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Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I put emphasis on timbre, use reverb as an effect, and I love creatively using vintage compressor and EQ plugins. I try to bring a pop sensibility to anything I work on, but I also incorporate the atmospheric tones of post-rock.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Indie Rock, Indietronica, Post-Rock, Pop Punk

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: Gymnasium's It's Fine EP is a project I am very proud of. I made it with my friends and it was the first EP I had ever produced for someone else. It is the first EP to go on my portfolio. It is primarily an indie folk EP, but there are definitely elements of ambient post-rock in there.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on releasing an EP of my own.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Making music that sounds like nothing ever heard before. Using different plugins to create cool sounds.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What kind of music do you listen to? Can you play to a click track? What message or purpose are you trying to convey, if any?

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I have been writing music since 8th grade year. I started music production about a year ago. I am currently a Business major, but music production is my passion.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: My favorite producer of all time is John Feldmann. He is known for polishing music and making it sound really big. He puts an emphasis on vocals and drums, but he knows how to add life to the music. I also really like Tim Pagnotta's work on Neon Trees' Habits and Walk The Moon's Talking Is Hard. 1980s New Wave runs through his veins and he is very meticulous when it comes to achieving that sound. I also really like Justin Meldal-Johnsen's work on Paramore's Self-Titled record and M83's Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. I listen to anything from Blink 182 to Childish Gambino. The past year or so, these bands have been my top: Walk The Moon, The 1975, Neon Trees, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, Smallpools, Magic Man, Sufjan Stevens, The Front Bottoms, All Time Low, Bleachers, and The Chain Gang Of 1974. I also really like 80s music. I would say my favorites from that era are Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Prince, Talking Heads, and Tears For Fears. Finally, I listen to worship music like Hillsong United, Elevation Worship, and Housefires.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Mac Pro // MacBook Pro // Focusrite 2i2 Audio Interface // KRK Rokit 5 G3 Studio Monitors // MXL V67 Condenser Microphone // Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone // Logic Pro X // iZotope Nectar 7 // NI GuitarRig // YMCK 8-Bit Plugin // Jupiter 8V SoftSynth // Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster Thinline // Epiphone Dot // Fender Champion 100 Amplifier // MXR Dyna Comp Pedal // MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal // MXR Analog Chorus Pedal // Boss DS-1 Pedal // Boss RV-5 Pedal // Boss NS-2 Pedal // Boss FB-2 Pedal

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Never settle for less. If the song is just okay, shelve it. If it doesn't feel right, shelve it. Always give it your best and never settle for less.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I feel music through different scenes. When I hear Mumford & Sons, I imagine a log cabin during the winter. When I hear Walk The Moon, I imagine a sunny beach in California. When producing music, I will usually change the wallpaper on my computer to get me into the vibe I am going for. It sounds ridiculous, but it has a major impact on my work.