Rock | Pop | EDM Vocalist

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

A: I would have to say my band's final record we put out. I co-produced and wrote over half the record. At that time I felt like we created something that was spectacular and hit worthy that you could listen to front to back. I gave that project everything I had, and I feel like it definitely showed my strengths in the production and writing quality.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: As of right now I'm working and writing with a group called Nikotine on a full collection of EDM songs.

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

A: Tom DuPree III for tracking drums. He is absolutely hands down the best drummer I have ever worked with in my entire music career. I'm definitely bias towards him because he was the drummer for Throwing Gravity, but his Sound Better resume speaks for itself.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. A few years ago I would have told you analog for the dirtier sound and warmth, but with technology providing us now with much better software/plugins, you are able to create that same analog sound digital if you like. Digital allows you to be more flexible and provides you with many more options.

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

A: Quality, Quality, Quality Everything that I work on I treat as my own. I can be whatever you would like me to be. No matter what the song is, I will always provide you with my best work. You will not be disappointed.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: That I can have the freedom to be flexible and not tied down to a 9-5. I can work to the hours of my choosing whether that be 5 hour days or 12 hour days. Being able to share my gifts with other people and help them attain their own goals is very gratifying.

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

A: Going to give you an original sound with my voice, and being that I'm a perfectionist, you will always get a great sounding quality product.

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

A: I started writing, recording, singing, and playing music at around age 10, so that makes about 25 years give or take a few. I remember using one of the first ever digital recording softwares out called Cakewalk. You could only record 4 digital audio tracks at a time back then. I became a full time musician back in 2008 while touring the country with my band Throwing Gravity, and signing a record deal with Lava/ Universal Republic with Jason Flom. Signed on with Cherry Lane Music Publishing (BMG) shortly after as well. Having some radio success, we ended up getting caught in the label turnover, and that was the end of our label run. But I made many nice connections over those years and got to work with some of the best producers and engineers in the world. After that, I ended playing as a session musician for a couple of bands and continued writing and recording my own music. In 2014 I decided to take a break from music for a few years to really get my life straightened back out financially, and now I'm at a good place continue on my love for music and production.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Sometimes imperfections make the end result more perfect. Yes, I know that is strange coming from a perfectionist. The key seems to be knowing when to pick your spots.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I usually track section by section with vocals. This has always been more effective for me and a higher quality approach. Within each section (Verse/Chorus), I track line by line. After I have my full track built with vocals, I record multiple passes to comp within my main line by line approach to add a more natural feel to it.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Perfectionist. I like to make sure quality is high and correct. Sometimes people think being a perfectionist is a weakness, but I believe it's essential. I'm always going to make sure I produce a stellar product to the best of my abilites.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Small but effective studio. This studio is used for my writing and recording as well as my twitch streaming broadcast room. I use Logic 10 with the Slate VMS one mic. This allows me to shape any mic sound I want without having to break the bank. I am also using the Universal Audio Arrow with UA plugins, autotune, and many more in the box plugins.

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

A: I'd have to say two of my favorite engineers I've ever worked with are Ryan Williams (30 Seconds to Mars, Train, STP, Rage Against the Machine) and Chris Lord Alge, who inspired me long before ever getting to work with them. Also musicians such as Emerson Hart (Tonic) and Johnny Rzeznik (The Goo Goo Dolls), who truly helped shape me into the songwriter and singer I am today.

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

A: Vocal session work on various types of genres (lead and harmonies), editing and cleaning up vocals, writing string arrangements using symphonic strings

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

A: EDM, Rock, Symphonic, Dance

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a unique voice that no one else has. I also bring my years of recording experiences with some of the best mix engineers in the world.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Pop, Pop/Rock, Alternative Rock are pretty much my roots, but I generally have a good knack for adapting to all styles and genres of music.

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

A: My Black Modded Epiphone Sherton guitar My MacBook Pro Midi Keyboard My UA Arrow Interface My Slate VMS One Provided I have power on this island lol