Music Producer

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

A: My first album, Northern Anthems, combined comic art and indie pop. We actually partnered with Spotify on an exclusive campaign where they shared print versions of the comic with our top fans. It was awesome! The album was heard by millions and I was nominated for two Independent Music Awards. I think the unique approach of building a world for my fans was such a blast and I'm actually doing it again on my second album!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Wrapping my own album and starting an album for Juniper Vale. I work on tracks ALL the time and love it!

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

A: Haven't looked but will add if I see someone.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Why do you have to choose? Use what makes sense in the moment.

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

A: I'll work my hardest to deliver something that you and your fans love!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being creative and pushing the boundaries of what's possible sonically. I always try and leave tracks with at last one element where listeners ask "What was that sounds??"

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

A: Could you get me on playlists? Answer: My label has gotten dozens of songs on playlists. If it's a good fit musically and the rest of my team agrees maybe we can make something happen. But at the same time, playlists shouldn't be the goal. The goal should be connecting with fans.

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

A: ... That I live in the arctic...

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your release plan? What is the 'why' behind this song?

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

A: Listen to my previous work and see if I'm a good fit. Have a plan or vision as much as possible.

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

A: Laptop, Apollo, Lauten Clarion, 2 SM57s

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

A: I've been producing since I was 15. I've been working full time from my studio on Music Row for 7 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Heartfelt alt pop

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

A: Mumford and Sons. They are world class songwriters and they push themselves to try new things. I love that.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more. Really ask yourself what the purpose of each element in a mix is.

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

A: Pop, dance, folk

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Production and songwriting.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a competitive commercial edge (over 100 million streams / 100 official playlist placements) and I bring a sensitivity by listening to the artist and making their vision come to life.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I being by learning as clearly as possible the artistic vision of an artist. Depending on the genre I will either schedule live tracking sessions next (folk bands, alternative rock groups) or begin to work one on one with the artists with sounds (pop or edm). I usually lay down a demo vocal over some chords for artists to play along to. We then take the time to make sure each element in the recording fits. Once we're done constructing/recording the song I will take a day or so to edit the track (time align/vocal tuning/ etc). I will then send an edited track to artist to approve. Once approved I set aside a day to mix the track. I'll usually sit on a mix over night and listen again the next day and make adjustments if needed. I will then send to artist for approval. Once approved I'll master it. Artist has control every step of the way. I am here to make your vision come to life!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have three rooms (1 mixing, 1 tracking, 1 vocal booth) on the Historic Music Row in Nashville. My mix room has lots of UAD gear and fun instruments. I own several antique instruments including a pump organ from the mid 1800s, a felt tipped upright, a 1970s Rhodes electric piano, and amps/guitars galore.

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

A: Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno, Ryan Tedder, Michael Brauer

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

A: I mostly produce tracks and mix. I also love to co write if an artists needs help shaping the song.