Beat Maker, Producer & Alien

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

A: My self titled album "Aliens WITH Halos". It was also a score for a movie I helped create and act in called "Circus of the Self". We will be releasing it online for streaming very soon. I was always a dream project for me to work with a really talented vocalist. I spent a lot of time to get it put together and I am extremely proud of the end result. The lyrics are very deep and uplifting as well. This album is a true representation of what my sound was at the time. I really got to capture the moment. It took a good amount of time to finish, but an experience that was necessary to get the performance captured the way I envisioned.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My music is an offering. I am not here to do anything less than what I am capable of at any given time. I have always kind of put my music on the back burner until now. I am now ready to share it with everyone and am looking forward to creating with likeminded individuals.

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

A: I "promise" to keep my word. I am straightforward and honest. If there is something I can or cannot do, I will definitely let you now.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now I am working on finishing a soundtrack I had started a few years ago. I am mastering the final 3 tracks.

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

A: I have just created this profile and will definitely have to return to this question. So far I have heard a lot of professional content and am definitely looking forward to hearing more.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog. Everything sounds a little better with some dirt on it.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The ability to direct certain energies into a creative outlet. Bad day, good day, weird day etc. All of these energies when focused, can turn into something magical.

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

A: Q. How long will this project take to finish? A. Until we both feel satisfied with the end result.

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

A: That it does not take much time or effort to create an album or song. Most people feel with a few turns of a knob everything can be done. Each song and situation is different, therefore I am always willing to try and adapt to different scenarios as needed.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your purpose? What is your artistic message for the listener?

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

A: Lyrical content and direction is a huge priority for me. I refuse to just throw words together and let the listener "figure it out". I feel as creatives we really have a unique ability to influence others through various sound vibrations and should therefore give them some transcendental substance for enhancing their consciousness rather than pollute it.

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

A: A turntable, my laptop with all of the software need, a few keyboards and a mic.

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

A: I have been making music on and off over the past 10 years or so. I basically taught myself everything I know. I spent a few years bouncing around in my local music scene and got to learn a lot from some really good musicians. I collaborated with many different artists and made some nice friendships. I have finally decided that this is something I want to commit more time to and it feels very natural for me to make music. I am looking forward to what comes next.

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

A: Grizzly Bear I really enjoy the color of their music and the vocals are always captivating.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to take risks. Pan something differently than last time. Make a kick drum out of a paper cup. Record vocals under a bed. Complacency can become monotonous.

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

A: I usually work on ethereal hip hop/electronic music. I like to kind of mash up different influences and ideas.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I feel my strongest skill is making songs. I really enjoy building from scratch and getting the final product done. I love catching the momentum of a track until the finished product.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Myself. I like to think that I bring a sense of timing and mood. We all have our individual tastes and influences, I feel its important to build from that rather than completely copy what has already been done. I like to think of the process of creation as empowerment from the divine source that resides from within. I am completely grateful for the opportunity to create and therefore I really appreciate creating a song with a message so that the listener may gain a deeper perspective on life.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I usually create tracks in bundles. I work quickly and often alone nowadays. Now that my schedule is more regulated, I am going to work only during certain hours throughout the day.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is simple but efficient for my needs. I used to collect many different pieces of gear but I have felt more concentrated since downsizing and enjoy it. I have a laptop, desktop, mic, bass guitar, logic pro, midi keyboard and a ton of plug ins.

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

A: I really enjoy Kirtan. Its a form of meditation music with sacred mantras. I find the textures and build ups extremely organic. Its a very enlivening art form and creates a powerful energy of positivity.

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

A: I mostly produce and create tracks from scratch. I also tend to conceptualize the idea for individual tracks or albums.