Lead & Background vocals

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

A: One of the most fun projects I got to work on in the past few years was for Jonny Lang. He has long been a huge favorite of mine because of the grit and soul in his voice. Plus he's a monster songwriter. I sang background vocals on several songs on his latest release "Signs". If you've not heard this amazing album, do yourself a favor and go listen to it!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My own EP. It's nearly finished and I'm really excited about it!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. For a vocalist it is a lifesaver...and a timesaver!

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

A: I put 100% into every vocal I do and won't send you anything I wouldn't want my name on. I want you to be completely happy!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love that every day I get to sing something different and work with all types of different artists, writers, producers and publishers. It keeps it interesting.

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

A: If I were on a desert island...there would be no power...so therefore I'd just take my dog. ;-)

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always ask if they have any ideas for BGV's before I start creating them. I always want to be mindful of their vision. I also ask if they have a scratch vocal I can listen to, to get a better idea of the direction they want to take.

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

A: If you're looking to hire a singer, check out their demo reel but also other full recordings they might have on their website so you have a more complete idea of their voice and vocal strengths.

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

A: 20+ years. I moved to Nashville in the early 90s and began doing vocal sessions shortly after that. My career has been built over many years of working with producers, artists, writers and publishers that have consistently branched out as people referred me and continued working with me. I'm also a worship leader and have traveled all over the country for different live events. I'm also on staff as a worship leader in my home church. I've been super blessed to do what I love for a living!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Soulful, powerful, emotional.

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

A: Israel Houghton. I've sung with him before but I'd love to write and perform with him since I'm also a worship leader.

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

A: Black gospel and R&B.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Putting power and emotion into a vocal.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Soulful, powerful vocals. I'm also hired a lot for rich, airy BGV's with lots of texture.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: If I'm hired to do a lead and BGV's I will get the lead done first so I have something to build BGV's around. I usually do 2-3 stacks of each BGV part for fullness depending on the song or what the client has requested. I typically work in sections until I'm happy with the performance and then listen down start to finish a couple times to be sure all the punches are clean and the levels are consistent. I record dry so I can hear an accurate representation of my vocal. If it sounds good with no reverb at all, I know it will sound great once that's added by the client.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Pro Tools 12, MacBook Pro, Audio-Technica Cardioid Condenser Mic, Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 USB2 Audio Interface, AKG Closed Monitor Headphones.

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

A: Tommy Sims, Timbaland, Kirk Franklin, Lauryn Hill, YEBBA, Jessie J, Stevie Wonder, Israel Houghton, Earth Wind & Fire, Jill Scott, Whitney Houston, P!NK, to name a few.

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

A: Lead and background vocals