Music Producer

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A clear and conscious direction, without the need for guesswork on what the song should become. An experienced ear, that understands what you are going for without you having to explain it over and over again. A producer that has on overarching plan for your song that will amplify your voice and vision to the fullest.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Receive artist demo Create the first version (1-2 weeks) Get artist feedback/notes Repeat until there are smiles all around.

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

A: Producer for Clair Hunter's 'Dancing in the Light' - it's my first sample on my page, please check it out. Sonically, I just love how it all came together, the drums, Clair's voice, the dreaminess of the song is so captivating. We worked really well together, and we created something we are both very proud of.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Lots! But I've usually got room to start something new - just reach out!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: BOTH, end of discussion.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Everything. Literally everything. Specifically, I love learning something new and pushing myself in the studio, especially with artists that are also challenging themselves.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Folk with a Jazzy twist. I'm a music history nerd with a passion of bringing the old into the new. I love genre mashing, I love imitating with the intention to innovate something completely original, which is what your song needs.

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

A: Orla Gartland - I love her quirky style and her very intimate production aesthetic.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always be open minded, and the artist is always right.

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

A: Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Pop, and Country.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Adding colour to a simple song, giving it a new life, taking it in a new direction if needed. Lifting a track from the mundane to the miraculous. Having a great ear for harmony, melody, and rhythm.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Hybrid analog and digital setup - checkout my website for more details. I record every instrument in my studio, with the exception of live drums which I subcontract out to some of the best drummers in Canada.

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

A: Matthew Manifould for mixing Reuben Ghose for mastering

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

A: To be respectful, timely, open minded, clear, hate-free, supportive, confidential, and your friendly guide through this process.

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

A: I play all the instruments on my website. I can tune your voice without you becoming a robot. I will make your song unique from any other production I have done in the past.

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

A: That I can turn anything into gold. Without a great song to start with, the production can only do so much.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: The usual stuff, such as timeline/budget. More importantly, I ask about the vibe of the project. The message you want to leave a listener after they experience your music. Other semi-psychedelic stuff like that - its more of a hang than anything else so we can get to know each other and see how we work together.

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

A: Have your demo ready to go. Have a direction for your song, have sonic references ready, have a positive attitude, get ready to have a lot of fun.

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

A: My ears, brain, heart, soul, and hands.

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

A: I've been on this journey since I was playing in garage bands in the 90's. I always loved presenting music, arranging it to be the best it could possibly be. It's only natural I've ended up being a music producer - I love having crazy amounts of control, and simultaneously balancing that need to create with the art of staying out of my own way. Working with artists is what keeps me grounded, and I always check my ego at the door so I can stay focused on the artists goals.

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

A: Phoebe Bridgers, Finneas, Dodie, Orla Gartland, Phil Spector, George Martin,

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

A: Music Production - Pre-Production/Arrangement/Tracking/Mixing/Mastering. My preferred approach is to stop before mixing and mastering, and hand that off to a different set of ears before I get too attached to the song.