A. Focx Productions

Making Your Music Come Alive

AFocx Samples

Newsted – Soldierhead

· ·

Production Credits: Recording, Engineering,

Digital Engineering, Mixing, Mastering

Newsted – Soldierhead Recording, Mixing, and Mastering

I was proud to provide the recording, mixing, and mastering for Newsted Soldierhead, the lead single from the Metal EP. The release marked Jason Newsted’s return to heavy metal and showcased the aggressive sound that fans had been waiting for. My goal was to preserve the raw energy of the performance while delivering a polished, commercial-quality production.

Recording, Mixing, and Mastering Process

The Newsted Soldierhead project was recorded at Creation Lab Studio. Throughout the production, I focused on clarity, punch, balance, stereo imaging, and dynamic impact. Every stage of the recording, mixing, and mastering process was carefully completed to ensure the song translated consistently across streaming platforms, digital downloads, YouTube, headphones, car stereos, home audio systems, and professional studio monitors.

Additionally, the production maintained the aggressive guitar tone, powerful rhythm section, and classic thrash metal influence that defined the project. Every decision was made to preserve the intensity of the performance while meeting today’s commercial audio standards.

Commercial Success

Following its release, Newsted Soldierhead received strong support from heavy metal fans worldwide. Furthermore, the single helped drive the success of the Metal EP, which reached #1 on the iTunes Heavy Metal Chart and debuted at #62 on the Billboard 200. These accomplishments marked a successful return for Jason Newsted after his years with Metallica.

Lasting Impact

More than a decade after its release, Newsted Soldierhead continues to receive streams and remains a favorite among fans of thrash metal and classic heavy metal. As a result, the song has become one of the defining releases from Jason Newsted’s post-Metallica career.

Working on Newsted Soldierhead remains one of the highlights of my career as a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer. It was an honor to contribute to a release that continues to connect with listeners around the world. Whether working with major-label artists or independent musicians, I focus on delivering professional audio production that preserves the artist’s vision while providing the clarity, balance, punch, and consistency expected from today’s music industry.

Vince Neil – Tattoos & Tequila

· ·

Production Credits: Recording, Engineering,

Digital Engineering, Mixing & Mastering

Vince Neil Tattoos & Tequila Mastering

Working on Vince Neil Tattoos & Tequila was a rewarding opportunity as the mastering engineer for the album. Released in 2010, the record showcases the signature vocals of the Mötley Crüe frontman while blending original songs with cover tracks that reflect his rock influences. My goal was to create polished masters that preserved the energy, attitude, and character of every performance while delivering the commercial sound expected from a major rock release.

Vince Neil Tattoos & Tequila Mastering Process

The Vince Neil Tattoos & Tequila mastering process focused on improving clarity, punch, tonal balance, stereo imaging, and overall impact. Every mastering decision was carefully made to ensure the album translated consistently across Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, digital downloads, CD, vinyl, headphones, car stereos, home audio systems, and professional studio monitors.

Additionally, I worked to preserve the dynamics of the original mixes while achieving the loudness and consistency expected from today’s commercial music industry. Each song received the same attention to detail, creating a cohesive listening experience from the opening track to the final song.

Album Highlights

Tattoos & Tequila blends hard rock energy with memorable songwriting, powerful performances, and Vince Neil’s unmistakable vocal style. The album appeals to longtime fans while introducing his solo work to new listeners. Professional mastering helped every track maintain its impact and clarity regardless of the playback system, providing a consistent experience across streaming platforms and physical media.

Professional Mastering

Helping complete this album remains an important milestone in my career. Whether mastering projects for major-label artists or independent musicians, I focus on preserving the artist’s vision while delivering the clarity, balance, punch, and consistency expected from today’s professional music releases. I’m proud to have contributed to Vince Neil Tattoos & Tequila, a project that continues to reach rock fans through streaming platforms, digital downloads, CD, and vinyl while remaining an important part of Vince Neil’s solo catalog.

Bury the Rest – Lying in Repose

· ·

Production Credits: Mix Engineer, Mastering Engineer

Bury the Rest – Lying in Repose Mixing and Mastering

Working on Bury the Rest – Lying in Repose was an exciting opportunity as the mixing and mastering engineer for the release. Originally released in 2014, the song combines aggressive guitars, powerful vocals, driving rhythms, and modern metal production to create a hard-hitting listening experience. My goal was to preserve the band’s intensity while delivering a polished, commercial-quality mix and master that remained true to the artist’s vision.

Mixing and Mastering Process

The Bury the Rest – Lying in Repose mixing and mastering process focused on improving clarity, punch, tonal balance, stereo imaging, and overall impact. Every production decision was carefully made to ensure the song translated consistently across Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, digital downloads, headphones, car stereos, home audio systems, and professional studio monitors.

In addition, I paid close attention to guitar definition, vocal presence, low-end control, and dynamic balance to create a mix that retained the power and emotion of the original performance. The final master was designed to provide a consistent listening experience across every playback system.

Fan Response

Since its release, Lying in Repose has continued to attract listeners through streaming platforms and the official music video. Fans have praised the song for its aggressive sound, memorable performances, and modern production quality. The release continues to introduce new listeners to the band’s music while strengthening its presence within the hard rock and metal community.

Professional Mixing and Mastering

Mixing and mastering Bury the Rest – Lying in Repose remains an important project in my portfolio. It reflects my commitment to delivering professional audio production that enhances every performance while preserving the artist’s creative vision. Whether working with major-label artists or independent bands, I focus on creating mixes and masters that provide clarity, balance, punch, and consistency across today’s streaming platforms, digital formats, and physical media. Every project receives the same attention to detail to ensure the music connects with listeners on every playback system.

If you’re looking for professional mixing and mastering services, online mixing and mastering, or an experienced mixing and mastering engineer, explore my portfolio or contact me to discuss your next project.

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

· ·

Production Credits: Mix Engineer

The Dead Daisies – We’re An American Band Mixing

I proudly mixed The Dead Daisies’ live version of “We’re An American Band,” the classic Grand Funk Railroad hit. Released during the band’s Live & Louder era, the recording features John Corabi, Doug Aldrich, Marco Mendoza, Brian Tichy, and David Lowy.

Mixing the Live Performance

My goal was to capture the excitement of a live Dead Daisies concert while keeping every instrument clear and powerful.

I created a wide guitar sound, kept John Corabi’s vocals front and center, and strengthened the rhythm section for maximum impact. In addition, I preserved the audience ambience. As a result, the mix delivers an authentic live rock experience.

Performance and Success

Originally released by Grand Funk Railroad in 1973, “We’re An American Band” remains one of rock’s most recognizable anthems. The Dead Daisies gave the song a modern hard rock sound while introducing it to a new generation of listeners.

Today, the official music video has surpassed 3.75 million YouTube views. In addition, the song has generated millions of streams and views across major digital platforms.

Final Thoughts

Mixing The Dead Daisies – We’re An American Band remains one of my favorite live projects. The recording highlights how professional mixing can capture the energy, power, and excitement of a live rock performance.

If you’re looking for professional mixing services, online mixing, or an experienced mixing engineer, explore my portfolio or contact me to discuss your next project.

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

· ·

Production Credits: Mixing

The Dead Daisies Mixing and Mastering

Working on The Dead Daisies mixing and mastering project was a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the sound of one of modern hard rock’s most respected bands. Known for powerful live performances, world-class musicianship, and a timeless classic rock influence, The Dead Daisies have earned a loyal international following. The band has accumulated tens of millions of streams across digital music platforms, while the official “Long Way To Go” music video has received nearly 10 million YouTube views, highlighting the group’s worldwide popularity.

Professional Rock Mixing and Mastering

As the mixing and mastering engineer, my goal was to enhance the clarity, punch, depth, and overall impact of the recording while preserving the energy and emotion of the original performance. The Dead Daisies mixing and mastering process focused on delivering a polished commercial sound that translated consistently across Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, digital downloads, radio broadcasts, CD, vinyl, headphones, car audio systems, home stereos, and professional studio monitors.

The Dead Daisies are known for blending classic hard rock influences with modern production techniques. Their music features driving guitar riffs, powerful vocals, tight rhythm sections, and memorable songwriting. Every stage of the mix required careful attention to instrument balance, stereo imaging, dynamics, and tonal consistency. As a result, every instrument retained its presence while the final production remained powerful and clear on every playback system.

Professional mixing and mastering play an essential role in preparing rock music for commercial release. Additionally, every mastering decision helped improve translation, preserve musical dynamics, and maintain consistency across today’s streaming platforms and physical media formats. This attention to detail allows listeners to experience the music exactly as the artists intended.

Working with artists of this caliber continues to be one of the highlights of my career. The Dead Daisies mixing and mastering project remains an important credit in my portfolio and reflects my commitment to delivering professional audio production for major-label and independent artists alike. Whether producing hard rock, metal, or modern rock releases, I approach every project with the same dedication to clarity, punch, balance, consistency, and musical impact.

The Dead Daisies official website