Producer/Engineer

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

A: I will always remember working on my first big label project with Shawn Everett and The War On Drugs. It was such an inspiring environment to be in, and to watch those guys make a record was something special. The Grammy was the cherry on top.

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

A: I was personally recommended to SoundBetter from a former colleague, Austin Asvanonda. Austin is a close friend that I have worked with since the very beginning. He's detail oriented, has a great ear, and makes a mean omelette. I'd recommend him to anybody.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Any 'Analog-Head' that says they don't work digital is either incredibly determined, or hasn't had to recall a mix on a Neve 8068 or giant SSL. I love analog, and print as much as I can through tape machines and outboard gear. But there's nothing better than pulling up a Pro Tools session that's recalled an entire mix for me, and it sounds exactly the same.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The fact that I get to make music and help others make music for a living is a dream come true.

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

A: I've been a musician for a long time, and like many others I fell into the Audio Engineering and Production world through that. I went to Audio School just about right after high school, and have been recording ever since.

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

A: My life long dream is to work on a record with Kendrick Lamar. My other dream is to work with Taylor Swift.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't put everything to a grid.

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

A: I usually am working on something in the Indie Rock/Pop Genre, however I love working on a lot of different music. I have many friends in the Hip Hop/Rap scene I make beats for and record vocals with. I love writing and producing Folk Music. I have a huge soft spot for Country and Americana, and love anything that sounds like Nashville. I love being all over the place, and never know what kind of band I'm going to work with next.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Every project is so different, but the only similarity between my Recording, Producing, Mixing, Mastering and Editing projects is the goal to achieve the artists vision. I pride myself on working hand in hand with the artist and making sure they leave with what they came for.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have access to remarkable studios in Los Angeles and Orange County. From rooms with SSL Consoles to extensive 'Home' setups, I truly am blessed to be able to move around and do sessions. My favorite spot to work is Crushed Velvet Studio in North Hollywood. Home to incredible gear such as Wunder Audio Mics, old Rogers Drum Kits, Ampeg B15, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzers, Synths, Guitars and so much more. At home, I have an Apollo setup with every UAD plugin along with Melodyne, Auto Tune, and much more for the editing and mixing process. I typically mix with my Adams A7's, however am often listening through NS10's.

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

A: I've had the privilege of being able to work for many incredible Producers and Engineers. My first introduction to the audio world was working under Shawn Everett for the most recent War On Drugs record. His workflow is truly inspiring, and his methods of madness throw every fundamental out the window and rely solely on his ears. There are many producers I work with now that constantly inspire me; one being the wonderfully talented Jon Joseph. His ear for harmonies and different sonic textures is lovely to watch unfold in the studio, and beautiful to listen to.

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

A: Typically I find myself in the Recording and Production world more often than anything. However I also do a lot of Mixing and Mastering for Clients that I've recorded and produced, and for clients that reach out for projects I've never worked on.