Radio has formed part of my working life ever since 1990 when I joined the BBC as a radio engineer. In 2004 I was the principal producer of a Sony Award-winning documentary series (see below). Chiefly, however, I work with producers, doing whatever it takes to get their programmes made. This could mean recording things (or showing them how to), editing, selecting music, mixing, helping write scripts, or making lunch. In this role I’m able to get involved with dozens of productions every year. I’ve worked for most of the major independent production companies and am a regular freelancer within the BBC as a studio manager. I have a particular interest and reputation for mixing music documentaries and have worked at BBC Radio1 as a technical producer.

My home studio is based around a SADiE * version 5 where I can edit, mix and master to full broadcast specification. This suffices for nearly every situation (who says you can’t record links in the lounge?), but if you want a plush studio with a proper recording booth, there are several I know well. I also have a nice location recording kit with microphones for most situations.

Often, producers bring me their programmes as SADiE projects (version 3 upwards) for mixing and mastering. However, I can work with files from other programmes (e.g Cool Edit, Pro Tools), or just a bag of minidiscs!

* SADiE is the audio workstation I use most. It is the most popular system within the BBC for radio and I’ve been using it for many years. The version 5 system that I have can handle over 24 tracks of audio.
SELECTED CREDITS
The Second Summer of Love
listen to a sample (.mp3) 3.3mb
BBC News and Current Affairs production for BBC Radio 2, 2004.
2 x 1-hour documentaries about the birth of Acid House, presented by Zoe Ball.
Credit: Co-producer (with Sue Clark), editing and mixing. Won silver in the Sony Radio Academy Awards, 2005
From Zero To Hero
listen to a sample (.mp3) 2.1mb
Danny Wallace’s unofficial 2004 Eurovision attempt.
BBC News and Current Affairs Production for BBC Radio1, 2004
Producer: Richard Fenton-Smith
Credit: Mixing
Matinee Idols
listen to a sample (.mp3) 1.4mb
BBC Radio 1 in-house production. 2004
Roland Rat on the influence of the 80s on current music.
Producer: Simon Barnard
Credit: Recording and Mixing
Memorable moment: Meeting Roland Rat, obviously
The Long Time Ago Story
listen to a sample (.mp3) 3.7mb
Ladbroke Radio production for BBC Radio 3’s “Between the Ears” slot, 2003.
Composer: David Sawer, Writer: Rose English, Producer: Martin Cotton
Credit: Recording and mixing
Entirely composed from the sound of toys (apart from the little girl)
Memorable moment: recording marbles rolling around Pollocks Toy Museum in London and toy pianos in Austria.

Clubbing Rocks
listen to a sample (.mp3) 1.3mb
A documentary about “Recreational” Crack Use
BBC News and Current Affairs production for BBC Radio 1, 2002
Producer: Matthew Chapman
Credit: Mixing
Special challenge: finding a way to soundtrack a documentary about taking crack. Listen for the ironic use of Grange Hill’s “Just Say No”

  The True Story of British Pop
listen to a sample (.mp3) 2.4mb
Ladbroke Radio production (www.electricairwaves.com) for BBC Radio 2, 2001 5 x 1-hour series presented by the late, great John Peel
Credit: Co producer (with Sue Clark), mixing.
The Colour of Music
listen to a sample (.mp3) 1.1mb
Ladbroke Radio production (www.electricairwaves.com) for BBC Radio 2, 2001 Epic 8 x 1-hour series presented by Lionel Richie. Producer: Sue Clark
Credit: Assistant producer and mixing
Memorable moment: working with Lionel.
All Back To Mine
listen to a sample (.mp3) 4.6mb
Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 1, 1998
Sean Rowley chills round at Norman’s place
Producer: Phoebe Collins
Credit: Recording and mixing

This one goes right back, but I’m still rather proud of it. It was recorded at Norman (Fatboy Slim) Cook’s then house, “The House of Love” A case of using a lot of technology on location to get a very natural result.