Guitar, Bass, Writer/Producer

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

A: I was blessed to be a part of Steel Bridge Songfest which is a gathering of dozens of excellent songwriter/musicians who write and record great music for a good cause. I contributed to the "Volume 15" collection on the following songs: "Crossin' the Line," "A Short Bridge," "How You Holdin' Up," "It's Just That Way," "Captain Bridgerto," "Hard as They Try," and "Way Back Home."

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

A: Kris Bradley from Boomfox Productions! ...ok, I don't know her personally, but I took some of her classes. She makes great music, has a super professional workflow, and is a wonderful mentor and educator to aspiring musicians/producers.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Either, depending on the situation. Analog if you have the gear for it and want that old-school vibe and/or are going to put it on vinyl. Digital for the extreme flexibility and versatility.

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

A: You will get a high-quality, intelligently interpreted recording from a musician with an educated ear.

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

A: Q: How long have you been playing guitar? A: Since 2000. Q: Do you have a music degree? A: Yes. Q: Can you write my song? A: Yes. Q: Can you produce my song? A: Yes. Q: Can you make my song sound like _______________? A: Yes, if it is within my wheelhouse. I will be honest if your song is a style that is not my strength.

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

A: Musicians are all slackers or starving.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What do you want your music to sound like (artist or song examples)? What music are you passionate about?

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

A: Communication is great. I am here with open ears.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Listen to music that is similar to what you are producing, and don't overthink it.

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

A: Americana, pop, rock, and a little bit of R&B. I love developing custom songs as well.

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

A: Full song production, session guitar and bass

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

A: Fender telecaster, Fender jazz bass, Vox AC30 amp, some beat up old classical guitar, and a strat my friend made shortly before she passed away.

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

A: An intense, burning passion for music has always been a part of my being. I made my first studio recordings in 2001 as a (very temporary) teenage session musician. I went on to play in numerous bands (which I still do) and continued my session musician career as a freelancer. My music degree helped me continue to solidify my career as a songwriter, band leader, recording artist, producer, and music educator. I wouldn't trade my career for the world because you can't beat doing what you love for a living.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Everything, but mostly the surprise of what song/style/artist I get to work with next. I love the adventure.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A solo album, several custom songs for weddings and more, several guitar and bass session projects, and writing educational material for my music students.

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

A: I love musicians like Susan Tedeschi, Zac Brown, David Bowie, and Yola for their well-rounded songwriting and production skills. They exemplify great artists who also have a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

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

A: Victor Wooten. He's so fluent at bass playing, the role of a bassist, and overall musicality that he can do anything!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Stylistic interpretation. Due to my experience and education, I am knowledgeable about what "ingredients" make up what styles of music and can use that knowledge to craft my clients' custom tracks.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: An informed representation of a songwriter's idea. Great work ethic.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Well-rounded with a pop-rock flair.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First, I love to get to know a song and speak to the artist about mood, style, creative interpretation, and similar artists they may want to sound like. That information empowers me to embody those characteristics and inspire my creativity. Then, I create and we customize together.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am blessed to have a professional-quality studio in my home. I can record up to 96k, 32-bit and I love my Blue microphones. I have my dream guitars and basses, including two jazz basses, a USA Telecaster, and a Gibson SG. Vox amps are my fave!