Producer.Mixer.Songwriter

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

A: I co-wrote the topline for 'Warrior' by Robert Falcon and Mark with a K. I recently went to the official music video on YouTube, of which I hadn't looked at in over a year, and discovered it's amassed nearly 15 million views. It's amazing to think that music you've created can be heard by that many people.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A couple of album projects with some great artists, some sync projects for major labels and working on my own artist project.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1. What are your goals/ambitions with your music? - This results in us chatting about how we can achieve those goals through the creation of your music. 2. Who are your biggest influences? - right now and that have inspired your journey. 3. Are you committed to us producing the best result possible with your music?

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My three strongest skill sets are songwriting, production and focusing on the groove element of a song (drums and bass). These three areas I have a wealth of experience in and thoroughly enjoy.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have my own studio in Toronto with various keyboards, synths, guitars, microphones etc. I work mostly in the box and use a lot of VSTs and digital plugins - mostly UAD. I also have access to outboard gear that I regularly use for recording and mixing. I also have two of my favourite harware synths - a moog Sub 37 and a Prophet 6.

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

A: That I will deliver and keep to my word. As I mentioned earlier communication is key, as is honesty. I will do everything in my power to ensure both you and I are extremely happy with what we create. It's my reputation as much as yours on the line and we'll be sure to create something that's going to keep people interested and listening to the end of the song.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to chose the songs, artists and projects I want to work on. It's very exciting to hear something new and feel super inspired on first listen. I love getting excited by new music!

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

A: Some people think high quality production can be produced very quickly. Perfection and quality takes a time. A rushed job will result in a weaker product. Most people think that producers/songwriters charge too much because they think producing/writing music is a quick, easy job.

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

A: Ask lots of questions. Be open and communicative with me. It's a collaborative experience and you're input and feedback is as important as me creating your production. The more communication we have the better the result will be and more you will like the end product. I guarantee it. Communication is key.

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

A: A Piano/Guitar - to be able to play and write ever day. Apart from one of these it would then be the means to be able to capture and produce - a Macbook Pro, UAD Interface and Microphone (probably a U87).

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

A: I studied Music at Leeds University. After my last exam I didn't hang around and moved the next day to London, knocking on studio doors where I found an internship as an engineer/producer. It's been 10 years since this moment and I've worked my way up and built my experience and set of skills ever since. In this time I've written many songs that have amassed millions of streams and plays, toured internationally and had songs featured in many tv commercials, shows and on the radio.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Modern, fresh, clean and polished.

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

A: I'd have to say two people here. Mark Ronson and Ryan Tedder. Their abilities to work in multiple genres, write, produce and create musical masterpieces is very inspiring.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Harmonies for vocals are the most important layering of any instrument in your arrangement. They carry a large amount of depth, weight and emotion. They can really bring a track to life. However, they don't always need to be a focal point and can be creatively and subtly layered in to add a little spice to a mix.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Having a background in classical piano, having toured a session drummer and also having DJ'd extensively I bring a range of musical genres to the table. I love Pop and EDM, but I also love string arrangements, layering harmonies, writing bass lines - nothing is impossible in the production and creation process. I work my hardest on every song to bring the best out of it that I can to increase the chance of it being loved by the masses.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It really depends on the project. If I'm working with an artist who brings me a vocal I tend to start by building an instrumental around the vocal. Sometimes this is based on references the artist provides and sometimes I have creative freedom and feed off of how I react emotionally to the vocal. I tend to check in regularly throughout the development of the production to include the artist throughout the process. Along the way I'll also work with the artist suggesting some tweaks to the vocal to enhance the overall songwriting. This isn't always needed but sometimes it is. This involves creating harmony parts, tweaking some of the melody and/or changing some of the lyrics. After this I mix the vocal and the overall track. Each project is completely individual but this is the most successful and common work flow I have working remotely with artists.

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

A: There are far too many artists to mention that have inspired me! But some that have are Calvin Harris, Mark Ronson, Quincy Jones, Kanye West, Zedd, Ian Kirkpatrick and Ryan Tedder.

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

A: With most of the artists I work with I'm involved in production. Some of the artists also want some help with co-writing their songs as well as me producing them. I love working with artists on more than 1 song as it gives us the opportunity to develop a sonic identity and build their brand across a few releases. Working on one song is fun but when you have the ability to grow and develop an artist it's really exciting!

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

A: David Schoenwetter. A great friend, producer, songwriter and a very talented individual. We work together on many projects and if I was unavailable I would recommend him.

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

A: Normally Pop and EDM, but I also work in Acoustic songs, with bands, Hip Hop, Rock and Classical music.