Your Music Deserves to Sound as Good as the Songs That Inspired You.
You’ve poured your heart into your music, but something’s missing. Maybe your mixes don’t hit quite right or your songs aren’t getting the attention they should.
You’re tired of industry gatekeepers telling you that you need expensive studios to sound ‘professional.’
What you need is some guidance!
I help artists and engineers like you achieve professional sound—without the gatekeeping, without the confusion.
✔ Mixing, mastering, and production that engages your listeners and stays true to your vision
✔ Coaching & mentorship that helps you navigate the industry—without feeling lost.
✔ Resources and knowledge to break through the noise and build a career on your terms.
Hi, I’m Dereck Blackburn. I’ve spent 25 years recording, mixing, and mentoring artists and engineers like you.
I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed in an industry where it feels like influencers are marketing to one kind of artist.
I built my career not just to make great records, but to help artists cut through the confusion of the industry, get better sonic results, and make sense of all the voices that tell them they’re doing it wrong!
What exactly do I do?
✔ Producing, Mixing, and Mastering for independent recording artists like True Faith, Roser, and Dalton Moon.
✔ One-on-one coaching for musicians & engineers who want improve their skills
✔ Straightforward, no-BS industry advice that helps you get where you want to be faster
✔ I advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the audio and music industry through my membership in the Audio Engineering Society and The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing
Here’s how we’ll take your music from where you are → to where you want to be:
🔹 Mixing & Mastering → Professional project management and sonic nirvana.
🔹 Production & Recording → Remote, in my private studio, or almost anywhere on earth.
🔹 Career & Music Industry Coaching → The point isn’t to make hits, the point is to build a career on a solid foundation of understanding how our industry works, no cookie cutters here.
🔹 DIY Artist and Engineer Resources → Easy to reference guidance to help you increase your knowledge without sacrificing creativity.
Hundreds of engineers and artists have trusted me to elevate their sound.
Here’s what happens when you do:
Working with Dereck was a game-changer for me. He not only helped me find my confidence as an engineer but also gave me a deep understanding of multiple mastering workflows. His guidance expanded my skill set and allowed me to offer more value to my production clients. Dereck has a way of breaking down complex techniques in a way that clicks, and his insight into both the creative and technical sides of engineering is invaluable. If you're looking to level up your skills and truly understand the 'why' behind the process, he's the coach you need.
- Beck Nebel, Producer (Nick Carter)
Speaking with Dereck, over the last eight weeks has been drastically beneficial for me. Dereck has helped me by providing a magnitude of insights and knowledge on how to be the best producer I can be and have a successful business recording, mixing, and mastering music. Dereck is a kind, intelligent, and thoughtful mentor who has provided an environment that has helped me get into the right mindset and attitude to advance my career. This mentorship has made a monumental improvement to my mental health and provided affirmation that I can succeed.
- Michael Cataldo, Engineer and Producer at Wachusett Recording
Not only is Dereck a deeply knowledgeable and talented audio engineer, he is also a kind soul who cares immensely about the audio and music community in New England and beyond. In the 2023 Mentorship program, I’ve learned a blend of technical advice about engineering, artistic advice, and how important it is to connect with my community. We talked drum recording hacks, building a clientele, business tips, how to make a living doing what you love, DIY audio building, and helping New England’s music scene become more welcoming and diverse. Dereck takes great care to include folks historically left out of the audio industry and invest in their success, and I’m thankful for his advocacy.
- Emma Newton, Engineer and Producer at Big Nice Studio
Dereck’s mixing and mastering skills are thorough and creative with an emphasis on communication and collaboration from start to finish. Dereck really listens to the feedback that he receives through the process and will stop at no end to make sure that he understands and delivers what we are asking for (a true feat when we’re often trying to pin down nothing more specific than “vibes”). The suggestions, support, and patience that he displays through the entire process makes you feel like you’re always his top priority.
- Mary DuMont, Roser
In this industry, it is rare to find a true blend of quality and kindness. Usually years of experience turn into a hard shell of guarded information and resources. This is far from the case with Dereck. Dereck's production and mix feedback is intentional, encouraging, yet fully constructive and honest. In addition, his sensitivity to culture is an important piece of his work. He is constantly pushing the envelope while maintaining a grounded standard of quality and reliability.
- Kevin Kline, Valleyheart
The quality of the recordings I have produced with Dereck is consistently exceptional, and I have always been impressed with his attention to detail and expertise He has always been able to capture the essence of my music with fine attention to my overall vision.
As a long-time client and friend, I have been privy to the behind-the-scenes workings of the studio and I can confidently say that they always go above and beyond to ensure their clients are satisfied. They have always been willing to work with my schedule and have accommodated last-minute requests with ease. I am grateful for the amazing memories and music we have created together over the years!
- Aiden Page, Husbands and Candlepin Records
Ready to take the next step?
Get in contact with me and lets talk about our collaboration!
Book a recording session, mixing, or mastering - or just get in touch about my work and rates:
Inquire about coaching, mix critiques, or hiring me as a consultant: