Producer, Songwriter, Arranger

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

A: I collaborated with Dido, writing nine songs for her fifth album, which achieved number one status worldwide. This project was a significant milestone in my career, showcasing my ability to contribute to a highly successful and critically acclaimed album. I also co-wrote Dua Lipa's first song, "Lions Tigers and Bears." This track is still available on her YouTube and SoundCloud, and she credits me for co-writing her first song. Although it didn't make it onto her debut album, understandably as it is a ballad, it remains a pivotal moment in her early career. At the time, she lacked confidence and didn't realize she could write. I showed her that she could, helping shape her ideas into a beautiful, timeless song. Similarly, I worked with Pixie Lott, co-writing a song that made it onto her million-selling album, "Turn It Up." However, I am particularly proud of my work with Dua Lipa. It's like planting a seed, developing, and helping an artist write their first song. This is a crucial moment in any artist's career, as confidence can easily be crushed if they work with an inexperienced co-writer and producer. I consider it a privileged position to guide artists through this essential phase. Knowing that Dua Lipa is now one of the biggest artists in the world is a proud moment for me. While my role was small, it was an important part of her journey to achieving her goals.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital, absolutely. I didn't even realize this was still a debate! Too many producers and mixers get caught up in the technical details and lose sight of the overall beauty of the music. Picasso would grab any materials he had on hand to create art; he didn't care about the specifics of the paint or where it was sourced. I take the same approach when producing and writing songs. I've worked with analog consoles and gear, and I own just about every plugin available. However, I could easily get by using just the stock plugins of a DAW. The goal is always the beauty and emotion of the song, and you can achieve that with just about any tools if you keep that perspective in mind. It's not about the gear; it's about the music and the feeling it conveys.

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

A: How to Market Yourself as an Artist First and foremost, focus on creating and releasing your music without procrastination. Consistency is key. Don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way; they are part of the learning and growth process. You are much more likely to gain loyal fans if you show your authentic self rather than a polished version. Authenticity resonates with people, and they will appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. Embrace your unique journey and let your true self shine through your music and interactions with your audience.

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

A: That I am a track writer only. I am a prolific lyricist and melody writer and performer.

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

A: Why Choose Me? There are countless producers out there who can deliver great dance music tracks. If that's what you're looking for, you'll find many who can do an excellent job. However, my focus is different. I specialize in writing timeless, epic pop songs that require traditional orchestration. My goal is to create music that will not date and will sound fresh and relevant even 20 years after it was written.

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

A: All Genres

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Songwriting and Collaboration Process I co-write songs with clients, offering a collaborative and flexible approach that brings their musical ideas to life. The process typically unfolds in the following steps: Initial Track Ideas: I start by sending a song track, often a simple piano track, for the client to write a top line (melody and lyrics) to. Client's Top Line: The client writes their top line and records their initial vocal, then sends the vocal track back to me. Arranging: I arrange the track around the client's top line, building the production to enhance their vocal and the overall song. Review and Refinement: Once the track is complete, I send it back to the client for feedback. If necessary, the client re-records their vocal to ensure the best performance. Mixing and Mastering: Finally, I mix and master the song to professional standards, preparing it for release. Expertise and Additional Services I bring expertise in shaping and completing a song idea to its fullest potential. My skills ensure that every element of the song is polished and perfected. Additionally, I can deliver comprehensive arrangements and full scores, making the song ready for live performances. This includes detailed orchestral arrangements and notations, ensuring that your music can be performed live with precision and impact. My role is to fill in the gaps. If an artist struggles with writing lyrics or melodies, I can step in and write with them or for them. This collaborative process ensures that the final product is a seamless blend of the artist's vision and my production expertise.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Songwriting and Collaboration Process I co-write songs with clients, offering a collaborative and flexible approach. The process typically unfolds in the following steps: Initial Track Ideas: I start by sending a song track, often a simple piano track, for the client to write a top line (melody and lyrics) to. Client's Top Line: The client writes their top line and records their initial vocal, then sends the vocal track back to me. Arranging: I arrange the track around the client's top line, building the production to enhance their vocal and the overall song. Review and Refinement: Once the track is complete, I send it back to the client for feedback. If necessary, the client re-records their vocal to ensure the best performance. Mixing and Mastering: Finally, I mix and master the song to professional standards, preparing it for release. My role is to fill in the gaps. If an artist struggles with writing lyrics, I can step in and write lyrics with them or for them. The same goes for melodies. This collaborative process ensures that the final product is a seamless blend of the artist's vision and my production expertise.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Studio Setup and Equipment I run a state-of-the-art Studio One and Pro Tools HD rig, ensuring top-notch production quality. My setup includes: Black Lion Master Clock: For impeccable timing and synchronization. B&W Nautilus Diamond Reference Speakers: Providing crystal-clear sound for precise monitoring. Traditional NS10s: Renowned for their accuracy and reliability in mixing. TRINOV SBT2 Room Correction Systems: I use two of these, the same as those in Abbey Road Studios, to ensure unparalleled accuracy in monitoring. This advanced equipment allows me to deliver exceptional sound quality, giving your music the professional edge it deserves.

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

A: Clients come to me because I specialize in big orchestral pop productions. For example, I am currently producing an orchestral version of Anastacia's hit "I'm Outta Love" for her greatest hits album. My approach often involves co-writing with artists, typically by sending track ideas for them to top-line. If they need assistance with lyrics or melody, I am more than capable of stepping in to help with that as well. This collaborative process ensures that the final product is a true reflection of the artist's vision, enhanced by my expertise in orchestral arrangements.

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

A: Andrea Bocelli

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Continuing writing with Dido. I have just finished producing and co-writing a song with Anastacia for end credits to a hollywood movie called "American Nights". I also have orchestrated a full symphonic version of "Im Outta Love" for her greatest hits album. I am writing and producing songs with Ashley Serena Freya Catherine Imogen Brough and a new artist Katelyn Goudie.

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

A: I havent looked if Im totally honest I have very little free time outside of work.

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

A: To give them world class music production

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Helping artists achieve there musical goals and seeing there excitement when I do that for them

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are your hopes for our collaboration

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

A: Sheet Music, Piano, Sibelius Studio One rigged Computer, B&W Speakers, U87 Mic

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

A: I have been producing and developing artists for 20 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Epic Orchestral Pop Music

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Learn to hate mixing then you will become a good mixer and you won't over mix.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Epic Orchestral Ballads

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

A: Producer Mutt Lange and Composer John Williams being the two most influential musicians in my life