Music Prod / Post Sound Editor

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 McDonald's commercial for the Trolls World Tour toy line playing ukulele. My playing was heard worldwide and it still trips me out even to this day. Also I released a my song "Red, Green, & Gold" in 2019. It was a song where I wrote, recorded, edited, mixed, and mastered everything myself. Just me, my instruments, my talents, my gear, and MacBook Pro. IRIE Magazine reached out to me and wanted to feature my song in their April '420' edition. I was so shocked that a song that I wrote and produced myself at my home studio could be featured in a magazine, just like that.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For beats: I ask the client for 2-3 reference tracks with details of what they would like to have in the song plus original ideas including a melody / lyrics. I'll then send them 2-3 short demos of starting ideas, and if they like one I'll work out times where we can work on it and get it just right. For audio projects: They'll send me the text if I'm reading and / or the recorded audio files plus any media that it's going to and I will then cut, clean, edit, and mix their session to whatever specifications they need (ACX, YouTube, etc.) For session projects: I'll ask for sheet music and a music file that I'll record to. I'll then record and comp my takes and send it to them.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a MacBook Pro with Pro Tools and Logic Pro X, a Focusrite 2i2 Preamp, Sennheiser HD 380 pro headphones, M-AUDIO CODE 49 MIDI controller, JBL 306p MkII Studio Monitors, Lewitt 441 Flex microphone, and my plugins (iZotope Music Prod Suite, Melodyne, Waves Gold bundle, etc.)

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

A: The most common type of work would be creating beats for others. Second would be me recording instruments remotely or onsite if they're in LA

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment I'm working on voice overs, getting a job, getting a few gig logistics stapled down, and planning what we're gonna eat for dinner.

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

A: Kei (key) is an amazing vocalist for Latin / Salsa / Pop, pretty much anything. She has the clearest voice that you definitely need to have on your next song.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. More versatile, lower maintenance, and way more portable. Analog is great too don't get me wrong.

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

A: I won't give up until they're 100% satisfied. Also they'll hear me say "Dope man" like 2405235 times haha

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love performing and recording with others. That's where I belong.

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

A: People think that percussion is easy and requires no skill. False doctrine. It takes practice, passion, and dedication to get everything right.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you wanna work with me again?

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

A: The more clear you are with the details of your project, the better I perform. Also, don't be afraid to tell me exactly what you want during the recording process. I'm flexible and won't give up until you're satisfied.

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

A: My Cajon, My MacBook, my headphones, My microphone, and my ukulele. Then I'd release the "deserted island ep" and watch it reach no. 1 on the charts haha

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

A: I usually work in Reggae, Latin, Hip-Hop, and Polynesian music.

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

A: I'm working now trying to find some stability as a session musician / music producer in Los Angeles. I've been doing music for 15 years, and I'm ready and hungry to get going.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I'm really chill, Southern California vibes 🤙🏾

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

A: I would like to work with Chronixx one day. I love his passion for his roots and music, and I love the energy and attention to detail he puts into every aspect of his songs. From the writing, to the post, to the final product, everything is a masterpiece.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Proximity Effect: it's a real thing that we all should be aware of.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'd say my strongest skill is my ability to accurately produce what is needed for each project.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring years of experience performing with a wife variety of different groups. I bring my flavor, my passion, and my creativity to each song I do, whether live or recorded.