Songwriter, Top-liner

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Studio is for Macbook Pro API 512 Pre Vocal mic - AT4050 & SureSM7B Piano - Yamaha P-120 The studio is for programming piano demos and doing vocals.

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

A: I try to give the artist the best song possible, either starting from scratch or working on the client's existing idea.

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

A: As a songwriter, you always dream of hearing your song on the radio or being used in Film or TV. Well after writing for a while in LA, I wrote a song called Incomplete with some friends and the Backstreet Boys recorded it. Amazingly, our song was the first single and it became a worldwide hit. I'm still blown away that we can sit in a room and write something that possibly the whole world might hear.

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

A: What is your process? ...which I've answered on another question. But also, mostly my process is writing until it's up to my standard and until I feel it can win at whatever I'm shooting for, whether for an artist's single or a sync opportunity.

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

A: I'm more of a songwriter than a producer so I would def just need a guitar, piano and a way to record it.

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

A: I grew up in Nashville TN around songwriters and saw that you could actually make a living writing songs. So I started writing songs in high school and got my first publishing deal when I was 19 and had my first taste of success. But I always loved pop music, so I packed up and moved to LA. I met some amazing friends/ songwriters who I ended up having most of my success with. Finding your team is so important. I've been writing now for over 20 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Emotional, heartfelt. If you can't feel it I need to keep trying.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I feel strong in melody/ chords as well as lyrics.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on some side sync projects. One is an old school Grey's Anatomy singer-songwriter vibe. I'm also in a side band called In Paradise - fun summer pop. We are always writing new songs for sync and Spotify.

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

A: Brandon Ray is an amazing singer, songwriter and is so talented!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I grew up on digital, so that's what my ear is used to.

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

A: I promise to be 100% transparent and help you write the best song so you can win, in whatever you want to do!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love being able to be creative every day and play a part in a song that could possibly inspire someone and maybe even change their life. It's an amazing feeling!

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

A: That it's easy to write a hit song. Doing anything great takes time... and many rewrites.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goal with this song? Aiming at a target is essential in this music business today. Have a vision for your music.

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

A: When I first started out, I sat with a professional songwriter and played him some of my songs. I can't tell you the impact that made on me. I believe his honest feedback and guidance set me up to be where I am today. Don't underestimate how something like this can impact your future.

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

A: Songwriter/ producer Max Martin. I've always respected him as a songwriter and how he's been able to adapt in each decade and continue to be relevant.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Move from the head to the heart.

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

A: Film and TV

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Melodies, chords, and lyrics

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Every session is different. Sometimes I start with melody on guitar or piano and words just fall out.. or we start with a concept first. Sometimes I start with a track vibe but mostly just writing on instruments first before we produce because the song is everything!

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

A: Since I'm a songwriter, I'm typically inspired by other songwriters... that can range from Max Martin, Ryan Tedder, Sia to Ed Sheeran. Coldplay, Maroon 5 to Post Malone. I just love a great song.