about me
I was born into a bi-lingual family with deep roots in Western classical music on one side and traditional English Folk on the other, so I have a natural identity as a versatile musician. As a classically trained trumpet player, later electric bass student, and now working actively as a professional singer with classical a cappella focus, I always approach all of my engineering work from a musicianship point of view, be it recording a symphony orchestra or mastering a noise music album.
Through listening and learning I have gathered a substantial repertoire of different genres I feel comfortable working with. After studying the classical trumpet for fifteen years in my youth, I shifted my attention more deeply towards audio engineering and music technology. A strong audio engineer presence has been right next to me from day 1 in the form of my late Dad, Dave Ward, from who I draw an infinite amount of passion for the craft I'm blessed to call my profession now. Pressing buttons and turning knobs to see what they do still induces immense joy and excitement every time!
I will always identify as musician first, engineer second. Besides the pro-audio industry, I also work as a professional classical singer specialising in choral/ensemble music. I am a member and sing tenor for the Helsinki Chamber Choir, and together with my colleagues we are immensely proud to have won the category of Best Choral Performance in the annual GRAMMY awards in 2024 for our Kaija Saariaho compendium album. I also snuck in a little engineering credit on that one.
On the academic front, I hold a Masters degree in Music (M.Mus) from the Sibelius-Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, Finland. A degree with a wonderful name considering my career ambitions.
I will always identify as musician first, engineer second
Sitting at the console of legenday Finnvox B-studio
Photo: Aarni Hyökki
pricing
- Single mastering
- 2 - 7 titles
- After 7 titles
- Stem mastering
- Short or long tracks
- 70 €
- 60 € / title
- 45 € / title
- 10 € / stem
- Contact
- Single mastering
- 2 - 7 titles
- After 7 titles
- Stem mastering
- Short or long tracks
- 55,8 €
- 47,8 € / title
- 35,9 € / title
- 8 € / stem
- Contact
terms
- All mastering orders have full satisfaction guarantee, including as many revisions as it takes (within reason). If the master is approved but a revision is required at a later date, additional costs apply depending on the situation.
- If something in the mixed file has to be corrected after the mastering process has begun, additional costs may apply for recalling equipment.
- All packages include mix feedback if requested – I'm always happy to share my thoughts, and one of my core tasks as a mastering engineer is to make sure that the mix is ready for mastering.
- One alternative version (e.g. instrumental version) is included in Single prices, after which further alternative versions are + 10 €
- DDP images for CD-printing are included in EP and Album prices – remember to provide all necessary details (i.e. ISRC codes and other metadata for each title).
file delivery
- Recommended delivery format is .wav or .aiff, source sample rate, 24 or 32 bit. Please avoid 16 bit files and compressed formats like mp3.
- Please include a short amount of silence at the starts and ends of all files.
- I would geneally recommend bypassing the final limiter and/or clipper on the mix/master buss to give the mastering engineer some more space to work with regarding peak headroom. Leave all other master buss processing on!
- If possible, include a version of the mix that the artist has listened and approved, with ALL master buss processing included together with the non-limited and non-clipped file. This will be used as a reference track during the mastering process, to make sure that the master is nailed instantly.
- For EP and Album masters, please name files with track positions, e.g: "01 example one", "02 example two", etc.
- Upload the files directly to me via WeTransfer via the button below :)
contact
Please contact directly via email:
joel (at) joelward.fi
Or call / WhatsApp:
+358 50 442 14[four][eight]
Joel is one of those most insightful and professional sound engineers I have ever worked with. His musicianship and ability to capture the energy of the moment is unparalleled. Every time I come to the studio and Joel is behind the controls, I know the music will be taken care of.
This was my 9th track mastered by Joel, and he absolutely nailed it again. Even while he was on a work trip, he delivered quickly and with perfect quality. Always a pleasure to work with! Thank you so much:)
I sent a single to Joel for mastering. The process went swimmingly, and the quality of the master was wonderful. Moreover, Joel communicated clearly about timelines and other practicalities along the way, which I really appreciate.
Fast, flexible and reliable! I've sent multiple mixes (genres ranging from EDM to jazz) to Joel for mastering and the end product has been a clear improvement every time.