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Mixing Services
Mixing Includes: Editing, Balancing and Creative Colouration and the option to attend the final mix down in a collaborative format.
DAW: Logic Pro X
VST: SoundToys, Slate, ShadowHills, Waves, Arturia, Valhalla, Izotope and many more!
Outboard: JCR re-amp, modulations, delay, effects, saturation.
Interface: Slate VRS8 with mastering grade conversion/preamps.
Engineering & Production
Have amazing songs but need help with arranging, adding layers & recording?
Have an epic band and want to be recorded like a pro?
Engineering can include running a studio recording, attending rehearsals to workshop with the band, arranging and production.
Whether in a world class studio, home studio, or wild adventure recording.
Michael has a wealth of experience mentoring, recording, and producing projects from various genres mostly in the Wellington Region. He has been involved in hundreds of records ranging from solo pop artists to rock bands and also engineering larger jazz & orchestral ensembles such as the NZSO.
Michael learnt the art of engineering and recording by working alongside some of the best in New Zealand's music and film industry, and has a talent for blending the hands-on practice of the golden era of recording with the mind-bending possibilities of modern audio production.
Tū Wairua (2024)
Michael is collaborating with Aotearoa's first marae-led psilocybin trial who are hoping to use native species of psilocybin containing mushrooms to treat Methamphetamine addiction.
We are in the process of securing funding to create a new musical work for this kaupapa focusing Taonga Pūoro, overtone and sound-healing instruments.
This includes attending the wānanga for this kaupapa consulting on psychedelic music research, music therapy and musical delivery protocols.
We are also looking to collaborate with SubPac looking into an embodied musical experience as an option for patients. We are also hoping to collaborate with PlantWave to get both native plants and mushrooms collaborating with our musicians.
YUDHISHTHIR -Sanatan (2024)
This was a unique experience for my role as a producer, which involved months of vocal recording, laying foundations of ancient Sanskrit mantras. Collaborating with YUDHISHTHIR, we drew inspiration from the profound meanings of the mantra, ancient references, festivals and worked tirelessly until something beautiful emerged.
YUDHISHTHIR has been singing mantras since he was four years old, and for this project we diligently delved into ancient books and resources to ensure all the pronunciation and diction was correct. Whilst bringing these ancient words to life with modern vocal and music production.
The music and these ancient mantras are indeed medicine for the spirit and soul. Each session felt like a spiritual experience, a fusion of hard work and reverence. Diligently and meticulously we honoured YUDISHTHIR’s cultural traditions, intertwining them with a fresh, contemporary approach.
Thank you to the 10 amazing musicians who played on this project and thank you to everyone that will listen
I hope the Indian/Hindi community enjoys our interpretation of these mantras and that this musical medicine also reaches new audiences. May this music serve for devotional practices, ceremony, meditation, yoga, and even the gym! May these words serve as a guide toward a righteous path and align hearts to truth love and beauty!
Music & The Mystical Experience (2023)
"Music & the Mystical Experience" a 6-hour project for Psilocybin Therapy created from years of research into music, neuroscience, and psychedelics but recorded in the context of a community ritual.
With improvisations guided by prompt cards, projection visuals, field recordings, and pushing a world-class recording studio to its absolute limits with 28 musicians and artists involved.
This project aligns with the intensity of a psilocybin experience and is filled with musical traits which support mystical-type experiences.
Michael’s largest project to date, involving postgraduate research, project leadership and editing, mixing and mastering this massive feat.
This began for Michael's postgraduate studies at Massey University in Wellington New Zealand. Now it is used all over the world in psychedelic therapy retreats, centres, clinical trials and ceremonies.
Khailana - Like I’m a Demon (2022)
During our development together Sutherlandsounds encouraged Khailana to avoid some of the production techniques she had become comfortable with during previous projects.
"Like I'm A Demon" steered away from Khailana's usual angelic sound, and instead brings a darker, more spacious arrangement.
Replacing the choral harmonies she is known for, with intimate and isolated vocals layered over a mixture of distorted, yet ethereal elements that represent the discomfort in being perceived as a "demon".
Bad Hagrid - Flat Dirt, Blue Grass and Other Bits (2022)
Bad Hagrids' recording process with me has always involved months of attending rehearsals, demo recording and giving feedback and advice. Followed by full band tracking, strategically embracing the bleed, capturing the groove, feel, and grit of these talented musicians.
This is always complemented by setting aside sessions for very serious adventure recording and weeks of vocal overdubs and development.
Androgynous Lemon - Lavender Eve (2021)
A glorious hybrid of disco, funk pop and retro vibes. This was one of the most fun Androgynous Lemon tunes to record, produce and mix to date!
This began with recording the drums as a powerhouse foundation in the studio. Followed by getting the rest of the band in Sutherlandsounds home studio for divine inspiration.
A real combination of traditional retro recording and the mind-bending possibility of modern recording!
Bad Hagrid - Here Comes Haggy (2021)
Bad Hagrids' recent EP required even further development and space for many experimental, writing, tracking and overdub days.
Often songs will be mere chord progressions or jams we work together to build into fully fleshed-out songs. We recorded solely in the Sutherlandsounds home studio for this project.
“Michael was outstanding to work with. Throughout the recording process, he demonstrated commitment to making sure that our album’s full potential was realized, dedicating as much time and energy as needed. Michael worked alongside us not only as a producer but also as a collaborator, offering valuable opinions and ideas on the music throughout.
During one session, we came in with a rough concept for a song, which he happily helped us to build into a finished track. Michael demonstrates not only a high level of competence and professionalism as a producer but also a deep passion for music and sound. His enthusiasm and his eagerness to experiment made recording our album with him a genuinely inspiring experience and we’re incredibly grateful to have had him on board as our producer.”
~ Bad Hagrid
Khailana - Gnome King (2021)
This project has spanned over six months and represents an evolution of Khailana's unique artistic & music production styles. This song shows a significant jump in ambition and strength in both her writing and vocal recording techniques.
Khailana began with MIDI mellotron and guide vocals, then we proceed to collaborate in the Sutherlandsounds studio over the following months. We conjured this arrangement by both alternating between free-form expression - whilst the other edited, critiqued, or built upon those ideas. This process included working together and individually and bringing these ideas to the studio for further exploration.
This project also expanded greatly on Khailanas' talent of using the voice for multiple purposes and layers, resulting in countless vocal recordings, overdubbing, mixing, and experimental sessions.
Androgynous Lemon Single (2021)
Honey Pot is a combination of analog band recording, overdubs and experimentation, and modern vocal production.
For this single, we recorded drums using a commercial studio to get a huge sound for the foundation of these singles.
Then we tracked each following layer individually at Sutherlandsounds home studio. This was to develop, ideate, and experiment with every part of the arrangement and every member of the band.
The result is pure magic, don’t miss this one!
Androgynous Lemon Single (2021)
Cherry Mountain is a lush combination of vintage-style drum recording, experimental vocal overdubs, and lush soundscapes.
For this single, we also recorded drums using a commercial studio and focused the production on a lush and vintage sound.
Then we tracked each following layer individually at Sutherlandsounds home studio. This including vocals, harmonies, experimental vocal recording techniques, and effects. Experimental re-amping of organ and synth elements during mixdown and meticulous workshopping and arrangement for every member of the band.
This one deserves headphones and a beanbag make sure to tune in to this one!
Gigi Genie - Seasons of the Soul (2021)
Gigi's debut recording project meant we tracked these foundations the way she plays, dynamic raw and from the heart, then built from there!
This initial recording followed months of free-form overdubbing with many guest musicians, unique instrumentations, performers and experimental timbres.
Then a final edit and refining of the overall sound of the project and extra vocal overdubs.
Gigi and I spent almost an entire year crafting a gorgeous collaborative EP with a song to represent each season.
Khailana - Our Monster (2021)
“Our Monster” is Khailana’s debut single filled with intricate harmonies, dream-pop, and fairy-like production.
Michael gave advice and guided Khailana through her production process. Then Khailana and Michael collaboratively mixed the song into a true synthesis of modern pop production and fairy tale aesthetic.
Shapeshifter RITUALS (2020)
This album involved a consecutive week of full 12 hour days in the studio. Tracking over pre-existing arrangements and many full band tracking sessions. Within the first two days 12 songs had been fully tracked leaving 4 days for re-amping, percussion, vocals and serious experimentation.
Assisting on this project also involved the consolidation of tracks from the Pro-Tools tracking station into Logic X where the mixing & arrangements would take place. This required rigorous note keeping alongside the usual assistant roles.
We did everything we could throughout the course of the recording sessions to make a wholesome, creative and inspiring recording environment. Resulting in not only what will be career defining album but a work of art!
Bad Hagrid - And the Planet of the Androgynites (2020)
The Bad Hagrid Album involved months of full band tracking, strategically embracing the bleed, capturing the groove, feel and grit of these talented musicians.
This meant meticulous mic choice/placement, committing to analogue compression/eq on the way in and setting aside sessions for very serious adventure recording.
Be sure to catch this one on vinyl soon!
Ingrid & the Ministers (2020)
This project involved Michael as head engineer/producer for two singles. We used a live band recording with strategic mic placement and isolation, combined with experimental vocal recording techniques.
We originally intended to track only one song, but we utilised our Studio time effectively meaning we had time to track 2 new singles for the band!
This project involved a combination of studio recording for the band/foundation. With a selection of microphones suited to the genre, songs and arrangement. Then a day of experimentation with vocals from the home studio, which took the tracks to the next level!
“Working with Michael was one of the best recording experiences I’ve had. He prepared everything beautifully so that we only had to show up and play. He created a space in which we could relax, explore and be creative - something difficult to do in sometimes sterile studios. We all felt really accommodated and listened to and were blown away by his awesome sonic ideas which really strengthened our songs without changing the meaning and feeling of them. Work with him if you get a chance!”
- Ingrid Saker
Anna Wild EP (2020)
This project involved Michael mixing 3 tracks from an instrumental EP written and performed by Anna Wild.
This meant studying multiple reference tracks, responding to the musical content, implementing notes, and a day working in a collaborative mixing environment.
The project includes a blend of recorded drums, samples synthesiser and was released alongside a film as a Visual EP.
Jake Baxendale - Sanctuary (2020)
This was a multi-day Jazz recording featuring the music of Jake Baxendale and Jasmine Lovell-Smith. Which held #1 on Bandcamps Jazz Charts which Michael Engineered.
Michael worked with Tomas Voyce running patching, machine room logistics and mic choice/placement and the SSL Duality console during tracking. Michael also ran transport via sheet music/cues for effective editing and live hear-back sends automation during the tracking process. This recording utilised both orchestral techniques and modern Jazz recording to achieve a no compromise world class sound!
“We brought Michael in to assist with a large ensemble jazz recording. There was a lot of stuff going on and some serious time pressure, but he handled it with a relaxed and professional attitude and we ended up with all the takes we needed and some nice-to-haves with time to spare. A+++, Highly recommended!” - Jake Baxendale
Unwind (2020)
This record involved assisting Thomas Voyce in recording the Unwind Jazz trio. Michael took the role of assistant engineer, operating hardware compressors, patching, performance note-taking, mic placement and session preparation.
This is an incredible example of a modern Jazz recording using the best in vintage mics & gear and an approach conducive to the live performance. Alongside the normal assistant technician roles Michael did everything possible to ensure everything ran smoothly for the artists and head engineer.
Music for Float Tanks (2019)
In 2019 Michael Sutherland composed, recorded and developed the first professionally recorded music for sensory deprivation pods or “Float Tanks”.
This included months of recording and research alongside the engineering challenge of making music audible underwater which contains 500kg of Epsom salts. The music was developed to enhance the sensory deprivation experience and guide people through their experiences.
This included 6 tracks which also weave into a full 1-hr “sound journey”. All of which comply with the Dream-pod software & operational constraints.
Now in 20+ Float Centres across NZ, Aus and USA it has been moved to Dream-pod LTD which is one of the worlds largest Float tank distributors.
Androgynous Lemon EP (2019)
The Androgynous Lemon EP involved tracking a full band simultaneously with full separation using 2 live rooms and 2 isolation booths.
Then we set-up multiple “left-brain” days to overdub all the toys/microphones needed to take this project to the next level.
“Michael’s an awesome engineer/ producer who was a pleasure to work with. He was super proactive in running and organising sessions, and brought great musicality/ creative insight to the recording process; Providing a wealthy technical knowledge in helping us get the sounds we wanted.”
-Androgynous Lemon
The New Blue (2019)
Michael assisted local production and mastering legend Mike Gibson (MUNKI Studios) and a team of New Zealand musicians in re-creating the first ever recorded work in New Zealand.
Pixie Williams recorded Blue Smoke 70 years ago and was re-created in this project with world class equipment and musicians in association with Massey University.
This project involved full band recording and the overdubbing of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Michael assisted with the full orchestra microphone set-up and ran the Pro-tools Session for the tracking of the NZSO.
“Michael’s studio etiquette, attention to detail and good nature was well observed by all involved and you went above and beyond what I could have hoped. It’s great to see an assistant so focused on the project and not needing to be told what to do but rather just got stuck in using your own initiative.”
- Toby Lloyd ~ Producer, Engineer
“Excellent treat for us to have an assistant who got the vibe right! All the musicians and the client commented on this…for me it was especially awesome having you being on to it - I had many balls to juggle and your help and etiquette really played into the relaxed and effortless vibe of the session which I think was key to its success.”
-Mike Gibson ~ Producer, Engineer
Louis Baker Solo (2019)
Michael assisted Toby Loyd in the recording of a live session for Louis Baker’s new music video (link below).
This involved working alongside, video, sound and light technicians while helping Toby achieve a full band tracking set-up that was functional but also up to music video aesthetic!
"Michael Sutherland is a real gem of an engineer and a great person to have in the studio. His composure, worth ethics, reliability and ability to think steps ahead has been incredibly invaluable in the studio. I try to get Michael assisting me as much as I can because when I do; I know that the job will get done and I don't have to worry about him doing an incredible job. I have no doubt that he will go on to do great things"
-Toby Lloyd ~ Producer, Engineer
Twisted Roots (2018)
Twisted Roots is a psychedelic fantasy project with lush and complex sound-worlds using innovative analog recording techniques.
Showing Michael’s ability to work one-on-one with an artist and bring a singer-songwriter project to the next level. Using arrangements and production techniques, while never loosing sight of the heart of the song.
“Michael is an incredibly passionate and dedicated producer/musician and guitarist. He put 100% of his creativity/enthusiasm into the project and turned half finished songs into wonderful works of art! Throughout the process Michael was able to give useful advice and share his ideas whilst always listening to mine in return. He never strayed from the spirit of the project, he just took it on a magical journey.”
- Khailana Kendrick ~ Songwriter
Bifrost (2018)
Michael assisted engineer Neil Aldridge in the recording of BiFrost which is a Jazz-Fusion project led by Norman Meehan. This album transforms Old Norse mythology and poetry into a psychedelic, jazz-rock concept album.
Focused on analogue recording techniques, vintage gear and full-band tracking Michael assisted on this project and also performed guitar solos on the tracks “Building the Bridge” and “Four Bridges”.
"Michael exhibited all the traits I expect of an assistant. He is calm, anticipates what the session requires, is discreet when appropriate, and will give a considered opinion when asked. He maintained focus and his manner with all involved was impeccable."
"I also utilised his expertise as a session lead guitarist and spent a day recording three sections for two songs. He came prepared, with well-maintained and set- up equipment. He brought great ideas of his own, and also took direction well, and all the sections he recorded made it to the final record. I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael in either role, and have no doubt that he will make a valuable addition to any studio he ends up working at."
-Neil Aldridge ~ Producer, Engineer