Producer and Engineer
For the most part, I work as both a producer and an engineer on sessions and it's rare that I do one without the other. That said, when the circumstances are right, I have and will continue to perform just one of the roles, on a case by case basis. When I'm the producer of a recording, I like to think of the engineering portion as just an extension of my creativity. I like to flow through the technical without getting bogged down and doing both actually helps me "let go" and record on instinct.
Mix Engineer
I've mixed not only my own recordings, but dozens of EP's and LP's that were produced and engineered by other people as well. It's always a joy to mix and it's my favorite part of the process both when I recorded the material and when someone else did. When I've recorded it, I love seeing it through and finishing the recording process myself, but I also love the discovery process that takes place when someone else has made the recording - it's fantastic to help them see it through and achieve their vision. Both are equally fun and exciting.
Artist quote: Jeff Knowlton, founder of 'The Break Mission'
I was literally raised in a recording studio. My father was a professional musician and recording engineer, and he built a successful studio attached to my childhood home. I grew up around music and took to it an early age, and managed to absorb, without knowing it, that collaboration and musical partnership is a blessing, but oftentimes quite elusive. Many years later, I found myself in Boston forming my own band, Redletter. I was fortunate to meet Matt Russell early on, and we struck up an immediate kinship, sharing the same passion and commitment to our musical endeavors. He has been a true creative partner, and his influence and expertise has helped me carve out a rewarding career in music. Matt has produced, engineered, mixed and mastered multiple projects for me over the years. He is an accomplished musician, as well as an extremely talented engineer. My band changed its name to The Break Mission a few years ago, and once again, I found myself working with Matt. Regardless of style, genre or approach, Matt is an asset. He knows when I need to be nurtured, and when to sit back and let my manic songwriter ego tire itself out. Matt is a tremendous talent, and working with him over the years has always been enjoyable and successful.
Artist quote: Brian Fabiano, Cell
I have worked with Matt on numerous tracks, two EPs and other music related projects over the last 3 years. His passion and dedication to the music he works on is felt throughout the process and certainly heard in the final product. Entering the music scene as a novice, I had so much to learn about the processes involved in recording and producing music on a professional level. Matt's patience and ability to explain things in terms I could understand made every step of my projects not only enjoyable, but also a learning experience throughout. As a solo artist and a control freak, Matt understands when I am looking for input, and when I know what I want, and respects them accordingly. I can say with confidence if I didn't happen to meet Matt when I did, my music would still be demo tracks with my dreams attached to them. I am proud to call him not only my producer, but also a very good friend.