Chris Schmidt
Chris Schmidt is well known throughout the Cincinnati area for his producing/mixing/recording skills.

He also plays guitar for the mighty Black Tractor. 

1. You've made a decent name for yourself as a producer in Cincinnati.  Along the way you've also played in some great bands such as Chaotic Order, Bagg, and now with the mighty Black Tractor.
Do you enjoy producing as much as playing?

Very much so! Being able to look at a band or a show from both ends can really help you grow. It's never a mystery why a band sounds good. It seems I am always engineering or producing something in or about my life.

2. This past summer you were working with the Cincinnati based band The Terrors when they apparently signed a deal of sorts with Def Leppard/Van Halen producer Erwin Musper. Could you tell us a little about the deal and what happened?

Erwin was very interested in the Terrors. Although I had hoped to work with him on finishing the Foolish Treasure Hunter" album that we had already mixed most of, it was just not to be. I'm supposed to be back mixing the next one from what I hear. The band and I really got along, and I think we work well together. It would be nice to have a little bigger budget for them anyway. I think they could really go somewhere!

3. Since our site is geared toward promoting unsigned and small label bands it's only appropriate to ask what hidden gems you've been listening to lately?

I usually get into band's discographies. I recently have been getting into this band "Cave-In". I really dig the "Perfect Pitch Black" album especially.

4. Do you think bands in the surrounding region have just as good a chance getting a deal here as they would anywhere else?

Deals are so elusive and not worth much. Sure it would be nice to get your song heard by millions, but that doesn't always happen with a deal. Technology is changing so fast, that I wouldn't be surprised if we see a shift in power once the satellite radio stuff gets really kickin'. Stick with indy deals unless you have some quality guarantees, a good budget, and a great producer/mixer. There are people that can make it happen for you, they just usually want it their way. So be careful, and watch what you wish for.

5. Please tell us about all your recent and current recording projects?

I finished Medic's "People Destroys All" EP a month ago. I'm mixing the last 2 songs for Arapyma's full-length due in January. I'm currently in the middle of drums for a full-length "Langus" cd. I have a metal band "Severed" about to do something. And am about to have Black Tractor Drummer Ryan Moore lay down drums for Diet Audio's cd. I have spoken with Patchwork, Gerald's Rainbow, and a new version of Level 9 about projects, but nothing is set in stone yet.

6. From a production standpoint what are some of your favorite sounding records? Local and national.

I tend to listen to albums that guys like Andy Wallace, Tom and Chris Lord Alge, Dave Sardy, and Rick Rubin do. Andy Wallace especially has impressed me with his range of artists like Phish, Jeff Healey, System of a Down and Faith No More. I like what Steely Dan and Asia did with their recordings. Pink Floyd too.

7. With the ease of home recording these days, fewer bands are heading into the studio to record their demos; choosing to do it themselves at home. Do you think this is a good or bad thing, especially in regards to a record labels eyes when receiving a submission like this?

I think it's great that everyone and their brother says they have a "recording studio". I also think people mistake what I do for recording. It may be called that in some respects, but the reality of it, is that I try to become a member of the bands I produce. It's reverse engineering really. What doesn't work in the mix should have been realized in the production. Home recording yourself leaves out the key element in a good record - a discerning ear not your own...an opinion. I always like to see session files and hear individual tracks from "home recorded" cd's....it's quite interesting what most people think sounds good, and what they let slide that they should be working to perfect. The talent lies in the mixing, and that's what I spend my time perfecting. Mixing is not something you learn overnight, and you may be able to afford the best gear in the world, but you still may not have the knack for the mix. I always tell bands to find a record they like in town. Heck, that's easy with all of the websites and mp3's floating around. Work with that guy. Chances are, you'll be a lot happier when you're hearing what you want to hear, instead of asking your bassist/engineer to make the drums bigger.

8. What advise would you give a band trying to achieve rock stardom?

Give it up and make music for the sheer enjoyment of it. Like love, musical success finds you if it's right. You can force 5 good players to stand in a room together, but you can't make them get along or produce hits. A horse to water eh?