Producer | Songwriter

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

A: I'd like to work with that artist who is full of passion and is just waiting for the right producer to help create his or her sound.

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

A: My wife, Katina's "Greater Love". I'm especially proud of this project because I wore so many hats in this project. I was co-writer, producer, vocal arranger, recording and mixing engineer. I've learned a lot since then, but it's still a very special project to me.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Always working with new clients, as well as those I've built with along the way. Always trying to make the next song greater.

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

A: Not yet since I'm new.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer the "realness" of analog and the convenience of digital. My setup is the best of both worlds.

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

A: My promise is that I will treat every song like it's the last song I'll ever work on.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like that every project is different because every client is different. I enjoy the feeling of knowing that a client is truly satisfied.

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

A: How long have I been producing? Since 2002. How long will it take? Not long.

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

A: Probably that I just make beats. The word "producer" means so much more than just a beatmaker.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to get to know at least a little about my clients. It makes the process much easier. I like to hear about their goals, the types of sounds they like, artists they like (and why)...Things like that.

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

A: Remember to enjoy the creative process. It's why we do what we do.

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

A: My laptop, UAD Apollo, keyboard, Great River, and one of my mics...Can't pick just one, but right now I'd probably say my WA-251.

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

A: I started out as a musician in church. One day, one of my rapper friend told me he needed beats and somewhere to record. I was the only musician he knew, so he bought me some recording software. I installed it, learned it within a few days, and the rest is history. That was back in 2002.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Emotional. It feels like what you want to say but can't.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to stand out. Always work to be better than you are now, but that doesn't mean sounding like everyone else.

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

A: The majority of my work has been R&B/Soul, but that consists of so much. That includes jazz, pop, hip-hop, gospel, blues, etc.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is taking what's in an artist's mind and bringing it to life. That could be by simply hitting record and playing piano, or it could be a full-fledged composition and production. It could be me alone in my studio at 3 a.m., or it could be a full band. My strongest skill is doing whatever it takes to bring the song to life.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Every song I work on is my opportunity to help an artist convey some sort of emotion. The song is already there (unless I'm also the songwriter). I just create a canvas for the artist to scream or whisper that song/emotion in a way that the listener has no choice but to hear what the artist is saying.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: If a client is bringing me a song, I usually like to have a discussion about the song. Things like the inspiration behind it, what sound they're going for, etc. I ask them to sing it to me (or email a rough copy), build a simple drum loop for them to sing over. I take that and pull it into my DAW (usually Cubase) and play some chords over it. Then I get feedback from the artist to see if they like the chords or if they'd like different chords, etc. Once I have the correct chords, I'll build the track around their vocals. I like to stay in contact with the artist throughout the process.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a pretty hands-on studio setup. Lots of toys to keep me (and my clients) inspired, but everything actually has a use. Everything is pretty much in arms reach to me, so I can get whatever sound I need before I get distracted.

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

A: Stevie Wonder, Rodney Jerkins, Warryn Campbell, etc. The list goes on. I admire people who pour their hearts into every composition.

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

A: The word "producer" for me usually means musician, beatmaker, recording and mixing engineers, songwriting assistant, life coach, and everything in-between. But I don't mind that at all.