PRO Vocalist & Songwriter

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

A: I was in a band signed to Sony Records for 6 years, and I wrote and recorded dozens of songs and played 150+ shows per year. As much fun as that was, I enjoy working from my home studio even more because it allows me to collaborate with artists from all over the world (thanks to SoundBetter!)

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working on a covers project with my husband. I love bringing older songs to life with new interpretations!

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

A: Yes! My former bandmate, Brandon Chase, is the OG of SoundBetter. He has completed hundreds of jobs and if you're looking for a pro top-line writer or singer, he's your guy!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I'll listen to music on vinyl all day, but love the work-flow of recording with a DAW. The digitization of music recording equipment has allowed generations of musicians to create and share their own music, where it previously took a wealthy uncle or a recording deal!

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

A: I promise that you will be excited about what we create together. We don't stop working on a project until you're thrilled with it!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the energy boost that comes from getting to be creative on a daily basis. Honestly, is there any job better than a musician?

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

A: Many clients like to know more about the exact process of working with a hired singer and/or songwriter. I am an open book when it comes to collaborating and I am beyond offending. My ONLY goal is to help you create the music you love.

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

A: The biggest misconception might be that I'm not as passionate about your project as you are. I may actually be MORE excited about it! My literal joy in life is helping people realize their musical dreams. That's why I sing, write songs and train others to do the same every day of my life.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who are your favorite singers, musicians, producers and songwriters? What do you plan to do with your project? Where do you dream of your music taking you?

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

A: Take the leap! It can be overwhelming to start a project or hire a musician, but I promise it will be worth it. I have been there, and I have never regretted investing in my own music!

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

A: My favorite guitar (1959 LG-1 Gibson), a notebook and pen, my phone (that counts as an instrument right?), and my accordion.

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

A: My first public performance was at age 7! I have been a full-time musician for a decade and as they say, a career in music only makes sense in hindsight! I have won songwriting awards both as a signed and un-signed artist, performed throughout the world in arenas of 30,000 people and coffee shops of 30. I've also done music as a hobby while working at office jobs and wishing I could become a full-time musician. Now that I am, I love to HUSTLE, because I know I have the best job in the world!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My vocal style is confident, clear and relaxed. My songwriting style is original and inspired by many artists and other writers.

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

A: I would love to work with Brandi Carlile. Just to be in a room with that level of talent would be a peak life experience for me. Her work ethic is unparalleled and she manages to be an incredibly funny and kind person while being extremely productive.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Have fun and remember that you can re-write or re-record a song as many times as you like. We don't live in the age of tape anymore!

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

A: I love working on vocal-forward music. To me that means anything that features a great vocal performance. This can range from singer-songwriter to country to edm. Every client brings their own unique style to the table, and I have loved diversifying my own repertoire and skills by working in several different genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is transforming my client's music aspirations into reality, from helping them develop a basic song idea, to delivering the exact vocal sound they've been looking for. I am an excellent communicator and am quick to respond.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a dynamic range of vocals to every project I work on, ranging from clear, smooth crooners to run-laden powerhouse jams. When songwriting, I bring my years of experience signed to a major-label publishing deal and apply them to every client I work with - whether it's their 5th album or their very first song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For vocal recording projects I usually receive a track or instrumental recording from my clients. Then I typically send back a demo-level vocal sample so we can collaborate on the specific vocal sound they desire. Once we're both happy with the sound, I track, comp and tune the melody vocal and send it over for another review. If we're recording a full vocal stack (melody, double, 2 harmonies and adlib), I then record and send over those files as well. I provide harmonies for the entire song so my clients can pick and choose which lines they want harmony on when they mix the song. When songwriting I like to get as much specific instruction and inspiration from my clients as possible, including reference songs and artists that they aspire to sound like. Then I will write a sample verse and chorus and send those to my clients to see if we're moving in the right in direction. I'll finish out the song (typically a 2 verse, chorus, and bridge), and send either a demo track or a finished vocal track depending on the client's preference.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a dedicated recording studio in my house in Nashville, TN. My husband and I are both full-time musicians, so we share our studio time and collaborate on many of our projects. We currently have 15 guitars, a piano, 3 keyboards, a ukulele, accordion, and lots of other fun instruments, amps and pedals. We run ProTools and use an Apollo Twin and the industry-standard Shure SM7 mic. We are currently in the process of building a stand-alone studio behind our house to provide more space for in-person collaboration.

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

A: I have worked with Grammy-winning producers and songwriters and have soaked up all the expertise I could. Hundreds of hours spent in the studio and in co-writing rooms have made me a confident musician and collaborator. That said, my all time favorite musician is Brandi Carlile for her vocal prowess and songwriting acumen.

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

A: I love collaborating with songwriters to bring a professional quality vocal to their songs. When I receive a track from clients, I typically send back a demo-level vocal sample so we can collaborate on the specific vocal sound they desire. When songwriting I like to write a sample verse and chorus for my clients, then finish out the song and usually track vocals as well. This is my FAVORITE type of work to do, because I love working with musicians to bring their songs to life.