Craig J. Smith on SoundBetter

I am a recording engineer, mixer, producer, and musician from Stockton, NJ.

For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with music. I grew up playing guitar and drums in bands. Almost immediately, I began learning how to record the songs I was writing with my bandmates. From recording in my basement to tracking in professional studios, I loved every opportunity I had to practice and learn about the process of making a record. Starting from scratch and finishing with a polished piece of art is an incredibly rewarding venture and it fascinates me every day. After high school, I graduated from Monmouth University, where I studied Music Industry. Still craving more, I went on to attend The Blackbird Academy, where I was mentored by some of the most talented engineers in the world, at the finest studio in Nashville. After graduating and receiving a Platinum Award, I went on to intern at Sputnik Sound, where I gained experience assisting Grammy-winning producers Mitch Dane and Vance Powell. Today, I strive to help artists take the visions in their heads and turn them into high quality recordings that we can both be proud of.

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Credits

2 Reviews

Endorse Craig J. Smith

by Anthony
Great engineer, very knowledgeable about his craft!
by Eva Michaylin
Working with Craig is a wholesome great experience! As a vocalist with a wide range, I can trust Craig to really capture my sound and make my vocals sound exactly as desired. If you're a vocalist looking for someone to truly capture your sound, Craig is the perfect engineer to work with.

Interview with Craig J. Smith

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: ¿Por qué no los dos?
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I absolutely love the creative process! It is an amazing thing to start from scratch and create a work of art that you are proud of.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Always trust your ears. If it sounds good, it is good!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work with a lot of rock, alternative, metal, singer-songwriter, and Americana artists. Although guitar-based music tends to be my specialty, I love working on projects of all kinds.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My personal studio is comprised of an acoustically-treated mix room and a live space, set up for live drums or full-band tracking & live-streaming.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Nolly Getgood, Jens Bogren, Sylvia Massy, Steven Wilson, Geoff Emerick, Machine, and Jamie King are a few of my biggest inspirations, alongside my amazing mentor, Mark Rubel.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most often, I help artists by recording, mixing, and editing their music. I also enjoy performing guitar, drums, or bass on tracks, when requested!