Music Producer / Mixer

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

A: If you made it this far down, I can see you're patient and don't mind reading. Well get ready for this one. I've been in the music industry for nearly 10 years now. I've been fortunate enough that this has been my only job. When I first started, the goal was just to break into the industry. I didn't know the rules, all I knew was to create music that I would listen to. And so I did, and I eventually got my first placement with Columbia artist Michelle Williams. This led to major label song deals to publishing deals, management with big companies, you name it. Pretty soon, it became a rat race. It wasn't so much about creating, it was about getting paid. I would be cranking out songs, cutting songs with artists and lots of times the songs wouldn't even release. It was a paycheck. The years went by, I got a nice place, car and pretty much a bunch of shit that doesn't matter. And as thankful as you think I should've been, I was miserable! I had completely lost my "soul" in the music. The songs were no longer me, nor did they represent what I was about. They were professional, but they had lost all their edge. It was sterile. I went on a long vacation to clear my head and when I came back, I had made up my mind that this wasn't how I would spend my days with the job I supposedly loved. If I wanted to work relentlessly without passion, I might as well find a 9-5. Fast forward to about 3 years ago, I decided I would no longer take on projects where I would be doing a single song. I wanted to sit down, focus my energy on an artist and tell their story the best I could. Unfortunately because of the limitations of this site, I can't post everything but the song "Jailkeeper" is the fruits of my labor. It was the catalyst for a string of projects I have worked on since where I've dedicated myself to finding that sound for each artist, and helping tell their story through my strokes. Cheesy enough for you?

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your story?

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

A: It really comes down to the music. The credits, this interview, yeah it's somewhat important but the reality is the music has to fit. Don't look for someone who you can warp into what you're looking to do. Be open, and understand that producers are artists as well. We've dedicated much of our lives to creating sound, and the sounds we make are shaped by our experiences. You're shopping for that right sound to put on your wall.

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

A: A machete, water-sanitizing pills, fire starting matches, a tent, and my Telefunken C12. God I love that mic.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Well, I grew up with a lot of influences and I'm inspired by many things. Not just music, but places I travel to, food I eat, furniture, clothes, books. I just pull from anywhere inspiration strikes.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Honestly, I barely know what I'm doing myself.

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

A: Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Electronic

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm Asian, so probably Math?

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: The most important thing to me when working with an artist, is really trying to figure out what they're about and how to tell their story. I want to create records that make people feel something, anything! Creating a hit is never the focus, because it's never guaranteed. Creating something honest is the only thing we can control, and that's always been what I'm about.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have all the fancy gear that you hear people mention. But most importantly, I have a mini-basketball hoop. And yes, I accept your challenge.

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

A: The list is too long! The Beatles, Daft Punk, M83, Kanye West, Drake, The Neptunes, Banks, Amy Winehouse, Andre 3000, Chemical Brothers, Arcade Fire, Radiohead

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

A: Music production and mixing. Aside from just creating tracks, I'm known for the way I treat vocals and make the artist sound.