Session Guitarist

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

A: I am not representing any type of church or religion. This misconception stems from the name of my business: "My Sonic Temple". To me, music is god and the studio is my temple. Simple as that. Nonetheless, I do get my share of religious based work. Of course, everybody is welcome, although I do draw the line at offensive language.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What vibe are you trying to achieve? How can I best assist you in reaching that goal? Is there a song by another artist you can reference to get started in the right direction? Some clients have a very concrete vision as to what they want in a guitar part, others prefer to let me decide what to do. Either way is fine, but it should be discussed at the beginning of the collaboration.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is based around a powerful Pro Tools HDX rig and a Burl B-80 Mothership conversion setup. I use only top quality gear. Preamps by Chandler, Demeter, AEA, BAE and Focusrite. Mics by Neumann, AKG, Shure, AEA, Beyer Dynamics, etc. I think it's all about using a top notch signal chain. You can only sound as good as your weakest link in the chain. That's why I only buy high end gear, to get the most out of my recordings. I also always record in 96KHz (HD) unless the client requests otherwise. Find out more about My Sonic Temple online.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both of course. I grew up with analog tape machines and owned one myself for a while. With quality AD/DA conversion and a high-end signal chain however, DAWs are starting to sound really good now. Just look at what UAD is doing with their high end plugins. That is really good sounding stuff, all digital, but based on analog modeling.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Yes, step back from the song. During production I find it most helpful to step away every once in a while. You get so sucked into the minute details of a track that it is hard to see the forrest for the trees. So while in mixdown, take a break. Take a walk and clear your palette, come back fresh and finish the mix.

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

A: My own band Perfect Beings released their 3rd album titled "Vier" with Sony Music last year. I played all the bass and guitars parts, produced, mixed and mastered the record. Check it out on all major digital outlets. I also worked as engineer on "Arepa 3000" by Venezuelan band Los Amigos Invisibles. That record received two Grammy nominations.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: To be a free agent, and to be working in the arts and music for most of my life has been a true blessing. I wouldn't do it any other way.

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

A: When I record and/or mix albums for clients, they commonly ask me to add a guitar track to my song. The answer is usually yes.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As a session guitarist I am comfortable in most musical styles. My rhythm guitar style is sparse and to the point with beautiful an unusual chord extensions. Leads tend to be explosive or eruptive in quality. It's always good to know when to speak and when to hold back. To sum it up, I am a modern guitarist who is rooted in the tradition and history of the instrument.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Putting the song first, not my instrument or my part. The goal has to always be to make the song the best it can be.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Finishing up two masters for a couple of albums that I mixed for german artist Martin Jourdan. I also played most of the guitars and some bass on these albums.

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

A: I started out in Germany as a session player. Then I moved to San Francisco to work as a touring musician. In that capacity I joined Elton John protégé Ryan Downe and his band the Hypocrites. We toured the US opening for such acts as Linda Perry, Iggy Pop and The Who. In the late 90's I got into Pro Tools engineering and started my current production company My Sonic Temple. My studio relocated from the Bay Area to Santa Monica in 2006. My current studio is located near Venice Beach in Los Angeles, and I have been here since 2009.

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

A: As a session player you learn to be very adaptable. I have worked on techno, EDM, rock, jazz, classical, pop, indie, reggae, ambient, prog and world music projects. My strengths are in Rock, Pop and Jazz. I also love to get experimental if the song demands it.

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

A: Look no further. You've come to the right place. ; )

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

A: Yes, Alanna Clarke. She is an amazing vocalist.

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

A: Quality and total dedication to the task at hand.

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

A: My acoustic guitar, a 2017 Claxton EM-C, my "Oxblood" Les Paul, a turntable, some vinyl and a device to listen to podcasts.

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

A: Jack DeJohnette. One of my all time favorite drummers. Why? Nobody plays like him.

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

A: My work is based around music production and engineering. When working with clients, I often help out by recording guitar and/or bass for them. I originally started out as a session player, so it comes natural to me and I've been doing this for many years.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A love of music, plus years of experience as a player, composer, arranger, engineer and producer.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First I try to understand what the song is about. Then I discuss the direction with the artist. Once I figure out a concept I start brainstorming and recording ideas. When I am happy with what I got, I send a rough to the artist to see if we are on the right track. From there, the final guitar track is developed.

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

A: Here is a list of artists and producers I am inspired by (in no particular order): Trevor Horn, Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Massive Attack, Yes, Pink Floyd, Soft Machine, Doug Sax, Björk, Tom Petty, Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, John McLaughlin, Shakti, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Rufus Wainwright, Miles Davis, Prince, Seal, Alan Parsons, Peter Gabriel, Waterboys, Weather Report, World Party, T-Rex, David Sylvian, Rickie Lee Jones, Sonic Youth.