Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Third Story Recording
Producing an album is an intense responsibility, like a pilot landing a plane. I have the musician’s musical life in my hands.
I’ve been a recording engineer since 1979. I love all kinds of music and have produced Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Hip Hop and more. I’ve worked with artists like Patti LaBelle, the Dead Milkmen, The Disco Biscuits and Schooly D, as well as alternative artists like Zen Guerilla and the Friggs. A few of the albums have gone gold and platinum. I’m proud of them all.
I work out of my large, world-class studio, which covers a city block and incorporates the best of digital and vintage analogue technology.
I will explain to you the many steps it takes to transition into this profession and help you determine what skills and equipment you need to acquire to get started. Things like:
• Record Production - an overview of making records in both a professional or home studio
• Owning a studio - what it takes to stay in business in a world where anyone with a computer can become a “producer”
• Engineering instruction with the computer-based systems used in today’s world-class studio
• Learn techniques for capturing the best vocal and instrumental performances
• Instruction in running a recording session in various styles of music – how to capture the best performances and keep the session running smoothly
• General good engineering practices – understanding of studio signal flow, how to work through problems during recording sessions, etc.
I was always musically talented and played in rock bands starting in middle school. Shortly after graduating from college, I opened my first recording studio on the third floor of the bar where I was working. Growing up, I never imagined this is what I’d be doing for a living, but I am so happy I chose this career path.
I look forward to the challenge of making each singer, band, rapper, and musician sound as good as they possibly can and help them with the arrangements and production of their music to make a great final product.
I love the collaboration with the artists I work with. This is a job that allows me to express my creative side, as well as working with some of the most talented people in the world. I never tire of the feeling of purpose from helping mold someone’s musical dream.
At this point in my career, I am free to choose who to work with and which projects will satisfy me as a producer. I can do a full length CD in a day or a year, whatever fits my client’s time and budget. The ability to be flexible has served me well.
To be a successful music producer and recording engineer, you need to be optimistic, confident, visionary, willing to stretch your abilities, enjoy the unstructured “Bohemian” environment of the music business and be flexible in working with your clients.