Digital brain, analog heart.

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

A: I really love my band Dead Rituals' second EP. This was the first project written, recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by me at Hideout! A great way to start this new adventure.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love them both equally! Digital can sound incredible, so it's not a matter of "Analog vs Digital." What I love most about analog gear is that it's more immediate and at times impractical, leading you to take more chances and commit to choices. Having unique pieces of gear is also a good way to achieve sounds that others can emulate quite so easily.

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

A: I care about your music as much as you do. I don't take it for granted that I get to work on any project, and I am always stoked to have the opportunity. You're literally enabling me to live out my dream by hiring me!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Honestly, it varies from person to person, but I often end up asking them what they like musically, what their references are, and how they think their music should sound like.

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

A: Communication is key - Make sure you take the time to say hi to a provider, discuss your projects, references, and what you envision for your music.

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

A: Monitors, headphones, laptop, audio interface - the bare essential are covered! I have room for a fifth, more exotic effect: that would probably be an Altec tube preamp. I love the natural compression, warmth, and saturation these units bring to almost any source.

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

A: I have been in bands most of my life - When I was 15, I had my first experience in a recording studio, and the world of production and mixing attracted me from the get-go. I did some internships but mostly worked on my own projects. That turned into working for other artists, friends in bands, and so on - eventually, I started my own studio, and I regularly work with artists, online and locally.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: While I try not to impose my personal taste on a project, I would say that my style is often about creating a crisp, full sound, without making things too sterile.

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

A: Any artist with a true passion for what they do - People who care about their music and they do it for themselves before anyone else.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Sometimes, the easiest way to achieve something is not the most exciting. Leave your usual box of tricks behind, get out of your comfort zone, and try something new.

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

A: Alternative, indie, pop, punk, experimental, post-punk, new-wave, post-rock.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My complete dedication, creative and technical insights, and so much passion for what I do.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It's hard to say - For production and session work, it really depends on the song and the mood. When it comes to mixing, I usually start by setting up the tracks in my preferred template. I spend some time listening and balancing things out using nothing more than panning and faders, just to get a nice picture of the song before diving deeper into processing.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is located in a medium-sized room, featuring a tracking area (drums, amps, vocals, acoustics...) as well as a mixing and post-production set-up. I mix to my preferred DAW (Logic) and I use digital and outboard effects, particularly old-school tube preamps (even during mixdown to add more flavor and saturation) as well as compression, EQ, and more.

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

A: Eric Valentine, Jerry Finn, Steve Albini...too many to mention. I love a wide variety of music, as long as it has character!