Hardcore Mix Engineer Expert

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: - I work solely in Logic Pro X - I work completely in the box - Monitoring is done on HS80's and a pair of headphones - Access to countless amp simulations and a Peavey 6505 Combo - Have access to instruments as well if needed. An Acoustic/electric 6-string, 2) 7-Strings, a Jazzmaster Bass VI, a Strat, Les Paul, and a Gretsch with a Bigsby. Also have a 5-String Stingray Bass.

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

A: Obviously, I love working on my own music. I'm very proud of what I've accomplished over the years. I have a plethora of tunes I can always go back and listen to. Gives me a record of my progress as an engineer.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Analog is great, however, digital is better for price and workflow. It's just more efficient and relevant in todays industry.

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

A: I promise good quality and hard work on my end.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It is my dream job. I get to make music sound good EVERY DAY!

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: How much do you charge? My answer is always a question. Whats your budget? I want to work with you no matter what. If that means I can offer you what you want at your own price with a little give on my end. So be it.

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

A: Some think I can fix all things within a mix. This is not always true.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I'll ask them to give me one reference track from a band they want their track to sound like and any other questions that I gather after listening to the reference track.

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

A: You get what you pay for and what you send in to mix. Make sure you get the takes you want and they are recorded at appropriate levels.

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

A: Chris Lord Alge, Brian Hood

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

A: Mix Engineering, Mastering Engineering

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

A: Computer, Interface, Headphones, Les Paul, Stingray bass

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

A: 13 Years I have been doing music in some sort of form or fashion. I've been a jack of all trades for many years in the industry. I have since narrowed it down to what I truly love to do and that is Mix Engineering.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My tonal style is again, THICK, PUNCHY, yet smooth and clear.

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

A: VOLA is a underestimated force to be reckoned with. I love their sound, and their songs.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: LOOK at your levels! Mix with intention.

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

A: Rock, Hard Rock, Prog Rock, Punk, Hardcore Punk, Metal, Prog Metal.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Carving out certain frequencies while enhancing others to create pockets for each instrument to live then gluing everything together to create a WALL OF SOUND.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I achieve a WALL OF SOUND that holds clarity. Thick, and Punchy.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: -Organization -Gain Stage -Simulations added to DI instruments (when applicable) -Volume Balance (this continues throughout the entire mix) -Surgical EQ -Mix Bus Processing (Levels are checked throughout the mix) -Instrument Bus EQ -Individual Track EQ -Additional Triggers (if needed) -Compression -Vocal Automation (if needed) -Vocal Tuning (if needed) -Panning -Effects -Master