An artist at producing artists

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

A: I've always found myself in an influential position with the artists I work with. I can't help but be hands-on and look to see things through when it comes to the goals we set. I get a kick out of developing artists, I guess! I got to executively manage Jorday with an independent project that saw us get a great response and we were able to recreate it. It was the greatest feeling ever!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am developing a promising artist who has recently been signed, and we have high expectations for. I am working in conjunction with the label to maximise his market positioning, reach and building his brand.

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

A: One thing I appreciate is once people see the value I bring the reoccurring question is always; What do you think? And my answer always takes into account the client's goals; it's all about the approach and intent.

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

A: When looking for a producer, you should find someone who listens. They should have the intention to serve you and your vision; however, be able to make suggestions, introduce different perspectives and guide you through different scenarios and what results may come from different approaches.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Unique ideas and sounds. I pride myself in adding textures that bring out the emotion in the tracks.

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

A: I'd have to say executive producing. I do a lot of music production, vocal producing, co-writing, I mean sometimes my voice is in the tracks I create, but you'd never know it was me. It's all about maximising our efforts get the most out of each song.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Ahhh, that's a tough one. I'll only say digital because of its accessibility and speed. However, I know we are close, but you can't beat that analog sonic signature.

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

A: I will always do all I can!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to do what I love and beyond the music is helping people find their version of success!

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

A: People think I'm a know it all but I believe I listen twice as much as I speak.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask a lot of particular questions to gauge what capacity they'd want me to be involved but equally question that spark deep thought about what they want. An example would be; What obstacles are they facing in the careers currently? Or what keeps you up at night regarding your career?.

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

A: 1. Laptop (with all my libraries) 2. Akai Max 49 Keyboard 3. Neuman TLM 103 Microphone 4. A pair of Focal Clear Headphones 5. An Apollo Twin Interface

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

A: I've been doing this for as long as I can remember. I've studied music my entire life from school talent shows, winning awards with a dance group, studying music in college and university. It's given me experiences of working with songwriting teams, opening for big acts in the Uk like N'Dubz, Tinie Tempah and Kid British. I've worn many hats over the years creatively and corporately being apart of many label meetings with emerging talent.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Polished! I like things to sound RIGHT! Even if I'm distorting a vocal or sound, I still want it to sound expensive.

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

A: I want to work with Justin Beiber. He has an eclectic sound it's broad, and there are some many genre's blended in his music and I enjoy combining genre's or pulling ideas from other spaces.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Sound choice is everything!! If you can learn to pick the right sounds, be it drums, percussion, synths, strings all the above, you're a man or woman after my own heart.

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

A: Hip-hop and R&B driven Pop.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to read between the lines and get to the real and purest point of the artist's vision. I do this to get the artists most authentic goals around themselves as it pertains to their career. So I have a three steps process; 1. Pre Production 2. Production 3. Strategy and Accountability I love succeeding but I enjoy helping people reach their version of success.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a studio of my own I named the 'Hz Pantry'. Sound is measured in Hertz and where I'm from the pantry is where all the goodies used to be kept when I was younger thus Hz Party. It's a space where local clients who visit are made to feel relaxed and able to let the making magic happen but equipped enough to create high-quality music. Personally, it's my Zen room, and I feel like I'm a genius, my highest self in the room.

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

A: I try not to box myself in, but production-wise I'm drawn to say the legendary Quincy Jones. Then Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Darkchild, Dr Luke and Max Martin to name a few. Hip and R&B are my foundation, but I'm don't solely stay in that space. Of course, I'm a business fanatic, so in the music space, I'd have to say legends such as Jimmy Iovine, L.A Reid and Harvey Mason Jr. All guys who understand the art of music and the business.