Keyboards, Vocals, Utility

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

A: I have two solo EP's that I put out and did all of the playing, engineering, and writing myself. There was so much work involved in tackling them and I'm proud to have seen them through to the end. I have even more respect for what an artist, engineer, or producer goes through by having done the whole process by myself!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working on another solo record for my own songs in between other people's projects

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

A: Definitely! I've worked with the engineer Steve Rivers several times helping out with his country productions.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: That's really tough. I would say whatever combination gets you the best sound and workflow possible.

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

A: I promise to take your music seriously and do everything I can to get it exactly how you want it.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love working on different things every day and helping people make records they are proud of!

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

A: Can we change something about the sound of a part I have sent them? Yes we definitely can!

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

A: I am typically adding my parts after most of the other production has happened which means a song already has a certain style to it. I can enhance that feel or diminish it but unfortunately my parts won't necessarily make it completely different overall so make sure that you like the direction it is heading before you send them over to me.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have style or sonic references for what you would like or specific instruments in mind?

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

A: Give me as much information / references as you can for what you might be looking for stylistically and sonically.

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

A: A harmonica, an acoustic guitar, an accordion, a microphone, and a 4 track recorder. Seems like a good combination for some fun out there!

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

A: I've been playing keyboards on recordings for 15 years. I went to school for audio engineering but fell in love with playing on projects and decided to change directions after I graduated.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: More of an earthy musical style of keys playing. Sometimes more rhythmic and groove oriented like a second guitar, other times melodic like a traditional keyboard part.

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

A: Dawes, John Mayer, Joe Pug, and many others! All of these people have a great blend of craft and sonic sensibilities.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The song drives everything for me.

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

A: I usually work on music in the Americana genre with a more rootsy sort of sound.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Building on to what is there to take it even further. Feeling the emotional energy of the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I'm looking to add just the right thing to take the song to the next level, whether that is a simple part to glue the track together or something more intricate to build a bigger soundscape overall.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I have a good listen through and take notes on what a good instrument / sound might be for the song. After that I dive in to capture a good blend of spontaneity and structure in the first takes I do.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have an upright Wurlitzer acoustic piano, grand piano and electric piano modeled software sounds, a Nord electro 5D keyboard as well as Hammond Pro-X software for B3 sounds. I also have several condenser mics for vocals as well as a variety of shakers and tambourines.

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

A: I draw lots of production inspiration from a variety of sources including records like Wildflowers (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) to Mutt Lange's work, to newer synth production of artists like The Weeknd.

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

A: I am most commonly providing piano and B3 organ as well as background vocals for my clients, although I occasionally will do auxiliary percussion, string arrangements, and synth parts.