StoneBridge: Crafting Iconic Remixes with Sonnox Plug-ins
Grammy-nominated remixer, artist, DJ, and producer StoneBridge, hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, has witnessed the evolution of the music industry firsthand. With over 20 years of experience, StoneBridge started with analog tape and early samplers, eventually becoming a sought-after name in remixing, working with artists like Britney Spears, Yoko Ono, Natasha Bedingfield, and Usher. In this interview, he shares his journey, the signature 'StoneBridge' sound, and his go-to plug-ins that shape his mixes.
How It All Began
StoneBridge’s musical journey began in a household where music was a constant. "My mother played classical pieces on the piano, and my father had a more British Music Hall vibe," he recalls. Initially aspiring to be a guitar hero, StoneBridge found himself restricted to rhythm guitar in a band that lacked a singer. Transitioning to the world of clubs and dance music, he began making tape re-edits of popular tracks, which naturally progressed into remixing and full music production.
His first international release was "Jazzy John's Freestyle Dub" in the UK in 1990, but it was his remix of Robin S's "Show Me Love" in 1992 that catapulted him to global fame. "As a DJ, I felt most big records weren’t done right, so I started re-editing them," he says. This led to the formation of SweMix, a remix service that, despite initial legal pushback from record labels, gained international recognition and opened doors to major remixing opportunities.
The ‘StoneBridge’ Sound
Describing his sound, StoneBridge notes, "It’s been pretty consistent over the years. I have a love for bass lines—they're always prominent in my productions, along with vocals." Shifting from analog gear to DAWs in 1997, he faced challenges in maintaining the dynamism of his sound, which was eventually overcome with the advent of advanced plug-ins.
Discovering Sonnox Plug-ins
The turning point for StoneBridge came when he first encountered the Sonnox Limiter at a mastering house. Impressed by its simplicity and transparency, he made it a staple in his setup. "It was the magic ‘Enhance’ slider that really did it for me—it just enhances things the right way," he says.
Key Plug-ins in StoneBridge’s Arsenal
StoneBridge relies heavily on Sonnox plug-ins to achieve his signature sound. The Sonnox Limiter is his favorite, which he describes as essential to his workflow. "It's quite economical on CPU, so I often put it on the master fader early in the process to control levels and get a feel for the finished mix," he explains. The Limiter's polite nature allows him to push levels without compromising the mix’s quality, making it a reliable tool throughout his productions.
It's quite economical on CPU, so I often put it on the master fader early in the process to control levels and get a feel for the finished mixStoneBridge on Oxford Limiter
Another Sonnox plug-in that StoneBridge frequently employs is the Inflator, which he finds invaluable for bringing forward mixes that might otherwise sound flat or muddy. "It seems to get rid of that screen of mud covering some mixes and brings them forward in a really cool way," he notes. He typically uses the Inflator on drum and vocal buses, as well as on individual tracks needing extra presence. “If I have a poorly recorded vocal, the Inflator can bring life back into it,” he adds.
StoneBridge’s Go-To Setup
StoneBridge’s primary production platform is Logic, which he uses natively for production and as a front end with Pro Tools HD hardware when recording vocals. This setup minimizes latency, a crucial factor for live recording. Within his Logic environment, StoneBridge meticulously sets up buses early in his workflow. A drum bus equipped with the Inflator handles various elements, although he keeps the kick separate to maintain its centrality and clarity in the mix.
A Lasting Legacy in the Studio
Reflecting on the evolution of his career, StoneBridge emphasizes the importance of evolving with the technology while maintaining the essence of his sound. The integration of Sonnox plug-ins into his workflow has been a game-changer, allowing him to maintain the dynamics and clarity he strives for in his mixes. "The Limiter and Inflator are indispensable—they’ve become a core part of my sound," he says.
StoneBridge’s commitment to excellence and adaptability in a rapidly changing industry continues to set him apart, ensuring that the 'Stone' touch remains a sought-after hallmark in the world of remixing and production.