Reggae Music Producer/Engineer

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

A: I am currently (in addition to others), working on my wife's debut EP. Her name is LitaMarie, and she's a singer-songwriter who sounds awesome on all genres, but has a unique approach to reggae music which I haven't experienced before. She is the best singer that I've ever worked with (seriously - not just because she's my wife, and literally JUST brought me my dinner :)). I am producing her project, and it may turn into a full album - she keeps writing these wicked songs!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Trying to hurry up and finish this "interview" so I can get loads of clients and make loads of money! Not that anyone would actually read this.....right???

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

A: I haven't seen everyone, but I have heard some work from a few producers that I like.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, (although I got my start in analog and rarely use it). For me, working in the digital realm is easier - the benefit is, I am able to apply the analog principles I've learned through the years. When it comes to instruments, I prefer real drums, real bass/guitars, and horns.

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

A: That you will be charged! lol. I rarely make promises, but I always encourage my clients to explore the areas of their gifts that may be locked away because of external influences, or personal fears.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the fact that I can help to empower, mentor, and coach artists, and create/produce some good music in the process!

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

A: Question: How much do you charge? Answer: Whats your budget?

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

A: The BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION about what I do, is that it doesn't take long, so it shouldn't cost much! In today's recording/studio world, many artists will come in and record some vocals within a few hours and leave - thinking that they only have to pay for 3 hours of studio time. The reality is that MANY producers and engineers are spending hours/days, editing, mixing, mastering, performing audio surgery (in some cases lol), and most times the artist NEVER sees this work being done and often won't be charged for it, lol.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1. Who are you, and why are you pursuing music? 2. Are you prepared to invest your money, time, and effort into YOUR project. 3. Have you prepared yourself to make the necessary adjustments when some things don't go as planned? 4. When thinking about your project -list the following in order of priority: Quality, Time, and Cost.

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

A: My advice would be to assess a realistic value of the work you want done. Once you are serious, develop a realistic budget to hire the RIGHT people to get the job successfully done, and be prepared to strategically market your product - do NOT expect others to make you successful - the ball is in YOUR court.

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

A: My human ears, my laptop, USB interface/mic pre, midi controller, and my mic. lol

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

A: I started in 1985 - dabbled in making beats, singing, a bit up until 1987/88, then I got serious. Opened/my first "real" home studio and started self-teaching, and learning from others. I went to college in 1994 to study Music Production, finished in 1996 and never looked back!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as smooth, rhythmic, and clean. I'm a perfectionist by nature, and I like all the music parts to enjoy the "space" I create for them.

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

A: Ha!!! there are sooooo many! Firstly, I would like to work with Samuel Medas - he is a multi-talented artist across many genres of music, but when he touches reggae, its "special".

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be fooled into thinking that your song isn't "good enough" because it doesn't sound like everything else on the radio - BE YOU-DO YOU! We are ALL created as unique individuals, and have different tastes - you can't please everyone...if your music feels good to YOU, thats all that matters!

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

A: I mostly work on (create) roots, lovers rock, and foundation reggae music. My workload can include Dancehall, Afrobeat, Soca, R&B, Neo Soul, etc...but my heart is in reggae music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is helping the artist recognize "hidden" greatness they didn't know they had. many times artists have been limited in their exposure of their own talent - simply because care wasn't taken to help them to maximize their gift.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I think I bring "interesting" ideas (there's a difference lol), 30+ years of experience, and first-hand knowledge of being on both sides of the glass. I am an artist/musician (reggae drummer), as well as an engineer. The things that are important in any session that I do are: 1. Keen attention to detail 2. Overall quality/clarity of the song 3. Content & character of the song 4. Overall vibe/feeling of the song - if it doesn't feel good - we ain't finished!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Hmmm....I usually like to meet with the client to discuss their "realistic" expectations - before scheduling any studio time. Often times artists are not ready for the main studio 0 and may need more rehearsal and/or preproduction, so time isn't wasted. Once we agree on a session, I like to get all my tracks in place with levels/auxes customized so I can make quick adjustments to make the artist feel as comfortable as possible. I usually stretch my artists...meaning, there will be no short cuts in the session - you either do it right or don't waste each other's time. I don't believe in making someone sound "good", who isn't good - I prefer to help then to improve before committing to a bad recording, and days/weeks of audio surgery. I usually provide some reference mixes so they can either improve something, and/or request any changes. I don't usually allow anyone into the session that is NOT directly involved in the project - this is a recipe for distraction.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: We have a full-service facility running Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, various plugins, great mics, outboard gear and instruments, etc. What I love is the space we have - large acoustically tuned control room, large booth for drums, small groups, and also doubles as a 2nd production area, and an additional smaller isolation/vocal booth.Our rooms sound great when you're doing your recording, which adds to the experience. We also have 2 additional suites: a large creative suite for live/video/rehearsal, and a large music production/training suite with 10 DAWs/midi controllers

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

A: Producers like Danny Brownie, Jermaine Edwards, Samuel Medas, Morgan Heritage, Dainavon Tuzo, Johnny Woolridge, Jerome Stovell - these people are "original" and very creative.

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

A: I produce songs end-to-end, and create original music for artists who write their own songs. Additionally, I provide personal/business development and coaching to help them to maximize their gift. This may include vocal coaching, editing/arranging their songs, and marketing & promotional work as well. My job is to get their "idea" out of their head and let them hear it come to life.