Producer | Mix Engineer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently producing and playing on a new record for Hayley Johnson (aka The Little Miss) and working on new The Grape And The Grain music.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I truly don’t have a preference. I’ve done many sessions on either and they both have their harms. I would say out of convenience I tend to stay digital.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I will do my best to use my talents to make the music you want to make.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Making music!

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Q: Are you available? A: yes!

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: Because love to do this, it’s not “work”.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to know where they are coming from musically. If there’s anything in particular they hear on the track, things like that.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: If there is a way to power the gear... computer, any mic (57 prob), guitar, keys, drums

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I can be a Chameleon in many ways. I try to adapt to my surroundings. I guess my “style” would be not holding on too tightly to a “style” and being open to what might happen.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: My dream is to work with emerging artists. There are of course legends that I would be honored to work with, but I love to be on the ground floor. It’s exciting to work with someone who’s excited and wide eyed

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

A: I have a band in New York called The Grape And The Grain, and our last record “Holy Rollin” is one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. On that project I was a writer, sang lead vocals, played guitars and keyboards, and was a producer. As well as 3’s album “The Ghost You Gave To Me”. On that project I was a bass player, backing vocalist, and co producer. I am proud of all of the work I’ve done, but those are two albums that truly stand out to me.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: David Andersen, and Gabe Lehner (9 Theory)

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: I would say the same for the artist, as I say for the producer, be open. Be open to each other, and learn from each other.

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

A: I began playing in bands in New York, when I was 12 years old. So I have been doing this, now in 2019, 22 years. I mostly toured with bands for the first 10 years, and now I am focusing more on producing, and studio work, though I do still perform live very often here in LA.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Be open to what the artist wants. I think one of the biggest mistakes in music production is producers trying to make a record their own. I’m here to make your record, not my record.

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

A: Throughout the years it has primarily been different versions of rock music. But, lately I have been working with some country artists, some pop artists, as well as some electronica artists

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I suppose, my musical abilities would be my strongest skill, but besides that, I try to communicate as best I can. I have found that communication is a very important part of making music with people.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A different perspective. I am somewhat well-versed in a lot of genres of music, and I tried to draw from that, no matter what genre I’m working in. For example, if I’m working on a pop punk song, I might play guitar solo that’s jazz influence, or blues influenced. As I mentioned before, I also play multiple instruments, so I guess bring back to the table as well.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It depends on the project, I try to be open to the artist when it comes to process. If it is me by myself, I don’t have much of a process. I just kind of start working.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I currently have a home studio in Los Angeles California.

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

A: I am inspired by many different musicians and kinds of music. Off the top of my head, Jon Brion. He is someone I look up to you very much.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: The majority of my work with clients has been as a bass player, but these days I have been doing more songwriting, composing, and producing then ever before, and I love it! I love to work in the studio, and I play a handful of different instruments, so that kind of work really stimulates all of my musical senses.