Recording Engineer, Mixer

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Yes. Because they both have their own strengths. But they both have quirks. There are things you almost can't do in the analog domain that digital makes a snap. Analog is fast and generally sounds good, but requires constant maintenance and doesn't recall so easily. In the end, its about what comes out of the speakers, and knowing which tools will get you where you want to go.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to know what type of music my clients listen to for fun. When its a music project I usually ask for a list of "5 songs" that they were listening to when they wrote the song, or that they'd love to capture the vibe of with the tune(s) we're working on together. That way I can start to get into their head and hear things the way they do, and temper my own opinions just a little bit in the direction they want to go. Sometimes that list spins off a few songs that I think they might like and we can start having a dialogue about other ways to take the song. Then I ask what their goals are for their music and try to help them find the best way to go about achieving those goals.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I almost always work in a hybrid fashion with an analog desk and Pro Tools. The big room at Blue Sprocket Sound currently has a Neve Genesys which is automated and fully recallable, so between that and Pro Tools I am able to recall mixes and sessions quickly if necessary but I still get the sonic benefits and tactile speed of working on an analog desk. After that I have access to some great outboard gear to help shape the sound of things on the way in, or bring a little vibe to tracks that are coming from home studios or smaller production spaces that don't have a ton of options while tracking.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more. I find my favorite songs are ones that can stand almost completely on their own with only a few elements. Try to create arrangements that don't need tons of elements to get a point across. If you find the "anchor" in the arrangement then you can play with layers and bring stuff in and out to make the song really fun and exciting. But all that window dressing wont save a song that can't stand alone on a vocal and rhythm guitar.