Sax, flute, electronics

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

A: Typically I receive a song file which is either instrumental or complete, the parts I'm supposed to play may be already played but a synth, or hummed by the singer or producer, they may also just leave a blank space on the rythm track with a time indication for the beginning and ending of a solo or part. Whether I add just one line of sax or a whole section of woodwinds ( I like to double the flute and harmonize the sax), I send back files with a rough mix, a sync point and each parts in high quality audio.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I wasn't convinced by digital until I started working at 24 bits / 96 khz. I still have a really good tape recorder but I rarely use it because of obvious synchronization issues.

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

A: I deliver a sound that will make you go Oh Yeah. I moved to New York to get that sound, the supersonic saxophone, fast and mind blowing.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Hell I'm a musician, I just love it.

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

A: How long will this take? Depending on your needs (and my availability) 1 to 7 days.

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

A: In the 80's the saxophone was ruined with too much effects, and affect, too many hair in the wind.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you prefer alto, tenor or flute as a main voice?

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

A: You can contact me if you have a question. If you want me to start a part right on the first beat provide a click or some kind of precount. If you're not sure I can make a whole song from scratch, or sync music to an existing video

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Awesomely sculptural

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

A: Deadmau5, but I'll settle for Bjork

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Put the horns louder in your mix, instead of turning them down EQ them, and try fades in and out

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

A: Pop, world music, electro, jazz, it's a vast territory

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'd like to say creating melodies but in NY we'd just say making up parts.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Life! I love electro but it always sounds better with air.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Before I record a part, I need to be able to hum it so that I become so familiar with the melody that I can breathe it through, which is necessary on saxophone. Of course I am a fan of the first take but I always do the extra one, for good luck. Once all my tracks are recorded I start by adjusting some volumes. I usually leave the effects up to the client unless requested.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Pro Tools HD, some good German mikes and few but well chosen effects

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

A: I learned with studio guys in NYC, learned to make each line a hook, to deliver quickly and sanely in one of the most cut-throat environment. Lately I've been playing and recording with the great Page Hamilton from Helmet bringing guitar recording but also just creation of sound to a whole new level. Also I love the album to Pimp a butterfly, it sets for me a new standard in expressiveness, and the mix of electronics and jazz is the best I heard as it decades of sound by combining the good old acoustic with the most modern HD productions.