MIXING

I generally mix 99% of the records I record but I'm also available to mix projects that have already been recorded, in a professional studio, project studio or home studio.

My approach is guided by what the music/song dictates, what the artist wants to hear, and what I want to hear as a fan. I always do the first generation of a mix on my own. Once I have the mix sounding satisfactory to my ear I will then send a copy via the internet to the artist. The artist can then have an opportunity to have me make revisions by sending me an email with changes or a video chat via Skype. Once in a while I ask clients to  join me in the studio for revisions if they are in the same town. Sometimes it's just easier to communicate an idea in person than it is over email or telephone.

Before I agree to mix a song or whole record I like to get a rough mix of the tunes so I can evaluate the condition of the material and whether I think I'm the right person for the job. My fee varies between $250 for a simple acoustic guitar and vocal track on up to $750 for a complex track of 24 or more tracks. 

The fee is determined by how many songs I'll be mixing, the track count in each song, the condition of those tracks and how much tuning, editing, or sound replacement I feel is necessary to create a sonically pleasing mix. Some mixes need major surgery while others are ready to mix well recorded pieces of music that just need a good balance.

I mix either in Pro Tools HD or Cubase with a digital/analog hybrid approach by using bits and pieces of outboard summing equipment or some form of outboard gear. My attitude towards those that feel you must use a large format console for mixing is that as long as the meal tastes good, nobody cares what stove you used to cook it.

ENGINERING/RECORDING

I'm comfortable recording to Pro Tools or to 2" analog. When it comes to recording instruments or voice for a project, I strive to make choices in mic selection and mic placement that best compliment not only that track but the other tracks that have already been recorded as well as tracks that have yet to be recorded. I'm also always up for an audio adventure when recording, so if cramming a mic into a cement forming tube, or lead pipe is involved or running the signal through everything available including the hot water heater is the way to achive the artists goals then I'm all for it. Whatever works! I like to work out of a number of Bay Area studios including Broken Radio (my place), Studio Trilogy , Tiny Telephone, Spliggityfidge and New Improved. No matter what your budget one or a combination of these studios will fit your project.  

PRODUCING 

My method of producing is based on the experiences I had being produced while playing drums in The Sextants and Seven Day Diary. The producers of those bands, Scott Matthews, Larry Hirsch, Gil Norton, and Joe Chicarelli ultimatly shaped my approach. Musically I feel at home producing most rock, alt-country, singer-song writers as well as metal artists. If you are a solo artist with no band, that's not a problem since I'm connected with many of the best Bay Area session players. I can help put together a band around you.

 When I'm hired as a producer my role depends upon the goals of the artist. Every record I've produced has had a different set of circumstances and dynamics with the artist. Some artist's like me to guide them through each step of the process, others are seasoned pros who just want an objective opinion about their performance in the studio. Artists hire me for my honesty, opinions and guidance. I'm there as a sounding board (excuse the pun) so the players can get an objective opinion, to break a tie on a band vote or to introduce a fresh perspective on an old idea or even to just be a cheerleader for the band or solo artist. One thing is pretty consistent from project to project and that's preproduction. I feel pre-production is key to making a great record. Together with the artist we can evaluate song structure, tempo, key and possible instrumentation for each song before we get into the studio. That way we know what the general game plan is going to be. 

My fees for producing are always flexible to accommodate the artists budgets so please contact me so we can talk about your project.