Audeze profiles JBJ studio's engineer Jamie Brown

Audeze Artist Profile

Jamie Brown

JBJ is London's premier residential recording studio. Based on Portobello Road, Notting Hill, the studio has firmly established itself as one of the most unique recording studios in the world, and regularly attracts the biggest names in the industry. Recent clients include Skrillex, Olivia Rodrigo, Stormzy, Burna Boy, Sigrid and Liam Payne, to name a few. The studio is and its team fall under the wing of producer / engineer Jamie Brown.

In His Own Words

"I simply can't commit a mix now without at least 20 mins on the Audeze at the end to really hone the low end. Also they're absolutely perfect for balancing FX on vocals etc. Essentially they've become a tool that I absolutely trust. "

- Jamie Brown

Audeze LCD-X headphones on a table in the studio

Can you pick a few highlights from your work that you're especially proud of?

Working with The 1975 recently was amazing. They turned up with what was supposed to be a fairly small scale writing session and we ended up ultimately recording and mixing the band accompanied by a small orchestra for some film stuff. Was super cool.

How would you define your main role on most of your projects these days?

Personally I tend to be doing more mixing, but as a team we’re often mixing or recording Madonna one minute and changing beds the next. That’s the nature of the beast when running busy residential studios.

What was some favorite music growing up and how has that evolved?

I started playing guitar really. From a fairly young age it was pretty obvious that I was mad on music and my parents didn’t seem to have to many issues with me pursuing that as a career as long as I could keep a roof over my head so to speak. I was really into guitar bands. Mostly British. But that’s kinda changed as I've got older.

Can you name any factors that influenced the course of your musical life?

I've worked with some of the best. I've made records alongside people like Chris Potter, Ed Buller, Alan Moulder, Andy Green etc.. it's pretty hard not to be inspired by those people when you consider the records they’ve made. Sitting in the room with people like that is a real eye opener.

Can you describe a moment of frustration from your past work, and how you may have overcome it?

Most of our frustrations are brought out of equipment not working. Not mentioning any names (protools)... We have several back up systems in place now to mitigate these situations. But, essentially, in studios there are so many variables etc and so many things that can go wrong. We have some of the best techs in the industry on hand to help resolve issues.

What is your current favorite instrument, effect, or piece of gear?

I love lots. I really like SSL. When you crunch everything through that bus and get the needle moving in the right way things just seem to hold up. There’s nothing quite like an SSL console. They just make things sound more like records. We also have a Fearn pre amp which sounds huge and a Retro STA compressor which is freakishly good.

Do you have any words of wisdom for people who might aspire toward a similar path?

Don’t. Lol….

Erm, just start. That’s my advice. I started in a bedroom at my mum's house charging like £10 per hour or something. Some of my very first clients still work with me today. Just start. Don’t wait for this piece of gear or that piece of gear. Get your socials going, get to shows and talk to people.

How long have you been working with headphones, and how do you use them in your workflow?

I've been working with headphones for about 20 years. Mostly for tracking. I was always of the mindset that you cannot mix on headphones, at least until I met with Audeze. These headphones are just different. And good different. Essential in fact.

How have your Audeze headphones affected your work? Can you tell us what you've been working on with them recently?

I simply can't commit a mix now without at least 20 mins on the Audeze at the end to really hone the low end. Also they're absolutely perfect for balancing FX on vocals etc. Essentially they've become a tool that I absolutely trust.

If people check our website and are interested in working with us, please get in touch. We’re always looking for exciting new projects even if the budget isn’t major label budget. If the fit is right, we’re always keen to make things work.

All sorts! Today I've been mixing a Swiss artist called Aura Davis. Next week I'm working with a few members of Little Mix and then John Summit...

Artists may receive discounted Audeze product in exchange for interviews and opinions. Audeze does not solicit specific outcomes as part of any artist agreement.