Guitar/Drums/Bass & Producer

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

A: Be fun, organized, and enjoy the music! That's what it's all about!

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

A: 17 years. I started playing saxophone in sixth grade band and from there, quickly turned to guitar, drums, and bass. The whole reason I learned how to produce and mix was so I could bring my own creations to life. It has been a huge benefit to be able to produce and record my own music as well as some of my bands.

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

A: My first solo album titled Waiting as the band name Second Shadow. I am exceptionally proud of this album because I literally did everything on it. I played every instrument, wrote every word, mixed it, you name it. And when people hear it, they assume it's a band and we had a budget, but we didn't, or should I say I didn't. I had garageband (I know I know, but trust me, it's not just the gear, it's how you use it) and a microphone...and passion. It's a good feeling when that's all you have and people think you had more than that.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on electronic and Christmas music for sync, my second solo rock album, and my band's debut pop rock album.

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

A: I do not know anyone personally yet as I am just starting out. However, I am hoping to make some good connections.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital because that is what I grew up with. Don't get me wrong, I am fascinated by vintage recording technology and I would love to record on it one day, but it is very expensive. Digital is just better for an indie musician/producer such as myself because it allows for easier collaboration in this day and age when so much is done over the internet.

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

A: I can guarantee you will get quality audio, performances, and insight thanks to my almost 2 decade's worth of experience producing, mixing, and playing.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love to create. I am a productive person so making things often feels better to me than consuming things that have already been made.

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

A: People don't often realize how much work can go into the inception of a song idea all the way to the final mastered copy. Guitar for example. Once you know exactly what you are going to play on the record, you still have to figure out the tone, effects, etc.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What sound are they aiming for? Should it sound like a certain artist or song i.e. do you have reference tracks? What are your goals with the song(s)?

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

A: laptop, midi keyboard, audio interface, bass, and a guitar

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

A: Can we include past artists?...Muse, Foo Fighters, Mutemath, The Killers, Goo Goo Dolls, Blink 182, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, the list goes on. These are all bands I grew up listening to and learning from. Learning about musicianship and production. They are all so talented and have created some of my favorite music to this day.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: EQ is key when mixing. It is not always about volume. If you want to have a more clear mix, lose frequencies that you don't need. For example, a female vocalist does not typically need low frequencies, so cut them out.

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

A: Rock and electronic are the most popular, but I am open to any genre as I enjoy mostly all music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is definitely my musicianship/playing abilities and my ability to take a song that someone has written (maybe just chords and vocals) and develop it into a full production.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I have a great attention to detail. When you put any song on, even one I have never heard before, I can pick it apart track by track just by listening. I am really good at hearing everything that goes into to making the song and I usually know the magic that it is missing.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I prefer to work with wetransfer when sending files back and forth. Everything should be properly titled to ensure great organization. I also like clear and consistent communication. Organization and clear communication are key to efficient and quality workflow.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a simple setup. A Scarlett 18i20 interface, some Yamaha HS5s, a midi keyboard, and Logic Pro X as well as many plugins. I'm simple for now. It's not that I don't like outboard gear or a bunch of fancy equipment, it is about what I can currently afford. Don't let gear make you think someone is better. It is not always the gear, it is what a person can do with it...and I can do everything I've envisioned so far.

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

A: Muse, Wild Nothing, Angels & Airwaves, Jerry Finn (R.I.P.), Tom Lorde-Alge, Jeff Lynn, Brian Wilson, The Beatles, Dave Grohl, and many more.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am a fun person who likes to be as chill as possible about life, while also having to deal with adult responsibilities. Drumming style - in the pocket, but know when to let lose. Very good at pop/punk, alt and heavy rock Guitar style - really good rhythm, palm muting, open chords, melodic solos as opposed to shredding. I really like Eric Johnson and Guthrie Govan Bass style - in the pocket, great rhythm, pick and fingerstyle, know when to stand out and when to hold back.

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

A: Producer/Beat Maker, Session musician (guitar, bass, drums, and sometimes keys).