A. Focx Productions

Making Your Music Come Alive

AFocx Samples

Newsted – Soldierhead

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Production Credits: Recording, Engineering,

Digital Engineering, Mixing, Mastering

Jason Newsted Soldierhead Recording, Mixing, and Mastering

One of the most exciting projects of my career was working as the recording, mixing, and mastering engineer for Jason Newsted’s debut solo single, “Soldierhead.”

Released as the lead single from the Metal EP, the song marked Jason Newsted’s return to aggressive heavy metal. As a result, fans quickly embraced the release and welcomed his return to heavier music.

Recorded at Creation Lab Studio, “Soldierhead” combined powerful guitar riffs, driving bass lines, aggressive vocals, and classic thrash metal influences. At the same time, the production used modern recording and mixing techniques to create a powerful sound.

Recording Soldierhead

My first goal was to capture the raw energy of the performances. Therefore, every recording decision focused on preserving the intensity of the musicians while maintaining clarity and balance.

In addition, I worked to ensure that every instrument retained its character. This approach helped create a solid foundation for the mixing and mastering stages.

Mixing Jason Newsted Soldierhead

The mixing process focused on impact, separation, and clarity. The guitars needed to sound massive. However, they could not overpower the vocals or rhythm section.

Likewise, the drums needed punch and energy without becoming overwhelming. Careful EQ, compression, and automation helped every element maintain its place within the mix.

As a result, the final mix delivered the aggressive sound metal fans expected while remaining clear and balanced.

Mastering Jason Newsted Soldierhead

The mastering stage brought the entire production together. I focused on loudness, punch, low-end control, and overall consistency.

Furthermore, I worked to ensure the song translated effectively across streaming platforms, digital downloads, video releases, headphones, and traditional audio systems.

The goal was simple. I wanted listeners to experience the same impact regardless of how they heard the song.

Jason Newsted Soldierhead Success

Fans immediately responded to “Soldierhead.” In addition, the song generated significant attention throughout the metal community.

The release helped drive the success of the Metal EP. The EP reached #1 on the iTunes Heavy Metal Charts and debuted at #62 on the Billboard 200.

Today, “Soldierhead” continues to attract listeners around the world. Millions of streams and views demonstrate the lasting appeal of Jason Newsted’s return to heavy music.

Final Thoughts

Projects like “Soldierhead” are especially rewarding because they combine strong performances with high-quality production.

Working with Jason Newsted on his debut solo project was a privilege. More importantly, the song remains an important part of my portfolio of recording, mixing, and mastering credits.

Today, Jason Newsted Soldierhead continues to connect with metal fans worldwide. It remains a great example of combining classic thrash metal energy with modern audio production.

 

Vince Neil – Tattoos & Tequila

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Production Credits: Recording, Engineering,

Digital Engineering, Mixing & Mastering

Vince Neil Tattoos and Tequila Mastering

Vince Neil Tattoos and Tequila mastering was a project I was proud to be part of as the mastering engineer for Vince Neil’s solo release, Tattoos & Tequila. Released in 2010, the album showcased the legendary Mötley Crüe frontman’s signature vocal style while blending hard rock energy with songs that reflected important influences throughout his career.

The album features a combination of original material and cover songs from artists who helped shape Vince Neil’s musical journey. As a result, Tattoos & Tequila offers listeners a unique look into the music and artists that inspired one of rock’s most recognizable voices.

Professional Audio Mastering

The Vince Neil Tattoos and Tequila mastering process focused on delivering a polished and powerful listening experience. My goal was to enhance clarity, punch, balance, and overall impact while preserving the character and energy of the performances.

Additionally, professional mastering helped ensure the album translated consistently across streaming services, digital downloads, CD releases, and modern playback systems. Every song required careful attention to detail to maintain consistency throughout the album while supporting the unique style of each track.

Rock Album Production

Tattoos & Tequila combines hard rock attitude, strong performances, and memorable songwriting. Furthermore, the album highlights Vince Neil’s ability to connect with fans through music that reflects both his personal influences and his established rock legacy.

Professional mastering plays an important role in helping albums achieve their full potential. As a result, listeners can experience the music with greater clarity, impact, and consistency regardless of how they choose to listen.

A Rewarding Project

Looking back, the Vince Neil Tattoos and Tequila mastering project remains a valued part of my professional mastering portfolio. It was an honor to contribute to a release from one of rock music’s most recognizable voices and help bring this album to audiences around the world.

To learn more about my professional mastering services, visit the Samples page or Contact page on my website.

Bury the Rest – Lying in Repose

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Production Credits: Mix Engineer, Mastering Engineer

Bury the Rest Lying in Repose Mixing and Mastering

Bury the Rest Lying in Repose is a powerful modern rock release that showcases the band’s aggressive sound, talented musicians, and emotional songwriting. I had the opportunity to contribute to this project and help deliver a polished production that captured the energy and intensity of the performance.

Released in 2014, the song combines heavy guitars, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals. As a result, it became a standout track within the band’s catalog and helped introduce their music to rock and metal fans.

Throughout the production process, my focus was on creating a balanced and powerful listening experience while keeping the raw emotion of the performance intact.

The Production Process

The production of the song required careful attention to clarity, punch, and overall balance. Every instrument needed its own space within the mix while still contributing to a powerful wall of sound.

Special attention was given to guitar definition, vocal presence, low-end impact, and stereo imaging. In addition, the final master was adjusted to sound great across streaming services, digital downloads, headphones, car stereos, and home audio systems.

Meanwhile, professional mixing and mastering help listeners experience music as intended regardless of where they hear it. Therefore, every stage of the process focused on maximizing both impact and clarity.

Fan Response

Fans of modern hard rock and alternative metal continue to discover this release through digital platforms and the official music video.

The official music video premiered on October 1, 2014, and has generated thousands of views online. Many listeners have praised the heavy sound, strong performances, and modern production style.

Today, the track continues to attract listeners through streaming platforms and online music communities. As a result, the release has helped expand awareness of the band among rock and metal audiences looking for new independent music.

Legacy of the Release

Projects like this are rewarding because they combine strong songwriting, energetic performances, and professional audio production.

More than a decade after its release, Bury the Rest Lying in Repose remains an important credit within my portfolio of audio production work. It serves as another example of my commitment to helping artists achieve professional results through high-quality recording, mixing, and mastering.

For more information about my professional mixing and mastering services, visit the Samples page and Contact page on my website. You can also learn more about the band through their official website and music platforms.

The Dead Daisies We’re An American Band (Live)

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Production Credits: Mix Engineer

The Dead Daisies We’re An American Band is a powerful live version of the legendary Grand Funk Railroad classic. I proudly mixed this recording during the band’s acclaimed Live & Louder era. The track features an all-star lineup that includes John Corabi, Doug Aldrich, Marco Mendoza, Brian Tichy, and David Lowy.

Capturing The Live Experience

My goal was simple. I wanted listeners to feel like they were standing in the crowd at a Dead Daisies concert.

Rather than creating a polished studio sound, I focused on preserving the excitement of the live performance. As a result, the mix delivers the energy, emotion, and atmosphere that fans experience at a live show. Additionally, I worked to keep every instrument clear while maintaining the power of the full band.

Mixing Approach

For The Dead Daisies We’re An American Band, I built a large guitar sound while keeping strong separation between the rhythm and lead guitars. At the same time, I kept John Corabi’s vocals front and center so every lyric remained clear and impactful.

Furthermore, I enhanced the punch of the rhythm section to give the performance greater drive and intensity. I also preserved the audience reactions because they help place the listener directly inside the venue. Together, these elements create an immersive rock-and-roll experience.

Song Performance

Originally released by Grand Funk Railroad in 1973, “We’re An American Band” became one of rock music’s most recognizable anthems. Later, The Dead Daisies brought their own hard rock style to the song and introduced it to a new generation of fans.

The official video has generated more than 3.75 million YouTube views. In addition, the song has accumulated millions of combined streams and views across digital platforms worldwide.

Live & Louder Success

The band released the song during the promotion cycle for Live & Louder. The album reached the Top 10 of the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. It also charted in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and several other European territories.

Ultimately, The Dead Daisies We’re An American Band remains a fan favorite. It showcases the band’s signature blend of classic rock attitude, modern hard rock power, and world-class musicianship.

For additional examples of my work, visit my Samples page. You can also learn more about my professional Mixing and Mastering Services.

The Dead Daisies – Long Way To Go

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Production Credits: Mixing

The Dead Daisies mixing and mastering project was a rewarding opportunity to work with one of modern rock’s most respected bands. Known for their powerful performances, world-class musicianship, and classic hard rock sound, The Dead Daisies have built a strong international following among rock fans.

As a professional mixing and mastering engineer, my goal is always to enhance the impact, clarity, and energy of every recording while preserving the character of the performance. The The Dead Daisies mixing and mastering process focused on delivering a polished and dynamic sound that translated effectively across streaming services, digital downloads, radio broadcasts, CD, vinyl, and modern playback systems.

The Dead Daisies are known for combining classic rock influences with a modern production approach. Their music features powerful vocals, driving rhythms, memorable guitar performances, and strong songwriting. Additionally, their recordings require careful attention to detail to ensure every instrument maintains its presence and impact within the mix.

Professional mixing and mastering play a critical role in helping rock music reach its full potential. Furthermore, these processes help create consistency, balance, and clarity across a wide range of listening environments. As a result, listeners can experience the music exactly as intended by the artists and producers.

Working on projects connected to bands of this caliber continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. The The Dead Daisies mixing and mastering work remains an important part of my portfolio and reflects my commitment to delivering professional audio production for artists across the rock genre.

To learn more about my professional mixing and mastering services, visit the Samples page or Contact page on my website.