Vocalist

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

A: I've had a longtime project called 'DNA'. You can find some of the tracks on my website. My friends Neil Fraser and Alexandre Santos, as well as Mikael Carlsson, and Joao Colaco. It's just really emotive music and the lyrics that I wrote are from deep in my soul. There are many other projects and bands but this one stands out on top for me.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I've got a couple of really cool tracks for a few people. Great Chorus' and hooks. Can't ask for anything more.

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

A: I am new here so I don't know anybody 'yet'.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I started out in the Analog world. The very first album I did was analog and it is warm. That's the only word I can use to describe it. Unfortunately, that world is almost gone.

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

A: I promise to do my best.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: That I can add that special touch to someone's hard earned music. Musicians are very passionate about what they do and they deserve to have someone give them back 110% as they did when they created it.

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

A: Q: How much do you charge? A: How much is it worth to you?

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

A: That I'm free. I wish I could do everyone's music for free, I really do but I'm a busy guy that has to pay his bills just as much as the next guy.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have a vocal line and lyrics already? How many songs do you need me to do? If you don't have a melody or lyrics yet, do you need me to write them? I can. What do you want the song to say?

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

A: Get your music where you want it, if you need help I can help but to avoid excessive costs on your end it's best to do the former. I'm an easy going dude and I will always help in any way I can.

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

A: My Taylor guitar, and four packs of Elixer Acoustic strings. I'm assuming there's no power on the island, right? :)

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

A: I've been singing professionally for about 20 years. I've toured and played with some pretty epic musicians. I'm currently working on my solo album, as well as two albums coming out this year (2021) with Alchemy Fire and Electric Messiah.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Intimate, Powerful and Passionate.

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

A: Where do I start? There are so many great artists that I would love to work with but I guess if you had to twist my arm I'd love to work with Devin Townsend.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Yes. Lay down your vocals dry if you can, maybe just a little reverb. You'll sing cleaner and clearer. Too many effects on your vocals will make you lazy. Also, don't use any pitch correction. Practice the section over and over until you nail it. If you can't nail it, don't do it. Find a new melody line.

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

A: 9 times out of 10 it's Metal but I love all music and will sing anything. I once did a Trance track that I really dug.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm a Power Vocalist, like Bruce Dickinson.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My passion and personality. People try to figure out who I sound like but it's all over the place. I've heard some interesting ones, I guess that's why I've always done original music.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Familiarize myself with the song, read the lyrics if they have them and groove with the music. If they need lyrics, melody lines, etc. I ask them first if they have an idea of what they want to say. If they don't have an idea I just listen to the music and it speaks to me. Sounds weird, but it's true.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I was a longtime ProTools fan with a MacPro tower but today I use a MacBook Pro and Logic Pro X with a Scarlett interface. I've a got a few different microphones but the one I use the most is my trusty Aston Origin.

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

A: I've always been a big fan of Ian Gillian and in the 90's it was Jeff Scott Soto who I admire the work he's done for numerous bands. I've been able to sit with him a few times while working on the Monsters of Rock Cruise. Great guy as well.

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

A: I do a lot of demos for studios and sometimes for bands. I get the occasional audio book here and there.