Producer, Composer

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

A: That using better equipment or software means the end result will be better. It can help but if you don't know your craft, the best equipment can mean a horrible product (end result)!

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

A: As with most things in life, career paths change. I started out playing in the local bands and decided I wanted to tour. After years of hardship I did finally get the opportunity almost 10 years later. All in all I have been blessed to have been in the industry off and on for almost 40 years. Music production has been part of my life for the past 15 of those.

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

A: I usually supply background music and sound for 15 - 30 - 60 second radio, television or web ads. I sometimes create or produce jingles or scores for film.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Lol . Whatever is needed and always my best for the project. (I produce, play, record, mix and master and call on friends if I need help!) I try not to limit myself.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: The heart of my studio is my Behringer X32 Compact. So wonderful to work with! I am incredibly curious so my studio equipment is always evolving. Many items listed on this profile I have trusted and used for years. One of these is Cakewalk for Bandlab (I was a beta tester in the early years when Cakewalk was owned by Twelve Tone Systems). I try to have enough equipment in my arsenal to keep up with changes in technology but not so much that I spend most of my time learning how to use everything all over again and not having the time to make music.

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

A: Too many to list but here's a few... Earth, Wind & Fire, George Massenburg, Magic Mendez (The Whispers Band), Julio Herrera (R&R Soul Orchestra), The Beach Boys, Wes Montgomery, Stanley Jordan, Jerry Goldsmith, Dennis Mcarthy .....

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

A: I would love to meet and work with Earl Klugh. I have never had the pleasure and I loved listening to and trying to emulate his mellow nylon string sound. Of course there are so may artists that can go on that list....

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

A: Most recently I have been working through a graphic design company that required audio support for websites and commercials. Most of the music was pretty varied; anything from Pop-R&B or Jazz to Rock. That being said, I pretty much work on whatever is right for the project. The R&B stuff was easiest for me though.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Replicating tracks is probably my best skill. I continue my education in mixing and mastering to help support this.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: 1. Talk with client for about project. (or myself if it's my project - Yeah I talk to myself sometimes ;) ) 2. Write a "Project Plan" to determine steps needed to complete (Every project type has different steps). 3. Determine pricing and reach agreement with client. 4. Set daily goals and get to work. 5. Send client samples and get feedback for revisions. 6. Send finished product. 7. Get paid.

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

A: The album "Christmas Moments" (The Whispers) It was the first time I wrote and released a song for an artist other than myself or my band. Working with them in the studio was a dream come true.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I recently released a single called That's What I'll Do by Some Guy in a Cape. My production and songwriting has evolved over the years and so I am vetting and recording songs to release my first solo album.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I am a fan of digital consoles mostly because of the multi routing and project recall. This really helps when working on multiple projects at once. As far as the sound, It really doesn't matter much. You can get the best sound from almost anything if you know you're equipment.

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

A: I'm sure that there is someone on here that I know but, as I found this new home by myself, I have yet to discover them. I will be happy to recommend other artists if I think they would be a better fit for a client.

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

A: Always to do my best to deliver quality product and never take their requests for granted.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What type of service are you looking for? Music Production specifically? Audio Editing? Do you need music for lyrics; music for TV or film? Is there a budget? (I'm willing to negotiate.) When do you need the final revision done? Are there any specific audio / broadcast delivery requirements, specs? ie file formats, mastering, encoding etc.

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

A: .... Just try to be as precise as possible when communicating what they are looking for (needing). If I still don't understand we can go through it together.

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

A: Laptop Computer, Solar Powered Generator, Audio Interface, Midi Keyboard, Microphone

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Growing up in New York, I was heavily influenced by R&B, Jazz and Funk so it will always be a part of my style. I have always had a great ear and enjoy mimicking many different genres.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Listen to everything... All types of music. You never know what will inspire that next hit!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Music is such a healing thing. The opportunity to work on so many different types of music and with so many wonderful professionals is a blessing to me. So many ways to learn and grow!

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

A: I get questions about my music background a lot but I think the most common one is "When can this be ready?" I usually respond with "how's yesterday?" to break the ice then tell them time to finish is dependent on the type of project and how many revisions are needed. I don't want to waste their time or my own so I will usually find a good estimate ie; Audio edits turnarounds are usually a day or two at the most.