Keyboardist, Topliner, Artist

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

A: An absolute lad that I would recommend is KOOLKID. I met himon a tour through a mutual friend and he is an example of the people I like to keep in mind. a breath of fresh air, positivity, world class work, and a huge soldier spirit.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like the people. Be they absolute twats or the nicest people ever. I know theres people on several spectrums all at the same time and it is difficult to see what else they are dealing with in life, but the positive and social way of working for something big and good that everyone participates in that would benefit everyone has been nothing short of refreshing. I keep all my friends and people I've met in mind to remind myself there is something good out there - the warrior in all of us that keeps us going.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do has been the amount of live work that actually goes on in terms of gigs, shows, interviews and whatever else is deemed to be the successful image of an artist. Not only is it important, but the amount of linking and background work that goes on behind the scenes behind just one song or a single EP is absolutely insane. I never thought about it being anything like it is when I started playing the piano at 9 years of age. The restless nights, 3am flights, hangovers galore, cheap meals, lower levels of hygiene, time pressure, financial pressure etc etc. No regrets though. gotta have commitment to at least one thing!

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

A: I wouldn't like to be on a desert so I'd take a car battery, some sort of transmitter, laptop, and basically anything that will help e get back to land!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Something I found to transform my mixes is to set the Kick and the bass (or the two main driving elements of the song) to -3dB and mix the rest of the elements around it in priority order. It does create a lot more space around the track. Also to be a bit ballsy with panning because sometimes the difference is not obvious enough.

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

A: I have found myself usually being involved in singer-songwriting and pop music. Jazz has also been a favorite for me as I view it as difficult as classical, but a bit more honest. Then again, it does vary from person to person.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is probably listening. I always try to listen and understand different points of view, things I feel I may be missing out on as well as all the details to put something together. I do not like leaving cracks in anything I am putting together creatively.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I would say I bring a hint of wisdom in the lyrics of the song. Whenever I write anything I ensure that there is a deeper message hidden amidst the story of the actual song as production and all that is great, but I feel it can only emphasize what the topic is. For example I would take a set of lyrics, decide their mood and message, and base the rest of the production on that mood and feeling.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My work process varies between three main methods: The first one considers only the melody and glues everything else around it once the melody has been figured out i.e. lyrics, chords, dynamics and consequently arrangement. The second way I have seen myself work is absolutely complete the instrumental/production from start to finish and then proceed to writing the vocals and the backing vocal arrangements. Last but not least, I write songs with simple chords etc with just guitars and vocals and I attempt to make them evolve and bring out their true potential splendor - this process is a bit more lengthy and time-consuming.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup at the moment consists of a MacBook Pro 2018, NI Komplete Audio 6, Oktava Mx-219m Yamaha HS5 monitors, Audio Technica ATH-M50x, Maschine Studio, and Nord Stage 2 EX all going through Logic Pro X. I consider what I have to be a set up of a production powerhouse that is the next best thing to a full blown studio.

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

A: Max Martin, Quincy Jones, Jacob Collier, Kendrick Lamar.. the list is a bit longer but I think in general anyone who is able to make a living off of music has my interest and is inspirational to me as that is my ultimate goal. the journey is a lot more important to me than the destination as I have breathed and lived around the lives of able and professional musicians.

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

A: I have done predominantly keys and synth work for a lot of my clients in the past. However, I'd like to start swinging towards something that does feel even more natural than pressing the keys - songwriting.