top colleges for 3 years before becoming freelance. I've been playing drums for 15 of my 26 years and have been producing music with artists for around 6 years. I was lucky enough to shadow and learn production techniques from a top London musician who now works from LA and that helped me to decide and work on my approach and how I love to work.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Daniel Lanois, Mike Crossey, Brian Eno, Justin Vernon, Steve Gadd, Hugh Padgham
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: My wife's EP! She is an incredible singer and writer, it's a bit like Bon Iver crossed with The National crossed with HAIM crossed with Thomas Dybdahl crossed with Nick Drake! Coming soon!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Chuck Sabo, he was my drum tutor at college and is a fantastic player who is featured on SoundBetter's first page for session drummers!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: We will challenge each other and push each other to get the best results we can. It might be uncomfortable but creating music should be at times!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Working with people who get the best out of me as well as the other way around!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: 'Can I do another take?' Yeah!! When you're happy we'll stop. Sometimes I will have to say "we've got a great take now, lets not carry on" even if you disagree but I appreciate this is your music under your name not mine so we go until you're happy! But remember moral is important and I don't mind putting my foot down sometimes!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That collaboration is not important. When we work with people that make us feel great then we get great results! Working alone is great and important but have people around you who push you and don't let you stay static.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Where do you want this project to go? What do you need from me? Who else is going to be involved? Do you want a coffee?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Go with someone who sounds like they have similar ideas on music and an approach that would suit you and how you work. Don't just go for someone with the most impressive credentials. Connections are of course important but having an authentic final product that you are proud of is far more important. You won't just click with everyone and that's okay so go with someone who gets the best out of you!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: A kick drum, a snare drum and a hi hat. I need to play drums! Plus my laptop and my headphones.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Creative and experimental but grounded in accepted musical style.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Bon Iver because the creativity and ideas are so fresh and relevant, they are unlike any other artist.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Simple is great. Convey the song's emotion and stay away from whatever production technique is over used.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Ability to create musically appropriate ideas. Drums and percussion especially!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: My own unique understanding of music with an openness to learn for myself from artists I work with. A desire to craft a song to the vision of the artist, making it the best
I was the Mixing Engineer in this production
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $400 per song
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $80 per song
Mixing - 3 day turnaround for first mix, 2 edits each with 24 hours time allocated.
Mastering - 2 day turnaround for first mix, 2 edits each with 24 hours allocated.
- Logic
- ProTools
- Yamaha Monitoring
- Universal Audio
- Slate Digital
- Soundtoys
- Waves
- Izotope
- Gretsch Drums
- Sabian Cymbals
10 % discount for 3+ tracks
