I can’t lie I was really anxious about handing over my 3 tracks after spending so long mixing them myself but working with El Stray was honestly the best decision I made for my release. I chose stem mastering because I was really struggling to fix some muddy frequencies in the low-mids and get more clarity overall.
I actually asked for a full mixdown first but El Stray actually said it’s not needed and it saved me some money!! He not only addressed those issues easily but also enhanced elements I hadn’t even considered to be an issue. He brought out this warmth and presence in the vocals and made the drums knock without sacrificing the track’s dynamics.
Not sure how he did that with the drums but they sound so clean and the punch is absolutely wild, especially how they still sound so good around and don’t interfere with the other elements anymore somehow e.g. vocal and synth in the mids.
What really stood out for me though was the collaborative feel and friendly guidance; he actively listened to my vision, offered insightful suggestions (which actually taught me a thing or two!), and was patient with 2 revisions until it felt perfect for me.
This is what sets ESM apart from other engineers for me – you aren’t just another customer in a queue and he vibes with your tracks. My final masters have depth, clarity!!!!, and professional polish that elevates the whole release. Hiiiighly recommended.
TechnoDecember 2024
Shaded Circuit
“Masters came back dynamic but with serious weight, properly glued.”
Stressing about our techno EP for vinyl, especially getting the low end right for the cut. Sent it to El Stray – night and day difference. He nailed the vibe and sorted all that tricky mono bass stuff for translation. Masters came back dynamic but with serious weight, properly glued. Dude knows his frequencies for club tracks. Essential if you’re pressing wax.
Soulful houseNovember 2024
Eastside Groove
“It’s got the energy for the club but still feels soulful. Just sounds ‘right’, proper finished.”
Gave El Stray our latest soulful house track for mastering. Yeah, really happy with how it came back – he brought that cohesion and polish it needed. Everything sits together nicely now; all the elements sound really clear and balanced, low end’s solid and warm, nothing harsh. It’s got the energy for the club but still feels soulful. Just sounds ‘right’, proper finished. Took the track up a level. The dynamics of the drums are better than what I expected.
Using it in sets but holding onto this one for now…
Inner Voices EPFull mix and master
Panta Ray
“His attention to detail and love for the art of mixing and mastering will keep us coming back!”
El Stray’s mastering & mixing skills have really taken our music to the next level and he has been a key crucial component in the success of our music. We can’t recommend him enough! His attention to detail and love for the art of mixing and mastering will keep us coming back!
Working on my LP, I sought ESM’s expertise for mastering four troublesome tracks, each presenting their unique challenges. ESM’s unparalleled understanding of the Soulful House and Amapiano genres and mastering prowess took my competent mixes (if I do say so myself!) and elevated them into a realm of pristine clarity, wallop, and depth, exceeding all expectations.
I don’t know how he makes the bass do the things it does! Not only did he enhance my music, but his insightful process also enriched my own skills. For any artist wanting to elevate their sound to unprecedented heights, ESM is the go-to professional, truly an audio architect who knows how to take your music levels beyond, and explain to you all the details that will help you develop personally. Working with El Stray is truly about more than just the master itself.
UK Garage30 November 2022
“He listened to the track carefully, and identified areas where the sound could be improved, without compromising the track’s character or individuality.”
I recently had the pleasure of working with El Stray on the mastering of my latest UK garage EP, and I was blown away by the results. El Stray is a true specialist in the genre, with a deep understanding of its sound and aesthetic, and the ability to bring out the best in any track. From the start, ESM was attentive and professional, taking the time to understand my vision for the track, and offering valuable insights and suggestions along the way.
He listened to the track carefully, and identified areas where the sound could be improved, without compromising the track’s character or individuality. These were fed back prior to committing to the work so that I could make some small but powerful adjustments which translated to an even better master. The final mastered version of the track was nothing short of fantastic. El Stray had managed to retain the warmth and energy of the original mix, while adding clarity, definition, and impact.
The bass was punchy and tight, unlike anything I’ve ever heard in a garage track to be honest, the midrange was clear and present, and the highs were smooth and sparkly – so airy! The track sounded professional and polished, and it was more than ready for release. In addition to the exceptional quality of ESM’s work, I was also impressed by his passion and commitment to UK garage.
El Stray is a true fan of the genre, and it shows in his dedication to helping artists and labels in the scene to achieve their goals. I was blown away by the service and level of forensic precision to addressing House and Garage tracks!
I can’t lie I was really anxious about handing over my 3 tracks after spending so long mixing them myself but working with El Stray was honestly the best decision I made for my release. I chose stem mastering because I was really struggling to fix some muddy frequencies in the low-mids and get more clarity overall.
I actually asked for a full mixdown first but El Stray actually said it’s not needed and it saved me some money!! He not only addressed those issues easily but also enhanced elements I hadn’t even considered to be an issue. He brought out this warmth and presence in the vocals and made the drums knock without sacrificing the track’s dynamics.
Not sure how he did that with the drums but they sound so clean and the punch is absolutely wild, especially how they still sound so good around and don’t interfere with the other elements anymore somehow e.g. vocal and synth in the mids.
What really stood out for me though was the collaborative feel and friendly guidance; he actively listened to my vision, offered insightful suggestions (which actually taught me a thing or two!), and was patient with 2 revisions until it felt perfect for me.
This is what sets ESM apart from other engineers for me – you aren’t just another customer in a queue and he vibes with your tracks. My final masters have depth, clarity!!!!, and professional polish that elevates the whole release. Hiiiighly recommended.
Stressing about our techno EP for vinyl, especially getting the low end right for the cut. Sent it to El Stray – night and day difference. He nailed the vibe and sorted all that tricky mono bass stuff for translation. Masters came back dynamic but with serious weight, properly glued. Dude knows his frequencies for club tracks. Essential if you’re pressing wax.
Gave El Stray our latest soulful house track for mastering. Yeah, really happy with how it came back – he brought that cohesion and polish it needed. Everything sits together nicely now; all the elements sound really clear and balanced, low end’s solid and warm, nothing harsh. It’s got the energy for the club but still feels soulful. Just sounds ‘right’, proper finished. Took the track up a level. The dynamics of the drums are better than what I expected.
Using it in sets but holding onto this one for now…
El Stray’s mastering & mixing skills have really taken our music to the next level and he has been a key crucial component in the success of our music. We can’t recommend him enough! His attention to detail and love for the art of mixing and mastering will keep us coming back!
Working on my LP, I sought ESM’s expertise for mastering four troublesome tracks, each presenting their unique challenges. ESM’s unparalleled understanding of the Soulful House and Amapiano genres and mastering prowess took my competent mixes (if I do say so myself!) and elevated them into a realm of pristine clarity, wallop, and depth, exceeding all expectations.
I don’t know how he makes the bass do the things it does! Not only did he enhance my music, but his insightful process also enriched my own skills. For any artist wanting to elevate their sound to unprecedented heights, ESM is the go-to professional, truly an audio architect who knows how to take your music levels beyond, and explain to you all the details that will help you develop personally. Working with El Stray is truly about more than just the master itself.
I recently had the pleasure of working with El Stray on the mastering of my latest UK garage EP, and I was blown away by the results. El Stray is a true specialist in the genre, with a deep understanding of its sound and aesthetic, and the ability to bring out the best in any track. From the start, ESM was attentive and professional, taking the time to understand my vision for the track, and offering valuable insights and suggestions along the way.
He listened to the track carefully, and identified areas where the sound could be improved, without compromising the track’s character or individuality. These were fed back prior to committing to the work so that I could make some small but powerful adjustments which translated to an even better master. The final mastered version of the track was nothing short of fantastic. El Stray had managed to retain the warmth and energy of the original mix, while adding clarity, definition, and impact.
The bass was punchy and tight, unlike anything I’ve ever heard in a garage track to be honest, the midrange was clear and present, and the highs were smooth and sparkly – so airy! The track sounded professional and polished, and it was more than ready for release. In addition to the exceptional quality of ESM’s work, I was also impressed by his passion and commitment to UK garage.
El Stray is a true fan of the genre, and it shows in his dedication to helping artists and labels in the scene to achieve their goals. I was blown away by the service and level of forensic precision to addressing House and Garage tracks!
