sax,horns,self record,produce

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

A: Ariana Grande’s song “Problem” Max Martin and Ilya pretty much gave me creative reigns to get the job done. That song sold millions of copies, was a radio hit and was licensed in video games, movies and various tv shows around the world. Pretty darn cool

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My solo album. I’m a clinician and I also tour and perform globally with the Mighty Mighty BossToneS 🤘🏽

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I think analog is “truer” but with the great music production software available now digital can definitely get the job done greatly

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

A: I promise professionalism, a great product that adheres to your needs and a timely turnaround

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What job? It’s music. I love doing this

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

A: Customers typically ask what do I charge? My answer is typically according to standard AFM rates per session. However, my rates can often be negotiable if not going thru AFM or a major label.

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

A: Truthfully, I haven’t run into any misconceptions.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Is this project independent? Is there a label? AFM? What are you looking to spend? The more clarity you can provide, the better.

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

A: Hit me up!! Lol Seriously tho, the less haggling the better. Know your budget or other options such as giving publishing or writing percentages etc...state them as clearly as possible and let’s cook

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

A: Wait is there electricity on this island? If so, laptop, logic, Lewitt mic, midi keys, an internet router lol

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

A: I was an educator for about 4 years then left for the road life. Along the way I found myself in L.A. and through networking and being present, have been able to work with some very extraordinary artists both live and in studio.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Versatile but true to each genre

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

A: I would love to work with Gary Clark Jr. His musical eclecticism is awesome. I love that you can’t really corner him into one specific genre. Rock, country, funk...he has very clear traces of all of those influences in his repertoire

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: EQ, balance and blend. Find the mix that marries all of the sounds together to paint the picture properly...

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

A: Various styles ranging from jazz to pop to ska. I listen a lot and pride myself on being pretty darn versatile

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Musical interpretation, professionalism,

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I pride myself in being able to bring real passion to a song through my playing, creations and interpretations. I love adding to the overall “story” of a song or project.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My work process can vary depending on the needs of the music and the artist and/or producer. Typically I like to dive right in and create as I go.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am pretty simplistic. I record into Logic Pro X, using Lewitt microphones and universal audio interfaces

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

A: I’m inspired by music and musicians that can walk just beyond the “boundaries” such as Anderson Paak, Tyler the Creator, Gary Clark Jr., Pharrell

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

A: Writing, arranging horns and/or solo sax for various genres incldng Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Rock, Ska, Lo Fi, EDM, Experimental, Jazz, Gospel