Monte Vallier is a San Francisco–based producer, mixer, and audio engineer known for his adventurous approach to sound and his ability to bring out the character and identity of the artists he works with. His career began as a bassist in the early post-punk/indie scene, first touring with his band Half Church before joining the acclaimed 1990s group Swell. After years of recording and performing internationally, Vallier shifted his focus behind the console, developing a reputation for creative recording techniques, unconventional mic placements, and a deep commitment to capturing emotion and uniqueness in every project.

Today, Vallier operates Ruminator Audio, where he continues to collaborate with an eclectic range of artists, including Wax Idols, Weekend, The Soft Moon, Tommy Guerrero, Los Days, and Oxbow. His work spans production, recording, mixing, and mastering—reflecting a holistic understanding of the craft shaped by decades of experience both onstage and in the studio. Known for blending experimentation with meticulous sonic detail, Vallier is recognized as a versatile, artist-focused collaborator whose mixes and productions consistently elevate the musical vision at hand.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

Running a studio on your own terms vs working for someone else
Using commercial work to cover the bills so you can afford to work with smaller bands
The impact of AI in music licensing
How to differentiate yourself from AI
Embracing imperfections/uniqueness
Using reamping as a creative tool
Creating ambience in a mix
Using contrast to evoke a 3D feel to a mix
Creative ways to experiment with a track

To learn more about Monte Vallier, visit: https://ruminatoraudio.com/

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The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com
The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/

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Monte Vallier: Being Creative as a Differentiator