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Jeff Braun

Jeff Braun (born August 9, 1989) is an American based in , specializing in country and crossover recordings, with credits on numerous multi-platinum albums and over 23 number-one hits on country radio. A 2012 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University's audio production program, Braun began his career engineering and mixing for artists in the Nashville scene, quickly establishing himself through work with major country acts. His breakthrough recognition came with a 2021 Grammy nomination for Best Country Album for mixing Ingrid Andress's debut album Lady Like, which also featured his contributions to four number-one singles at the time. Braun's discography spans collaborations with artists such as , , , , , , , , , , and , blending polished production with the raw energy of contemporary country and influences. Notable projects include mixing tracks for Aldean's chart-topping releases and Brown’s multi-platinum singles, earning him additional accolades like a 2022 CMA nomination for Musical Event of the Year on and Carrie Underwood's "If I Didn't Love You." In recent years, Braun has continued his ascent, mixing select tracks on Kelsea Ballerini's 2024 album Patterns and Jelly Roll's Beautifully Broken (2024), both of which received 2026 Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Country Album. Operating primarily out of Anthem House studios, he is celebrated for his versatile approach that enhances emotional depth and sonic clarity in high-stakes productions.

Early Life and Education

Academic Background and Training

Jeff Braun enrolled at (MTSU) in , pursuing a in Audio Production within the Department of Recording Industry. He graduated in 2012 after completing a rigorous curriculum that emphasized hands-on training in audio engineering fundamentals, including recording techniques, , and studio operations. The program provided practical experience through access to professional-grade facilities, such as multi-track recording studios and a comprehensive collection, fostering skills essential for music production. During his studies, Braun engaged in key projects that honed his expertise in mixing and production principles. As a senior, he collaborated with classmates Taylor Bray and Grant Hartford on an entry for Shure's 8th Annual Fantastic Scholastic Recording Competition, producing the track "Falliday" by Rebecca Roubion, which earned the grand prize and a package of professional Shure microphones. This project involved tracking vocals and instruments using Shure equipment, applying mixing techniques under faculty guidance to achieve a polished, competitive sound. Additionally, in 2011, Braun represented MTSU at the 131st Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention, winning gold in the Traditional Studio category for his production of "Door Open," demonstrating proficiency in stereo recording and post-production editing. Braun's academic training was shaped by influential faculty members, including associate professor Michael Fleming, who advised on competition entries, as well as professors John Merchant and Bill Crabtree, who provided mentorship in advanced audio principles and studio workflows. These experiences built a strong technical foundation, preparing him for the Nashville music scene, where MTSU's proximity—about 30 miles from the city—facilitated early exposure to the industry's professional environment. While specific internships are not detailed in records, the department's emphasis on real-world application through projects like these directly informed his transition to professional audio work.

Professional Career

Entry into Music Production

Following his graduation from Middle Tennessee State University in 2012 with a degree in audio production, Jeff Braun launched his career as a in , the epicenter of the industry. In his early professional roles, Braun took on assistant engineering and freelance mixing tasks in local Nashville studios, applying his technical skills to projects by emerging artists across genres including and pop. These initial opportunities allowed him to refine his approach to audio in a highly competitive environment, where building a sustainable client base required persistent networking and demonstration of reliability amid numerous established professionals. Braun's mixing style emerged during this period as notably versatile, emphasizing adaptability to the unique sonic needs of each track rather than imposing a signature sound, which enabled him to work effectively with diverse material ranging from to influences.

Studio Development and Key Roles

In 2012, following his graduation from , Jeff Braun co-founded Forty-One Fifteen, a located in a historic 94-year-old in Nashville's Inglewood neighborhood, alongside Dewey Boyd and Taylor Bray. The studio was established to serve as a creative sanctuary for musicians and songwriters, emphasizing authentic, emotion-driven recordings in a relaxed, cost-effective environment that contrasts with more sterile commercial facilities. Its design leverages the building's natural acoustics, including hardwood floors and plaster walls, to capture organic sound, supplemented by an overdub room equipped with high-end analog preamps, outboard processing gear, a comprehensive collection, in-house instruments, and precise monitoring systems integrated with a . Braun contributed to the studio's operational foundation by focusing on workflows that prioritize efficiency and artistic integrity, such as streamlined editing and percussion integration techniques honed from his early freelance experiences. He also played a role in broader operations, including mentoring emerging engineers on practical mixing and production skills within the collaborative space. After several years at Forty-One Fifteen, where he initially handled tracking and engineering, Braun transitioned to a specialized focus on mixing and established Anthem House as his private mix room in Nashville. In this role as primary , he applies a centered on adaptability—avoiding a signature "sound" to best serve each song's unique needs—while utilizing tools that enhance remote and streamline revisions, such as real-time audio streaming plugins. Anthem House features a custom setup optimized for mixing, including high-fidelity monitoring and digital integration that supports his efficient, client-focused process without compromising sonic depth.

Major Collaborations and Projects

Jeff Braun has established himself as a prominent through collaborations with a diverse array of artists, spanning , , and pop genres. His work with stars such as , , , , and has been particularly influential, while partnerships with artist highlight his versatility in blending musical styles. These collaborations often take place at Nashville's Anthem House studio, where Braun refines tracks to achieve broad commercial appeal. Among his standout projects are several chart-topping singles. Braun mixed Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town," which reached number one on the and charts in 2023, marking a significant crossover success for . He also handled mixing duties for Aldean's duet with , "If I Didn’t Love You," which topped the chart for two weeks in late 2021. For Kane Brown, Braun contributed to "Be Like That" featuring and , a track that peaked at number 19 on the in 2020 and demonstrated his skill in fusing country with R&B and elements. Overall, Braun has mixed over 23 number-one hits on , including multiple hits that underscore his impact on mainstream . Beyond album tracks, Braun's mixes have extended to non-album applications, including placements in film soundtracks and trailers. These endeavors showcase his ability to adapt for visual media, broadening the reach of the artists he works with. In recent years leading up to 2025, Braun continued to engage in high-profile work, including mixing Kane Brown's single "Unspoken," released in 2025. He also contributed to ACM-nominated studio recordings, reflecting his ongoing role in award-caliber . Additionally, Braun participated as a speaker at the Immersive Music event in Nashville in May 2025, discussing immersive audio techniques and mix translation across formats.

Notable Achievements

Awards and Nominations

Jeff Braun received a Grammy nomination in 2021 for Best Country Album as mix engineer on Ingrid Andress's debut album Lady Like, highlighting his early contributions to contemporary country production. Braun mixed Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood's duet "If I Didn't Love You," which received a CMA nomination for Musical Event of the Year in 2022, marking a significant collaboration in mainstream country music. This recognition underscored his role in elevating high-profile crossover tracks during the 55th Annual CMA Awards ceremony. Braun's mixing on Jelly Roll's "" led to a nomination for Single of the Year in , reflecting the song's breakout success and his technical expertise in blending genres. The track's nomination at the 57th Annual Awards further solidified his reputation among industry peers. At the 59th in 2024, Braun was nominated for of the Year, competing alongside top professionals for his consistent impact on country recordings. Although he did not win, the honor highlighted his growing influence in studio engineering. Through his alumni connections to , Braun has been linked to additional CMA-nominated projects, including engineering efforts that advanced his profile in Nashville's recording scene.

Commercial Successes and Certifications

Jeff Braun's mixing work has contributed to numerous commercial successes in the country and pop genres, earning him recognition as a multi-platinum engineer. His credits include over 18 #1 hits across country and all-genre charts, including Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town," which debuted at No. 2 and peaked at No. 1 on the in 2023, marking Aldean's first chart-topper in that ranking. Several tracks mixed by Braun have received RIAA certifications, reflecting strong sales and streaming performance. For instance, Jelly Roll's "Need a Favor" achieved 2× Platinum status in 2024, following its No. 1 debut on the chart. Similarly, Jason Aldean's "Got What I Got" earned 2× Platinum certification, after topping the chart in 2020. Mitchell Tenpenny's debut single "Drunk Me" reached 4× Platinum certification as of April 2025, building on its Top 15 peak on the chart. singles like "Good as You" have also garnered Gold and higher certifications, contributing to Braun's portfolio of multi-platinum projects. In 2025, Braun mixed Phil Wickham's "What An Awesome God," which reached #1 on the Christian AC chart for 13 weeks. Beyond individual tracks, Braun's mixes have supported broader commercial reach, including sync licenses for film trailers and advertisements that amplified streaming and sales figures for artists such as and . These achievements underscore the market impact of his engineering, with certified units exceeding millions across , and multi-platinum awards tied to his contributions.

Personal Life

Residence and Lifestyle

Jeff Braun has maintained a long-term residence in the since relocating from near , , to attend university. He enrolled at in —approximately 35 miles southeast of Nashville—where he earned a in audio production in 2012. This strategic move immersed him in the vibrant ecosystem, granting proximity to recording studios, songwriters, and artists that have defined his career trajectory. As a Nashville-based , Braun's lifestyle is deeply intertwined with the demands and rhythms of Music City. He operates primarily from Anthem House, his private mixing facility in Nashville, where he handles sessions that blend technical precision with artistic collaboration. This setup supports a routine focused on high-volume output, often involving late-night tweaks and iterative feedback loops with producers and performers, reflective of the industry's collaborative and deadline-driven culture. Braun's professional-personal balance emphasizes efficiency in Nashville's ecosystem, allowing him to leverage local networks for both work and downtime without extensive travel. While details on his family life remain private, his integration into the community underscores a rooted in the creative energy of Tennessee's capital.

Influences and Hobbies

Jeff Braun's engagement with the broader audio community extends beyond his professional mixing work, reflecting a personal passion for innovative sound technologies. In May 2025, he participated in the Mix Immersive Music Production conference in Nashville, contributing to a titled "Building Mixes That Translate: Immersive Audio That Works Everywhere." During the session at , Braun joined experts from and to explore techniques for creating mixes that maintain consistency across playback systems, highlighting his interest in advancing immersive audio formats. His foundational influences trace back to early hands-on experiences in music production during his university years. As a student at , Braun collaborated with peers Taylor Bray and Grant Hartford on audio projects, including producing an original song for MTSU performers that earned a national competition award in 2012. These collaborative efforts, akin to working with local bands, fostered his admiration for versatile producers who blend technical precision with creative adaptability in recording and mixing. Outside formal projects, Braun maintains an ongoing interest in audio experimentation and live music involvement, often drawing from his background in percussion editing to explore new tools and workflows that enhance sonic depth. This personal pursuit aligns with his evolution from early band recording sessions to appreciating multifaceted production approaches in the industry.

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