Editing

After some early experiments cutting quarter inch analogue tape, I began editing professionally for Decca in 1989. After inexplicably turning down the opportunity to go to Abbey Road to edit when the Decca studios closed in 1997, I chose to go freelance and have been ever since.

During that time I have edited many recordings for many artists and labels, big and small. I have worked on TV, film and videos as well as the majority of pure audio recordings, covering a constantly evolving variety of formats.

Editing is at first a very simple process, but one which I believe takes time to master, to do well and above all to do musically. Editing is about maximising the performance whilst keeping the energy and inspiration of the moment. The aim is to walk the line between the spontaneity a live performance and the precision of a recording.

Unlike producers or engineers, editors don’t get awards. Good editing is invisible; you are only aware of editing when it isn’t good! If you’ve done the job well, no one will know; if you do it badly, everyone will know! Good editing can make the difference between getting the right performance or having to make compromises.