Pop Music Producer & Topliner

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: There is simply nothing better than using your abilities to make someone's day or to create memorable experiences for them. I love to hear from clients that they they cried tears of joy after hearing their song. It's truly an honor to be able to leave that kind of positive impact on someone.

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

A: I have a Ph.D. and have been working in higher education for more than 12 years. But I've been writing lyrics and melodies since middle school. I taught myself guitar in high school and formed a band/duo in college. I realized I didn't want to perform but just enjoyed making music - somebody else could have the glory, I just wanted to write the songs for them. I've been producing music at least part-time for the last 4 years now and have had the opportunity to interact with a receive feedback from so many brilliant minds in the industry. I haven't been nominated for a Grammy or written a Billboard Top 100 hit (yet) but if you're looking for a quality final product that will be radio ready without breaking the bank, I'm your guy. Since I've started writing custom songs for clients in April 2022, I've written more than 100 custom songs and have a 5-star rating from all my reviews (see for yourself on Songlorious and Songfinch)! My career goal is to transition to making music full time so thanks for being a part of that journey.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I don't identify with any genre. I don't believe there should be boundaries on music. I love what Lil Nas X did with Old Town Road. All music is inspired by other music, informed by the sounds and rhythms of things we've heard (in our heads or out loud). So I bring an openness to start anywhere and go anywhere. If we're working on a pop song and a reggae guitar gives it a unique vibe and funkiness, then what's stopping us from using that sound? If we like it and it sounds good, the "rules" can only hinder creativity.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Vibes first. I want to create a vibe that creates an emotion in the body. Does it feel nostalgic and romantic? Is it playful and upbeat? The vibe is what makes people stop what they're doing when they're swiping through TikToks and hear a trending song. Then they hear the lyrics - important but most people remember the melody when a song is stuck in their heads - not the lyrics. So it's vibe, then vocal melodies, then lyrics, then finishing touches in the mix and master.

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

A: I most often write custom songs for clients - typically weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, just because - whatever the occasion. I craft a memorable melody in the genre they prefer and include all the important details and try to deliver a song that they will cherish forever.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on a few instrumental tracks to get placed in ads, tv, and film sync opportunities. And I'm always writing whatever ideas come into my head or whatever I'm feeling on a particular day / week. The best way to improve is to constantly be practicing and learning and I'm a lifelong student of the art.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1) How do you want people to feel when they hear your song? 2) What reference track are you using (if you don't have a specific one in mind, is there a song that's close to the sound/vibe/concept you're hoping to convey)?

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

A: The Jonas Brothers would be pretty cool. They seem like fun dudes and they have incredible vocal chops and seem to be great collaborators. Watching them on Songland was one of my favorite episodes - and their grown-up music slaps!

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

A: I try to push myself outside of my own comfort zone as often as possible. My go to is radio pop, Top 100 style music. But I've written a number of country and R&B songs as well. The trap/punk pop music we hear all over Tik Tok has been exploding lately so I've been working on sounds that mirror that a bit lately, as well. I'll try anything but mainstream pop, chill pop, indie pop, country pop tend to be my default go-to genres!

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

A: Ed Sheeran just has a way of making everything he touches turn to gold. I really appreciate the attention to detail I've seen and learned from Charlie Puth. Ryan Tedder is a master songwriter and can make even the most bland song turn into a pop hit. I love the authenticity and vulnerability of Lauv and the vocal chops of James Arthur. But there are other artists out there that aren't widely known and recognized - the ones hustling everyday and making their dreams come true by creating income in creative ways - I admire those folks too. I know if they can do it, so can I.