Songwriter/Producer/Mixer

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

A: I recently finished, engineering, producing and mixing a track for an artist called Simmy. It is her first solo effort after being an auxiliary player on other people's projects. We successfully worked together to find the vibe she wanted while I was lucky enough to leave my personal stamp on the track.

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

A: Tom Dupree III. I don't know him personally, but he has been helpful with his insight.

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

A: How do we get to the sound that I want? We work at it until it's there.

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

A: That it's easy.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your vision for the project. What kind of sounds are you interested in exploring? What artists/records are the vibe you are looking for? Who/what inspires you to make music?

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

A: Acoustic Guitar, Computer, Midi Controller, Studio Headphones, Bass Guitar

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

A: I have been writing, performing and producing music since 1997. In my teens and twenties I wrote, toured and recorded in post-hardcore bands all over the United States. After that I embarked on a solo career as a Singer/Songwriter which has lead me in a more alternative/pop direction and further into mixing/songwriting/production.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My production/songwriting style is to let the vision of the artist take the lead and try to support them with all the tools I can. If the artist wants me to take the lead, I like to supply ideas and run with what inspires them.

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

A: Obviously Kanye West. Whatever he is personally or politically,

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is finding what is special about a project and making it the focal point of the song.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a modest production set-up at my home in Silverlake, Los Angeles, CA. It's compact, but works well for in the box productions and mixes.

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

A: My most common work is song production and mixing. Often song production will include top-line melody, songwriting/arrangement and beat production.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on a few solo records and a couple other project with some friends here in LA.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! There is a time and a place for each vibe.

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

A: I will work hard with you to get where a track, an idea, a melody, whatever, needs to be.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The thing I like the most about this is that I love creating and helping people realize their vision musically.

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

A: Ask as many questions as you need. I am here to help you realize your vision!!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't do too much, just do what you do well.

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

A: I usually work on some form of alternative pop music. I don't like to be bound to boxes, I like to follow the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring an openness and the ability to be as creative as possible. I want songs to be interesting, while remaining engaging.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like start with an idea, lyrically, sonically, philosophically, whatever, and then let that move me in the direction it does. When working with a client, I like to ask them what their vision is, and then go on that same journey with them.

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

A: I find inspiration in artists that adhere to no boundary. Kanye West, Ryiuchi Sakamoto, Kendrick Lamar, Brian Eno. I also am often inspired by just solid songwriting that brings you somewhere, The Killers, Glen Hansard, The Beatles.