Producer + Songwriter

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I'm producing a full 12-song album for my good friend Ben Beaver. He's trusting me with full arranging, recording, mixing, and production on the whole thing, which I am honored to do.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: My biggest goal is to get a client where they're trying to go. Consider what your end goal is and what you want to be known for, and I will help you get there.

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

A: You don't have to have it all figured out. Just come with an open mind and we'll make it together!

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

A: Paring down my electric guitar rig would be hard... The EHX POG2 has been my go-to electric guitar sound recently, and I can't imagine living without that. The Keeley 4-knob compressor would also be a must. After my Gibson Les Paul Custom and Mesa Express 5:50, my last piece would probably be the Eventide Space. So many knobs!

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

A: I have been playing, writing, and recording for more than 15 years. Recently I've had the opportunity of doing a lot more professional work, and I've enjoyed it a lot.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I always strive to employ modern pop sensibilities and production around a song. My goal is to create music that is both accessible and rich.

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

A: I would LOVE to work with Amber Bain of The Japanese House. She has such a way of crafting music that you just get lost along the ride – in the best way possible.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The best tip I've ever received was about sonic space. In music every instrument, voice, effect, and sample all need to have a place they live in the mix. The other elements should have their own places, so they don't step on each others toes. They all need to have their own sonic space.

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

A: My favorite kind of music is heartfelt and honest while still presented in a modern package.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My friends make fun of me because of how detailed my ear is, whether to figure out a harmony on the spot or to switch around the chords to fit the hook's motifs. Years of leading and rehearsing bands has taught me that listening is far more important than playing.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My gift is to be able to put the heart and soul of a song on display. Catchy melodies, intriguing yet natural feeling chord progressions, and professional production elements are awaiting your newest song. I think you'll like where we take your song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I am a very fast and efficient worker, so I like to get everything set up and prepared before we start. Organize all the media files, document all the chords and lyrics, and get a demo track at the right tempo and key so we don't duplicate work later. Then I go ham! Experimenting, adding instruments, tracking guitars and vocals, synthesizing harmony parts, mixing – it all happens at once.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a modest home studio set up with microphones, guitar equipment, and studio-grade monitors.

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

A: I love music that is both simple and complex. On the surface it's easy to listen to and understand, but if you take the time to listen deeper you find these hidden gems. Really brings me joy.

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

A: Most of my clients trust my ear more than anything. I will often help them piece together the basic music and song structure, as well as refine melodic hooks and lyrics.