Songwriter/Musician/Production

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

A: I made an instrumental track for a potential client. I'm especially proud of the guitar tones I produced because they are what I was going for & are on that line of sounding both like a synth & guitars. My role was to write & produce an instrumental song in a particular style.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on a song of my own that I will put out as Tango, called "Brown Eyes," & another song progression.

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

A: To deliver a piece of work that they will truly feel good about.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The sculpting of sound; hearing a song take on true form from the original idea.

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

A: "Can you create a track that's like this artist or that artist?"

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are you aiming to accomplish in the end? Is this a demo or will this be a single? Do you have a vision in mind that you can communicate to me to keep in mind while I work on this project? Do you have any specific production notes or sounds that must be translated into the finished work?

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

A: If you feel that you can't do the job yourself or are looking to branch out, consider collaboration to experience its benefits.

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

A: Rock/Indie/Alternative/Instrumentals

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I would say my strongest skill is my ability to write & record a multi-tracked song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a groove to a song. Whether it's an interlocking guitar lead or a funky bass line. Then I bring quality production to a song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I hit the studio when I know that I'm on to something with a melody or when I have pieced together verse/chorus ideas. Sometimes I let things marinate, then I refine & add or try parts that work in the song to see what best melds. The process depends on what the initial idea is.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a burgeoning studio setup that currently houses an analog Fostex 450 16 channel mixer, a Focusrite Scarlett audio interface, & Yamaha HS studio monitors. Microphones: Heil PR 30B dynamic supercardioid AKG P420 condenser Heil Handi mic Pro Plus Instruments: Fender made in Japan Mahogany Offset Telecaster Fender Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster "Mary Kaye" blonde Fender Squier 2001 P-Bass Affinity series Yamaha DX7 synthesizer Blackstar Club HT Club 40 tube amplifier Electro-Harmonix Platform Stereo Compressor pedal Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Electric Mistress Analog Flanger pedal Electro-Harmonix Micro Synthesizer Analog Guitar Microsynth pedal Tama Granstar drum set (made in Japan) Paiste cymbals: 15" Giant Beat hi-hats 24" Giant Beat ride 20" 2002 crash Ludwig Acrolite snare

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

A: Not that I know of yet.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog because of the sound & way it makes us perform differently during recording. It will make you commit more when playing or developing an idea. But...I use digital more often.

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

A: Perhaps some people don't realize how much one artist does for any given song they put out; aside from writing the song to start with.

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

A: My guitar, bass, 4 track cassette recorder, mic, & drums!

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

A: I attended SFSU in 2007-2008 for their music recording industry program. I wasn't taken by music production at the time, so I instead focused on drumming & played in an Oakland, Ca. based grunge band for about 8 years. I've been developing my skills for 15 years now.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Groovy, catchy, indie, rock..

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

A: Julian Casablancas because I admire the songs he's written & his attention to detail in production.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't over think it to the point where the original spark is lost.

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

A: Julian Casablancas, Dr. Dre, Prince, David Bowie, MF Doom, Tame Impala, the Arctic Monkeys, Tom Petty

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

A: Instrumental session work, mixing, beats.