Mixing Studio, Keyboardist

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

A: Hardware vs. Software debate. The listener will never be able to tell the difference. But working with quality stuff... priceless.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Can you share a track on YouTube or streaming that inspires a direction for us working together?

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

A: I enjoy David Foster's keyboard abilities and Mutt Lange's attention to mixing details. Favourite mixer of all time... Bob Clearmountain :-)

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

A: I'll listen to you only if you come prepared. I can't guess as to what's inside your head.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Staying in my creative zone... Love this the most !

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

A: Please come with a sample/inspiration (youtube link is great) that moves you to hire me as your performer. This is the best way to communicate your ideas/visions for the performance I will be providing you with. It's the most cost effective for my client as it will NOT waste time for both parties and my client can stay in their creative zone.

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

A: They would have to be analog pieces. So, I would take a 1073 Neve Preamp, 1176 compressor, Neumann U87, Neve 1073 EQ, and of course an electrical solar powered generator. Without that essential piece,... I would go mad... :-)

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

A: I began performing music in 1982 and at my first live gig, I enjoyed the experience so much that it literally affected my entire life. It started me on a path of music and now it is my bread and butter. I get satisfaction when a client smiles at the files I send them and rebook me for more work.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog has harmonic distortion and this makes for a warm sound... Digital has a dithering process and it tries to emulate analog. BUT you will always be able to tell which one sounds better. Bigger drums, vocals, guitars, bass... then you should try analog...

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I play keyboards with both hands as most do, however, sometimes one handed operation can get the point across so much better. So, what's your music like, and let's figure if one or two hands are the way to go.

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

A: I have no favorite artist, because all artists are inspired different and this makes for fresh ideas. If every artist had the same sound, it would be boring... so bring on diversity, it's fun that way !

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Yes, understand what dynamic range is in music production and you will have a hit sounding record. The most successful records throughout history have had engineering produced with dynamic range in mind. Not only do they sound better but they are less ear fatiguing as well.

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

A: For keyboard work, it is usually pop/rock oriented. For Mixing it is the whole gamut.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Rock, Pop, and Acoustic music

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

A: Bob Clearmountain (if he's still on here?)

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

A: Q: How have you been able to make such a long career from what you do? A: Relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening to the client's needs/wants. It's a lot easier to go this route then to make the client see things your way. Often times it's frustrating for the client to NOT get what they wanted and have to settle. So, tell me what you want, what you really, really want. (I appear to be channeling the spice girls)... Apparently, my second strongest skill is a fun attitude! :-)

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I enjoy bringing what's needed especially when a client knows what they want. Over produced is often not necessary (unless it has to hold the song up)

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Listening to the clients wishes and desires, sending an mp3 of the direction I've headed with their requirements, then once approved, deliver my work in their required format.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Hardware, Hardware, Hardware... did I say hardware? Once you go rack, it's tough to go back.

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

A: Most common work I do is studio keyboard performance ranging from Piano> Synth based. I also mix music for clients because I have mostly hardware processors and clients like to get away from the sterile sound that plugins have. Warm sound is always in demand. Which is a good thing. :-)