Topline-Vocals-Guitar

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

A: My last single, "Stay" I am especially proud of. I wrote, produced, sang and played guitar on the track and to see it from the inception all the way to having people sing it back to me at shows is an indescribable feeling!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on a full length album (in the studio that I do the SoundBetter work in) and recording/mixing/mastering songs for synch (film/television) that are being placed.

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

A: Brandon Ray

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: It depends on the gear, honestly. There is some digital gear that sounds GREAT but sometimes the real thing is the winner. If I had the option of having all the gear I have in analog form I would most likely lean that way. There is a sonic purity in the real deal that digital can't completely emulate.

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

A: My promise is to deliver what they need to the best of my ability.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Seeing someone connect so deeply to something you have poured yourself into. It is the biggest thanks and appreciation someone can get as a musician. If something moves you, then its a job well done.

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

A: "Can you get the guitar/vocal/track to sound like "x" My answer is I will do my absolute best to bring that feel to your track. If it's not there, then we will get it right!

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

A: That it's all backstage parties, shows and crazy times. It is truly a lot of work to take a song from conception to the listeners ears and then the real hard work starts when you begin to tour. It is a ton of fun but it is not an easy gig.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What music inspires you? Thats a good judge of the creative direction I should lean towards.

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

A: Communication is key. If you have a vibe or style you're looking for let me know! The more you tell me the more I can get your project where you want it to be!

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

A: Do we have electricity on this island?! I would take my first Stratocaster, my Martin D-28, an SM7, my apollo twin and my mac computer!

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

A: I grew up playing in church. I began writing my own songs and playing out when I was 15. I began to play the bar scene as soon as I was able. I went to the University Of Alabama and continued playing with my band at bars, parties, clubs and weddings throughout college until April 27th, 2011 when the tornado devastated Tuscaloosa. I had been making weekly trips to Nashville to write for my last two years at college but the near death experience with the tornado made me realize life was too short and I moved to Nashville as soon as I could. I was signed a few years after I moved to Nashville and have been writing and performing ever since!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Riff rock/country with sultry southern vocals.

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

A: Gary Clark Jr. He is as authentic as they come. There is such a raw realness to him that not many people have.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't fix it in post. Get it right before you move on!

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

A: Country, rock, film/television.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Bringing something new and exciting to a track. I believe I can fill out vocals and make the guitar lines or rhythm guitar memorable.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Distinct vocal tone (be it lead or harmonies), creative and great sounding guitar parts! I think I bring an authenticity to recordings. The singer/guitarist has to believe it or no one listening will!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will listen and get to know the song very intently before I sing or play a note. I hate rushing things. It's gotta be right and rushed work isn't good work!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Secluded upstairs room with a closet converted into a vocal booth/acoustic guitar setup! I work through an Apollo Twin into Logic Pro X.

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

A: John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr, Rob Thomas, Chris Stapleton inspire me musically. I love Jay Joyce, Jon Bellion, Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally, Timbaland, Jesse Frasure, and many more producers!

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

A: I do lead vocals, low/high harmonies, top-line lyric or melody on clients songs, record electric and acoustic