Mix/Master, Session Musician

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

A: I am especially proud of my project with Deadman (check my sample songs). While we met many years back, we recently connected over Twitter and began working together. Since working together, we've wrapped up 4 songs, and are looking to release his debut project within the coming months. I produced this project and mixed all songs.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently, I am in the process of finishing up multiple projects, including an album and an EP for two clients. I am also constantly working on my own music, with a lot ready to be released.

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

A: Yes! I've been working closely with Brynja, an Icelandic singer with an amazing and very unique voice. I highly recommend working with her if you are looking for soft, dreamy vocals!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Analog brings out amazing textures that can't be produced digitally. Analog is also special because it forces you to deal with fixed information such as audio files. Digital on the other hand provides a lot of room for customization and adjustments. Digital also often sounds "perfect' in the sense that everything can be perfectly in tune and in time. This has it's advantages and disadvantages, which is why I enjoy working with both analog and digital gear.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are your inspirations? What kind of music do you like? What emotions do you want to convey through this project?

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

A: 1. An acoustic guitar 2. 64GB iPhone (loaded with music) 3. Portable speaker 4. Solar Charger 5. Laptop

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

A: I studied Music Business Management in College. Although the business side of music is very interesting, I just can't get away from the fact I love working on the music, itself.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: A mix between jazz & R&B. I like soft, jazzy chords & songs that convey strong emotions. I also love laidback music.

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

A: Frank Ocean; I'm very intrigued by his creativity.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't overthink your process. If you find yourself getting sick of a song or stuck in the creation process.. just export it.. listen back to it in your headphones later that night.. and then think about how you can improve it. Distance is essential to identifying what works and doesn't in a song.

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

A: I commonly work on R&B and Pop tracks.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is creating melodies. I pride myself on making melodies that will stick in your head!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Creativity. As someone who has been improvised on the piano and guitar for many years and listens to many genres of music, I feel like I will always bring a fresh perspective to a song. My goal has always been to make unique music; something with a 'wow' factor.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Depending on the project at hand, I enjoy sitting down and planning as I go. I believe opportunities will present themselves as time goes by. The same goes with mixing and creating.. once you begin, it'll be easier to decide where to go next!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio set up is simple and effective. Next to the 7 inch monitors, I have access to a Focusrite 8i8 interface, Bluebird mic, and some analogue gear (reel to reel machine, cassette recorder, JP 8000, Jupiter 8, etc).

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

A: Frank Ocean is someone that inspires me quite a bit. Especially the way in which he solidified his own 'sound' and inspired a generation of new musicians and songwriters.

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

A: Clients commonly come to me during the creative process and mixing process. As a multi-instrumentalist I often perform live instruments in a production. I also tackle mixing once productions are finished.

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

A: My promise to my clients is that I'll be 100% invested and committed to making your project the best it can be.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job is the ability to provide input and help others bring their visions life.

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

A: Customers often ask me "when can you get this done by"? - I answer by asking them what their deadlines are, and explain that I can meet their needs. A clients timeline is always more important than my own.

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

A: The biggest misconception about me is that my musical interests are tied to 1 or 2 genres. As someone who has listened to music his entire life, I enjoy and love creating all types of music!

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

A: Be as specific as possible! It always helps me to understand what you are looking for when expectations are clear. Even if you don't know exactly what you want, sharing your thoughts with me will ensure I get started in the right direction!