Dynamic Session Keyboardist

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

A: I would advise a customer to first consider their specific needs for their project. Then, when looking for a provider like me, they should research the provider's experience and portfolio to ensure they are a good fit for the project. It's also important to communicate openly and clearly about expectations, timelines, and budget to ensure a smooth and successful collaboration. Finally, I would encourage the customer to trust their instincts and choose a provider they feel confident and comfortable working with.

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

A: Easy - I would bring my Korg Kronos X, Dave Smith Prophet 12, Roland TR-8, Shure SM7B microphone, and Apollo x6 interface. With these tools, I would have a powerful synthesizer workstation, a beast of an analogue synth, a versatile drum machine, a high-quality microphone for recording vocals, and a reliable audio interface to capture my creations.

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

A: I've been honing my piano and keyboard skills since childhood and started playing gigs in my late teens, where I learned how to program keyboards and synths. This led to session work with chart-topping artists, where accurately reproducing the sonic textures of recorded tracks was essential. Over the past 15 years, I've continued to develop my expertise as a session keyboardist and pianist, performing live shows and world tours and providing remote sessions to clients around the world.

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

A: I have been inspired by the work of Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, and Prince (RIP) for many years, and I would love the opportunity to collaborate with any of them. However, as someone who is always looking to push my boundaries and explore new musical territory, I am equally excited about the prospect of working with up-and-coming artists who are pushing the envelope in their own unique way. Ultimately, I am passionate about making great music with great people, regardless of their level of fame or recognition.

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

A: I have had the pleasure of working on a wide variety of music over the years, ranging from singer/songwriter tracks to pop songs and hard rock anthems, as well as jazzier tunes. As a session keyboard player/pianist, I have developed a versatile skill set that allows me to adapt to different genres and styles with ease. Some of my favorite projects to work on include pop, rock, electronic, and R&B, but I'm always excited to explore new musical territories and collaborate with artists from all backgrounds.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I believe my strongest skill is my ability to bring a unique musical perspective to each project I work on. With over 15 years of experience, I have honed my craft in a variety of genres and styles, allowing me to add creative and dynamic elements to each song. Whether it's crafting intricate piano parts or designing innovative synth sounds, my goal is always to enhance the overall sonic landscape and bring out the best in each composition.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a session keyboard player/pianist, I bring a combination of technical proficiency, creativity, and musicality to each project I work on. My years of experience have taught me how to listen deeply to the music and to collaborate effectively with other musicians and producers. I have a deep understanding of a wide range of musical styles and am able to bring fresh ideas and unique perspectives to any project I work on. Whether it's adding a subtle layer of texture or a bold melodic line, my goal is always to enhance the emotional impact of the music and help it connect with listeners on a deeper level. Ultimately, I strive to bring out the best in every song I work on and help it reach its full potential.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process involves first getting a clear understanding of the client's project and their specific needs. I'll ask questions and request reference material if necessary to ensure I have a complete understanding of their vision. Then, I'll begin the creative process, experimenting with different sounds, chords, and progressions until I find the right combination that captures the client's desired mood and emotion. Once I have a solid foundation, I'll refine the performance and add any additional layers or production elements necessary to achieve the final product. Finally, I'll deliver the tracks to the client for review and provide up to 2 revisions as needed to ensure complete satisfaction with the end result.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: As a professional session keyboard player/pianist, I take great pride in my studio setup, which is designed to deliver top-quality audio recordings for my clients. At the heart of my setup is a Korg Kronos X keyboard, which I use for programming and arranging. I also utilize a range of software plugins from companies such as Arturia, Kontakt, Native Instruments, and Uhe to achieve the desired sounds. My audio interface is a Universal Audio Apollo x6, which provides pristine sound quality and low latency monitoring. In addition to my keyboard and software setup, I have an arsenal of analog synths including a Dave Smith Prophet 12, a Minibrute, ARP Odyssey, Roland Juno, Jupiter modules, and more to provide clients with a wide range of sonic options. To capture vocals, I use a Shure SM7B, which is renowned for its warm, clear sound. With this setup, I am able to deliver high-quality recordings in a timely manner, no matter the project.

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

A: As a session keyboard player/pianist, I specialize in remote session work for clients. This typically involves creating and recording high-quality piano and synth tracks, organ tracks, and other keyboard parts in a wide range of genres - from singer/songwriter to full production pop tracks, to hard rock songs. With over 15 years of experience working with chart-topping artists, I have developed a keen ability to deliver on my clients' sonic vision within a short timeframe/turnaround.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Best of both worlds

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

A: Mike Avenaim, best drummer around.