Gabe Dagrezio

Band Producer

Recording/Mixing Engineer

Growing up playing in independent bands, I understand the dedication it takes to rehearse for countless hours to write songs that excite us.

I've also experienced the frustration of working with engineers who have different visions or musical values.

This is why I love working with bands to help them create the records they want without letting my quirky tastes interfere. Every band is made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds, influences, and tastes, which is what makes each one a unique part of a rich music scene.

Below is my approach to making records in a nutshell. go to my blog for more elaborated rants and blurbs.

RECORDING

Using fancy gear in an acoustically pleasant room is the least important component of a compelling recording. The truth is: There's no good recording without a good performance, and no good performance without preparation and the right vibe. Recording in a recording studio is inspiring and exciting, and it ensures that the performer is in the right headspace to deliver their best take.

MIXING

Mixing a record is an art of it's own, and although there are no rules and no secrets, There are many inderdependent relations between any arrangement's parts. They all need to be accounted for at every mix decision. These principles are consistent across genres but are flexible enough allow for style and taste to shine through. Mixing is something that takes a lifetime to master and I'll continue learning for as long as I am living. Go to my portfolio to hear some of my mixes.

PRODUCTION

Producing is a term that can mean many different things depending on context and genre. For example, in Hip-Hop tradition, the producer makes the beat (backing track) that inspires the artist. In other genres, the producer can be very hands-on or totally the opposite. They can write parts for the artist or coach them to find their voice. Some are engineers and mixers; some hire these figures. My approach is to get to know the band and offer a new set of ears to the project, provide useful guidance in preparation to the recording sessions, and use the most appropriate studios to capture the tones that better represent them. I often mix the record we made together.

GEAR

**Analog or Digital?** Over the years, there has been much debate about which is superior. The wisest approach is to use each method for what it does best. Personally, I prefer a hybrid process to benefit from both worlds. In a recording setting, I work in professional studios with treated rooms, a selection of microphones, and a wealth of analog channels that I drive and compress to my liking. By the time the sound reaches the digital converters, I have most of the tone dialed in. If done correctly, this process allows me to capture enough "baked-in goodness" to appreciate the convenience of the digital realm, enabling me to complete the record "in the box" without overly relying on digital tools that mimic analog non-linearities.

MONITORING

INSTRUMENTS

Another great reason to use a recording studio is reliable monitoring. Not only for the engineer but also for the artist. The engineers needs to be able to hear what's being recorded in the most accurate way. In this case, monitoring refers to the combination of room and speakers as a playback system so they can make. For the artist, reliable monitoring means the absence of latency and a proper balance in the headphones. this, together with the right vibe, will put the artist in an environment that allows to perform at their best.

The player is the most important element of a recording. However, it is also crucial to use instruments that are well-maintained, properly set up, and tuned. Most of the studios I work with offer a selection of quality guitars, amplifiers, drum kits, basses, and keyboards. This aspect is also a key factor in choosing which studio to use for each project.