Mix, gtr, bass, drums, writer,

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

A: My band Juliette & the Licks made a record called FOUR ON THE FLOOR at Henson studios in LA. Dave Grohl played drums on it, the whole experience was surreal. I was the songwriter, lead guitarist, keys, production. Since then we've done quite a few things together which seems surreal every time.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Depends on when you read this, most likely ALL OF IT.

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

A: Dan Kanopka - He's a great drummer and re mixer of the band OKGO, and a sweet dude too. Sean Winchester / the Wolf Den - Ripping drummer, get attitude, fun guy

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Why not?

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

A: Clear and open communication to allow for the best results.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The people you meet.

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

A: Do my tracks sound good enough for you to work with? answer: If you're happy with them and it's the best you can do, then YES.

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

A: That clients can do it themselves because the tools are so readily available. Being capable and being a professional are two very different things.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Are you ready to get stoked and make some noise!?

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

A: be honest, confident and ask all the questions. It's your vision, your music, so you need to be confident, clear and happy.

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

A: - Taylor 814ce V-class acoustic - Vintage Ludwig kit - Mac laptop w/protools - UA apollo x8 - Reverend Barritone (for gtr and bass.. I guess cause 5 only.. come on guys!) - I'd sneak a drum mic pack on the island too...

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

A: To be a working musician. I have been hitting it hard for over 20 years and can't complain. Music is my passion, my drive and my life.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: session gtr,bass,drums: Melody oriented and slightly left of center. mixing: thick and natural when fit, soft and smooth when needed, and aggressive AF. songwriting: relatable but different, beautifully dramatic and full of emotion.

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

A: Nothing But Thieves. 1. Great songs that aren't generic 2. great sounding tones all around 3. great grasp of melody 4. They have an INCREDIBLE singer which makes everything better 5. I'm a huge fan

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Too many guitar layers (of the same rhythm part) make your guitar weaker than a stereo pair of GREAT sounding and well recorded guitars.

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

A: Lately my most work has been in the heavier rock genre - Octane SXM style. I LOVE writing and performing pop, reggae, r&b and country just as much as thick rock and metal riffs. I'm open to all and always welcome the challenge.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: melody across the board. Weather it be guitar, bass, drums or vocals, each instrument is responsible for their own melodies and hooks. I've got hooks.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring harmonic structure, melody and a new take on the music. At the end of the day it's all up to the client to let you know how far you can take their song, but as a writer/producer/performer it is up to me to help you reach the fullest potential of your song/ep/album.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Mixing: Get a solid (no process) mix going to understand the song, then focus on each instrument to get them solid and dialed and then add or subtract from there. My personal taste is as naturally huge as possible but I let the song take me where it needs to go. Songwriting: Inspiration is key. When working with another artist,I always want to honor their vision and let that the guide before I put too much input and influence. Once we establish the foundation then it's all up to the song to dictate where it should go. Remote session Guitar/Bass/Drums: Go over the song a few times as a "no frills" pass to get a grasp of what the song needs more or less of. From there, I add the "goodness" of alt chop phrasings, melody lines, dynamic stereo harmonics (guitars),fills and grooves that lie within the appropriate bass line and that don't interfere with the vocals etc... NOTHING should ever take away fro the vocal, just enhance it.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Guitar sessions: heads: Vox Ac 15 handwired, PHASE custom 50watt JMP replica, Fender Bassbreaker 2x12, Cabs: 2x12 Orange, 1x12 Marshall, 4x12 vintage 70'w Marshall Guitars: Gibson Les Paul (numerous vintage and new), Fender Tele (numerous vintage and new), Fender JMascis, Reverend RA Baritone, Reverend Prototype, Danelctro, Taylor acoustic (numerous), PureSalem Gordo, Moniker custom shop, Bass: Gibson LPJr (numerous), Fender P, Epiphone Viola Drums: Vintage 50's Ludwig (standard sizes), Gretsch (24 kick, 18 floor) beefy kit, Zildjian cymbals Recording: Digital: ProTools, Plugin Alliance mega bundle, Waves (just the good stuff), Slate bundle, SoundToys bundle, UA... All the tasty stuff. Hardware: UA La-610, Summit Audio, Antelope Converters, Focusrite, Mics: Shure (all the goods), AKG, Senheiser, RøDE, Audix,

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

A: I'll make this a bullet point list: Guitarists: Peter Svensson of the Cardigans, Stephen Egerton of the Descendents, Jon Salemi of Snapcase, Gordon Banks (Motown), Berton Averre of the Knack Bass: Tony Lombardo of the Descendents, James Jamerson (Motown), Sergio Vega of Quicksand & Deftones, Drums: Bruce Gary of the Knack, Jamie Miller of Bad Religion, Matt Cameron of Soundgarden/Pearl Jam, Ben Koller of Converge/Mutoid Man, Buddy Rich Vocals: Chris Cornell, Conor Mason of Nothing But Thieves, Nina Parsons of the Cardigans, Walter Schreifels of Quicksand, Tom Petty, my lists could go on and on and on and on and on......

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

A: I am a touring and session musician (guitar, bass, drums, vocals) as well as a producer/mix engineer based in LA. The clients that hire me are looking for a twist, and something that helps breath life and a bit left of center approach which I have an overflowing supply of. Meldoy isn't just in a vocal line but in the instruments (drums included) surrounding it keeping the song soaring and dressed for success wether it be radio or some hipsters DIY playlist that no one else is allowed to know about.