PRODUCE + WRITE + PLAY + FEELS

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Recording Analog. Mixing Digital. Recording Analog ensures a great sound going in. And mixing digital allows for a lot of flexability.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It usually starts with a song for me, but I will also start with a track at times. but typically.. 1. A song is written by an artist or with the artist. 2. Decide the direction for song production, Key and tempo with client/artist. 3. Produce song. Build track, record instruments and do whatever the song needs. 4. Produce Vocals. Sometimes the vocals are recorded at another studio and sent over because or distance or if an artist prefers to record their own vocals at home. Recently, I FaceTime'd in to Vocal Produce an artist's vox. So, it varies from project to project, but I prefer to be in the same room while recording. Once Lead Vox (and Doubles) are recorded, we'll record Background Vocals and Ad Libs as necessary. 5. Comp Vocals. This is the process where you go through all the best performances and put them to a single vocal performance. Sometimes I'll do this with the artist and most of the time I'll do it without them. Whatever they prefer. 6. Clean up audio. Time align, Melodyne or Autotune Vocals as needed or preferred. 7. Final touches on Production if needed. 8. Mixing. (will usually sublet out to another mixing engineer) 9. Mastering. (will usually sublet out to another mastering engineer) We use top notch pros! Some artists prefer certain Mixing and Mastering Engineers and I'm totally cool with that. 10. Client listens to the song for approval and makes notes if they'd like any tweaks and changes. 11. If needed, repeat steps 8-10 until client is happy. :)

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work out of my house most of the time. I use Logic Pro X. Hardware recording in (Chandler TG2 (used on Taylor Swift, Katy Perry to the Beatles), UA 610 MKii, I also use Slate Hardware and Software. I'm digging their new mic (used on Demi Lovato) and some of the mic emulations. I also record with a AKG 414 often which works great on a lot of different sources. I have tons of different plugins from Slate, Waves, PSP, Soundtoys, Melodyne, Autotune, Native Instruments Komplete bundle and more and more..

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

A: I love so many different creators and producers.. from Singer Songwriter type vibes to Pop to Urban and Country. But off the top of my head.. Ryan Tedder. I love his songs and how he works in so many different artists in different Genres. Ryan actually picked me to win a competition w/ Skype, so I got to spend some time being mentored by him. Max Martin, who I actually met at the ASCAP Pop awards. What a great guy. He came off as such a humble dude, and I really appreciated that especially with all his success. I feel like the best stay humble. I'm impressed by how good Max makes everything he touches.. from melody to production. I'm inspired by a lot of people that I get to work with. I just love people who give their best at everything they do and are always pushing to be better. I could go on.... but..

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I like to wear black pants and simple shirts. My hair is a little swoopy. ;)

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

A: I'll give you my best and will keep working until you're completely happy with the product. :)

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Making music with new friends all the time. I also love seeing a song come to life and a happy client. Beyond that, I love knowing the potential of what a song can do.. and how it can help people.

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

A: Before I jumped into producing / recording music I kinda thought that there was 1 magical secret way to make records and that after you figure it out, you're good for life. But what I've found is that even some of the greatest record producers that stay current are ALWAYS trying to figure it out. And ALWAYS looking to be better. And there is not 1 way to do it. Everyone approaches it in a different way and we all learn from each other in the process.

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

A: I'd say make sure whoever you're going to hire can help take you 1 step closer to achieving your goals. So, Step 1. Define Goals. Step 2. Find someone who wants to help you achieve them.. and make sure they care about your project and don't just see you as a paycheck. nom sayin?

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

A: I started out as a music director working with bands and singers at a church. There were about 5 services a week with around 2,500 people walking through the doors. I would live music produce the services. That was for 10+ years. I also had a Alt Rock/Pop band and we toured around and recorded some albums and I'd write and co-produce the songs. Since living in LA I've solely been writing and producing music.

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

A: hmm... Mac Computer. UA Apollo 8, Monitors, Slate Mic, My Guild D55 Acoustic.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently producing a few songs in the pop/singer/songwriter vein for a few talented artists. Also working on a TV Commercial Ad.

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

A: Probably "When will the song be done?" and it always depends on what we're doing. If we're producing a song, it's a much longer process than recording acoustic guitar or a vocal. Production can take a week to a month. Recording guitar or vocals usually takes a few days, but if someone is in a rush, I understand and can put in some extra hours to make it happen quicker.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Always depends on what we're working on.. but.. What kind of vibe are you looking for? Do you have any references for the sound you'd like? What is your goal for this song? I'll probably ask more questions, but that's off the top of my head.

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

A: I'd love to work with anyone with a passion for music. I'd also love to work with Ryan Tedder, Julia Michaels, Alec Benjamin, Sasha Sloan.. oops.. I think it was asking for 1 again. haha. I'll just say why I'd work with Julia Michaels. I like her honest approach to music.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Man.. there's so many you learn along the way, but 1 interesting one is sometimes an iphone can be a great way to record something. Charlie Puth does it, and actually a lot of other people use this trick. I'd go on with others, but it said one. :( I'm open if anyone wants to know more.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My personality tends to push beyond normal boundaries to make something great.

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

A: I mostly work on Pop music in some form.. It always depends on the artist and what they want. A good song is a good song, and I don't care what genre it's in.

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

A: I'll usually write a song with an artist or do production for a song. I get hired to record Acoustic Guitar for artists and play live pretty often. I also record Electric Guitar for Sound Companies for Producer sound packs.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: It always depends on the needs of the song and the artist, but I'll usually bring authentic honest expression to a song... find moments..whether that be in writing or vocal producing. I can help bring structure to the song and production if needed. I'll often bring hooks and help find moments worth repeating.