Producer, Mixer, Engineer

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

A: A recent project that I've worked on and am especially proud of is working with a local artist where I'm from, where I was able to fully hone in on being an engineer for the first time. Being behind the boards, and guiding/coaching her from start to finish on her first 5-track EP that she released. This has taught me so much of how to really communicate a vision and how to get the best performance out of an artist effectively.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently, I am studying at Berklee College of Music to expand my musicianship and musical knowledge. In conjunction, I am gearing up for my own release professionally as an Artist and am always producing new music.

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

A: Freddie Banks is an amazing talented session musician and producer! Danny Flam is one of the greatest brass arrangers ever!

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

A: My laptop, UA interface, a microphone, keyboard and headphones.

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

A: I am an artist at heart. Started out writing poems and raps. Then, started producing music and have been doing this for well over 10+ years now.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Generally, I will either start by beatboxing acapella melodies and rhythms. Or, by opening my DAW and searching through sounds to find the "one" that inspires me the most. From there, I will have a 4-8 bar loop of an idea and start building the foundation of a song. While this is happening, I'm most likely coming up with the vocal melody and getting a solid idea of how the song should go. Once when I feel the foundation is solid, I will start arranging the sounds that fit the overall concept of the song, at which I will have a better understanding of the direction of the song. From there, I will adjust accordingly or incorporate more session musicians to expand the song further.

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

A: I am heavily influenced by Funk and Jazz. But, I find inspiration in almost every genre of music. Some artists include: Teddy Riley, Rodney Jerkins, Kanye West, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, and Alicia Keys, just to name a few.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a juxtaposition between: Funk/Jazzy and Rap/Hip Hop.

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

A: My advice to anyone who is looking to hire me as a provider, is to be passionate in whatever it is you do or make. Music is the sole code to our existence. It is what keeps us alive. And, as long as you are in that kind of mind frame. Then, I am 110% behind you and will make sure your product exceeds your expectations.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: What I bring to a song, is passion. Someone once described my style as a musical and emotional rollercoaster. I like to take my listeners and clients on a journey, musically speaking. Where they feel like they are in a whole different world. Where they can get away from all of their troubles and problems that are going on in their lives, and have a safe haven to come to.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital is the way for me, currently. Mainly, because it saves a lot of time and money. Especially, in my workflow and with the amount of work I get, on a consistent basis.

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

A: My 'promise' to my clients, is that I will not give up on the project and will relentlessly work on it, until it meets and/or exceeds your expectations.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job, is that I get to work with so many talented acts. Whether they are established, or just getting their feet planted on the ground. I like to work with as many creative people as possible.

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

A: My main clients usually entail, Rap/Hip Hop or R&B/Soul. But, most recently. I have had the opportunity to work with a couple Pop artists and their projects.

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

A: The most common type of work I do is - songwriting/music production.

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

A: The main artist I would like to work with, is Kanye West. Mainly, because of how much passion he gives into his craft, and how much time he is willing to put in, with every project he works on. Whether it is music or fashion, you know Kanye West is going to put in 1,000% into it. And, that is what I stand on. Putting in 1,000% of energy.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One music production tip I can give, is to make the music that moves your soul. Emphasize solely on the music that speaks to you, and don't worry about if it might make sense at first.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill, is my ability to pay attention to detail. I have a huge achilles heel about sound and the way it is conveyed. I will continue to work on the project, until it meets and exceeds my clients demands and expectations. I like to go above and beyond for everyone I work with, no matter how big or small.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Apple 13-inch 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5 4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 MacBook Pro Universal Apollo Twin Duo DSP Thunderbolt Audio Interface 2 Yamaha HS8 2‑way Monitor Speakers Akai MPC Renaissance M-Audio Axiom Pro Advanced 49 Keyboard MKII