Session Guitar Player

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

A: In February 2020, Crystal Skies asked me to record guitar for their upcoming EP. I had been a fan of their music for a while, and their remix of “You Don’t Want Me” by Beatcore inspired me to combine technical guitar with melodic EDM. To have them want to involve me in their songwriting process was surreal. I was featured on four out of five songs on their EP, and I received awesome feedback from fans telling me that my guitar leads were some of their favorite parts on the EP. Safe to say, Crystal Skies liked what I brought to the table, and I helped out with their debut album that they released in the spring of 2022.

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

A: Making music with Seven Lions would definitely be a memorable experience. His production style is so versatile, and he is able to incorporate strong melodies and dynamic sound design in every song he releases. It would be very interesting to be a part of his process. And we are both from Santa Barbara--he is technically from Lompoc and I was raised in Goleta--so it would be cool to make music with someone who grew up in the same town as myself.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: It’s very modest. I use my Michael Kelly Hex guitar or Ernie Ball Music Man JP70 to plug into my Line 6 POD HD500 Multi-Effects Processor, and then run the USB-out from the POD into my 2016 Macbook Pro. I also have a Yamaha AC1R Acoustic that I plug into a UAD Arrow interface to track acoustic parts using the built-in microphone inside the acoustic guitar. My DAW of choice is Logic Pro X.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Like my guitar player influences, I try to find my own balance of melodicism and technicality. Since the majority of my musical upbringing has been metal and technical/heavy music, I’m definitely not afraid to throw around some quick leads, but I don’t want to sacrifice melody for wankery. I’ve made a bunch of “guitar solo arrangement” videos on my Youtube channel, where I create solos over some of my favorite EDM, metal, and pop songs. Through making those videos, I’ve definitely built confidence in my playing style.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to help people create music that they are proud of. Artists put their trust in me to bring something special to the table, and it’s always a rewarding feeling to hear that I was able to help bring their ideas to fruition.

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

A: In my past experience with other platforms, I'd say the two questions I get asked the most frequently are "How long does it take?" and "How much does it cost?" Each project is different, and I do my best to keep an organized schedule so as to not overwhelm myself and compromise the needs and deadlines of my clients. Projects can vary from $75-$150, and turn around times can be between 3-5 days unless otherwise specified. It’s difficult to foresee how a project will progress--especially since it’s relating to art--but please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions that you may have. I want to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth, and that you felt you made the right decision by involving me in your process.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: If I'm not working on my next guitar solo arrangement video, then I'll be working on a collaboration of some sort. Got to keep the creative momentum going!

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

A: Music has always been the main focus for my career. I’ve been playing guitar since I was ten-years-old, eventually joining my first band around 2014--a pop rock band called Surprise Me. Through Surprise Me, I was introduced to all of the aspects of being in a band: writing music, recording in a studio, rehearsing, playing live shows, building a fanbase, etc. After the band ended, I started to work on my own music as well as make videos on my Youtube channel. These videos eventually lead to some opportunities to work with some of my favorite artists.

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

A: I haven’t met him, but JT Roach is a phenomenal singer-songwriter. He has been featured on some amazing EDM tracks, and his vocal tone is something else. I imagine he brings his A-game with every project he involves himself in.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both options have pros and cons. Digital is obviously becoming a more convenient and efficient medium, but analog still has some transient qualities that digital processing has yet to 100% mimic. I believe in the saying “complexity is the enemy of execution,” and digital has been more reliable/user friendly in my experience.

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

A: I will do my best to make the song the best it can be. I promise to maintain full transparency and ask all the necessary questions needed to bring the best performance to your project.

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

A: A stereotype with most guitar players is that we are self-centered individuals who look for any opportunity to steal the spotlight and flamboyantly shred into eternity. I’d be lying if I said that I never wanted to play like Eddie Van Halen or Steve Vai, but I’ve learned over the years that it’s easy to play fast but it’s way more difficult to make it captivating and memorable. Sometimes, less is more. Or if you’re Yngwie Malmsteen, more is more. Both statements are correct in certain regards, but I’d rather be a strong songwriter than an ostentatious shredder.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I typically ask if there are any deadlines that I should be aware of, as well as any similar sounding musical compositions/styles that I could use as a reference for when I start tracking. I pride myself on being an efficient worker, so I want to do my best to gather all the necessary information that could help expedite the process.

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

A: Trust your intuition and find someone who is honest to a fault. In this world of online interactions, it’s very easy to put up a front and set false expectations. When it comes to making the best music possible, it’s best to work with people who have a genuine connection to the project and are willing to put their best foot forward. If someone is an efficient communicator and showcases a high standard of professionalism, then you should feel assured that your project is in safe hands.

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

A: Microphone, acoustic guitar, interface, headphones, laptop (with an everlasting battery supply).

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Do your best to trust and follow your intuition. There is a quote by Devin Townsend that comes to mind: “Over the years, my whole creative process works best for me when I don’t think about it. I find that my subconscious mind has a much greater connection to where I'm at emotionally than I do if I try and think about it.” It’s easy to let your mind become overwhelmed with the infinite possibilities of where a song can go, but usually following your intuition/subconscious will take you to a more productive headspace.

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

A: My focus is hard rock/metal, pop, and EDM, but I have had experience with other genres such as hip-hop, acoustic, and ambient music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I’m tenacious and hold a high level of scrutiny for my playing. I become very single-minded when it comes to completing a task. I don’t want to feel that a lead was out of time, or that a chord was strummed incorrectly. There is a quote that is in the back of my head when I record--”Good enough, isn’t.” If I feel I should re-record something, then I’ll re-record it until it sounds the best it can be. I want to be absolutely certain that what I bring to the song is in time, in tune, and in line with the client’s vision.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I believe I bring a novel energy to a song through my guitar playing. Like I said before, I strive to make my guitar parts memorable. Whether that be some fingerpicked chords or a shreddy guitar lead, I want to do my best to give the song that extra bit of energy and character.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will listen to the song on repeat to get the structure and emotional context into my subconscious. I’ll then record a few rough takes to establish a direction for where I want to take the guitar style. Once the ideas are solidified, I will review the track to see where I could tighten up/improve certain parts. Sometimes, I’ll even use a MIDI instrument to come up with new ideas that I could then transpose to real guitar. Every project is different, but I do my best to provide quality guitar work that is as clean as possible. Making music should be a fun and rewarding experience, and I want to put my best foot forward to serve as a catalyst for that process.

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

A: From a guitar standpoint, I’ve admired players such as Jason Richardson, Per Nilsson, John Petrucci, Steve Vai, and Paul Gilbert--essentially, players who have a nice balance of technicality and melodicism in their playing style. Devin Townsend is another person who I look up to in the music world. He is so prolific in his musical endeavors, and he has a lot of genuine wisdom regarding creative and emotional expression in music. I’m also inspired by most EDM producers and how they are able to use a computer to construct grand pieces of music with elaborate song structures and sound design.

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

A: I do my best to make memorable guitar parts for every project that comes my way. Whether it’s making a catchy guitar lead for the chorus or writing dynamic guitar lines that bring extra energy to the verses, I have made it a habit to find space in the mix and provide guitar work that further enhances the overall feel of the song.