Composer, Producer, Engineer

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

A: I would have to say that most people don't realize the vital role the right music with the right production plays.

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

A: This is a multi-part answer....I knew I wanted to have music as my career when I was six, and told my parents I wanted to be a "singing paleontologist". The dinosaur part faded but not the music. I started with piano shortly after, and kept adding instruments. Up until 2012, my goal was the artist side with all the usual pieces that come with it. In 2012, I composed for my first film, and fell in love with the process. My career goals then shifted course. Through pursuing film scores, I discovered production music. This quickly became my favorite: consistent work and demand, the most creative freedom and all sorts of genres needed. A couple years ago, I decided to expand with my production skills and began to produce other artists as well.

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

A: I would have to say that I'm most proud of a lot of my music for one of the libraries I compose for, "DOCUscores". These guys really help push me to better myself as a composer and producer, and some of my favorite work was for them as a result. I try to grow from every project I do, as stagnancy is not an option for me.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have my usual good amount of production music pieces in the queue, and am about to begin scoring an Indie Medieval film. A number of other projects are in the works too!

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

A: Masha Alexis is actually the friend who suggested this site to me. I would absolutely recommend working with her! I had the pleasure of mixing and mastering a single for her last year. She is a super talented pianist, vocalist, songwriter and an all around amazing person both to work with and as a friend.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Oh man, with a hybrid setup this is a tough question to answer. I like to take advantage of both, depending on the sound I need.

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

A: We will work together to meet and exceed your goals.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Music is my greatest passion and I get to do it for a living, what's not to love? Invoking emotion through my work is such a rewarding feeling.

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

A: "Can you do something that sounds like this?...." and my answer is yes. I aim to capture what they are going for, but put my own unique flair on things to give them a truly special piece that still stands out as an original.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to go over the project first, and get a good idea of what it needs. I've found that letting someone describe their project in detail really reveals their passion and vision for it. I also like to know an estimate of how much music is needed (for audio/visual projects), turnaround time, and some references that portray what they need. Of course, at some point budget and price also comes into play.

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

A: I would say it definitely benefits to explore for the right fit for your specific project you are inquiring about. Find someone with the strengths you need and run with it!

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

A: My computer, UAD Apollo 8, Komplete Kontrol S88 keyboard, Martin D16 acoustic guitar, Aston Spirit Mic.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Epic, intense and emotional with an underlying softer side.

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

A: Oh there are so many, but let's definitely start with the three I mentioned above as inspirations! The methods, energy, production, arranging/songwriting, and so on are all so impactful. I would love to get down to the nitty gritty details with all of them, observe their process and discuss it.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Production quality helps convey the emotion and image you are trying to get across (not a detail we like to admit as musicians, I know). A high production quality is vital in conveying your message!

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

A: A lot of my work is orchestral hybrid or crime-style industrial. Though I branch out to many genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I would say composition and arranging are my strongest skills.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Emotion and an intensity that words simply can't do justice. When I work on a project, you don't just get someone who does their job. I'm emotionally invested in seeing anything I work on be the best it can be!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First, I like to envision my goal for any given piece. What am I feeling? Where do I want it to go? Which elements would help get me there? Then, I will often come up with ideas in my head and jot them down once I get a solid one. Sometimes, I'll come across a noise that inspires an entirely new set of ideas.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Operating in Logic Pro X on a new custom-built Mac Pro, UAD Apollo 8 interface, UAD 4-710d preamp, Miktek MPA 201 preamp, in a treated room ideal for both mixing and instrument tracking.

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

A: Trent Reznor is my biggest inspiration, Audiomachine and Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL) are huge inspirations as well.

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

A: Production music and score to picture are a main focus, but I produce artists and compose for commercial work as well.