Guitarist & Songwriter

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

A: I'm especially proud of collaborating and co-writing the album "Grammy Jazz 25," which was recorded at Capitol Studios in LA, and released through the GRAMMY Foundation. The reason I am proud of this work is because I had the opportunity to collaborate with some extremely talented musicians, and the work I did on this record was some of my best because I felt compelled to exceed the level of talent I was matched with.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working on recording and developing a few originals for some clients. Aside from that, I am in the middle of a southwest club circuit tour and releasing my own music under a label.

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

A: Not on SoundBetter, but I do have access to high-profile musicians within the LA area if anyone needs referrals.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital! Although I have recorded on analog several times and love the sound, the industry these days is mostly all digital and its important to keep up with the modern day recording techniques.

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

A: My promise to my clients is that I would fulfill all of their musical needs and do the best possible job I can on their project.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The fact that I get to sit down and play the instrument that I have such a profound relationship with is what I really love about my job. Aside from that, seeing my clients satisfied with the results is the most rewarding experience I can have!

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

A: The most common question I get is, "can you get this done when I need you to?" The answer to this question is always a yes! In my world of business, I always put my clients first, so if they have a deadline that they need the project to be done by, I will do everything I can to achieve that goal.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that I view my projects as just another case file. However, many of my clients fail to realize the amount of work and effort I put in to a single project, which is why I'm able to have such successful results.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your end goal? What kind of work do you do? What are you expectations for me? Once I know the answers to these questions, I can better understand how I can help you.

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

A: The biggest piece of advice I can give to any customer is to communicate clearly and efficiently. I want to make sure that I can understand exactly what it is that you need, and without strong communication, it can hinder with the results.

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

A: Gibson Les Paul, Marshall JCM 800, Gibson Double Neck SG, Martin D28 Acoustic, Gibson ES-335. Of course I'll need a power source for all this!

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

A: My career path is to continue being a recording and touring musician. I have been playing guitar since the age of 4 and performing on stage since the age of 8. Music is in my blood and bones and I absolutely see no other option.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is very bluesy and soulful. Contrary to a lot of other guitar players who just want to play fast all the time and shred, I think the guitar would be better served if more musicians put their entire heart into their playing, even if it means playing only three notes during a solo. I stick to the Miles Davis approach, "less is more."

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

A: I would love to work with Adele. Not only is she a phenomenal singer, but given her blues background, I feel like I can contribute a unique approach to a lot fo her original ideas coming from a similar background myself.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Check your work and listen to the song ALL the way through! Always make sure to check the levels and master to make sure there are no glitches within the audio. From past experience, I find this happens a lot with producers I have worked with.

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

A: The two biggest genres that are in demand when clients come to me are rock and pop. However, I have a multitude of experience playing all kinds of genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill without a doubt is my perfectionism. I am absolutely never satisfied with a project if you aren't, and will never settle for anything less than your approval. My main goal is to work on a regular basis with all of the clients that come to me, and therefore I go the extra mile to achieve more than just the bare minimum.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Every song has a message, and I accompany whatever message it's conveying with my instrument. Contrary to other guitar players who will try to immerse their own style within a song, I will cater to whatever the song's feel and emotion is first, and match my sound as best I can with the song's meaning. This is where my diverse history of playing all genres comes in handy. From Jazz to Rock, Classical to Funk, I can guarantee you there isn't a genre I haven't played, and am able to adapt to different styles effortlessly.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Typically, I will communicate with the client on exactly what their needs are first to see if we are a good fit. From that point on, we will establish a deadline and I will immediately dedicate a good chunk of time to sit down and work on the project. Assuming the amount of work that needs to be done, standard turnaround time is around 1-2 days. Once the first round of work is complete, the client and I will have some back and forth communication on whether or not they would like to tweak anything. If not, then you will be on your merry way! I also offer a 10% discount to returning clients.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio contains the following: -Apple 21.5" Mac -Intel Core 15 -DAW/Audio Interface Combo -Studio Monitors -Arturia KeyLab MIDI Essential 61 -Pair of SM57 Microphones -Pop Filter -Headphones -Korg nanoKONTROL Studio -Ear Training Software

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

A: Some key musicians that have inspired me are B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Pat Metheny, Slash, EVH and countless others, From a production standpoint, influences range all the way from Brian Wilson to Quincy Jones.

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

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients is laying to guitar tracks or accompaniment on some of their upcoming releases. However, I get inquiries of all sorts and have done covers as well as original music.