Song Development, Prod, Mixing

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

A: There are those times where you can literally "mind blow" yourself. I am working with a singer, and there have been many times, after listening back, the music we created has given me goosebumps. When something I spent time on and put my all into, can give me goosebumps... its rewarding.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on 4 Different albums currently, a male alternative singer, a female pop/folk singer, and 2 hip hop/r&b artists. I am producing these albums, as well as recording, mixing, mastering, and co writing. I am also mixing a few mixtapes for clients in different states and producing singles for a few other artists here and there. I am also working on my own personal music.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog is ultimately better because when it comes down it to it, "Digital" plug-ins are created to make the same effect as analog gear. I'd rather use the "real deal" and get the natural warmth of analog that requires compensation for in the digital world. However.. in todays day and age, the convenience of digital is a great thing, thus I have no issues with digital, and I am a big user of digital.

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

A: I promise that I will take your art as seriously as you do, and put my all into whatever aspect i'm involved with. I promise to always give honest feedback, advice, or constructive criticism for those willing to accept it. I have an ethical approach.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creative Expression! The fact that someone can connect to my music on "a much deeper level" is an unexplainable feeling, and drives me to be better. I love connecting with people, collaborating, and being apart of bringing someones vision to life.

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

A: Question: "What style of music do you make?" Answer: I am versatile. I can adapt to many different styles, and generally use inspiration of many different genres together. I may have a hip hop song I'm working on, that is completely jazz inspired, and so on.

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

A: All Fun, No work. Many people think you can just step in the studio, create whatever is on your mind in a matter of seconds, without realizing all that goes into it. From initial production (Finding the progression and building off of that,etc) to the writing, to finalizing, all the way through the mixing/mastering process. This requires time, and work! If you have an idea in your head, and you want the final product to come out exactly as you imagine, you have to put in the effort and go through the proper steps to get these ideas out. Have fun doing it.. ALWAYS.. but understand it does take work! It's this process that makes the final product that much more rewarding.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: My initial question, is usually: Why do you make music and what are you trying to accomplish with your music? From there I get more in to details as far as the work at hand. (ie. album or single? album concept? timeline, etc)

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

A: Find somebody that fits you! You may find a GREAT producer, but they may not fit your style, or what you're looking for, and thats okay! Artist to Producer relationship, is huge in many ways. Find someone with a similar sound, who can help bring the best out of your music, someone who has the same passion & vision as you, and wants your track to turn out just as great as you want it to turn out. Someone who you can develop more than a business relationship with, but a personal understanding with your vision & has a work flow that matches what you're looking for. It may take a bit of time & trial for you and your engineer/producer to get your process like a well oiled machine. This comes with building a relationship and an understanding, so give it a little bit of time and don't be afraid to make suggestions to boost efficiency and productivity! We want the process to be just as smooth as you do!

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

A: MAC (Pro Tools) Maschine Microphone Pre Amp Keyboard

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

A: I have been recording/mixing for about 5 years & became heavily involved with music production within the last 3 years. Music has been apart of my life my entire life. I grew up in a musical home. My sister is a fantastic piano player, my mother and father, constantly played music, and pointed out "rhythm" and melodic patterns often, helping me to UNDERSTAND music at an early age. I began playing saxophone in elementary school, through middle school. I simultaneously began learning drums & taking lessons. I was a percussionist through high school marching & concert band. I still play and utilize drumming in all of my work. I am now a multi instrumentalist, music producer, audio engineer, and mixing engineer. Creating music and putting emotion into all of the work that I touch, is my true passion. Making timeless music. I am heavily involved in all aspects of the industry, and work with artists with many career tasks, such as marketing, imaging, distribution, etc. This is so the artist can do what they do best. Focus on the music, and not have to worry about what to do once its completed! I advise them to "understand the entire post process" but not stress the post process. It is my goal, to help build as many artists as possible, to creatively express themselves without any limitation.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Emotion & Feeling. Full & Cinematic. Yet simple & Sweet when necessary!

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

A: I would like to work with Jon Bellion. He is a music producer and an artist. He produces, writes, sings, and records all of his own songs. He has a very creative work flow, gets creative with sampling his own vocals, and is very persistent. Jon has many "The making of" videos, released on Youtube, and I find them HIGHLY inspiring, and similar to my work flow. He cares about the love and the feel of the music. That is what is most important.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more. Its better to focus on a few KEY elements, and get the absolute most out of them, and build the rest around those key elements. This way, what you add, is added for flavor and feel, and is shaped around the mix, as opposed to having a large amount of sounds driving the song, which can cause the track to become muddy, and cluttered.

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

A: Electronic, Hip Hop, Alternative, Acoustic, Pop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Music Production

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I will take your concepts/ideas, and bring them to life, with full, radio ready production & mixing.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Varies per job.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Pro Tools 10, Logic Pro X, Native Instruments Maschine, MAC OS, Omnisphere VSTs, Etc.

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

A: Jon Bellion, Ben Howard, KYGO, Allan Rayman

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

A: Production, Mixing/Mastering, Editing, Vocal Tuning, Instrumentation.