Electric and Acoustic Guitars

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

A: The last project I worked on "What's Her Face" by Damian Isacc Band. I was the lead guitarist, lead engineer, and co-producer. It ended up being a huge success and we are all very happy with the end result. The Spotify Link is here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2kqWtO9J0hFVkVbepHAaIT?si=5oqbePsHTSC2IN0TxaiXiw

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Writing album #2

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

A: I love my bro, Giovanni Cilio! He's an amazing drummer from Italy who has played on ALL my tracks. We have an instant connection. Check him out if you need drums!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Mixture of both but mostly Analog. Analog because there is a soul that cannot be replicated through digital Digital because it's so convenient and it gets better every day

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

A: Quality. Quality. Quality.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being challenged all the time!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Have you heard my music or seen what I have done on YouTube? Yes? Then you know how I play and I assume you like it if you're messaging me.

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

A: Know what sound you're looking for and hire THAT guy. Don't hire a generalist. Find a specialist.

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

A: Classical Guitar, my phone, my Gibson, a small amp (assuming I can plug in somewhere), and maybe a bottle of whiskey (yeah, that's in my studio...I'm from Texas)

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

A: I have been a public school guitar teacher for about 8 years. I got my degree in classical guitar and have not looked back. I have always been creative. I decided that I need to start releasing music of my own. I also love to help people so I have been a session player for years and have learned a lot.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: A Texas-Style, 80s influenced, Carlos Santana. 'Nuff said.

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

A: Shakira or Natalia Jimenez. Female singers are fun to work with. I like the range mostly. One of my goals is to one day write a song with her. Fingers-crossed.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Gain Stage everything correctly!

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

A: I've worked on everything really. I have a degree in classical guitar so I've done many recitals. I have played in cover bands (mostly latin rock), worked with many rappers (including world famous Khalid), been a church-gospel musician, hired in a country band, grew up with 80s rock. However, since I have been writing my own music, it centers around Latin/Rock/Pop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is knowing when and what to play. I think overplaying is just as bad as playing mistakes. A good musician, especially studio musician, knows when to play and when to back off to let the song breath and the mix to work.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring tone and flavor. They used to call me the "Candyman" because my solos and rhythms kept people listening.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I spend about an hour listening to the track. After about 39 minutes, I start jamming it. I record instantly because sometimes (but not all the time) the best ideas happen spontaneously. If I find a melodic hook, I like to build off of it and create rather lyrical and thematic solos as opposed to full out shredding. Although I can, my preference is a solo that can be replayed in your head and even sung.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is set up in my beautiful home in Texas. I have dual monitors, a HUGE desk, preamps, Native Instruments interface, Two Notes Captor X, and I run Logic Pro X through an upgraded Mac. I have my guitars, amps, pedals, and a vocal booth. I can go on and on.... haha

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

A: On top of being a session guitarist, I pride myself in production as well. I have a very professional home studio which I have invested in so that my tracks are of the highest quality. I also loved learning from the master engineer, John Karpowich (Santana).

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

A: The most common work I do is putting what they have in their head onto the guitar. I love when I work with an artist who describes what they are looking for and I hit it on the spot. Best feeling!