Singer/Writer (EDM, Pop, Etc.)

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

A: My two EPs and my collaborations for the songs "Make It Right" and "Terrified". The EPs because they were the start of my career as a musician. Lots of time and love went into those projects and a heap of learning came from them. I wrote all of the songs and tracked most of the instrumentation. The two collabs I wrote and tracked the vocals, guitar, and keys. I'm proud of these two because they were both a new style of writing that came out an intention to think outside my normal box.

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

A: All the clients I've worked with I have been incredible. Until I've worked with someone I feel I can't recommend this will remain my answer.

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

A: I will work my ass off to finish the job and do it to the best of my ability. Though I feel pretty confident in my abilities, there is always room for improvement. With each project I learn something new about myself and the process.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The challenge. I try not to make the same thing twice. With that being said, it's not easy "starting from scratch" but the feeling of accomplishing that task is the thing that keeps me coming back.

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

A: Can I get the project done earlier than the first agreed upon timeline? And the answer always depends on the time of year and what other projects I'm working on. However, recently that has not been a problem.

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

A: I think a lot of people assume that I am just rhyming words over four chords. Whereas that does happen a lot of the time the key is in keeping it fresh, but familiar; catchy but not annoying. Writing can be fictitious a lot but most of the time the best songs come from real-life experiences. Relatability is a huge need for any great song.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to start off asking if they have something specific in mind or want my creative input. Especially when it comes to recording vocals only, some people have a specific cadence or tone they are looking for and I want to make sure I hit it hard. Otherwise, I'm open to bringing my own creativity into the project as long as the client is familiar and happy with the work I've done in the past.

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

A: This is assuming there's electricity: 1. My laptop loaded with all my software 2. Any acoustic-electric guitar 3. 88 key controller with drum pad 4. Best Microphone I can get my hands on or even hardy Shure sm58 5. Top notch audio interphase or even just a Focusrite

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

A: I started a Kickstarter campaign for a folk/americana album five or so years ago. Once that album was out in the ether I started to play out in Chicago and do a few mini tours in the States. A song off that album then was picked up by a producer with Warner music and signed as a single. Once the EDM world saw that my music was great for their place in music, I started to collaborate with a ton of producers all over the world. Since then I have worked with heaps of producers across plenty of labels.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would explain my style as being both folk/americana and pop.

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

A: Justin Vernon (Bon Iver). His evolution as a musician/producer/artist is terribly inspiring and his music is fun, emotive, nostalgic, and unique. He is constantly changing his style and quality whilst remaining true to his life and story, often embedding it within his music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My vocals. I'm often told that people come to me because my rawness and strong delivery. I have a unique voice that tends to bring a song some grit and resolve. However, I'm also able to bring a gentleness when a track requires a softer approach.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I currently am running Logic Pro X off a MacBook Pro. I use a Focusrite Scarlett as my audio interphase. Studio Projects C1 Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone for vocals. 88-key M-audio key station controller.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A lot of Pop/EDM collaborations and a bit of original/solo Folk/Americana music.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog when done right is always the best in my opinion. However, digital allows for a lot of freedom in developing sounds/ideas that otherwise would be difficult if you don't have the right equipment.

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

A: Get on Spotify and listen to some songs I have on there–especially tracks I'm featured on. It will give you a better sense of my voice and writing style.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Take a few breaks from your song. I've found that taking an hour break to take a walk, go on a drive, or whatever and then coming back to a track really helps in developing it. You hear things you didn't before, you have new/fresh ideas, and generally it's just healthy to get away from the tunnel vision we often get in front of a computer screen.

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

A: EDM is what I tend to work on. However, I'm working on a lot of Folk/Americana and Pop for some original projects.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I've worked with many producers and have lots of experience in creating songs people love to listen to. People often tell me they gravitate to my work because I have a powerful and unique voice. Along with that is my ability to really get into a song and therefore bringing a certain intentional emotion to my projects. I take criticism well and welcome it so that I'm making the track the best it can be.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Depending on the project it usually starts with, in the least, a basic concept for a verse and chorus and/or hook. If I'm really feeling the vibe I'll develop it with the producer I'm working with, generally getting notes along the way. I'll continue to develop the idea until the bones are there. After that it just comes down to maybe adding some ad libs and honing in feeling the track to record the final vocals.

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

A: This is a hard questions because there are so many in so many different parts and genres of the industry. I love the production, writing and performance Justin Vernon brings to all his projects, but Bon Iver stands out, of course. ZEDD is pretty great because he really gets those catchy tunes and fun production through teamwork–he generally has a heap of people (ie songwriters, producers, audio engineers, etc) working together to fine tune his tracks.

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

A: I generally do topline work (lyrics and vocal melody/performance). This usually starts with a producer sending me an instrumental track looking for some vocal accompaniment that works well with the track. I'll try out some concepts, usually just a verse and chorus and/or hook, and send them back to the producer to see if they are feeling it. Once we've found something we both dig I move forward in developing that idea, taking notes from the producer along the way. Once we have a solid track I do the final vocals and any additional vocals for the track.