I’m an audio engineer based in Northern Portugal, commanding a deep-rooted passion for the audio industry. My journey into this field sparked from a simple but everlasting love for music and sound experiences. After experimenting recording and mixing my own compositions for a few years, and exploring the fascinating world of audio, I knew that music would be the way to go. Since that moment, I have confidently pursued my goals, always seeking to expand my knowledge and perspective within the realm of music and sound. This determination paved the way for my degree in Music Production and Technologies at Porto’s School of Music and Performing Arts (ESMAE – Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espectáculo). Throughout these academic years, I broadened my interests from Mixing and Recording into dynamic areas such as Post-Production, Sound Design, and Audio Restoration, immersing myself in various projects that challenged and refined my skills. Concurrently, I began my journey as a freelancer on Upwork, where I worked mostly in audio restoration, podcast post-production and sonic branding. This freelance experience not only provided me with a diverse portfolio but also taught me the importance of client communication and the nuances of delivering high-quality audio within tight deadlines. Soon after, I began mastering music for Estúdio Cedofeita, an indie music studio located in Porto.
From January to September 2022, I took on the role of full-time Technical Production Intern at Casa da Música (live venue illustrated below). During this time, I was responsible for:
● Recording, mixing & mastering for the in-house digital archive and streaming events, ensuring that every sound captured resonated with clarity and depth.
● Quality control of audio/video content to uphold the highest standards, analyzing each piece meticulously before release.
● Technical Production of live performances, collaborating with artists and production teams to ensure seamless execution of events, which further enriched my appreciation for live sound dynamics and real-time problem-solving in high-pressure situations.
Currently, I’m working:
● remotely as a mastering engineer for Estúdio Cedofeita. In this role, I focus on ensuring that the final versions of audio recordings are polished and professional, working closely with artists and producers to achieve their desired sound.
● as a post-production engineer for both international and local clients. My responsibilities include editing, mixing, and enhancing audio for various projects, ranging from voiceovers to podcasts, ensuring that the final product meets industry standards and resonates with the target audience.
● as a live sound engineer at Casa da Música and other venues. This position allows me to manage sound elements during live performances, collaborating with musicians and production teams to create an immersive audio experience for the audience. Each show presents unique challenges that I take on with enthusiasm, ensuring that every note is heard as intended.
You can find me on social media below.
Besides my work as an audio engineer, in late 2020 I released my debut album under the moniker Emil Zapffe, drifting through the captivating world of ambient/drone music, to explore the profound connection between sound and philosophy. In this deeply personal project, I dive into the textural worlds of atmospheric electronics, building intricate long-form compositions that invite listeners on a journey through expansive soundscapes. My approach focuses heavily on layered sound design and temporal distension, creating rich auditory experiences that evoke a sense of wandering, contemplation, and exploration. Each track serves as a canvas, painted with nuances of tone and rhythm, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a meditative state while reflecting on the complexities of existence and the beauty that can be found within the quiet and deep spaces of sound.
You can listen below on various digital platforms
João Guimarães 