Guitarist (Acc+Elec)

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

A: I am very proud of all the work I've done with "Le Bob" here on SoundBetter - he is a wonderful Swedish songwriter. I have arranged and recorded guitars on more than 20 songs of his by now, and each song explores new horizons. It's my most fruitful collaboration thru SoundBetter so far!

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

A: Shahar Haziza! amazing drummer!

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

A: I will not rest until you're pleased with the results!

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

A: That the gear you use makes a difference. Of course it’s nice to have fancy gear, but the playing and choice of notes is what it’s all about, might have been recorded with the most basic gear and you wouldn’t know or care.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work with Ableton Live as my DAW. I use one condenser mic to track acoustic/nylon guitars. For electric guitars I usually go direct and apply amp emulators such as Guitar Rig. I might use a beta 57A with a Fender amp but most times I find it unnecessary. I keep things super simple and mostly "in the box" and get excellent results that I proudly stand behind. My guitars: 1) Nash Telecaster 2016 (Seymour Duncan split-humbucker bridge pickup, Lollartron neck humbucker, and a Bigsby). 2) Fender Stratocaster 1979 3) 1975 Guild D35NT acoustic guitar. 4) 2017 Guild M20 acoustic guitar. 5) La Patrie Concert classical guitar 6) 1966 Eko Barracuda-VI electric guitar.

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

A: Brian Eno, Prince, Tom Petty, Elliott Smith, John Parish, PJ Harvey, Sparklehorse...and of course Pink Floyd & The Beatles.

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

A: I began writing songs and playing live in the early 2000s. Got signed by 2 record labels in Israel - Earsay Records and Anova Music. Released 5 albums under my own name and 2 albums under the moniker "The Secret Sea". I was a band member in the art-rock group Eatliz and worked with countless big and small independent artists in Israel as a session musician in the studio and live. I produced albums for others and for myself. Toured a lot in Europe and played festivals such as "Primavera Sound" in Barcelona (twice) and "Exit" in Serbia. I moved to the states in 2015 where I ended up recording an album with Larry Crane at Jackpot Studios (Elliott Smith, M.Ward, Cat Power and others). Joined the "Burn County" label as the in-house guitarist, working with Country Rap artists such as "Moonshine Bandits" among others.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My solo project "The Secret Sea" - I am recording and mixing new songs these days, that will hopefully become a new full length album!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love both. Analog demands a completely different mindset and isn't realistic when working with tight deadlines, so I don't do it, but it is definitely an amazing experience when circumstances allow it.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being a big fan of teamwork, I love that I get to be creative AND work with people at the same time!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I will ask if there's a specific musical reference I should take note of, and what other instruments and/or vocals will be in the song if not already recorded. This is crucial for the range of the guitar parts, so each element has its right place in the mix.

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

A: The most important questions are: 1. Are you digging the audio samples? 2. Did you enjoy communicating with the provider? If the answer is yes to both, you're probably gonna enjoy working with that person and enjoy the results :)

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

A: I wouldn't take any recording gear with me but I'd take an acoustic guitar, lots of strings, a cutter and a box of picks.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Emotionally driven.

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

A: Daniel Lanois, because of his approach to atmosphere and purity of performance.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If you can sing it, you're heading in the right direction...so write with your head and not with your fingers.

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

A: I have 20 years of experience in Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Alternative & Indie music. More recently I've been doing a lot of cross-genre work in Hip-Hop/Rap & Country beats.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Musically - finding the right notes to play and going there without over-thinking things. Personally - highly communicative and committed.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Originality, outside-the-box style of composing and playing, exceptional range of influential musical sources from all decades, immaculate timing and flow, prioritizing of melody and feel over technical fireworks.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I first listen to a track several times with my headphones while doing other life-things, until I start hearing guitar parts in my head. I intentionally avoid holding a guitar while writing. Once I have a solid understanding of what I'd like to hear, I get settled in my work room to map out the parts on my guitar and hone them. Once I got the performance and the right sound nailed, I will begin recording. Takes are usually sorted & edited during the recording itself. Post recording I might apply further EQing and dynamic processing if necessary, depends on what the client wants. I can provide direct dry sources if requested by the client, to sculpt a different sound around my playing.

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

A: Writing and tracking guitar parts for beats and song. This includes riffs, solos & licks, chord progressions, acoustic fingerpicking and strumming etc.