Vocal Chameleon | Songwriter

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

A: I am extremely proud of my song 'Pretend' which took 3 years to bring to life. I am the writer, performer and vocalist on the track, and it is the first song I've released that I feel truly reflects me as an artist.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on a 7 song album that has been in the works since the pandemic.

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

A: I'm not sure yet. Still too new here.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Hmmm, I'm a digital girl which might be a controversial statement. I love the tactile control of analog and the warmth, but I like the control and endless possibilities digital provides more.

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

A: I promise to give 100% to your vision and song to help bring it to life.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love to use my voice to bring your ideas to life. It brings me great joy to stretch my instrument to meet your needs.

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

A: I am mostly asked about my rates and I answer based on their requirements and timeline.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that I only sing softer songs. I have a large range that actually shines more on bigger tracks that require me to push my instrument.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1. What are your goals for this track/project? 2. How much input do you want to have in the creation? 3. What genre are you aiming for? 4. What is your timeline?

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

A: My advice if you are hiring me is to have a clear vision in mind for what you want to accomplish as well as a budget that supports you goal.

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

A: Shure MV7+, MacBook Pro, Shure SRH1540 headphones, my Taylor 814ce, my Steinway

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

A: My career began after leaving Berklee in 2001. I moved to Nashville knowing no one and jumped in head first to the songwriting scene. I cut my first demo a year later with D. Vincent Williams and Blackbird Studios and then began singing demos regularly throughout Music City. I was asked to demonstrate a vocal harmonizer at the NAMM show in 2006 and found a niche for myself as someone who can convey complex products while performing and keeping it relatable. This led to a two year run with 80's legend Howard Jones as his backing vocalist. I remained in the demonstration side of the industry for 10 years and have since moved on to work for industry icon Shure Incorporated where I run a team of Market Development Specialists.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as female-driven pop that leans toward the softer side but still has a kick.

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

A: I would like to work with Peter Gabriel because he has been in the industry forever, and because his music goes deeper than simply being a hit. He writes with purpose and depth that I truly appreciate.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: My music production tip is to utilize the CLA Face to Face Dry plug-in on vocals to instantly bring your vocals to the front of the mix.

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

A: I have worked on all types of music, but I tend to shine on rock tracks or songs that are melody-driven.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my vocal range and flexibility. I am able to stretch and bend my voice to adapt to multiple styles and genres. I am also a strong pianist and acoustic rhythm guitarist.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I have extensive control of my voice and I bring this to each piece I create. Each nuance and lyric is carefully thought through to provide the most personalized performance.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process involves analyzing the song for both lyrical and melodic content. I like to learn all aspects of the piece I'll be working on from the perspective of the writer or producer to fully understand the story of the song. I will then record multiple full takes to get comfortable with the song, followed by overdubs to tighten up areas that need work. I follow this with recording the harmonies.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio includes an Apollo Twin, a selection of Shure microphones, an iMac and Logic Pro. I monitor through Dynaudio BM6A MKII or Shure SRH1540 headphones. For instruments, I have a Casio CT-S1000V, Privia PX-S6000, Taylor 814ce and a Steinway M.

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

A: I am inspired by Peter Gabriel, Chappell Roan, U2 and Coldplay.

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

A: I most commonly provide lead and harmony vocals for producers.