I Mix Hip Hop

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

A: I mixed an album for World United which is a non profit organization. This project included artists from all over the world and was produced by a long time collaborator of mine named David Levy. He traveled the world recording everywhere from Thailand to Germany and everywhere in between. I am proud of this project because I was able to take his field recordings and return mixes that sounded like they were tracked in a professional studio.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Two Hip-Hop projects, mastering a 10 song album and a few personal projects.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I run an analog setup but also use loads of digital processing. The trick is to know which tool to use and why.

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

A: If you like my sound you will like what I do with your music. I promise to work with each client until they are 100% satisfied.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love working on other peoples music. Mixing is an art form and taking an artist's vision to the next level is very satisfying for me.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That anybody can do it. I have been mixing since 2004 and with every mix I get better. When you hire a mixing engineer you are paying for years of experience that translates into a professional, radio ready sound.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What artists inspire you? What are your career goals?

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

A: Send a rough mix with the multi-tracks so I can get a sense for what you'd like to hear in the end. When sending multi-tracks if you're in love with the effects on certain sounds include those with the files. If I think there's a reason to recreate an individual effect I will ask for the dry files.

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

A: Wunder Audio Cobalt, Distressor, API 550b, Neumann U87 and a Fender Bassman for reamping.

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

A: My career started at Q-Division in Boston in 2002. In 2008 I moved to Colorado and opened a commercial studio until 2016. Now I operate a private mixing/mastering studio in my home.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Big and Polished.

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

A: Sticky Fingers. There is a lot of creativity afforded to the mixing engineer in the albums they have released.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When mixing I will often close my eyes or let them drift out of focus. This heightens my other senses so I can direct more of my focus to what I'm listening to.

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

A: Hip-Hop and Reggae but I am also skilled at mixing Metal and Rock music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Mixing and Production

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My sound is big and polished. I offer consistent and professional results. I have an ear for how effects should be used and I know just how to make everything sit right in the mix.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: After a client sends the multi-tracks I mix until I am completely satisfied. At that point I will send a copy of the mix to the client for their review. After careful listening mix revisions begin. I offer two rounds of revisions at no additional cost. Once the mix is approved by the client I proceed with mastering (mastering is free for mix clients). Again, I work with the master until I am satisfied before sending it off to the client for approval.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: At the heart of my studio is an analog SSL mixing console running Pro Tools with the highest quality convertors (Antelope Orion Synergy Core). My outboard gear includes an A-Designs Hammer stereo tube equalizer, Distressor, Wunder Audio and API equalizers and preamps.

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

A: Trent Reznor, Alan Moulder, Alan Douches and Terry Date

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

A: The bulk of my work is remote Mixing and Mastering. I am also available for tracking in Northern Colorado, Denver and Southern Wyoming.