producer/guitarist/mixologist

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

A: I am very proud of the Le Rive music. it's fresh, fun, larger than life, and I feel like I really sonically captured the essence of her brand in an original and captivating way.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on a pop artist named Le Rive. We've recently put out two singles and her seven song EP will be released May 2018

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both.. I have a lot of analog gear from pre-amps to compressors which give each incoming signal its own color and character. I prefer real amps over amp-simulating modules or plug-ins. I do mix inside the box and also enjoy the versatility and convenience that the digital realm offers. At the end of the day though, isn't the end goal to create enjoyable, great sounding, and lasting art? The means, to me, is irrelevant.

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

A: My promise is to give you a unique product that you are proud and excited to shop, share, and/or release

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Getting to create something for the universe that did not exist when you first awoke is extremely rewarding.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your personal vision for the song? Are there particular artists whose sounds you want influencing your final product?

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

A: Is there power on this island? 1) JH-00 Smoothstone Acoustic Guitar 2) Les Paul Custom 3) Neumann U67 4) Tubetech CL-1B 5) box set of The Office

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

A: I started my musical journey as a professional songwriter in Nashville. I've written for several companies and am currently with my fourth. I've played guitar on the road for multiple major label acts such as Brett Eldredge, Jennette McCurdy, and Billy Ray Cyrus. I began accumulating gear for my home studio in 2005 and have been producing demos and albums ever since.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am a fan of space in a mix. To me silence and space are essential instruments that we should have at the top of our sonic arsenal, knowing when and when not to use them. I like vibe, I like chill, I like big drops into choruses, I like groove.

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

A: Right now I'd say Kimbra. Her sound is sooooo dope. She's not afraid to go for it. Her songs are also very well written from a lyrical standpoint. It's the full package for me. Futuristic yet accessible.. I would collaborate with her in a second.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I said this earlier as well, but yes.. Always serve the song. Listen to it, not just audibly but rather instinctually. It will most often guide you to the sonic space it in which it needs to land. Don't do more to a song than what it is asking you to do. Throw your ego out the window and always serve the song.

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

A: pop, EDM, ambient, country

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: As aforementioned, I'm very good at arranging the pieces of the sonic puzzle. I bring a strong musicianship with extended knowledge of theory to the table. I'm extremely versatile for various styles and genres.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring originality, quirkiness, musicianship, intelligence and a fresh representation of your song. My goal is always to serve the song. I will never over-saturate someone's art with superfluous ear candy unless the song itself calls for it. I am a fan of space and discretion. As a professional in the music industry for 12 plus years, I know how personal our creations are to us, and I aim to retain that integrity that you hold for your art. My job is simply to breathe life into the works of art that were created by your talents and vulnerabilities. I take that seriously.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical process is sitting with an original worktape or rough track. I will listen to what the song is saying and what it sonically is asking for. I'll conceive a pre-production game plan and will be begin tracking.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have great vibey set-up in my house. Top notch mic-pres, compressors, interface with fantastic conversion, a versatile microphone selection, a lot of guitars, pro tools and reason running all kinds of plug-ins

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

A: I'm really into Kimbra, Astrid S, Paulo Nutini, Lastlings, Affelaye, Midnight, usual suspects like JT, The Weeknd, Bruno, newcomers like Camilla Cabello, Liz Huett, Ernest K. A fan of Beethoven and Chopin

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

A: Production - I'll have you covered from the entire process of your original iphone worktape eventually becoming a final mix.. includes pre-production, arranging, sound design, delegation, tracking, mixing, and delegating the mastering process if need be.