Country + Rock Demo Production

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

A: Yes, I’ve worked with a couple of musicians so far that have some amazing work for my projects.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. It’s just what I’ve worked with mostly and can work faster.

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

A: Q: Can you write/sing a song like ............ A: I believe I can! Let’s see what I can do for you!

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

A: That I’m just a country singer and that’s all I listen to. I love all genres and I’m always practicing and learning ways to be a better songwriter, singer and producer for multiple genres.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What’s your vision for the end of the project? What are your specific requirements from me? Is the reference or guide track exactly what you want it too sound like or do I have room for my own interpretation? What is your time frame for delivery?

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

A: Laptop, microphone, midi controller, headphones and guitar.

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

A: Chicago has always been a big influence for me. I love how they incorporate multiple styles into their music. I’m a big fan of horn sections and try to I use a lot of horns in my own music.

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

A: County, rock and blues is what I’ve written and performed mostly, but being a lover of so many genres, I’m always experimenting in different areas. Recently I’ve written and performed an original song for a project fusing techno and blues together for a gamer tutorial.

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

A: When I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan I decided I wanted to perform and sing for my fellow Marines on base and civilians on the Island. They enjoyed my singing and music and said I should record a CD. Well, I didn't have much equipment, but with a microphone, keyboard, computer and my Marine ingenuity, I turned a small barracks room into a recording studio. Was it a high polished radio ready production? No, but it wasn't half bad and I accomplished a few important things. I fulfilled a request that fans wanted, I learned a lot about recording and I had a lot of fun! All just using what I had available to me at the time. We may not always have what we "want" or even "need" available, but to get things done, sometimes we just have to work with what we have!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Taking something raw in its beginning stage and making it better than you imagined.

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

A: I have always been in music in some form or fashion, from singing in bands to recording in my own studio. I have been singing/writing for more than 30 years. For the past 10 years, my full time career Has been a Tech/Project Manager in the fire protection industry. I plan on eventually turning my studio into a full time career.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Recording and releasing new singles for a full album I will put out in 2021. My last album was more classic country feel, but this one will be more blues rock. I'm excited to change things up some!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Laid back but with a sense of purpose.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Working with what resources I have available and making it work out great!

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

A: Have a good idea of what you want. Time is important, so we don't want to waste what we have. Communicate your thoughts with me throughout the process. Being flexible is helpful, however, I will work to get the project where you think it should be.

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

A: Kiss, Genesis, Chicago, George Straight, Harry Connick Jr, The Black Keys, Janis Joplin.

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

A: I'll do my best to give you the vocals you want, and in a timely manner.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I try to bring out the heart of the song with my voice. Sometimes the client will have a specific sound, phrasing, style, etc, but sometimes they will leave a lot up to me. This is where I can maybe add something to it that they didn’t think of, but really like. When mixing and mastering, I want to stay true to the reference that is provided, but also give it something to make it stand out in the way the client chooses and likes.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will first discuss the project with my client to verify we are a fit and on the same page as what the end product will be. Then I make sure I have everything I need from the client and review. Next I organize the session in my DAW. I will listen to client tracks and get a feel for style and flow. Then I record my first pass all the way through. After that, I will take each section and work out any issues and record takes. Next I will record one final pass all the way through. I will comp a single track together with best sections. I’ll clean it up and fade clips. Lastly, I will listen to it and make sure we are good to go! I’ll send it to my client and if they are not happy I’ll do my best to make it more what they had in mind. I want it to be the best it can.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have turned a spare room in my home into my recording studio. I have it treated and staged to create a great vocal sound!

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

A: I record vocal tracks, mix and master for my clients.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If you get stuck on something and can’t get exactly what you want, take a break from it for a few hours or even a day. Come back fresh and maybe come at it from a different direction.