I have had the great fortune of working with UM since 2005 in various capacities. A regular headliner on the Jam/EDM/Prog Rock/Improvisational circuit, they are a complex band both musically and technically. When Chris Mitchell, their regular FOH mixer for many years, asked me to fill in for a few dates at the venerable First Avenue in Minneapolis, I jumped at the chance. My goal of course was to keep the sound of the band consistent and true to the vision of Chris and the band. It is inevitable that I would add a touch of my own flavor to the mix, but in practice, I was doing my best Chris Mitchell impression.

Spafford is an up-and coming band in the Jam circuit, and a lot of fun to mix. Their tight grooves and great energy really connected with the audience for their North Coast Music Festival headlining aftershow. This was one of those magic shows where the band and room and audience are all swimming together in a river of sound and light, and I am hoping some of that translated to the recording.

Better known as the lead guitarist for Vulfpeck, Cory is an amazing musician with a high-energy solo project that brings out the best in his audience. Festival mixes are always a challenge, tight time-frames, technical mysteries, and challenging weather can all distract from the mix. We were fortunate this day to have bright sunny weather, and only a couple questionable microphones.