Fiddle/Mandolin/Acoustic/Dobro

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

A: I really enjoyed playing on a session of a song I wrote with Sarah Darling called "Where Cowboys Ride." It's one of the my top favorite songs I've written. She recently asked me to come play and sing it with her on the Grand Old Opry, which was a real treat!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Overdubs for clients from my home studio. I'm also focusing on my own songwriting, and collaborations with my favorite people to write with.

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

A: Jenga Productions / Jeff Zacharski, Caleb Gilbreath, Josh Matheny, Corey Congilio, Troy Engle, Jimmy Herman, Bruce Hoffman.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love both. I believe in todays world, we need digital for the ease of use, and speed of workflow. I love analog preamps, and I have a great time clock and converters (Universal Audio 2192) that makes digital sound as analog as possible.

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

A: Integrity. Customer satisfaction is crucial to any business. If you love my work, we'll work together again, and you'll tell your friends.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love it when expectations are exceeded. Not to say that people have low expectations when hiring me, haha! My favorite is when people are expecting to just get a certain instrument on their track, and then saying that it really "made" the song, or the song "wouldn't be the same without it." Mission accomplished.

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

A: Hey man, are you able to play some fiddle, mandolin, guitar, or dobro on my track? I can't think of once that I've answered "No." Ha!

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

A: I believe the biggest misconception is that better gear, instruments, or money spent make a better recording. That is true, but ultimately it is about the feel and the soul of the music. That comes from the inside of people. I do have some of the finest instruments and gear available.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your turnaround time? Is the mix you sent to me complete, or will there be other instrumentation added? Is this project for radio, TV, film, or a custom record or EP?

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

A: Hire the right guy for the job, then trust their instincts. If you have a certain part or lick you want them to play, let them know.....but don't micromanage the creativity too much. Many times when people do that, it crushes the creativity and fun of music. When you take the fun out of it, music can become sterile. I believe that over 90% of the time when I've been turned loose to use my judgement and be creative, the client has wound up using those tracks and loved them. Again, if you have a certain hook, lick, or part you want played, I totally understand and want to deliver that for you.

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

A: A Peterson Strobe tuner, a ProTools DAW, Universal Audio 2192 Clock, a Neumann U87, and an Avalon VT-737.

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

A: I grew up in a musical family, we toured and recorded together for about 16 years. After that, I started working for national touring acts as a sideman and bandleader, and have done that for the last decade. I also have a degree in audio engineering and have done a lot of producing, and mixing, and mastering. I also have a I guess if you combine all that time, it makes about 26 years!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Serving the song / lyrics.

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

A: I love Vince Gill's music. He's always been a hero of mine. I've been around him a few times, and he's always been really nice. We are "neighbors" at a rehearsal studio in Nashville....and have gear lockers within a few feet of each other. I treat him like a regular guy, but the kid inside is grinning ear to ear.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I believe the most important thing in music is intonation. In my opinion that separates the good musician from the great one, or the professional. In relation to your instrument, a really great tuner is a small investment....but often overlooked.

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

A: Usually Country, Pop Country, Americana, and Folk.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ability to hear a lick or phrase and be able to play it. I have a really good ear for pitch and tuning as well. I believe another strength would be "believability." I have a deep love for music and that emotion is able to be heard in the recordings.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I've been playing the fiddle since I was 10 years old. I started mandolin when I was 11, guitar at 13, and dobro in my twenties. I've toured and recorded with some of the best country artists and musicians out there. I've learned to make the notes count, and not just play every note or lick I can. I listen to the lyrics of the song and the singer. That's the most important thing. I tailor what I play to the vocals and lyrics, and support them.....not detract from them. In summary, it's about defining your role, and knowing your place on the team in order to deliver your music in the best form possible!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I receive an MP3, AIFF, or WAV file from you. I'll give it a listen and let you know when I can turn it around. I can give you a call to discuss what you're looking for, or take my cues from your e-mails or texts. I will then send a rough mix of what I did for your review. Once approved, I will upload the files for you via DropBox or Google Drive (preferred).

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Imac running Pro Tools 10. Universal Audio Apollo, with a Universal Audio 2192 Master Clock. Cabling is Analysis Plus. CAD Equitek E200 Condenser Microphone, and Vintage Shure Mics.

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

A: I've always been a huge fan of Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, and Alan Jackson, among others. I was a teen in the 90's, so those country stylings are a big influence. I also love to play my instrumentation to the pop beats and tracks that are current now....in the style of Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, etc.

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

A: Remote overdubs at my studio, consisting of Fiddle, Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar, Dobro.