Tony Maserati

Tony Maserati
Skalpovich in Studio with Tony Maserati (pictured left)
Skalpovich in Studio with Tony Maserati (pictured left)
Background information
Genres
OccupationMixing engineer
Years active1987–present
Websitehttp://tonymaserati.com

Tony Maserati is an American record producer and audio engineer specializing in mixing. He was involved in the development of the New York R&B and hip-hop scene in the 1990s, working with Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy, and Queen Latifah.[1] Since then he has worked on Grammy nominated projects with The Black Eyed Peas, Beyoncé (who he won Best R&B Album with on her 2003 Dangerously in Love), Jason Mraz, Robin Thicke, and Usher. Maserati won a Latin Grammy in 2006 for his work on Sérgio Mendes’s Timeless. He has been nominated for a total of 10 Grammys, with four for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.[2]

Early life

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Maserati began college at Northeastern University before transferring to Boston’s Berklee College of Music in the early 1980s.[3] He originally majored in Composition, but switched to the Music Production and Engineering major when it was first offered in 1983.[4] While at Berklee, he learned to mix by doing the sound for the Marsells.[3] He graduated with an MA in 1986.[5]

Career

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New York hip hop and R&B

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Maserati went to work in New York City at Sigma Sound Studios where he assisted Glenn Rosenstein. Rosenstein introduced him to Full Force, who helped Maserati learn to arrange and mix.[6] While at Sigma Sound he worked with Whitney Houston and James Brown,[7] and was able to mix his first song, Samantha Fox's "Naughty Girls (Need Love Too)". He credits much of the musical sound he developed on his work at Berklee and the influence of Full Force.[6]

In 1989, Maserati went independent, specializing in mixing, setting him apart at the time since most musical engineers focused on production.[8] During his time at Sigma Sound, Maserati had befriended studio managers around the city, and he contacted them requesting work on R&B and Hip-Hop.[1] While most mixers worked on rock, Maserati claims he focused on R&B and Hip-Hop because it “was the only place where innovation was happening.”[6]

Maserati was introduced to Puff Daddy in the early 1990s through the producer Devante Swing. Puff Daddy brought Maserati into Bad Boy Records and, Maserati claims, Puff Daddy "locked me down" for the following six years.[6] As a result, Maserati worked with every major New York R&B and hip-hop artist of the 1990s, including mixing albums for Busta Rhymes, Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, and Queen Latifah.[6] Maserati regards these years as very collaborative, and he allowed the various artists to work with his analogue equipment to help develop their desired sound.[6] According to Mix magazine, Maserati provided the definitive sound of New York hip-hop in the form of heavy bass lines while also providing high fidelity sounds on the other end of the scale.[9] According to Sound on Sound, the result was a "huge low end and a smooth, velvety high,"[7] and which Mix labelled an "outhouse on the bottom, penthouse on the top".[9]

The success of the New York R&B and hip-hop sound propelled Maserati into a widely known and well-established mixer.[1] He received his first four Grammy nominations in 2003, with two nominations for being a part of "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z and "Where is the Love" by the Black Eyed Peas featuring Justin Timberlake, both of which were up for Record of the Year. He was also nominated for his own work in the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for the Black Eyed Peas' Elephunk.[4] He won Best R&B Album that year on Beyoncé's Dangerously in Love. The following year he was nominated again for Album of the Year on Usher's Confessions.[2]

Throughout this period, Maserati worked mostly with analogue consoles rather than digital tools.[5] This required enormous amounts of space and specialized equipment. To fit it all in, Maserati built his own studio, Una Volta, in a barn in upstate New York.[10] In 2008, he began working with his long-time collaborator Jason Mraz on the album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things, for which Maserati was nominated for a Grammy in Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.[11]

Los Angeles

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While his upstate barn provided the needed space for his equipment, Maserati disliked being so far from the city and the intimate collaborations of the studios.[5] Around the same time, the music scene was decamping from New York to the West Coast.[10] In 2010, Maserati moved to Los Angeles where he was able to get large amounts of space while still being within the city.[5] However, he left most of his bulky analogue equipment in New York, which pushed him to adopt more of the digital equipment for mixing and automation.[10]

In 2011, Maserati and songwriter Stefan Skarbek co-founded Mirrorball Entertainment, LLC in North Hollywood. Maserati worked with studio designer and acoustician Martin Pilchner to create modular studios in which each room could be redesigned to meet the specific needs of the production team renting the space.[12] Maserati and Skarbek offered their production services in the space, allowing whole albums to be produced, published, and recorded on site.[8] The integrated approach had Maserati directly mixing major tracks and overseeing the remaining tracks mixed by his assistants and mentees.[5] Maserati is a client with Pulse Recording.[13]

Grammy Awards

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Winner

2003 Best Contemporary R&B Album: Beyoncé Dangerously in Love

Nominee

2003 Record of the Year: The Black Eyed Peas “Where is the Love

2003 Record of the Year: Beyoncé “Crazy in Love

2003 Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: The Black Eyed Peas, Elephunk

2004 Album of the Year: Usher Confessions

2008 Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: Jason Mraz We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things

2012 Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: Jason Mraz Love is a Four Letter Word

2013 Record of the Year: Robin Thicke “Blurred Lines

2014 Album of the Year: Beyoncé Beyoncé

2016 Album of the Year: Beyoncé Lemonade

2017 Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: K. Flay Every Where is Some Where[2]

Selected discography

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Artist Song Title Album Role
2021
Casper Alles war schön und nichts tat weh Mixing
Falling In Reverse I'm Not a Vampire (Revamped) Mixing
2020
Mike Posner Operation: Wake Up Mixing
2018
TWICE What is Love? What is Love? Mixing
BØRNS Blue Madonna Mixing
2017
TWICE Signal Signal Mixing
2 Chainz Bailan feat. Pharrell Pretty Girls like Trap Music Mixing
BØRNS Sweet Dreams Mixing
BØRNS Faded Love Mixing
Calum Scott Dancing on my Own (Tiesto Remix) Mixing
Chase Atlantic Chase Atlantic Mixing
Echosmith Dear World
Ed Sheeran & Beyonce Perfect Mixing
Fergie Double Dutchess Mixing
Jaira Burns Ugly Mixing
James Blunt The Afterlove Mixing
K. Flay Everywhere is Somewhere Mixing
Leon Else What I won’t Do Mixing
Maggie Rogers Dog Years
Mansionz Wicked feat. G-Eazy Mansionz Mixing
Nick Jonas Home Ferdinand Soundtrack Mixing
Nick Jonas Find You Mixing
Selena Gomez Only You 13 Reasons Why Soundtrack Mixing
Sia To be Human Wonder Woman Soundtrack Mixing
Sofia Reyes feat. Prince Royce Sólo Yo
Tinashe Flame Mixing
Weezer Feels like Summer Mixing
2016
Andra Day Amen Mixing
Cerrone Red Lips Mixing
Clairy Brown Pool Mixing
Demi Lovato Body Say Mixing
Fergie M.I.L.F.$ Mixing
Fitz & the Tantrums Fitz & the Tantrums Mixing
Gallant Ology Mixing
Gwen Stefani This Is What the Truth Feels Like Mixing
Keith Urban Ripcord Mixing
Lawson Perspective Mixing
Mike Posner At Night, Alone Mixing
Nick Jonas Last Year was Complicated Mixing
Parachute Wide Awake Mixing
Santigold 99 Cents Mixing
Sawyer Fredericks A Good Storm Mixing
Shawn Mendes Illuminate Mixing
2015
Andra Day Cheers to the Fall Mixing
Conrad Sewell All I Know Mixing
Fleur East Love, Sax & Flashbacks Mixing
Katherine McPhee Hysteria Mixing
Nico & Vinz Cornerstone Mixing
Robert DeLong In the Cards Mixing
Sabrina Carpenter Eyes Wide Open Mixing
Selena Gomez Revival Mixing
Selena Gomez Good for You feat. A$AP Rocky Revival
Shawn Mendes Handwritten Mixing
2014
Aretha Franklin Sings the Greats Diva Classics Mixing
Cimorelli Renegade Mixing
Cris Cab Where I Belong Mixing
Jason Mraz Yes! Mixing
Jesse McCartney In Technicolor Mixing
Jessie J Sweet Talker Mixing
Lea Michele Louder Mixing
Madeleine Peyroux Keep me in Your Heart for a While: The Best of Madeleine Peyroux Mixing
Nick Jonas Nick Jonas Mixing
Nico & Vinz Black Star Elephant Mixing
Santana Corazon Mixing
2013
Ariana Grande Yours Truly Mixing
Avril Lavigne Avril Lavigne Mixing
Backstreet Boys In a World Like This Mixing
Beyonce Beyonce Mixing
Cher Closer to the Truth Mixing
Daughtry Baptized Mixing
Eliza Doolittle In your Hands Mixing
James Blunt Moon Landing Mixing
Keith Urban Fuse Mixing
Lady Gaga ARTPOP Mixing
Little Mix Salute Mixing
Natalia Kills Trouble Mixing
Robin Thicke Blurred Lines Mixing
The Wanted Word of Mouth Mixing
2012
Alicia Keys Girl on Fire Mixing
Jason Mraz Love is a Four Letter Word Mixing
2011
Andy Grammer Andy Grammer Mixing
Girls’ Generation The Boys Mixing
Jason Derulo Future History Mixing
Javier Colon Come through for You Mixing
Madeleine Peyroux Standing on the Rooftop Mixing
Robbie Robertson How to Become Clairvoyant Mixing
Robin Thicke Love after War Mixing
2009
Alicia Keys The Element of Freedom Mixing
Chris Brown Graffiti Mixing
Colbie Caillat Breakthrough Mixing
Pixie Lott Turn it Up Mixing
Whitney Houston I Look to You Mixing
2008
Britney Spears Circus Mixing
Craig David Officially Yours Mixing
Jason Mraz We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. Mixing
Jordan Sparks No Air Mixing
Kerli Love is Dead Mixing
The Pussycat Dolls Doll Domination Mixing
2007
David Bowie Outside/Heathen Additional Production, Mixing, Production Remix, Programmer
Kelly Rowland Ms. Kelly Mixing
Macy Gray Big Mixing
Talib Kweli Eardrum Mixing
Will.i.am Songs about Girls Mixing
2006
Fergie Big Girls Don't Cry The Dutchess Mixing
Paris Hilton Paris Mixing
Paris Hilton Stars are Blind Single Mixing
Sergio Mendes Timeless Mixing
2005
Mary J. Blige The Breakthrough Mixing
Ol’ Dirty Bastard The Definitive Ol’ Dirty Bastard Story Mixing
Rob Thomas Something to Be Mixing
The Black Eyed Peas Monkey Business Mixing
The Pussycat Dolls PCD Mixing
2004
Bruce Hornsby Halcyon Days Mixing
John Legend Get Lifted Mixing
Kylie Minogue Body Language Mixing
Usher Confessions Mixing
2003
Beyoncé Dangerously in Love Mixing
Jessica Simpson In This Skin Mixing
Jessica Simpson Sweetest Sin Mixing
Jonny Lang Long Time Coming Mixing
Kelly Clarkson Thankful Mixing
Mary J. Blige Love & Life Mixing
R. Kelly Chocolate Factory Mixing
The Black Eyed Peas Elephunk Mixing
2002
Baha Men Move it Like This Mixing
Christina Aguilera Stripped Mixing
Kelly Rowland Simply Deep Mixing
Marc Anthony Mended Mixing
Mario Mario Mixing
Queen Latifah She’s a Queen: A Collection of Greatest Hits Engineer
Sean Paul Dutty Rock Mixing
2001
Alicia Keys Songs in A Minor Mixing
Angie Stone Mahogany Soul Mixing
Brian McKnight Superhero Mixing
Christina Milian Christina Milian Mixing
Jennifer Lopez J.Lo Mixing
Jessica Simpson Irresistible Mixing
Mary J. Blige No More Drama Mixing
2000
Lil’ Kim Notorious K.I.M. Engineer
Mya Fear of Flying Mixing
R. Kelly TP-2.com Mixing
Ricky Martin Sound Loaded Mixing
Ruff Ryders Ryde or Die, Vol. 2 Mixing
1999
Angie Stone Black Diamond
Jennifer Lopez On the 6 Mixing
Jessica Simpson Sweet Kisses Mixing
K-Ci & JoJo It’s Real Mixing
Puff Daddy Forever Engineer
Vitamin C Vitamin C Mixing
1998
Faith Evans Keep the Faith Mixing
R. Kelly R. Mixing
1997
Busta Rhymes When Disaster Strikes Engineer, Mixing
Mariah Carey Butterfly Mixing
Mase Harlem World Mixing
Notorious B.I.G. Life After Death Mixing
Puff Daddy & the Family No Way Out Mixing
1995
Faith Evans Faith Evans Engineer, Mixing
1994
Mary J. Blige My Life Engineer, Mixing
1993
David Bowie Black Tie White Noise Producer, Mixing
Queen Latifah Black Reign Engineer
1992
Mary J. Blige What’s the 411? Engineer, Mixing, Remixing
1990
C+C Music Factory Gonna Make You Sweat Engineer
1989
Patti LaBelle Be Yourself Engineer, Mixing
1988
James Brown I’m Real Engineer, Editing, Mixing
1987
Whitney Houston Whitney Assistant Engineer

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Interview: Mixer - Tony Maserati". Speakhertz - Talk Audio. 2014-06-26. Retrieved 2018-03-02.
  2. ^ a b c "Tony Maserati". GRAMMY.com. 2017-11-28. Retrieved 2018-03-02.
  3. ^ a b Shea, Andrea (January 24, 2014). "Berklee Alum Behind Robin Thicke's Grammy Nominated 'Blurred Lines'". www.wbur.org. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  4. ^ a b Hochschild, Rob (February 20, 2004). "News | Berklee College of Music". www.berklee.edu. Archived from the original on 2010-12-06. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  5. ^ a b c d e Tingen, Paul (October 2013). "Tony Maserati: Inside Track".
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Red Bull Music Academy Daily". daily.redbullmusicacademy.com. January 5, 2015. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  7. ^ a b Tingen, Paul (March 2007). "Secrets Of The Mix Engineers: Tony Maserati". Sound on Sound. Retrieved 2014-08-09.
  8. ^ a b "Tony Maserati - Mix with the Masters". Mix with the Masters (in French). 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2018-03-07.
  9. ^ a b Drowdy, Maureen (January 12, 2001). "Tony Maserati". Mixonline.com. Retrieved 2014-08-09.
  10. ^ a b c Jackson, Blair (October 10, 2009). "Tony Maserati". Mixonline. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
  11. ^ "Tony Maserati on Mixing with Jason Mraz". June 1, 2008.
  12. ^ Brown, Janice (May 2, 2013). "Tony Maserati & Bedrock.LA Teaming up to Build Modern Day Brill Building". Sonicscoop.
  13. ^ Staff. "Tony Maserati". Pulse Music Group. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
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