composer | music producer

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As far as songwriting and production is concerned, I would say it's mostly versatile, flexible, Rock & Jazz influenced pop music, always focused on the song's audience.

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

A: There are so many names out there, so many great people doing really amazing stuff. But if there was a call from Max Martin or one of his collaborators to join his team, I surely wouldn't think twice. I am sure that in his teams of experts there is a lot to learn for everyone, no matter how good you are at what you're doing.

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

A: I am a formally trained Jazz musician, cultural scientist (BA) and sociologist (MA) who has been permanently growing his experience as a freelance songwriter, producer and author about music production over the past 15 years.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: "What", "when", and "why". Yes, it's as simple as that. And after having cleared these questions, it will be fun for both partners to speak about the how, and the how much.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment I am mainly working on radio House tracks with Tropcial House influence. I am writing and producing a full album and am already excited to see which of these songs will make their way.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Technically, I am working with a hybrid setup, but my signal-flow mainly stays in-the-box to have everything available for total recall. However, in my studio there is an analogue output stage implemented as well. It is running through an SSL Bus Compressor and is thus guaranteeing "that special glued sound", if need is.

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

A: Yes, I have worked with Yoad Nevo and he is such a nice and relaxed guy. It's a pleasure to work with him. As a singer, I can recommend Michael Jefferson to you. His understanding of songs is phenomenal and his timing and pitch leaves you breathless. If you are looking for a vocalist to complement your songs in the very best way, he should be first choice.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Yes, sure, many. Over the past 15 years, I have worked as a sought after freelance author for several recording magazines (including Sound On Sound) and have written 11 books about recording, music production and vocal technique. So, whenever you need some production tips, google my name and enjoy some free tutorials online or just buy one of my books. It's all out there, from me to you.

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

A: In recent years, clients have been hiring me mostly for doing vocal recordings and productions. Since 2017, I am exclusively offering my grown experience in lyric, composition, and arrangement services.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I treat each project individual. So there are no general rules whatsoever. But rest assured that I will have a work strategy for your project in no time, which we will be able to discuss in short.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is located in Europe's largest urban agglomeration - the Ruhr Area. It is equipped for doing vocal recordings and pop music production. The studio's former name "Riverside Recordings" hits the nail very much on the head: We have a nice view on the river Ruhr and the countryside there. A perfect surrounding for relaxed and inspired creative work.

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

A: Emotional impact is the one thing I'm looking for in music. Therefore I love the highly-professionalized composition style of Max Martin as much as Trevor Horn's complex productions.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: That can be emotional impact, an interesting story line, a captivating build-up. I'd say whatever my client wants the song to have/to contain but is still lacking.