What I Do
I love mixing music that moves and means something – from intimate singer-songwriter moments to full-band alternative rock, crafting sound that leaves an emotional impact.
Mixing
Story
Every mixing decision starts with your story. What emotions drive the song? What impact do you want on listeners? This guides everything else.
Technical
The right technical choices let your story shine. Clean, balanced, professional sound that serves the emotional core of your music.
Problem Solving
Creative solutions for any challenges that arise. Whether it’s fixing issues or finding the right sound, we’ll get there together.
Hear the stories I’ve helped shape
Indie Rock
Pop R&B
Folk Americana
How I Work
The Process
Let’s create something that makes you proud.
1. The Call
Your vision, made clear.
This 15-30 minute conversation is where we align on your artistic direction and sonic goals. We’ll discuss your references, inspirations, and the emotional impact you want your music to have.
You get:
- Clear direction for your mix
- Shared understanding of your artistic vision
- Established communication channels
- Defined timeline and expectations
2. Mixing
Your sound, crafted with care.
Using the foundation from our discovery call, I’ll craft a mix that captures the essence of your music. We focus deeply on your first song to establish the perfect sonic template before moving to other tracks.
You get:
- A mix that sounds authentically like you
- Technical excellence that serves your story
- Creative solutions to any sonic challenges
- Consistent sound across your project
3. Delivery + Support
Your music, ready for the world.
Once you’re thrilled with your mix, I’ll prepare final files in multiple formats to suit your needs, from streaming to mastering.
You get:
- Master-ready WAV files (24-bit/48kHz)
- Listening master for immediate sharing
- Optional instrumental versions or stems
- Continued support for any questions
What Makes Layer Five Studio
The Layers
🔎 Clarity
🎹 Emotion
🎹 Depth
💬 Communication
🎹 Precision
Clarity
Clarity isn’t just about sound—it’s about understanding. I ensure your artistic vision is fully understood, your goals are clearly defined, and your music is transparently presented. We create a direct path from your creative intention to your listener’s experience through focused conversation and deliberate mixing choices.
Emotional Connection
Every moment in your track carries feeling—through your songwriting, performance, and production choices. I work to ensure your mix enhances these emotional elements rather than obscuring them. By focusing on what makes your music resonate
Depth
Great mixes reveal new elements with each listen. I focus on creating space and dimension in your tracks, giving each instrument room to breathe while ensuring everything fits together naturally. The result is a mix with depth that you and your listeners can get lost in – whether they’re hearing it for the first time or the fiftieth.
Communication
Your music tells your story. Through clear conversation and honest feedback, we’ll work together to ensure every element of your mix authentically communicates your artistic vision. I’m here to listen first, then enhance what makes your sound uniquely yours.
Precision
Excellence lives in the details. I’ll fine-tune every aspect of your tracks with precision, ensuring professional delivery that honors your creative expression while meeting industry standards. No more distractions—just your music, presented in its best possible form.
WhoÂ
Hi, I’m Chris FinnellÂ
I believe that behind every recording is a story waiting to be heard.
As YOUR mixing partner, I’ll help you transform your raw recordings into sonic experiences that connect deeply with listeners.
Together, we’ll find that sweet spot where technical excellence meets authentic expression, creating mixes that not only sound professional but feel meaningful.
Because music isn’t just about sounding good—it’s about making something that resonates and lasts.”
OUR STUDIO, THEIR SPOTLIGHT
How we help
Working with Chris was a pleasure. He mixed and mastered two songs for us and they came out sounding great. He was in constant communication with us throughout the process and always understood what we were asking/requesting when it came to revisions. He really captured the essence of the sound we were looking for in both projects.
Having never worked with an engineer remotely, we weren’t sure what to expect. But it was a great experience thanks to Chris and we will definitely work with him again on future projects!
I went through a lot of different engineers (whom all fell short for one reason or another) before I stumbled upon Chris’s studio. Not only was he able to listen and mix & master my music, he did so with great precision. The worst feeling is when you ask an engineer to change something, and the next mix has the same exact issue that you asked for them to get fixed. This is not the case with Chris, because he also has a fantastic ear and sense for music. He does his research to figure out what sound you are going for first, and he has made the communication process very simple too. You will feel safe trusting him with your songs!!
Chris is amazing! He worked tirelessly to get me exactly what I wanted. The quality of his work is professional and his customer service is impeccable. Definitely my go to for mixing and mastering.
Want your music to standout?
Your Music Deserves the Spotlight
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do Mastering?
While some engineers wear both mixing and mastering hats, at Layer Five, we choose to specialize in crafting phenomenal mixes. Think of it like this: mixing is the foundation where we sculpt every detail, polish every note, and build a sonic landscape that truly resonates. Mastering, on the other hand, is the final polish, the finishing touch that takes your already-amazing mix to a whole new level of shine.
We choose to focus on mixing because it allows us to dive deep, obsess over every element, and ensure your music reaches its absolute peak. We’re like sonic architects, meticulously constructing the perfect structure for your sound. Once that foundation is rock-solid, we’re happy to connect you with trusted mastering partners.
How do I start?
Just fill out the form in the link, and I’ll let you know everything that needs to happen!
What deliverables do I get?
The following are the standard deliverables that I offer with every mix. You could need other deliverables depending on your needs – stems, vocal up, etc..Â
I can include thoses as well, but it needs to be discussed at the beginning of the project.
Mix
- 24bit / .wav file of your full mix for mastering
- 24bit / .wav file of of the instrumental mix
- A listening copy for loudness comparison.
Do you have songs you have mixed on Spotify?
Yes, I have a playlist of music I have mixed and/or mastered here.