Session cellist / Composer

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

A: I was the cellist on Martin Simpson's recent album 'Rooted'. Due to the instrumentation and the way the rehearsals evolved the album was made in a 'live' recording situation. I was working with some of my all time favourite musicians and the live element was so exciting. Am so proud to have been involved, check it out!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am writing my own solo cello album, it draws upon the many influences I have had throughout my career: folk, minimalism, Indian classical, improvisation and contemporary classical music. I am also including field recordings of urban wildlife in my local area. It's an eclectic mix, but am really proud of the pieces I am making and really excited to be able to share them very soon.

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

A: Cello (and bow), laptop, Focusrite, my Aria mic, headphones. All set up to keep recording my own music (which I am loving at the moment)

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have my studio set up in my home, I am so lucky to have a calm quiet space to work in. I use a Sontronics Aria as my principle microphone, plus a AKG AKG C414 and an Avantone CR-14 ribbon microphone. I use a Focusrite Scartlet 2i2 and all my projects are recorded using Logic Pro X.

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

A: I would highly recommend Natalie Purton for any violin parts, she is an amazing violinist and will make your track sparkle! I also recommend the wonderful Anthony Weeden: orchestrator, composer and arranger. He is always amazing at anything he turns his hand to and the nicest guy you will ever meet!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I feel I can tell a story in my playing and pride myself in adding emotion and depth to cello parts that I am given.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Everything has its strength and weaknesses.

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

A: My promise is to deliver my very best work (always!)

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love hearing the finished products played on the radio, on TV or films, its so exciting to know the music is reaching out to people far and wide. I love the creative process of composing, performing and recording. I strongly believe the journey to learn these things has a huge effect on who you are as a person.

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

A: Often customers have a style, technique or idea but feel embarrassed that they don't know the technical term. I really don't mind! Its all about communicating so all you need to do is describe what you want in your own words.

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

A: Maybe that everything comes easily to me? I work really hard at everything and really enjoy discovering more about playing music, learning about music production and learning about bettering myself.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always want to get a really clear idea of what they have in mind for their track. Also I like to make sure all the practical issues are sorted (like what parts I need, formats etc)

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

A: Do your research and make sure the musician makes the right sound and has the playing style you want. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions.

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

A: I have been playing and recording professionally for over 20 years now (!) I studied at the University of Sheffield and subsequently with Bernard Gregor-Smith (Lindsay String Quartet). As well as a classical freelance career I playing in a few bands and this is where I learnt to write and play in so many styles. Since I have always accepted challenges and worked hard on everything I have done. Last year I performed (solo) with Liam Gallagher on the pyramid stage at Glastonbury Festival, my 20 year old self wouldn't have believed it! I love the exciting things that life throws at you,

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Emotive and eclectic.

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

A: I am currently quite into folk and contemporary classical music so I would have to say Erland Cooper, I love his music! I am so lucky that I have ended up in studios in the past with artists that I only have dreamed of working with, have had to pinch myself many times!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make sure your room is set up well with rugs and acoustic panels. The room sound really makes a difference.

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

A: I have played for rock, pop, singer songwriter projects, trap, jazz, Indian music and folk. I can honestly say I don't have a favourite, I really do love playing in all styles.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I think the main thing is I really care about what I do, I will only ever do my very best and will work hard to get there. I am also friendly, approachable and always willing to listen.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For a new song, I will listen for a while and then will record some initial improvisations and ideas. I always the find the best, most natural ideas occur this way. These will then be formed into a final part which I will go on to record and edit, ready to be sent!

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

A: I love the playing of cellist Yo Yo Ma (who doesn't) and greatly admire Sheku Kanneh-Mason who has recently done so much to elevate the profile of the cello, his playing is stunning.

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

A: The majority of my work is for album projects and soundtracks in so many different styles!