Dark Pop Producer

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

A: The song "Burn", that I also showcase here on my profile, I produced for another songwriter and I think it turned out really beautiful!

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

A: I promise to do my best to make your project even better than it probably already is! And I promise to do it fast and in accordance with your wishes!

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

A: That is hard to say. I haven't experienced one thing that keeps coming up...

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Awesome sounds, a beautiful voice, cool and fresh lyrics, nerve and personality.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When producing: If I have a reference track I analyse it and take note of which elements were used, then I add markers in my DAW to map out the arrangement and start looking for sounds that complement the reference. I can create a rough version of the track fairly quickly, and then check in with the client that it's going in the right direction. If we agree, I'll get the track ready for a first revision within a day or two. When writing songs for something where the frame is already set, like a custom song, I create a wordbank and fill it with all the associations and initial ideas, nice rhymes etc that could be useful. Then I start writing the lyrics, a verse or two, and then I add some melody. Most often the rest follows organically For toplining I check the reference tracks (if there are any) to get an idea of the required genre, mood and vibe. Then I map out the track to get an overview and start tracking ideas. As soon as I get started it usually comes together pretty quickly.

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

A: Halsey, Zella Day, Lorde, Billie Eilish, SHAED, Vérité, Imogen Heap, Florence + The Machine, Regina Spector, Charlotte Day Wilson, Nai Palm, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Tom Waits, Sam Cooke, Bonnie Prince Billy, Tina Dico, Otis Redding, Lake Street Dive, Dolly Parton, Kris Bradley (and many others).

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have just launched my custom songwriting business, I'm creating tracks for other artists, producing tracks for sync and am hosting and producing a biweekly podcast in which I write and produce a song for each episode. And I am learning about running a business and being a musical entrepreneur.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I'm a big fan of digital. Of all the things that are possible with just a DAW and a minimal setup for much less money than old school analog gear. It's more democratic ;-)

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

A: I have a bachelor's degree in singing and songwriting and released a full length album in 2013. I've been making music for more than 20 years and now I've managed to make a living off of all the skills I've required.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Sound selection, lyrics and vocals

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

A: Amanda Mayo, Christoph Van Hal, PoppyMoth Productions, Nila Kay.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask them what kind of vibe they're aiming for and to provide reference tracks if possible. It's also always fun to know, what they intend to do with the project.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As a producer, I mainly create dark pop tracks. As a songwriter, I'm versatile and have written both jazz, pop and singer-songwriter stuff. The same goes for me as a vocalist.

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

A: Dark pop - and pop in general:)

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a Slate Digital ML-1 mic and an Imac 27" with Logic Pro X.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It's a gift to be able to spend most of my time with music. And to make money with it too - it's awesome!

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

A: Just hit me up - I'm open to most things. And I will also let you know if I feel it's too far from what I can offer...

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

A: My computer, my interface, my mic, my headphones and my midi controller.

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

A: I would love to have a co-writing session with Joni Mitchell ;)

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make sure to use markers to stay on top of your track and color code as you go:-)

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

A: Full song production, tracks for toplining, sweet vocals for their tracks, podcast jingles and songwriting.

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

A: That it's just a hobby!