Pedal Steel, Keys & Production

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

A: I recently released the Oregon Air EP, which i felt was a really great culmination of all the different hats I've worn over the years. You can listen to the title track in my audio references.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A few Pedal Steel overdubs & mixing my 5th solo album.

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

A: Yes, several! Raymond Richards is wonderful producer, and Nate Barnes is a fantastic drummer.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both have their place. If a band is well rehearsed and has the parts written and just wants to capture a moment, I go analog. If you want to build up a track piece by piece, I think digital is better.

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

A: Quality recording of a quality performance that elevates their track.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Finding interesting sounds & supporting lyricism.

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

A: I sometimes find that artist want something quite simple. I'm always happy to do a simpler revision.

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

A: Touring players are usually pretty savvy in the studio!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who are some of your favorite artists, do you have a reference track that you like?

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

A: Just have a clear idea of what you want, good communication is key

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

A: Franklin Steel, Huss and Dalton Acoustic, Earthquaker Avalanche Run, Ear Trumpet Edwina, Fender Twin

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

A: I started out pursuing the dream of being a traveling singer-songwriter. With my own band Hip Hatchet, I put out several albums and EPs. Then i got a job as a touring player for an Americana band called Quiet Life. We did some support tours for Head and the Heart, Dr. Dog, and a few other great bands. After several years on the road with them, I stepped away to focus on my own writing. after another solo release, I decided to get back into sideman life & toured as Esme Patterson's electric guitar player, shortly after playing all of the keys on her album, "We Were Wild." Shortly after that gig slowed down, I decided to relocate to Nashville where i joined The War and Treaty playing B3 & pedal steel. After two years on the road with them, I decided to step away from the road to focus on writing & studio work.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Simple, Melodic, and tasteful.

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

A: I would love to play pedal steel for bruce springsteen because duh.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Print your reverb and delays as a separate track, that way the mixing engineer will have more control to make the final mix sound good!

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

A: I typically find myself in the Americana realm, but love to venture outside of that as well!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: good communication & a strong ear.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Sonic versatility, a strong sense of melody, and knowing when not to play.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: As an instrumentalist, I like to listen to the track a few times and write out a simple chart as a road map. If the artist has provided references, I'll listen to those a few times over & then just start recording and trying to find hooks and melodies that work. By the end i provide the artist with a finished comp that will fly into their session.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio revolved around my Apollo twin and Ableton Live 10. It's set up primarily as a space for overdubs and writing, rather than tracking a full band, although that's certainly possible. What makes my space special is the collection of instruments. I have acoustic guitars, accordions, steel guitars, synthesizers, and various stomp boxes and amps to get whatever sound you're looking for.

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

A: Greg Leisz's steel guitar sound has been a huge inspiration to my playing. But I love Vince Gill's writing as much as I love Boards of Canada's warbly drum loops.

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

A: Generally, i find myself laying down a variety of textures and instruments for artists. Usually it's a combination of Steel Guitar & keyboards.