PRO Drums/SMOOTH Vox/CRISP Mix

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

A: In all honesty, I am proud of every project here on SoundBetter. I've been fortunate to be able to work with such talented musicians, producers, and songwriters here on this platform. I am most proud of the fact that almost all of my clients continue to come back to me with more work. That to me, is what makes me especially proud to work on SoundBetter.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I've been working with a great producer out of Houston, TX. We are half-way through a 10-song record. I have been recording drum tracks, and percussion tracks to bring life to his project.

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

A: Mark Prentice Michael D. Valerio M. Samuel G. Alex L. Mark N

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

A: I have been playing drums professionally since the age of 16. Now at 36, I still find value in practicing and moulding my sound. It is part of my personality. I have performed in many contexts over the years helping me fine-tune my sound. I've been recording drums in my home for various projects since 2015.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is groove-oriented. I have built my fundamentals over the years and studied music in college and beyond. I pride myself on being a versatile musician. Being able to play piano and sing has helped me develop my sound on the drums. I approach each song with a mood-like mentality. Less is always WAY more.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill would be listening and playing with great taste and feel.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Logic Pro as my DAW. Focusrite Clarett 8PreUSB interface connected to my 2020 Mac Mini computer. My drums are Yamaha oak custom and I use a mix of Zildjian cymbals to provide a wide variety of sounds for the client. Microphones include: Shure SM57's, Shure SM27's, Audix D6, Shure Beta 87a.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. I have had all my experience in the digital world. I would love to work with others that have had analog experience though as well.

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

A: I will work tirelessly to provide a product I am proud to present and you are happy to receive.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love that I get to be involved with the greatest art form every single day. It is never boring and there are always new and exciting challenges that present themselves. I also love that I get to help people with their goals.

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

A: Generally I get questions that are clear like "Would you be interested in playing on a smooth jazz song?" My answer would be "Yes". "Would you be able to make a separate track of your hi-hat just playing sixteenths for my engineer?" My answer "Absolutely".

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

A: That I am just a musician that sits around all day playing songs.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to ask as many questions as I can. Usually questions will involve any type of sound they are looking for. This could be "What sound are you looking for?" or "Are you looking for a heavy or light feel?". I will also ask questions that will help the flow of the project go smoothly. "How would you like the files sent to you?" "Would you like files RAW or edited?" and the simplest question is usually "What would you like to see from me on this project?"

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

A: I would hope to provide the customer comfort with the fact that I genuinely care about the product they will receive from me. An open line of communication is key to having both sides feeling cared for in this process. My ego is checked at the door and I only care about providing the customer with a positive experience.

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

A: Bass drum, snare drum, hi-hat, ride cymbal and floor tom.

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

A: Stevie Wonder is my biggest musical inspiration. He plays everything and plays everything well. His musical vision in always elite. His music is timeless and he is constantly helping other musicians surpass their musical potential.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always working to achieve the best sound for the song helps in the communication process. I've found focusing on what is best for the song helps both parties reach that goal.

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

A: I usually work on blues, funk, pop, smooth jazz, country, folk and singer-songwriter music.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: The clients vision to the song is what I focus on first. I pride myself on staying true to the music and add to the experience. Overplaying has no place in my style. The groove is essential to bringing the song to life. I try my best to let my playing provide a strong foundation for the song to flourish.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I typically have the client send me the project that they wish to have me play on with a separate click track if available. I'll listen to the song multiple times and chart out anything that will help me in the recording process. This helps me be more productive and produce my best work for the client. Next I share a scratch track of my ideas via an mp3 file. This helps both the client and I open a constructive dialogue for meeting their expectations. Their satisfaction is my main concern and I try my best to communicate that through out the process. After hearing their thoughts from the scratch track, I then provide three separate tracks for them to pick and choose from. If they like what they hear, I give them the individual audio stems that they request.

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

A: Michael McDonald, Bruno Mars, Brian Culbertson, Stevie Wonder, Daryl Hall, Steely Dan, James Brown, Michael Jackson, The Eagles, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago and many others.

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

A: My strengths are live drum tracks for various styles of music. Most common is smooth jazz, pop, rock, country, folk and singer songwriter music.