MIXING & MASTERING

Beyond musical output, I am best known in my music communities for delivering robust, dynamic mix engineering, and for my extensive knowledge of the craft behind a world-class master. All Aotu originals are mixed in-house. I have lectured at Middlebury College on these topics and techniques, and I regularly advise the musicians and producers in my circles.

I am well-versed in the technical particularities between mediums, and know exactly how to optimize audio for streaming services, vinyl, CD, radio, web and digital download release formats. I approach every project individually, always starting from scratch to determine precisely what your song needs to sound its absolute best. Coming from a production and sound engineering background, I understand how to sonically treat each aspect of the audio file in order to maximize its potential, often combining unique and unconventional proprietary processing tricks to achieve your goals.

Hear the difference and inquire below (please use studio headphones or monitors to listen and compare if possible):

Audio editing for podcasts/tv/film

My commitment to impeccable audio extends beyond music and sound effects and into the realm of dialogue.

I will provide industry-leading sonic optimization for your recordings to maximize intelligibility and minimize fatiguing elements. Stutters, breaths, harshness, mouth clicks and filler words will evaporate from your projects without a trace, significantly improving the listening experience for your audience.

I take word-to-word speech rhythm into account, adjusting your dialogue flow where necessary to help your audience understand and digest your content, while minimizing wasted time. I use a combination of cutting-edge AI tools and thorough manual editing to achieve the best possible outcomes.

For professional work samples and examples of client work, please inquire directly.

Original Music Production, Audio Engineering, & Remixing

I will compose, arrange, produce, mix and/or master an instrumental, beat, or full song for your project. I am a versatile producer, and am comfortable creating standout original music in a wide variety of styles. I specialize in all kinds of electronic, pop, and cinematic music. This service can also be provided as a remixer.

For professional work samples and examples of client work, please inquire directly.

Scoring & Sound Design

I will compose, arrange, produce, mix and/or master an original score for your project. Your visuals (or words!) tell a story, and require a dynamic musical accompaniment that fuels your narrative without distracting from it. I am also a gifted sound designer, with extensive experience capturing Foley, sourcing libraries, shaping samples, and synthesizing audio from scratch. My goal is to anticipate your vision, and deliver an impressive, top-quality score that exceeds your expectations.

For professional scoring work samples and examples of client work, please inquire directly.

MUSIC INDUSTRY & New Artist CONSULTING

As an independent artist and small business owner, I have a unique understanding of the music industry and digital content space. Whether it’s choosing a distributor, pricing a commission, or signing your first contract, I will do my best to assess your situation and provide actionable steps to maximize your advantages.

During my time working in the A&R department at a major label, I developed an intimate understanding of the inner workings of the music machine, and how to effectively work with important industry players, such as managers, agents, label heads, lawyers, and especially the source of it all: the artists. I know which metrics matter, how to leverage them for healthy growth on your own terms.

UI Sound Design

Whether you're developing a mobile app or the console for a new car, UI sounds are a critical element in your customer's experience with your product. I will design an array of custom sounds to perfectly complement every aspect of the user's interaction with your interface.

Private Ableton Lessons

I have been teaching students of all ages since 2014, in both formal and informal settings. My objective as an educator is to share my technical expertise and passion for creative authenticity with dedicated, curious students. I prefer to teach in-person at Middlebury or at my main studio in New York City, but I have also found success teaching remotely. Every prospective student and project is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Time permitting, I will offer succinct professional feedback, completely free of charge, to any aspiring musician or creative who contacts me. If you have a project of broader scope that requires extensive feedback and actionable steps to achieve your goals, we can develop a custom lesson plan and bill the time as private lessons.

What is mixing?

Mixing or mix engineering is the process of taking the individual raw audio files (stems) of each instrument and sound in a song, and using a broad array of professional audio tools to make them sound great together. Many artists do a "rough mix" on their own during the creative phase, and then outsource the final mix process to a dedicated engineer once they deem the song ready. After the final mix is done and approved, it's time for mastering.

What is mastering?

Mastering is the final stage of engineering in the music creation pipeline. It is a mastering engineer's job to take the final mix and optimize it for market by making sure it sounds exactly the way the artist intends. This usually means polishing, tuning and balancing the final mix, and dialing in the dynamics and loudness to be just right for the intended listening mediums.

Do I need mixing services?

You may need mixing services if you are proud of your composition, sounds and ideas, but you are still dissatisfied with the way all of the sounds are meshing together.

Do I need mastering services?

You may desire mastering services if you have a finished mix, and you think it sounds great, but it still needs that extra 5% to get it across the finish line and ready for release.

Why should I choose these services?

I am an independent, individual creator. I love music and sound engineering, and I have spent countless hours honing my specific skillset. If you like the distinct character and tone of my releases and engineering work, you will find that I am well-suited to bring that same touch to your music. I am committed to the success and satisfaction of my clients, fans and patrons, and will dedicate myself to bringing forth the magic in your project.

How long will my project take?

Please reach out as early as possible to book services. I will provide you with a time estimate and/or final delivery deadline based on your project and needs.

On average, mastering takes 1-3 business days, mixing takes 5-8 business days, and original music production can take 2 weeks or longer.

Licensing Information

You may not use my music in any content depicting violence, crime, anything obscene/explicit in nature, or expressing political views without first gaining my direct approval.

If you make personal, non-monetized content, or monetized content with less than 10K followers, you may purchase a copy of my music and use it in your creation, provided you properly credit me as such (feel free to copy and paste):

Music by Aotu | @aotustudios | www.aotustudios.com

Please be sure to send me a link! I'd love to see how you used my music!

If you have over 10K followers and make personal, monetized content, OR make personal videos, but generate video revenue through other means (product-placement, etc.), OR represent a company and/or create content for one, please contact me via the form above, including the details of your channel/company and the intended context for my music.

You are free to use my music in unbranded content for social media, as long as you properly tag me (@aotustudios) and include a link to my website!

For all other inquiries, please use the form above.