Singer/Rapper Songwriter

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My voice naturally has a little "edge" to it and it has a bit of nasal and air to it as well. I have a relatively high range, and I'm equally comfortable singing and rapping. I also enjoy playing with contrasts. Lyrically I like to play with pitch and phrasing, and I like to write to suit the song I'm on, but generally I really like to make sure everything that I write makes sense.

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

A: I've only released one song so far, and it's a song that I made three years ago. It's called Maybe and you can actually listen to it - it's on my profile one of my example tracks. Over the past three years I've revised that song at least 100 times up to its final version today, but I'm proud of it because although the process was slow and painful, I'm finally satisified with the product that I made and each of those 100+ revisions has been a tally mark that is evidence of my improving as a performer, mixer, and artist in general.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Some of my own music.

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

A: For the most part, my previous clients have all been very good to work with.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital! Clean, simple, portable, easy to use, modern.

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

A: I will do whatever it takes to make a song that you and I, and hopefully everyone else, will be happy with.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: All of this - singing, mixing, music, being creative. It's my dream side gig - need I say more. Also doesn't hurt that for the most part it's relatively flexible too.

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

A: That all I need to do is sing for a few minutes into a mic and I'm done. Because I'm the only team mate I have, I need to do everything myself so it takes quite a bit longer (try a few days lol)

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I typically just want to get an idea of where the project is at and what you need me to do for you. I also tend to ask if there's a contract, and if there is then I may have some questions about terms in the contract. Also, I will typically ask about timing - how much time we have to make the song etc In some cases, I may ask you about the song itself and the feelings behind it to get a better understanding of how to write for the song.

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

A: Let's just make sure that we communicate well and in a timely fashion! I look forward to working with you.

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

A: Well this question seems to imply I can bring anything I want so: A Tarp to catch/distill water with, maybe it doubles as my tent! A knife/gun to hunt / protect myself A lighter for warmth / signalling people. An expensive and functional multitool so anything that might need doing on the island can be done A phone to entertain myself / contact people to get me off this damn island!

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

A: I honestly self learned everything I know about music. I've been singing since I was a kid, but I wouldn't say I'm at a professional level.

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

A: I would love to work with anyone that I listed as one of my inspirations (one can dream). In real terms though, I just want to work with someone who can collaborate well, and can respect my opinions while also bring a different musical perspective to the table.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I'm not sure if I'm at that level to be giving tips, but I guess my tip would be that music these days has more layers than you would think. And as a result of adding all these layers, its even more important to make sure that the sound profile of everything is balanced.

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

A: Pop, RnB, Hip hop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have lots of skills - my problem solving approach to creating a good song, my modern voice and style, my teamwork and communication skills, my understanding of both performing and mixing, and of course my creativity. But if I had to choose one I guess it would be my strongest skill is my determination and stubborness to make a result that everyone: you, me and our listeners, will be happy with.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I feel most at home on a track that resonates with me, where my voice suits, and where I can slot in a bit of rap too. Also, because I have some knowledge of how to mix, the stems I provide will be catered to make sure that the final mix is as painless as possible.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When I work, I want to hear your track and get a feel of what's already in place. Once I fully understand what you expect me to provide, I enter my cave and do my thing. Normally I will just try various things to get a feel for what works and what doesn't and I will take what works best, and keep improving that. I always try to make sure that the result is something that I feel fits the song, but also lets my influences and my own style shine through. After that I give you the result and make any changes needed till we're both happy.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Super simple set up. Mic: Rode NT1A / Behringer B1 Interface: Behringer UMC404HD (lol don't ask) DAW: Ableton Live

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

A: I really enjoy RnB, hip hop and pop music. Generally anything thats got some funk, groove or is very catchy will stay on my playlists for a long time. At the moment I'm having my K-RnB phase so I really enjoy listening to artists like Phantom, Crush, Jay Park, Sam Kim and Dean. In the Western scene I also enjoy artists like Maroon-5, the Weekend, and Pink Sweats. For producers I like GroovyRoom and Primary.

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

A: Most of the work I do is providing vocals, lyrics and toplines for clients. When I create vocals for a client all the other stuff like layers, adlibs and harmonies is also included. In a pinch, I can do a bit of mixing and beat making too - but probably only to a demo level.