Life & Work with Jim Kaufman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Kaufman.

Hi Jim, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I was born in Phoenix and grew up in a thriving music scene. My group of friends were all very talented and competitive, and we pushed each other to do better (we still do). I moved to Los Angeles in 2002 to make records but ended up on tour for the better part of the next 6 years with my band. In 2008, I decided to leave the band and tour life to focus fully on making records. I LOVE being in the studio and I love being able to help other artists reach their goals. I popped around town building studios in Laurel Canyon, Culver City, Santa Monica, and finally, my new studio in West Los Angeles. Making records in LA is great; everything I need is here. So much talent! I cultivated a wonderful crew of bands and musicians, my engineer Ryan Molder, and my long-time manager Andrew Brightman. We are currently bringing old-school record production and artist development back into the spotlight. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I make rock records. Rock has not been exactly the most popular genre these past 10 years although everything is pointing to organic bands having another turn. Staying the course through downturns is hard, but really, for me, it’s about authenticity. I can’t pretend to do something I don’t love. I can’t make records that sound sterile and are filled with programmed everything. I love the push and pull of world-class musicians playing against each other. I record as many instruments at the same time as my inputs will allow. Being told that the way I make records is dated and too time-consuming is discouraging, but I get to work with some of my favorite artists because I didn’t make that change. Producing and mixing the last Helmet and Everclear records really showed me that sticking to my technique was the right thing to do 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in producing and mixing rock records. I have a studio in my guest house in West LA where I do most of my work, but I do work in other studios around town too. (I LOVED United Studio B, although it is closed now, and I like working at NRG). I am known for my technique of recording the whole band at the same time and pushing for the best performances out of the musicians as possible… I’m also known for my drum recording skills and my vintage gear collection. 

I am really proud of the newest Helmet record, “Left,” that I produced (with Page Hamilton and Mark Renk) and mixed. When I first moved to LA, I was Charlie Clouser’s assistant on the Helmet record “Size Matters.” I did things like get sandwiches from Greenblats (RIP, MISS THAT PLACE) and some editing, etc… It was a wonderful full circle moment for me to be asked to Produce and Mix “Left.” It was really a special moment in my career. 

What sets me apart is my willingness to dig deep with an artist. I believe that being a record producer is like being a journalist… the world is going to hear this song/band through my ears… I have to get the story right… I cut no corners and will go to all lengths to get the artist I am producing in the right headspace to really deliver for the recording… I really try to figure out what makes the artist unique and shine the brightest light I can on them. I love my job and I take the process extremely seriously… not that there is no fun in the studio. It HAS to be fun. The microphones pick up the vibe; if we aren’t having fun making the record, the record won’t be any fun to listen to. 

What makes you happy?
What make me happy are my two children (Sedona Ann turns 3 years old this week and Elliott James is 9 months). I am the luckiest man in the world to have them as my kids. They are just the best and they make me extremely happy. 

I also love nature and working out. I get pretty happy after a long hike or a few hours at the gym. My work keeps me sitting in a chair 10-12 hours a day, and I love moving my body in the mornings before I start my workday. We live in the most beautiful climate in the world, and being outside in wonderful Southern California is amazing! I love riding my bike to the beach for a few hours on an off day and just staring at the ocean or riding up and down the boardwalk. Coming from the 120-degree summer in Phoenix, this place is a dream. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jimkaufmanproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimkaufmanproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.kaufman.142/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jimkaufmanproductions3407

Image Credits
Matt Akana