Topliner, Vocalist, Lyricist

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

A: One project I’m especially proud of began as four commissioned topline tracks on SoundBetter and evolved into a long-term band collaboration. Our creative vision aligned so naturally that what started as hired work developed into a permanent project. My role initially was topline writing and full vocal production, but it expanded into structural input and broader creative direction. That collaboration continues today, and we now work together beyond the original scope — including mixing my solo releases. It’s a great example of how strong creative chemistry can turn a commission into something much bigger.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m currently co-producing the fourth album with one of my transatlantic studio projects, Lode Star, while preparing the release of a solo cover including a self-produced music video. On SoundBetter, I’m wrapping up vocal work for returning clients and starting new topline collaborations.

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

A: I haven’t collaborated directly with other providers on the platform yet. Most of my experience here has been working closely with clients themselves rather than cross-collaborating within SoundBetter.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I value analog character, but I’m ultimately song-driven rather than format-driven. Whatever serves the track most effectively is the right tool.

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

A: My promise is full creative commitment. I won’t deliver something I wouldn’t stand behind myself. If it carries my voice, it carries my standard.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love collaborating with creative people from around the world. Music has a way of cutting through differences and focusing purely on ideas and expression. I also appreciate the moment a client hears the final result and feels the impact. Being paid to do something creative while constantly challenging myself to grow is something I deeply value.

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

A: A common question is whether I can lower my rates. I understand budgets are real, but my pricing reflects the level of time, detail, and creative energy I put into every project. Like many musicians, I hold myself to a high internal standard and don’t approach songs halfway. I work until the result meets that level. If budget is limited, we can adjust the scope of work, but I prefer not to dilute the quality of what I deliver.

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

A: Many assume a vocalist’s role is limited to performance. In reality, developing toplines, shaping phrasing, and contributing to structure are often just as important as the final recording itself.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually start by asking about the emotional intent of the song. Is there a specific story, message, or atmosphere you want to convey? Understanding the core feeling helps shape the topline authentically. I also ask for vocal references if there’s a particular delivery or tone you’re drawn to. In addition, I clarify how dense or minimal you prefer your support vocals to be, since vocal arrangement can dramatically change the impact of a track. If you already have a clear concept, we build around it. If not, I’m comfortable developing something organically based on the mood and structure of the instrumental.

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

A: Don’t stress too much about having everything perfectly figured out. If you’re unsure about parts of your instrumental, that’s completely fine. I’m happy to give honest feedback where needed. I enjoy working with people who are open to the idea that a vocalist can bring more than just lyrics and performance. I may offer structural suggestions or arrangement ideas when it benefits the track, but I don’t replace the core of your song unless that’s part of the agreed scope. The best collaborations happen when there’s mutual trust, creative freedom, and clear communication from both sides.

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

A: MacBook Pro — the heart of the setup. Shure SM7B — dependable and ideal for controlled rock vocals. A compact Focusrite Scarlett interface — streamlined and efficient. Studio headphones for accurate monitoring. And a small MIDI keyboard — because melody always comes first.

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

A: I’ve been writing music for over 15 years and formed my first band in 2005. Early songs often began with piano and vocal before being developed into full band arrangements. My foundation was in nu-metal and alternative rock, with periods in progressive rock and post-hardcore where I explored more dynamic and aggressive techniques. Around 2017, I began incorporating electronic elements and atmospheric production into my writing. What started as performing and writing in local bands gradually evolved into international topline writing and remote vocal production for artists and producers worldwide.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring melodic direction and vocal structure to a track. I focus on building tension, lift, and memorable phrasing so the vocal becomes the emotional and dynamic center of the song. My work is designed to enhance the arrangement, not just sit on top of it.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For topline projects, I write the melody and lyrics (if required) and record a complete vocal version including lead and support vocals. I present a fully developed vocal concept rather than rough sketches, so you can hear the full impact of the idea. At this stage, the vocals are recorded clean with basic comping, but without detailed tuning or time alignment. I then send a demo for review and collect focused revision notes. Once feedback is confirmed, I proceed with final edits and prepare organised stems according to the selected package.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I record from a treated vocal booth designed to control reflections and ensure clean, focused vocal capture. My primary microphone is a Shure SM7B with a Cloudlifter, running through a dedicated audio interface for low-noise recording. I work in Logic Pro and monitor on KRK Rokit 5 speakers and Audio-Technica studio headphones to ensure accurate playback. I also use a weighted MIDI keyboard for piano and arrangement work when needed. All vocals are delivered fully comped and edited as 24-bit WAV stems, organised and ready for mix.

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

A: I’m inspired by artists and producers who have built a distinct sonic identity. Breaking Benjamin and Celldweller for their cinematic intensity and powerful melodic writing. Ade Fenton as a producer for crafting a signature sound that feels both polished and unmistakably his own (and Gary Numan's :P). Vocally, I’m drawn to artists with emotional range and character. Clint Boge (The Butterfly Effect) for his vulnerable yet commanding delivery and incredible versatility. Sandra Nasic (Guano Apes) for her ability to move from whisper to grit in seconds while keeping everything cohesive. Pete Loeffler (Chevelle) for his raw, alive emotional delivery. And Skin (Skunk Anansie) for her unmistakable tone and presence. They all balance power with emotion and that’s something I constantly aim for in my own work. My vocal tone has been humorously described as “a mum about to scold her kids” :) Calm, controlled, but carrying an unmistakable authority beneath the surface. I’m drawn to that contrast between softness and strength, vulnerability and command.

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

A: I typically handle full vocal production, from topline and lyrics to recording lead and support vocals, editing and preparing high-quality stems that are ready for release-level mixing.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style balances control and intensity. I adapt to the emotional needs of the track, but there’s often an underlying tension - calm on the surface, with power ready to break through.

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

A: I’m particularly drawn to working with producers who have built a distinct sonic identity. Ade Fenton would be an exciting collaborator since I deeply respect his production discipline and atmosphere-driven sound. From a vocal perspective, a duet with Clint Boge or Dero Goi would be creatively compelling. I’ve always admired Dero’s tone and the fact that he started as a classically trained vocalist (my own early training was rooted in classical technique as well). There’s something powerful about combining classical control with alternative intensity.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Avoid deleting ideas too early. What sounds imperfect in solo may add authenticity or tension in context. Production is often about placement, not perfection.

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

A: I work primarily in rock, alternative, electronic and dark pop. Essentially anything with a strong melodic core and room for dynamic, expressive vocals.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is developing structured, melody-driven vocal parts that give a song identity. I naturally think in terms of lift, dynamics, and emotional pacing.