The Word On The Street
Here's what some of my clients have to say about me in action...
I’ve worked with Wes on numerous occasions, both live and in the studio.
Live Wes delivers a first class out front sound, and moves really fast to fix any problems that may crop up.
In the studio, he brings an efficient steady pace to the session, ensuring all signals are recorded perfectly. His knowledge of old school historic techniques and equipment is complimented by an all round knowledge of the latest software and the many possibilities it offers. Wes works very well with producers, as having confidence in their recordings allows the producer to concentrate on artistic and creative issues.
One thing that’s important to me is that engineers don’t tell you their life story in between takes. Wes has good instincts about when to volunteer opinions, and when to leave discussion to others, he’s a real pro with ears of a bat!
Jon Klein (Guitarist/Producer)
Specimen/Siouxsie and the Banshees/Sinead O’Connor
I have had the pleasure of working with Wes on several projects recently from the differing perspectives of player and writer.
In the recording studio he is a calm and effective presence, handling the session on both sides of the desk with skill and imagination.
On the mixing and mastering front I was particularly impressed with Wes's ability to bring some below par audio to life and to leave alone
the elements which didn't need changing. He has a great set of ears but is receptive to the ideas of the client.
If there was a 'Golden Lobes' award for sound engineers, he'd be on the list!
Percussionist / Drummer / Writer
As I was only allowed to choose only 3 attributes that best describe Wes, I chose the first 3 but all are very befitting of this fantastically talented chap. I was first introduced to Wes by Peter Bullick at 'Sound discs' who recommended him for our mastering needs. Since then, he recorded, mixed and mastered our latest offering..."Metalmorphosis" which is receiving great press. Wes is likeable, easy going and one of those clever all rounders that we all 'love to hate!'..... but just can't. Wes has become a good friend to me as well as a dedicated professional I have no hesitation in recommending him.
Tino Troy / Praying Mantis
Guitarist / Producer
It's easy to recommend working with Wes, but I will do so on more grounds than that of his technical knowledge alone. He has an infectious enthusiasm which is difficult to better, and he knows how to go above and beyond for the cause. Be warned though, your ideas about how coffee should taste are in danger of being changed forever!
Duncan Williams
Producer / Guitarist / Lecturer
The Frolick worked with Wes Maebe on our DVD - Calliope EPK. Wes recorded, edited and mastered the live sound to very high quality. He was extremely unobtrusive and a pleasure to work with, fitting in with our needs and the needs of the video production team seamlessly. It is not a simple task to record acoustic live sound from an opera singer with original 18th-century bowed and plucked instruments, but Wes gave us clarity in all instruments and great balance. His editing is very fast and accurate and he was very respectful and considerate of my editing requests as Artistic Director. We are already planning future projects with Wes as our sound engineer, and could not recommend him highly enough.
Emma Curtis
What's great about working with Wes is his understanding of the musical needs of mastering and sequencing an album. The two CDs that Pilot Productions made with him were transformed by a keen ear for the right sound and an efficient and creative approach to editing. Working with Wes is also a real pleasure because he's very relaxed and happy to hear your views and take them on board. He is also confident enough to pitch his own ideas and suggestions, which are usually excellent.
Musical Director, Pilot Film and Television Productions Ltd
Director, Vinci Media Ltd
Dear Wes,
Great to work with you at RAK! I hope we get to do more.
Drummer
Wes is one of the most friendly guys I've come across in music bizz. He is amazingly creative and knowledgeable of his trade. The thing that really caught my attention about Wes was a little something that happened during our first meeting. We were at the AES convention, loads of people talking, presenting and doing workshops, so, he stopped in the midst of our conversation and commented so casually “aah the Tears for Fears”. I looked at him stupefied and tried to distinguish the track in that clutter of noise in the room, and after about 10-15 sec I heard it as well. I looked at him again and thought “this guy has to master my record when I’m done. He’s got the ears of an elephant.”
Do I need to say more... if you are looking for someone who will get the job done and get it right, then Wes is your man! You sure gonna have fun and if you like coffee, you'll have one of the best cups around ;)
Composer / Guitarist / Producer
That's a lot of hair on that track, wow!. My favorite part of the mastering work is the bass...the kick is brutal...the whole low end has so much structure and impact...love it! The rest up top is also really hairy, well-eq'd, and textured really nicely. Really like his work actually...and I say that about very few mastering engineers...and usually, the more gear they have/use, the worse the job. This is a rare exception... and considering that track was never mixed to begin with (was a live take off of a DJ mixer), I can't believe the end results... the brutality factor went through the roof!
DJ / producer
We’ve all had a chance to listen to the masters of all three Faze tracks. We are happy with the overall sound of the mastered versions.
Theres nothing that really stands out for us to feedback and comment on with regards to looking for any changes in the mastered versions. Were liking the good, solid sound, and it compliments the songs further!!
Matthew Milnes
The tracks sound excellent. I am really pleased with the results.
Really nicely mixed. You seemed to have captured the best bits!
Thanks.
James Harris
singer/Songwriter
Listening to the mix ... It's the real deal! It has loads of energy all the way. I think we've done the song justice.
It sounds AMAZING, the master, just right in every way, gorgeous, what a relief, thank you so much! Your guy is really good, ... just what I wanted.
Wes!
I'm listening to the mix on my Dad's cheap Dell Multimedia system and it's taking the roof down:) maximum thanktitude!
Jules Dickens
Producer and programmer for Abstract Source
And a few excerpts from the recently reviewed Praying Mantis Metalmorphosis I co-produced
I really love the new versions that feature some slick production giving the EP a nice modern rock sound. "Panic In The Streets" sounds fresh and reminds me of why I love Praying Mantis so much. Harmony and heaviness mix with pounding drums and electric guitar solos that are just flashy enough to give you that fuzzy rock-n-roll love. This EP though is simply too good too pass up.
Review by Andy @ Heavy Metal Machine
If anything, it is a little more rock'n'roll despite keeping most of the polish. The end result? A perfect blend of all the best things PM and it is really worth the effort.
Rating: 4.5/5
Review by Joe Geesin
The three songs that are culled from “Time Tell No Lies”, namely “Children Of The Earth”, “Lovers To The Grave” and “Panic In The Streets” had me scurrying to dig out my old vinyl copy of the album to compare and contrast between the two sets of recordings. I still love that debut disc, but I have to say that the raw power of Freeland’s gloriously melodic vocals and the fire of the twin guitar attack of Tino Troy and Andy Burgess, not only updates the sound of these songs, but drags them, courtesy of a sterling production job, kicking and screaming into 2011. That’s not to say that the songs have been altered, it is just that they sound so much “fuller” and more rounded than before.
Rating: 9/10 (Metal Monument)