Recording Studio

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

A: Oh wow, recently I was hired to engineer and co-produce a parody album for a local christian/country artist. It was an interesting project to say the least. I think we had roughly 70 hours of studio time logged, and in the end probably about 25 hours on the mix. Funny thing was that originally the tracks were meant to be mastered somewhere else, and before the end of the project I was asked to do it. The sound turned out better than I expected, with help of course. I contacted a colleague about giving the mix a listen before the final render, the client was more than happy so I sent the tracks out.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I am working on a re-mix/re-master project. Three songs i think somewhere from 24-40 track per song. Client simply wanted the music reworked for an upcoming release.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Not acquainted with enough people here yet to say on that. My guess though is that there are some very talented individuals here though that can meet any number of demands in this line of work.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. Where I learned how to record using analog gear, I have moved into the digital world for economical reasons. I can provide clients with the tools they need to meet their demands at a much lower operating cost. If i did have the opportunity to introduce some analog equipment into my arsenal, I would definitely do it though.

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

A: 100% of my abilities. I will give your project everything I can. If its simply voice over work, or a whole band that is ready to record an album, I will give you the best work I have ever done.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Like construction I get to be involved in the making of something. Sometimes clients stumble onto a new song while in the studio and that's the most fun songs to work on. Starting from nothing and working with someone to help them create the best song they have ever written is amazing.

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

A: Do you use Pro Tools? my answer is No. I do not use Pro Tools. While i have worked with Avid software in the past, it is just not my preferred DAW. What DAW any audio engineer or producer uses doesn't matter as much as how much they know about it, and what they can do with the software they have chosen.

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

A: Auto correct on vocals, and fancy software means that I can adjust a bad take. This isn't true. People hire me capture a good performance, and part of my job is to make sure that the performance they gave is magical, not clicking a mouse to make it magical.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goal? Are you wanting to create a great product or do you just simply want to track what you have? I prefer to work with open minded musicians. Also I like to know that they are going to work as hard as they expect me to work on their project. I can push a million buttons but at the end of the day all the flashing lights and fancy software doesn't mean anything if the songs aren't good and the performance isn't great.

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

A: Be picky. Getting any type of audio work done is expensive, and you need to make sure you pick the right person to work with, as well as the environment. Don't hire someone just because they say "yeah i can record your tunes". Do they know how to use the equipment and software they have? Do they know how to places microphones? All of these things can mean a good product or just be another demo.

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

A: Tough question....would have to say, just an acoustic guitar. I cant really think of anything else i might need.

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

A: I have been playing music for a very long time now. Ive had many jobs in the past. Before i settled off to record and mix full time i was in construction. I worked as an iron worker for twelve years. There are days I miss connecting steel up in the air, was a super fun job, traveling and always meeting new people, but music has always been my passion.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Earthy and intimate. I like to keep my sounds as raw as possible, and i like to be direct and open with my clients about what we are doing. In return I like for my clients to feel free to be open and direct with me.

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

A: Foo Fighters. Those guys know what they want and are always open to trying new methods and environments to capture what they have.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Listen. Listen to the artist, what they want, where they want to go and what they want to sound like. Without that you have nothing and you are only basing what you can offer on what you've done before. I have learned in this business if your not listening your not growing.

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

A: Typically in this area i get hired to work with metal and hard rock bands. I have in the past worked on rap/r&b projects. I have also had the pleasure of working with blue grass and country artists. I would like to keep my door open to any type of audio work.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Honestly i do the best i can at giving my all in any facet of my work. So today i may need to be the best engineer I can, and tomorrow I might be mixing. The depth of the project will ultimately determine what my strongest suit will need to be.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I try to help my clients find the sound they are looking for. This could be anything from helping them identify with a melody, or as deep as helping them work up and finish a demoed song. Mostly just depends on the project and if the client has chosen for me to work so closely with their project.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: What ever it takes! This type of work doesn't come cheap, and my main goal is to give the client the best value I possibly can for their time and money.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a digital recording studio. Single audio room large enough for tracking acoustic drums and various other instruments. Control space is adjacent to the audio room with full view of the tracking space. I primarily use Presonus Studio One 3.5 Software. I also work with Calkwalk Sonar, and Cubase depending on the project needs for clients. I operate on a Presonus StudioLive32 series 3 digital console. this console provides my audio interfacing as well as mixing. Through this mixer i can route auxiliary mixes to clients, that can be controlled through their mobile devices. This allows for a much more comfortable environment.

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

A: Any and all that are music and audio related in the arts.

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

A: Audio Recording, Mixing, Mastering