Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What do you need? How can I help? Please send me the details: lyrics, key signature, tempo, sample/bit rate, any specific references (what sound/vibe are you looking for), is the track in a set key or can it be changed, and how soon do you need it done? The more information you can give me, the better equipped I am to give you what you want. I'm more than happy to chat. Please contact me anytime.

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

A: I promise to do my absolute best to make you happy. I'm a songwriter and an artist myself, so I know how important it is to achieve the vision you hear in your head. The money is not important. Your satisfaction is what I care about.

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

A: Please feel free to reach out and ask me any questions! What's your budget, and what specifically are you looking for? I will do my best to negotiate whatever seems fair to both parties, depending on the amount of work/time involved.

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

A: I don't really get asked a lot of questions. They trust my judgement and say "make it your own" and I run with it!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I grab the details of what's wanted, along with the lyrics, key, tempo, desired sample/bit rate, and as much direction as possible. I learn on the job, quickly laying down the vocal and familiarizing myself with the song (after recording my initial ideas into my voice memos). I know that my commitment to the message and emotion (the listener needs to believe me) is the most important. So I just try to connect with the song, and record several takes, which I comp into one dope vocal!

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

A: I love my Dave Pearlman TM-1 mic (or a Neumann U47), my BAE preamp, interface, computer, and my guitar.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I quickly learn the song, and throw down my own ideas into my voice memos first, to get a feel for my my own production style and natural inclinations, before I get the client's melody stuck too far in my head. A lot of times, my first instinct is correct, and I like to be sure to have some ideas to offer, in case the client wants options. Then I sing it down exactly as instructed. Also, I like to sing several takes and then comp that vocal section right away, while it's fresh in my mind.

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

A: I sing pop mostly, but I'm hired to sing a lot of high belts and soul... soulful rock, gospel soul, country soul... I have a rich, low register, and that's actually my favorite. I can sing some Baritone and Bass notes. But no one ever asks!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently, I'm writing, recording, and producing songs across several genres, for placement in film, TV, and ads. I'm also working to develop other artists.

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

A: Yes. If I don't feel I'm the right fit for your project, I'll certainly refer you to someone who is.

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

A: I love creating something out of nothing. That's what I love most about working on original material. I'm especially proud of albums I've been a part of, where I came up with the melody, music, sang the vocals, and directed the production so that it would sound just right.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Well, I used to be an analog girl... but the digital world now, is so vast! I'm blown away by the ingenuity of the modern developers. You barely even need to know how to play an instrument these days (although I don't recommend this ;) and you can create any sound you want!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Where do I start?! I can't see myself doing anything else, ever. How's that?

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

A: I don't know... maybe, that's it's fun, so it's not as important of a job as some others. Many people probably don't understand JUST how much skill it takes (writers, singers, musicians, producers, etc) to make songs sound great.

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

A: I've been singing for over 30 years. I started in heavy metal bands as a teenager, and moved into soul music and pop in my early twenties. I was signed to several production deals with award-winning producers, where I learned to train my ear, from working with the very best in the business. A diverse background, as the lead vocalist in classic Vegas shows, Motown shows, EDM, as well as soulful rock shows throughout the Hollywood rock scene. I went on to tour with several major artists for many years, and released my own pop-rock CD. I was signed to an indie label and released a country CD. I continued to write and perform all over the world, play major festivals, SAG sessions for TV, and much more. But the hardest part, has been getting my 9-year-old to do his schoolwork from home!! ;-P

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Pop - Soul - Country - Rock. Those are my faves, and I have inflections of all those sounds in my voice.

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

A: Carrie Underwood. I think her vocals are amazing, and I love country music! I'd love to write a song for her and help produce.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Versatility, and being easy to work with.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My enthusiasm! I'll bring my flavor, my soul, and my low, rich tone. I love singing in the really low ranges, but I'm almost always hired to song the high parts. I usually like to sing the parts exactly like the reference example first. I find that people will typically ask you to make your own changes, but actually want the part they originally sang. Then I'll add my own ideas and other options for the client. I like direction and back and forth communication, to make sure I'm delivering what's needed.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run Logic Pro X through a Universal Audio Apollo Twin interface. I use a Dave Pearlman TM-1 microphone and a BAE 1073 preamp. This mic chain is the exact same setup they had at a pro studio I've gone to for years, so I bought the same combo! I have a few industry standard plugins... but basically spend all my Soundbetter income buying more plugins! ;)

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

A: Wow. I'm inspired daily, by so many. I really like the music production of: Jack Antonoff, Chris Lord Algae, and Greg Kurstin. Vocalists/Artists: Lauren Daigle, Madison Ryann Ward, Tenille Arts, Dixie Chicks, Cam, Joy Williams, Sia, Harry Styles, Whitney Houston... the list could literally go on forever...

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

A: I commonly sing lead (and background) vocals on a client's track for release. I also tend to offer arrangement help, and sometimes help with the melody.