Session Piano/B3/Keys

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

A: I had a close friend of mine who put out his own EP a while back ago. His style and musical influences are pretty different from my own. However, he wanted me to play and help produce this project for him. The hardest part of this project was when I decided that it did not need any piano on it. Instead it strictly called for Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hammond B3, etc. While I especially love these instruments, piano is my "home". It's where I am the most comfortable. This project stretched me creatively and musically more than I have been in a while, and that is a great thing! It turned out great, and I was especially proud of the parts that I played to contribute to his songs.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the time of typing this, the world is on lockdown due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus pandemic! I hope for things to get "back to normal" soon!

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

A: My number one recommendation for any of the SoundBetter professionals is Wil Houchens! He is also a pianist/keys session player that I have had the privilege of becoming great friends with over the past few years. He's an extremely humble and down to earth guy with a heck of a talent. His credits speak for themselves...

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I like both. Analog has that "thing" that you just can't get with digital. The sound of real tubes, transformers, etc. just can't be replaced. However, the technology that digital offers these days is very close and far more practical in terms of convenience. I like the sound of tracking with analog gear, but with the editing and technological capabilities of digital.

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

A: My promise is to serve your song. Whether that entails my parts being more simple or more complex, I am here to provide the best that I can!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What isn't to like? Getting to make music and helping other people out by fulfilling their artistic visions is the best feeling in the world.

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

A: One of the most common questions that I get asked is about my influences. I have some people that may have only seen or heard me play in one genre of music, and then they are surprised to see that I have several other musical appreciations and influences. I once had someone who had only seen me play at churches with a gospel choir, and they were blown away when they found out that I also played on a country music project for one of their friends!

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

A: I feel as though several people have this idea that musicians just magically produce what we put out. In reality, the music that we create is very personal, and we often have a hard time with self evaluation and not being overly critical.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: My first question is usually, "What is my role for this song?" Am I here to provide foundational support, textures, etc.? Or am I wanted more for some extra "flash" and excitement? Knowing my role in every mix is critical to my decision making.

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

A: My advice to customers is to be thorough in communication. If you have a specific idea for what you think my part should be, I am most definitely willing to know what that is and try my best to nail it. However, direction must be communicated in a very clear and concise manner.

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

A: This is nearly an impossible question. If only limited to 5, I would take my MacBook Pro with Pro Tools, a Yamaha C7 Grand Piano, A couple Neumann U87's, a pair of Neve 1073 pre's, and an incredible interface of some kind! Many incredible records have been made with these 5 things!

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

A: I have grown up in a very musical family. Nearly everyone in my entire family tree either plays an instrument or sings. At age 4, my grandmother noticed that I was picking out melodies of songs on a toy piano that she kept at her house. By age 6, I had started Classical piano lessons. I continued with these lessons from a couple of different teachers/professors until I graduated high school. I also took a few years of Jazz training from a Jazz professor at a local college. I am currently in my senior year of college at Bethel University and have played piano for the Renaissance Gospel Choir. Since age 16, I have spent every summer break traveling and touring with various artists. My plan is to continue doing so and become more involved in the Nashville music scene.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as one that is loaded with influence. I grew up in church, playing hymns from the "red back" Church Hymnal. My earliest musical influences were from several country artists (such as Diamond Rio, Darryl Worley, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, etc.) and Southern Gospel Quartets (such as Gaither Vocal Band, Gold City Quartet, Kingdom Heirs, etc.). However, I also became obsessed with artists from several different genres such as Michael McDonald, James Taylor, Smokie Norful, Aerosmith, and several others. I feel that I bring a variety of skillsets developed from elements of all these different genres.

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

A: There are several artists that I have truly admired and dreamed of having the chance to work with over the years. However, it is extremely difficult to narrow down to one. In the country music circuit, I have always thought that working with Brad Paisley would be an incredible experience. Brad has always put out an extremely high caliber of music over his career, and I have always appreciated the piano work on his albums. When it comes to gospel music, I would have to say the Gaither Vocal Band. Bill Gaither has written and still continues to write some of the greatest songs ever. Having the privilege to be a small part of these songs and provide support for an incredible cast of vocalists would be a dream come true.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When it comes to recording musical parts, my biggest tip is to go with what your first influence or idea is. Most of the time, it's the best. It's easy to focus in on your own part individually and overly critique it. However, unless it is your own solo, you are not the main focus of the song. Do your best to be supportive and provide great texture and emotion to the song.

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

A: 95% of the time, I am involved in Country or Gospel music. I know that these are both broad genres, and I have worked on each end of the spectrum in each. From classic country, modern country, southern gospel, "black" gospel, I have been involved in several variations of these genres. The other 5% of the time, I am involved with projects that have more of a Blues/Rock n' Roll influence.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have spent 15 years carefully developing my craft as a musician. Piano is my strongest asset that I can offer. However, I have also been diligent in developing my skills in other supportive keyboard roles, such as Rhodes, Wurlitzer, etc.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Every musician brings their own flare to every song that they are a part of. What I can promise is that I will bring my own approach to every song, but do it tastefully. My job is to serve the artist's song and not make it about myself.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When I am sent a track, the first thing that I do is listen and chart the song. While listening, I try to be very aware of what my first instinct inspirations are. While continuing to listen to the song, I sit at the piano and try to narrow down and "hone in" on what my role for the song is. Then, I will record my parts and repeat the same process for other instruments.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My current studio setup is just an overdub rig here at home. I have a 2016 MacBook Pro that is filled with several sample libraries that I have carefully tweaked over the years in order to "dial in" my own professional sound.

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

A: Country and gospel music both are filled with the best of the best when it comes to musicians. With so many incredible musicians and artists, I find it impossible to not be inspired on a daily basis.

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

A: Typically, people come to me with a track that is mostly completed, but needs the addition of some piano/keys parts to help fulfill the vision of the project.