Songwriter

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

A: A great mixing engineer can make a hit even from very poor pitchy vocals. It's all about a great idea, meaningful lyrics, a pleasant voice with emotions, and great production.

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

A: Being relatively new to the music industry, I had a few smaller successes rather than one big. The most significant success is definitely that I do what I love. Music is my passion. I am proud of my EP with an international appeal since I sing there in three world major languages: English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Solo projects (I already put out five tracks from my EP), in December I will finish this year by putting out the last one; it's been a great year. I am simultaneously working on two EDM tracks with a producer from Canada and Finland who would like to send it to record labels. He won a mixing competition in his country, and I admire his talents. I am also working on overall branding.

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

A: I'm still fairly new to SoundBetter, so I cannot really tell.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Mix of both. Digital isn't yet there with simulating everything. When hiring mixing and mastering engineers, make sure they use the best of both worlds.

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

A: Quality work delivered in a timely fashion. You'll get clean tracks, every time, and that will import easily into your projects. Hassle-free.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I have always only dreamed of making a living from music. When it's gradually becoming a reality, it makes me feel so empowered. I love creating, and I love independence in my life. Music is my life, and I breathe it.

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

A: I have experience with other freelance platforms as well and what I like about Soundbetter is that it's dedicated solely to music. People know what they are searching for; they want quality. It's always a pleasant experience.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Tell me about the story of the song. What are you looking for? What do you want it to sound like? Any reference tracks you can send so I can get in the same vibe you had in mind for the song.

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

A: Music is very subjective, as well as the perception of beauty. Use your ears to judge. I can attempt to write the best bio and sales pitch all day long just like everyone else, but ultimately it's up to you if you feel something in the voice or my songwriting that strikes you and make you say, "YES, this is it!" Take a listen. If you like it, fantastic, hit me up, and let's talk about your project. Please don't be shy to contact me with any questions or comments. Every project is different.

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

A: Neumann mic, Macbook Pro, Taylor acoustic guitar, piano, midi keyboard.

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

A: It's been a wild ride. I've been singing since I was a little boy. Later I was interested in athletics, but I went back to singing and performing when I entered high school - school choir, musical, solo singer, and pianist. I joined a school band where I was a drummer (very important in beats perception). I loved foreign languages, so I decided to study Chinese and French at the university. I moved to Shanghai; I studied Chinese there and started to play guitar and my first songwriting (2015). When I came back, I found a job and continued writing music. After returning from the world's journey last year, I became full-on music and slowly developed my name in this fascinating industry. I gained many life experiences and inspiration from my residing abroad and from the trip around the world.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication with people - I don't overpromise and underdeliver.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Singing - Powerful, emotional, and as intense or subtle as each song needs. Songwriting - making sure it has that hook and a high level of catchiness.

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

A: Lady Gaga for her creativity and boldness, also I feel we share very similar values. Taylor Swift, because she is just an amazing songwriter and a versatile artist. Adele, Katy Perry, Lorde, Troye Sivan, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Miley Cyrus, you name it.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Listen to other songs, get inspired, and find the sound you really vibe with.

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

A: Varies tremendously. At the core, most would be considered as 'pop'. It hooks you in and makes you feel something. I specialize in writing catchy melodies with strong choruses.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Passion, vibe, and feeling. I believe it starts with a strong song at the core and then needs a reliable, passion-driven vocal performance to make the audience fully appreciate and feel the music.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: As for recording vocals, I first listen to the song and learn about the vibe, energy, and phrasing. I practice and record everything. I choose the best takes and do the vocal comping, editing, and send it over to my clients. As for songwriting, I depend highly on my intuition, so the first idea is usually the best. I make sure the tune is catchy, but it can be subjective. I work with my piano or a guitar and record my thoughts into the iPhone voice memo first. I go over to my notebook and start brainstorming about the topics and the words I'd like to see in a song. Then I begin to create wonders.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am working from home, and I am using Logic Pro X on my Macbook Pro and record my vocals into the iconic Shure SM7B. As for songwriting, I use my piano or a guitar to create a melody and my notebook for lyrics.

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

A: Singing wise, I am inspired by musicals, especially by Phantom of the Opera or Les Mis. I admire Anthony Warlow, for example. But I am also inspired by pop singers such as Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Madonna, or Lady Gaga for their immense creativity and unique songwriting craftsmanship. I'm inspired by any singers who can make me feel something.

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

A: My client's most common type of work is songwriting, including the melody and the lyrics, as I have a very quick turnaround. I depend highly on my intuition and emotions, so the first idea that strikes me is the right idea. I love songwriting; it's like creating a beautiful sculpture or a painting only with the difference that a song cannot be destroyed as long as it's in our heads. I also provide my vocals and feature in other artists' projects.