Music Producer/Mix Engineer

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

A: I am originally from Manchester, Uk, Where i was a touring musician with an indie rock band for a while, got my first record deal over in England when i was 16. From there i toured the world and met a lot of great industry people. Finally settled in Los Angeles (My Wife was A&R at Interscope Records). Once i got married i decided i didn't want to tour anymore so moved more into the production/mixing world... Now i own my own licensing company and recording studio in Los Angeles which was always my dream to begin with. I am very blessed and love what i do.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is very varied but my productions are always full of emotion and vibe and i also love to combine genres a little in every song... Kind of like Avicii did on "Wake Me Up".

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

A: Ed Sheeran... Super nice guy and hit music just comes easy for the guy.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I like to get a full grasp of the song and project before i get to work. Also don't be afraid of trying new things.

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

A: Pop, Rock, EDM, Folk, Country and everything in between.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My love for music and my experience is my strongest skill. I know how to make music that competes against Radio hits and i know what it takes to get an artist signed. I also own a music licensing company.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Computer: Mac Pro 8-Core 3.0Ghz, Macbook Pro laptop. Outboard Gear: Universal Audio UA-S610 SOLO, Golden Age Pre-73 MKII, Slate Digital Microphone System, Apogee Ensemble, Apogee Duet 2 Plugins: Slate Digital, Sound Toys, Waves, Native Instruments, Spectrasonics, You name it i probably have it. Mics: Neumann u-87, Neumann TLM-49, Slate Microphone System, AKG 214, AKG 414, Blue Baby Bottle. Monitors: Genelec 8030 LSE Triple Play, Dynaudio Acoustics BM 5A MKII. Control Room: Fully treated room with very high ceilings. Guitar: Gretsch Duojet with Bigsby, Gibson SG, Fender Telecaster (american), Fender Strat (American), Gibson ES - 335, Guild Acoustic, Gibson Mandolin, Lanikai Ukulele. Keys: Moog Sub 37 Tribute, Casio Privia PX-860, Axiom Pro 49, Axiom AIR Mini 32.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring 17 years experience as musician and 10 years as a Producer/Mix Engineer. I am from England originally but live in Los Angeles, I have performed all over the world as a musician and I have also recorded in some amazing recording studios with big artists as a session musician. I have been producing, mixing, and mastering everyday for the last 10 years! I have helped many artists find a path to Management, Publishing and Record deals.

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

A: I have worked on several projects from start to finish as a producer and mixer, then helped the artists get signed to publishing deals/recording deals. It's always nice to see people achieve their goals... i usually work with people for a while if we get along.

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

A: Take your work seriously and do it with love. I love working with artists with passion for what they do.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now i am working on pitching some of the artists i have been working with the last few years... Some have already gotten publishing deals/record deals from the material we have made together. I am also working on a few albums from people around the world.

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

A: I work with a lot of singers/writers on Sound Better.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog Sounds better but Digital makes the work flow much quicker and easier to get the idea out of your head. I use both.

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

A: 100% satisfaction. I want them to love the work. If i believe in the music i will always try to get it in front of the right people.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to make music everyday & make other people's visions come to life. Music is my life.

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

A: Producers/writers: Max Martin, Greg Kurstin, The Chainsmokers & Julia Michaels. Artists: I love everything from Pop to Country to EDM to Rock.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My work process starts with listening to the song or references several times and feeling the vibe. I then come up with a game plan of how I can help bring the song to the next level. I love to add my own taste/vibe to the track while understanding/maintaining the artists vision. It is all about team work!

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

A: They ask if their track can be played on the radio or signed by a big label. I say yes sure!! Let me help you to get it to that level

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

A: I make a lot tracks from start to finish... Artists will send me the basic song idea, let me know what they are hoping to achieve and i help them get to the finish line. I also mix and master fully produced/recorded tracks to a "Radio Ready" standard. A lot of times i will also help them get their music in front of publishers/labels and managers through my contacts here in Los Angeles.

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

A: That having more instruments and tracks means better sounding songs/mixes. Its all about doing whats best for the song! Less is sometimes more but then again sometimes MORE IS MORE!! It's all about the song!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to find out what music they love and what vision they had when they created the song! This is by far the most important thing!

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

A: 1. Piano 2. Headphones 3. Laptop 4. Apollo 5. Neumann Mic