Music Production, Sound Design

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

A: I was playing synth for a band called Velvet Code. We played on Fearless Music Tv show, featured on The Hills and The Jersey Shore. As well as touring with Mindless Self Indulgence. I was particularly proud of the band and our producer Mark Saunders (prod The Cure) for making such a heavy impact with our debut album and production.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A live set titled "More Up" by Anarcade. Also, the album "The Orchard" from Anarcade, a smooth lounge style electro house album, very smooth. An example of these can be found on soundcloud

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

A: I am not acquainted with anyone on this site

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Omg, what an explanation. In short because they are both 2 different worlds and it's not about having the best one it's about having them. =]

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

A: Your mix will sound amazing. I am very open minded.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Sharing a passion for music with all different levels of experience and roots.

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

A: That how long you've done this or what gear or what type of degree you have defines you as a producer. It is not it at all. I have seen hundreds if not thousands of wasted dollars on flat boring "safe mixes" as I call them. Where an engineer who self taught or was taught by an average sound guy how to mix gives these local bands a run for their money and in return a "lacking mix" in return. Saying it's "mastered" or the final mix, and it is just almost there, sounds terrible in most speakers, it's mids are cranked and the lows are non existent. If you want to have a great mix you need a producer who shares your enthusiasm. I am fixing this issue one song at a time. Punchy bright mixes with warm lo ends no clipping no brick wall presets. Sounding clear and well rounded at high and low volumes is something done by a producer who cares about your music. Not every producer is the same just because of the flashy gear or names. There is a lot that goes into this, and for some sounding amazing is not the priority.

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

A: It's literally not the gear. Its the ear.

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

A: trick question* my ocarina, (i sculpt them) a hand drum a shaker an acoustic guitar and a fretless acoustic bass

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

A: I have been playing synth since age 11, that's 18 years. I have been engineering and producing for 14 years. It has become such a huge part of my life.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I could say it's unique or you could listen for yourself.I would say it is a different approach when it comes to creativity. Being creative comes naturally to me.

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

A: Every artist. Which artists were you asking about?

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Compressing vocals properly will always provide level and clarity without fighting the mix.

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

A: Electronic music of various types. Mostly pop, deep house. I have written and produced many different genres in the "electronic" department as well as some hip hop. Hip hop and all that fit under this genre has been great to write, and looking forward to bringing my angle to hip hop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill would have to be my ability to arrange music and finish a song. I have an instinct to see what part makes it great and to bring all those qualities to light in my mixes. It has always been easy to make songs sound great for the kind that they are.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a unique approach to every song. My perception on a song gives me what I need to bring out the best in it, and voice the instruments properly. The entire mix becomes a feeling and I don't stop until every part of the song is flowing smooth.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Gathering the necessary info from the artist in regarding a song they need written, or recorded. I usually work alone for some time of the initial building of the track. If the artist is not present, we will review the works back and forth.

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

A: What inspires me is the ever growing quality in music. Sure, I love music it is my life passion. Since I became fascinated with engineering and my own production I saw the huge difference involved with how music is captured. I am inspired by the different artists who push the boundaries of songs making them into experiences. That's the nature of audio production. That is the producer's responsibility, to create that environment for each song.

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

A: I work closely with artists to provide an audible version of what they imagine to hear. Often connecting and finding exactly what makes the song "click". Mainly I write music for an artist, with them as collaboration or I reproduce the track from scratch.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is music to you? Where do you see your current project going? How can I help achieve your optimal sound?