Sax solos, hooks & horn lines

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening to what the music needs.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a professional-grade recording setup using ProTools and a variety of microphone combinations.

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

A: My session work mostly consists of playing over a pre-existing track- but I love recording live with other musicians too. I'll often be given 8-16 bars to have a solo, with instructions to "fill out" some of the sections with licks, noodling etc. If my client is present, we'll do however many takes until they're happy, taking suggestions where necessary. If we are working by correspondence, I'll do several takes so they have something to work with. I will then do revisions until satisfaction is achieved!

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

A: I recently released a new album, CONFLUENCE. It consisted of 12 original tracks, all of which I wrote, arranged, produced, performed on and had an active role in the mixing and mastering processes. For this project, I was very privileged to be mentored by INXS songwriter and Keys/Guitar player Andrew Farriss, whose insightful wisdom greatly inspired my work. Confluence was inspired by the beauty of both the natural and urban worlds, as well as by the amazing group of musicians present on the 45-minute record. Writing took place throughout Australia and across the world, from Scottish lochs to Vanuatu volcanoes, and each track fits into the greater narrative with its own unique story. The theme of “Confluence” balances the exploration of Art and the comfort of Pop, and finding nourishment where these two rivers meet: ideas are drawn from across the board, blending a myriad of influences, with catchy melodies, experimental forays and all knitted together with a strong sense of groove. Some of the tracks feature vocals, and others are instrumentals, but the Sax is prevalent throughout. The writing and recording processes were often fused, allowing composition and production to flourish in exciting new ways. Recording was undertaken at the ANU School of Music and various home and portable recording studios, with all natural sound effects recorded on location. After over a year of fun and hard work the finished product is finally complete for your enjoyment, and I couldn’t be prouder to share it with you. Close your eyes, open your ears and drift away… www.soundcloud.com/hugoleemusic/sets/confluence

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being able to play music all the time, meeting and working with amazing people and being part of the creative process. The feeling of having a finished product that was once just a few notes drifting around your head late at night is a hard one to beat.

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

A: What IS that thing?! (when I'm playing the EWI). Check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nsSrydpSqc

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

A: I've been playing the Sax for 12 years, with the EWI being a more recent edition. After completing all the grades, I achieved an associate diploma in the Sax at age 17, and I've also studied it at a tertiary level. Other instruments I have learnt to play include the guitar, keys, cello, bass guitar, double bass, ukulele, recorder and harmonica. I've always done lots of singing and auxiliary percussion too. I started making my own records at age 13 and have since released numerous albums, singles, EPs and demos. I've played at numerous festivals, weddings, clubs, bars, functions and parties and really enjoy the live aspect of my career. Recording is a joy unto itself, and I feel it's important to take it very seriously. I pay a lot of attention whenever I'm booked for a studio session to what the producer, engineer and other musicians are doing.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I strive to be as versatile as possible, for the benefit of both myself and others. I'm originally classically trained and I've studied jazz at university too. But throughout my whole life, I've also loved the pop/rock idiom and all of its offshoots. These influences are all present in my playing. You'll have to get in touch to find out more!

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

A: Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. His work has been of such phenomenal influence to my performing, composing and recording. I really like how he combines familiar musical elements with his own unique flair.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The age-old "less is more". Really, really pay attention to that one.

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

A: I've worked on a huge range of styles from Classical, World and Jazz through to Blues, Rock, Pop, Funk, Soul, RnB, Hip Hop, Metal...the list goes on. I'm always ready to try out different styles.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: In any musical scenario, I strive to bring out the best of the music by coloring the artist's ideas. Sometimes it's just a soft, sustained note. Sometimes it's a crazy wailing solo. I use my ears to determine what the music needs.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I'll listen to the song through several times to get an idea of where it goes and how I could contribute to it. I make sure that I'm not just playing for the sake of playing! Then I'll do a variety of different takes, so the client has different ideas to work with.