Meet Slim Davis | Recording & Mixing Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Slim Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Slim, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been a creative. Being an introvert allowed me to put on the blinders so to speak and just focus on expressing myself in whatever medium suited me best at the time. When I was younger it was music and art. As a teenager it was being a church musician and learning how to really create music. As a young adult it became recording and mixing. Music has always been in the bloodline. I come from a family of musicians all on different tiers, with different experiences. In a way, I had this natural evolution I wouldn’t say comes to everyone. It’s a gut feeling. I’ve always known that where I landed is where I was meant to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well I’m a tracking and mixing engineer at Quality Touch Studios. I also serve as the studio manager more recently. It’s definitely been a long road but well worth it despite any hurdles or challenges. I’ve started interning at 17 so to now at 28 be entering year 11 has been amazing. I’ve learned everything and not all that knowledge is about what goes on during a mix or session. I’ve had to learn studio etiquette, how to make sure everyone gets properly compensated for their time and efforts. You’d be surprised what could hold up a great record. As much as someone can tell you how to do good business, it’s just as important to know how not to do bad business. It makes it easier to navigate even the grayest of situations which happens more often than not.

In the same mind though the things I’ve seen and learned to manipulate in audio is crazy!! I pride myself on my ability to take a technique and twist it into my own little freak show. Things I’d normally think of not doing and say you know what todays the day has literally made such huge impact on some of the best records I’ve worked on. I like to go above and beyond on a record. I also believe in quality work. Having had the opportunity to watch some of the greatest of all time and some of the future greats has also been a huge blessing in my life. Most people don’t think about this but most engineers have their own sound too. Listening to those guys and just soaking all the information in has made it so easy for me to give the warm but modern sound I like to go for in my mixes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Lol nothing around here. You can go down to the National Harbor. There’s a couple of spots. I love seafood so I’d go down to the Wharf. Or you can take your self down to Brother Jimmy’s which has some pretty fire BBQ style food. Tell the homie Puff, Slim sent ya!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife Alaktra for putting up with the ridiculous hours I put in. My kids for silently inspiring me to make sure I still have fun at work. My best friends Matt & Dee for holding me accountable. And my brothers but still mentors Will & JL for always pushing me forward.

Website: www.qualitytouchstudios.com

Instagram: @slimmixesrecords

Twitter: @fireaintfree

Image Credits
William Bowser Chad McCowin Jr