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PROFESSIONAL TOOLS
Highest quality equipment and software available
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No cookie-cutter templates or processing chains
INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES
Ground-breaking & creative mixing techniques
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Achieve a sound that beats the competition and truly stand out
Sterling was very proficient and patient with everything that I was asking from him in regards to my mixes. With his ability of understanding what I needed there was almost no need for revisions and if so it only took one revision to get the job done. I have had him do 4 mixes already and can already tell you that I'm going to constantly come back to him!
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
As
OWS
With a final count of just under 100 audio tracks, this is one of the largest custom productions I've been involved in. The artist, who goes by the name OWS and I worked closely together to put our own unique spin on this incredible song. Starting with an intro inspired by Paul McCartney's Maybe I'm Amazed was an idea proposed by OWS to truly set our version apart.
OWS is a drummer and percussionist before all else. This production was intended to be very drum-forward. We knew from the beginning that we wanted to mix in a drum and percussion solo, but we had no idea that it would be as unique as what we created (starting at 2:16). We mixed in so many different elements that even I rediscover parts after listening to it now.
One of the biggest challenges with a production this size is finding a space for everything. It's typically not as easy as just turning up a sound to be able to hear it in the mix. It's carving a space in the frequency range that best accommodates each sound. Combining what is considered aggressive EQ adjustments with compressors and dynamic EQs automated to duck masking instruments and voices when necessary was the answer to many of my problems. Luckily, it wasn't as complicated as that sentence makes it sound.
Something special to note about this production is how some of the final vocal scats heard at the end of the song were recorded live at The Cathedral of San Andres in Elciego Spain. Definitely a unique finishing touch added to this captivating arrangement.
As: original song written by Stevie Wonder, with woven intro from “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney
Co-Produced by One World Studios & Sterling Skye Sound
Recorded, Edited, Mixed & Mastered by Sterling Skye
OWS - Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Alex Price - Bass & Acoustic Guitars
Colleen Cherry - Background Vocals
Danny O’Connor - Acoustic & Electric Guitars
Nick Palmer - Synthesized Keyboards/Horns/Strings
Lyrics and Composition by Sterling Skye
Recorded, Edited & Mixed by Sterling Skye
Mastered by Chris Graham Mastering
Artwork by Jacob Evans
Sterling Skye - Vocals, Guitars, Strings, Drums, Percussion
Water Dancer
Sterling Skye
A personal project of mine. Unique in the sense that the song was written, recorded, and mixed while I was working on a cruise ship. The style of this song was inspired by one of my favorite artists Ben Howard - his song Promise from the Every Kingdom album specifically.
I started the production in Ableton but later transferred to Pro Tools to record the guitars and vocals. I performed all the editing and mixing in Pro Tools before outsourcing the final step of mastering. I discovered Chris Graham Mastering from a podcast and decided to try them, which I'm glad I did. Great service.
My friend and incredible drummer Jacob Evans created the cover art. We worked on the cruise ship together, cabin mates even. When we were docked at our weekly stop in Curaçao, Jacob went out and captured a few close-up shots of the water, added some simple text, and it was done!
One thing I wish I had added that I think of when I listen to this track now is a bass instrument or something to fill out the lows. But overall, I'm happy with how this piece came out, especially considering the circumstances it was created in.
Focus
Jay Louis
This is 8th single I've worked on with Jay and definitely one of my favorites. We first met at Full Sail University where we both obtained our bachelor's in audio engineering. He's a great artist, so I definitely recommend listening to this song and the rest of his music.
One thing I love about working with Jay and this genre of music in general is the creative freedom that accompanies it. A multitude of delays, reverb throws, crazy effects, vocal distortions, and drastic pitch shifting are all common practice in this genre. Creating those elements and adding ear-catching automation moves make working with this style of music so enjoyable.
A few of my favorite mix moments in this track are the subtle chops I added to the beat at 1:13, and the repeated "focus" background vocals at 3:24. I suggested to Jay that we take those background vocals that are first heard in the intro, add some distortion, and mix them in at the end of the song. He ended up loving it when it was done, as did I.
Produced & Recorded by Jay Louis & 91st Productions
Edited, Mixed & Mastered by Sterling Skye
Jay Louis - Lyrics & Vocals, Kontrabandz - Beat
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HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED EDITING? WHAT'S INCLUDED?Editing is an extremely important process performed prior to beginning a mix. It's the cleanup phase. Editing tasks include: Vocal Tuning Breath Reduction/Removal Vocal Alignment Alignment of vocal doubles, harmonies, and backgrounds Plosive or Sibilance Control Click/Pop Removal Drum Replacement Drum Sample Layering Drum Phase Alignment Guitar/Bass Digital Reamping Instrument Alignment Background Noise Removal Still need help determining what your song needs? Fill out the form on my contact page and receive a free consultation and song review.
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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE MY MIX?It typically takes just 1 or 2 days to complete a mix. Projects with a high track count or projects that require extensive editing take up to 3 days to complete. This doesn't mean you'll receive your music within a day or two, but it's possible. The exact project turnaround time varies based on current availability.
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WHAT FILES WILL I RECEIVE AFTER APPROVING THE MIX?The Premium Mixing Package delivery includes: (1) Stereo uncompressed WAV file: 24-bit, 48 kHz (if applicable) (1) Stereo uncompressed WAV file: 16-bit, 44.1 kHz TV/Performance Mix (mix minus lead vocal) Instrumental Mix Acapella Mix Mixed stems are available for an additional fee. The Standard Mixing Package delivery includes: (1) Stereo uncompressed WAV file: 16-bit, 44.1 kHz (1) Stereo 192kbps MP3 file Mixed stems, instrumentals, and other mix versions are available for an additional fee.
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HOW DO I EXPORT INDIVIDUAL TRACKS FROM MY DAW?Most DAWs come equipped with track export functions. A quick YouTube search would be the most beneficial here. I created step-by-step guides a few years ago to export all tracks as individual audio files. These guides haven't been updated recently, so I can't guarantee that they still hold up after the latest software updates. Click on your DAW below to view or download a PDF to guide you through the exporting process. PRO TOOLS | LOGIC PRO X | GARAGEBAND | ABLETON LIVE | STUDIO ONE | REAPER | FL STUDIO
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WHAT FILES SHOULD I SEND FOR MIXING?Audio Files Individual WAV or AIFF files for each track See the question HOW DO I EXPORT INDIVIDUAL TRACKS FROM MY DAW? Stereo bounce of your rough mix Song Details Please include as many of the below details as possible: Artist/Band Name Song Name Album Name Album Artwork Lyrics Genre BPM/Tempo Time Signature Key Signature Copyright and Licensing Info Reference Tracks 1 to 3 tracks of a similar genre Could be any released song from another artist/band that you like the sound of Could be a previous release of yours that you'd like to match the sound of Could be a song that inspired you to create this current song Could be a particular sound you like in a song e.g. "Can you make my kick drum sound like this one?" You can send a link to the song(s) if you can't send the song itself
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HOW SHOULD I SEND YOU MY FILES?I use Google Drive and Dropbox for file management. Upload your project to the service you're familiar with and send me the shareable link via email. If you're using a free Google Drive or Dropbox account and don't have the space to upload your project, you can use a transfer service such as WeTransfer, or I can send a link to a private folder on one of my accounts for you to upload your project.
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CAN I SEND YOU MY SESSION?Pro Tools users can send a copy of your session for mixing. Make sure all audio files are included before sending (perform a "save copy in" with copy audio files checked).
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DO YOU OFFER FREE REVISIONS?Yes. Depending upon the service, I offer either a limit of (2) revisions or unlimited revisions. I always strive to be flexible and encourage creativity when possible. However, working without limitations and deadlines can lead to a never-ending cycle of "let's try this" or "maybe it would sound better if..."
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HOW DO I REQUEST A REVISION?All revision requests need to be sent via email. Please include detailed information such as the timestamp of where the issue(s) occurs when possible. Below is a list of common requests that would be covered with the included revisions and a few requests that would not be covered. These lists are not all-encompassing nor exclusive. I have the final decision about whether or not a requested revision will be performed without additional fees. Revision requests covered: Removal of noise problems. Volume adjustments of an individual track/sound or group of tracks (e.g., can you make the drums louder?) Basic creative decisions such as muting an instrument in a particular section of a song. Adjustments or additions of time-based effects like reverb and delay. Revision request that would not be covered: Adding tracks or audio clips not included in the original project submission. Major changes in the arrangement of a song not previously discussed. After receiving your written approval for a review file, the process to finalize your project will begin. Any revisions requested after will incur a fee. The fee will be determined based on the extent of the requested revision.
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HOW LONG WILL MY FINALIZED FILES BE AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD?You'll have (14) days to download your finalized files. After this period, I may remove your files from my servers if needed. You may request to have your finalized files reuploaded at any time during your backup retention period.
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HOW LONG DO YOU KEEP A BACKUP OF MY PROJECT?I agree to maintain a backup of all working sessions and media files associated with your project for a minimum of (1) year or (5) years for clients who book my premium mixing service. Read more about Backups on the Terms and Conditions page.