"Harmony arrangement, Topline"

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

A: One of the proudest projects of my life, is an original LP I put out in 2016 called "All of The Time". I wrote all the songs, sang, played guitar, and managed the entire project. I did a kickstarter to raise the money which was a lot of work, but it allowed me to feel the support of my fans/community which is an amazing feeling. Then I got to work with some of my all-time favorite musicians and engineer. It was such a fluid, intuitive process. Lots of trust. It was the perfect balance of organization and absolute freedom. We did much of the album live to tape. It was so thrilling and heartfelt and you can hear it in the results.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on an ep of original music with a producer friend of mine here in Nashville. I also have a producer in Oakland who wants me to write a hook for him, a film-maker in Cali who just called me to work on another original score piece.....My friend in Nash wants me to track some BGVs for him. Lots of stuff. Time management is of the essence! On top of that, I'm working on a new series of original paintings and a few commissioned pieces. I'm busy with creative work every day and very happy to be that way.

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

A: i got my first SoundBetter job last week with a producer named Willie. He was really cool and professional and I'd recommend him. I'm interested in a premium account so I can get more deeply involved in the community. I'm sure I'll have a lot more recommendations to make soon.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I absolutely LOVE a mix of the 2. I'm a big fan of analogue and the way organic sounds move, so I'm slightly more partial to analog. However, the ease of digital technology can't be understated! When you can find the space where the computer meets the wooden stick or the vibrating string, it can be pure magic.

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

A: We're not gonna call it done until they're happy. That takes good communication on the front end. I will always give them my best work.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Every day that I get to spend my time using my creative strengths, I am incredibly grateful. It makes me sooooooo happy when a client writes back, ecstatic with the results. I want to elevate their music and I always do my very best. To get that genuine positive reaction makes me so grateful and happy. I've had the opportunity to be on the receiving end when I record my original music and the musicians do a phenomenal job. There is really no higher feeling than to have your song come to life before your eyes. I love doing that for other people.

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

A: Can you do __(insert type/genre of music)____? My answer: YES

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

A: Haha! -- Maybe that it's just one thing. I can and do wear many different music hats.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually ask for any specifics they might have had in mind. Then I say something like: "I'll do a pass with all of my first instincts. We can start from there and adjust/add/subtract as needed." Most of my clients are hiring me because they like my taste/instincts and are happy to turn me loose, but I will not call a project complete until they're totally satisfied. I also handle the business side of things.....Compensation, date of completion. If applicable, we also cover any publishing/writing splits.

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

A: Use word of mouth. Have any of your peers had a great experience working with someone? Reach out to that person!

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

A: what a question! Hmmmm.... I'd take my acoustic guitar, my korg minilouge, my laptop, my mic, and my headphones

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

A: Oh wow.... I was a visual artist before I started writing songs. I started writing and learning guitar when I was 22 and was immediately hooked. Prior to that I had grown up singing 4-part harmony in church with my sisters and I also sand in choirs and played violin in the school orchestra. I started my first band in 2008. I've recorded and released many independent albums and singles. I also play bass and played for several bands over the years. I got my first interface and midi controller in 2014. That opened the door to production for me. I started writing for a London-based licensing library (Audio Network) shortly after that. In 2017 I moved from San Francisco to Nashville where I have continued to expand my musical circles and increase my knowledge. There's a lot more I could say, but I don't want to overwhelm you with every detail. In answer to you second question, I have been harmonizing with others since before I could talk, so I'd say I've been doing this for 35 years! I've been recording from my own studio for 6 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I call it sweet soul. It's soulful, but soft. Groovy and cool.

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

A: Erykah Badu. She is a phenomenal artist who has stood the test of time. She lives and breaths her artistry in everything she does. I love her sound and her messages.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Sure. Don't get lost in the tools/gear. Your creative mind and musicality is what propels a project.

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

A: It varies tremendously. Neo soul, folk, cinematic.....

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Creating background vocal arrangements

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Truly, I try to bring what I'm asked to bring or what the song needs. I am a very empathetic and observant person and this translates into all areas of my life, including music. My voice is smooth and adaptable and I've developed certain ways of layering my vocals/harmonies that are very unique. My sense of melody is also a strong asset I bring to any song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It truly depends on the project. I usually try to exercise and move my body before sitting to create....Burn some incense, feel good. If I'm top-lining or writing over a pre-existing track, I'll pull it up in logic, put it on loop, and just start pacing around the room experimenting over it until something feels good. If the track has an ambiguous form, I'll take some time to map it out first. If I'm writing harmonies, I'll listen to the song through a few times, then start making a couple voice memos or notes of my first instincts arrangement-wise. As needed, I'll check in with my co-creators to make sure we're all on the same page. Once I've tracked all of my parts and I'm fully satisfied, I carefully comb through, trimming the regions, making sure any doubles are perfectly synced, etc....Then I label everything, create stems, and send the folder off!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I love my set up, and it took years for me to acquire all the pieces/knowledge.....Very Grateful. I use an Apollo Twin x interface, a Shure sm7b mic with a cloud lifter, M-Audio monitors, Audio-technica headphones, and a MacBook running Logic. I also have an external Solid State drive devoted only to my music projects so I keep everything really organized. I'm not sure if you care about this part, but the vibe in there is very good too :-)

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

A: I am incredibly inspired by D'Angelo. His writing, arrangement, delivery, and musicality are all phenomenal. Raphael Saadiq is one of the producers I am most inspired by. Georgia Anne Muldrow is another incredible female producer who I look up to in a big way. The production/writing on Anderson Paak's last album "Ventura" absolutely thrills me. Many more inspirations, but I'll stop here.

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

A: Out of the many things I do for my clients, the most common has become arranging and recording background vocals. Not only do I have an incredibly strong skill with harmony, I also have a natural sense for arrangement. My ability to quickly execute parts and deicide what is truly of service to the song is what distinguishes me in this field.