Audio Branding & Custom Sound Designer

I’m Chris, an audio branding and sound designer guy who loves beautiful sounding audio, perfectly timed sweeps on the radio slamming into the first beat of a track on air, and a podcast that’s edited so well – you’d have no idea the recording was disaster. 

For the past fifteen years (and as long as I’ve known) I have lived and breathed sound, shaping everything from breakfast show stagers and promos, radio branding refreshes, to podcasts that make commuters miss their stop. If it makes a sound, I’m already wondering how to make it punch harder, sparkle brighter and stick longer in your audience’s head. 

Having studied Commercial Radio at Charles Sturt University, my career began on the floor of 2DayFM, learning every department and asking questions as the intern.

After spending a couple of years working in the digital space for one of the largest radio networks, I soon began cutting audio faster than the on-air teams could use them which sent me around Australia.

From travelling to Tasmania, Melbourne, and Nova 937 in Perth – the latter sent me on the wildest 4×4 journey through Australia’s jaw-dropping outback roads, longest stretch of straight road, and coastal cliffs you could imagine; with a money-cannot-buy experience you could think of in-between.  

Through the audio branding journey, I’ve:

• • • Introduced drum & bass imaging to Australian radio – and yes, my boss panicked the day it aired… the audience loved it
    • Built full sonic identities for stations as far-flung as NOW Radio in New Zealand, and The Blade Network in South Australia
    • Helped countless community radio legends like Alive 90.5FM punch well above their wattage with crystal-clear branding
    • Re-imaged podcast, branded content and streaming channels for brands who refuse to sound ‘stock’
    • Worked with major commercial radio stations, community broadcasters, podcasters, content creators and businesses chasing a professional audio presence
    • Most of my work comes through word of mouth and returning clients, proof that I’m easy to work with and fast on the turnaround, with serious quality. Including the internationally recognised Benztown Branding legends, where I help bring custom radio imaging to life. 

Curiosity in audio powers every project I take on – finding the little details to make the biggest impact to make things unforgettable, is what I live for.

Audio isn’t wallpaper: It should stop you mid-scroll, mid-sip, mid-whatever and make you feel something. And if it doesn’t… at least make you talk about it!

Technology is a means, not the magic: I wield AI voices, audio trickery, neutron-sized plug-ins – whatever serves the story… but I never let the tech outrank the tale.

Collaboration beats ego: I’ve worked in rooms packed with creative geniuses and day-one interns; the best idea always wins, and it’s come from either.

Audio Branding: How does it work?

1. • Deep-dive discovery: I pick your brains, study your playlist and decode your brand.
   • Audio branding sketch: Quick, low-fi drafts so we lock in a sound and vibe.
   • Sound design deployment: Audio branding is now in progress!.
   • Delivery: Time to spin your shiny new audio and own some ears.

There’s more to the process, but you get the gist.

Gear I use as a sound designer:

• • Computer: Macbook Pro M4
  • DAW: Pro Tools 
  • Plug-ins: FabFilter, Soundtoys, iZotope, Avids own, Krotos, Waves
  • Monitors: Genelec 8010s and Behringer 770s Pro
  • Mics: The good old trusty Sennheiser MKH 416
  • Hardware: Universal Audio Apollo Duo
  • SFX libraries: Way too many to rattle!

If I’m not working on audio branding projects, you’ll find me about on the Mid-North to South Coast of New South Wales in my 4×4 enjoying the simple things in life – and if I’m not travelling or adventuring, you’ll find me at the gym, spending good quality time with friends and family, running along the bay, listening to music (and working out how I can use the tracks I heard in your audio branding). There’s also my two dogs that literally run my life… Iggy and Shazza. They rock. 

Whether you’re launching a station or show, refreshing a podcast or need a 15-second promo that could stop traffic on Parramatta Road, let’s chat. I’ll even craft a free ten-second demo sweeper so you hear exactly how good “different” can sound. 

If you’re a student or just starting out in audio, reach out too. I’m always happy to answer questions and share what I’ve learned along the way.