Songwriter, BGV, Ghost Writer

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

A: I worked with Frank Starchek in London recently on a musicians united for love and peace song comprised of singers and musicians globally. I was able to lend a fresh and creative aspect to a lead verse that really complimented the session well. Anytime I can work on music that refreshes the Spirit and encourages, its a win!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working with Kenneth Anders from Jacksonville who has an impressive list of artists he works with. We are mixing and mastering my next single release. Also working with Gavin Elliott in the U.K. on a dance record.

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

A: Absolutely. I've worked with Chris Adams on numerous projects. "The Piano Guy" as he is called, never fails to deliver music that is executed beautifully. He always brings something extra to the table that truly makes his music production stand out.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: These days you can't go wrong with a skillful mix of the two. Digital is quicker, definitely more accessible and creates sounds beautifully. However, without the usage of Analog to get that real time warmth on a record, it can sound great but not really deliver the punch it was intended to.

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

A: You will always get the best of me and as far as I'm concerned when we're working together, you're my only client.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Bringing lives into focus by facilitating their dreams fulfilled. Imparting pearls of wisdom that will set them up for longevity in life and career. Helping people is my thing!

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

A: Do I know anyone you have worked with? Answer: Maybe not as I have spent a career helping artists get their feet into the music industry. How much do you charge? Answer: I have a basic rate we start off with and as the details of your project emerge, we will negotiate rates that are reasonable and fair. Do you produce vocals? Answer: Yes, via Zoom, Skype or in person, depending upon the situaton.

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

A: That we as writers and producers can simply duplicate a sound that a client is looking for. As we get to know the client a bit, the knowledge we gain helps us to make decisions that will make this client's project not only reflect a sound, but evolves into purpose.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What prompts you do what you do, i.e., back story, influences, likes and dislikes regarding the music industry. What marketing budget do you have? What distribution methods will you use? Is this a hobby or a career for you and why?

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

A: Be ready to invest in yourself both financially and time wise. Know that you have a voice and a story that needs to be told. Be committed to see it thru into fruition.

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

A: Macbook pro, audio interface, Shure SM58, a harddrive and a midi keyboard.

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

A: Grew up in church, wrote my first song at the age of 15. Nine years later that song was #31 on the billboard gospel charts. From there I began my career in songwriting, later becoming a workshop facilitator on music industry and songwriting, became a guest columnist for newspapers and began acting. I've won several awards for arranging, vocals and songwriting over the years. Had a deal with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds back in 2000. Been in the industry over 20 years now.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My passion for creativity drives me to excellence. I'm a chill, easy going kind of guy. I have a knack for using humor to introduce ideas and share knowledge with my clients. In doing so, they do not feel like they're being lectured or not taken seriously for what they already know. I gently prod them into becoming the best version of themselves, even when they initially did not believe so much in that process working.

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

A: I would love to work with Pink. She is a beast at songwriting and tackling issues musically that everyone can relate to. I love her work ethic and overall character.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Utilize reference tracks is a big one. It's not always necessary to reinvent a sound that is already out there. It is, however, necessary to only use the references as a guide and not get sidetracked by having to sound like someone else. Take the ideas and build upon them to create your own version of that sound.

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

A: Most of my work had been in R&B Soul, nowadays it's ventured into Pop, Pop/Rock and singer/songwriter, dabbling in Jazz as well.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Singing, communication, adherence to time lines, using current reference tracks to ensure the artist has a strong current presence to their music.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Years of songwriting using my piano skills to build intricate harmonies, maintaining my relationship with Stevie Mackey as my vocal coach and the ability to offer several options of how to approach the song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Typically I discuss with the musician or artist their vision of their song, provide them with reference tracks to ensure we capture the right sound. From there I record vocals, send them back for revisions. For production projects I'm able to assemble a team of professionals to make the records clean, tuned and mastered.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Full production studio with acoustic panel treatments, Resolve monitors, DAW (Cakewalk, Logic Pro X) mics include Shure SM7b, NT Rode 1m Shure pg 48, focusrite scarlett 4i4 and tons of plug ins.

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

A: All over the place, love all genres. Particularly Ryan Tedder, Kenneth Anders, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Imagine Dragons, Khalid, Maroon 5, & India.Arie.

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

A: Providing pristine vocal stems for projects, session singer, producing projects assisting with musician, background vocalist, topline melody and mix/master resources. Clients love how detail oriented and quick I am with bringing their music beyond their expectations.