Cool + Clever Pop Songs

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

A: That I make music FOR sync. I don’t - my production style just lends itself very well to it. I do, however, *strongly* believe that sync has become the best way to make a career as an independent artist.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I love being involved from start to finish! I usually take a look at the lyrics/concept/melody ideas I'm given and go from there. I rarely use scratch vocals - I like diving into the arranging process pretty quickly. When I'm given lyrics/melody ideas, I'll make my tweaks, run them by you, and get them back to you really fast.

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

A: I recently came home from playing Red Rocks with a band I play with called The Zou!! It was every bit as magical as you'd expect. I also produced the lead single from our new record (Kills Pt. 2) called "Holy Moses," which has been called a "masterpiece" and a "sonic step forward" by reviewers. A short film I produced over the summer called "Taper" (dir. Paul W. Sauline) won the award for "Best Short Film" at the Los Angeles Independent Artist Film Festival, which I'm incredibly proud of. I was also featured as a "Writer to Watch" by the Nashville Songwriters Association International after sharing a song I wrote for my new record called "Young + Hungry."

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love every aspect of it. I love sinking my teeth into a concept or a lyric that needs some help. I love singing, and I'm good at it, so I'm happy to be the voice of your song. And I love the pictures I can paint with a track. It's all so much fun for me.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I make sure I know what they're looking for - if they want help making a full pop country record, I can help them find someone else, but I'm honest if I feel I'm not the best fit.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Pop music is heading toward less chords and more rhythms, so focus on those in production. I usually start with chords as a guide, and then decide whether I need them or not after my vocal/rhythm parts are done.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Pop music is all about clarity and creativity. I can look at lyrics and tweak them until they're concise, understandable on the first listen, and above all, artfully worded - all while keeping my clients original vision intact. I'm proudest of my ability as a writer.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I'm a very focused lyricist and I love dealing with concepts. I have a soft spot for fun rhythm patterns that aren't simple "four on the floor" beats. I bring a coolness to songs that's rare - especially in the world of demo making. I make it fun.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: On my website, I describe it as lush + thumpy alt-pop. I'm consistently thrown on playlists alongside Halsey, Banks, Tove Lo, and CHVRCHES.

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

A: Alt-pop. It's structure can compete with any Top 40 song, but it's production is a little more unique. I also write Americana/folk music, but it's not my main focus.

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

A: I produce edgy, forward-thinking pop music for my clients from the ground up, including help with lyrics, production, concept, and vocals.

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

A: I find the most inspiration from Bonnie McKee's writing style, Dr. Luke, Diplo. I love the pop writing structure, and knowing when to break the rules. I really loved Barbie and the Rockers as a kid, and it's absolutely inspired my sound. The Beastie Boys and the Flaming Lips inspire me, too.