Songwriter, Demo Vocalist

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

A: In 2019 I wrote and recording a song called “Story of a Hero” about a fallen police officer. That whole process was wonderful. I wrote it for the officer’s family and it lead to a very tear-filled and tender moment when I shared it live for the first time. I then had an opportunity to come alongside Warm Audio and record and release the song a few months later... it just became such a sweet gift the whole community of Fredericton, New Brunswick. And that’s what songwriting is all about- using music and lyrics to connect, heal, celebrate, and express love.

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

A: Absolutely! Shawn Byrne- producer, writer, multi instrumentalist Brian Sutherland- fantastic writer, vocalist, guitar, cello

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

A: Many ask for my opinion and for my feedback, which I love. I really enjoying helping songs "sound better" (see what I did there...) and have been a song editor for quite some time now.

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

A: So far on this platform, there doesn't seem to be any discrepancies on the work I offer.

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

A: Music is written on my DNA, I swear. I’ve always known since I could have a thought about it that I would be doing music for my whole life. I’ve been performing for years and years now.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I fly by the seat of my pants most days. -Type B personality through and through. (What do u expect from a full time artist? haha) However, I’m finding more and more that engaging with others is one of my favorite things about the collaborative process. I really like getting to know people, seeing their talents exercised, and gaining a perspective I wouldn't otherwise have if I was working solo. Most projects are on a case by case basis and I bring in whoever I think will be most fit for the job when it comes to producing or recording.

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

A: I’m currently working on a solo project sonically inspired by Steve Miller, Alison Krauss, and Ray Lamontagne. Although I’m more of a country artist, I’m always chasing what has made Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel, Lionel Richie, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin great. I’m very eager to create songs that are timeless like theirs. I hope one day I’ll feel I have done that. :)

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m working on a new solo project and of course, all my Sound Better projects. :)

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Mostly digital. I use analog for live shows quite often, but typically I’m recording digitally.

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

A: My promise is that I’ll do my best to exceed your expectations and bring what you hear in your head to life.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I’m living out my calling and that feels awesome.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: How flexible they are with song modifications, what their specifications are with recording or with lyric/melody, etc. It’s pretty straight forward once I see the initial request. If I need more info, I ask.

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

A: To pick me because Verizon keeps asking me for money

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

A: My Collings guitar (named her Sheila) - do I get a tuner and capo for free? Does gear include instruments? I’ve been wanting a tone dexter

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Under the Country/Americana umbrella

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

A: Gahh not fair. Dolly Parton, tho. Obvi.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don’t get your feelings hurt. Sometimes it’s not about a bad performance, but about simply making a different choice. Give space for correction and critique.

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

A: Mostly country music or thereabouts... I find myself playing all sorts of music, though. Give me some Stevie Wonder and I’ll tear it up ;)

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Instead of suggesting one skill is stronger than the other, I’d suggest I’m MOST CONFIDENT in my vocal ability. I feel I’ve got great control and can acclimate to a lot of different genres without sounding out of place or disingenuous.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: People often tell me I sing from my soul. I love hearing that because there are many times I feel I do. I truly love to sing and share expression through song. I tend to get to the heart of the matter with every song I write and perform.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: When I record from home I use a very rudimentary set up which includes a Scarlett 2i2 interface and garage band. Nothing fancy, but it does the job. Most of the time, I’d much rather outsource and work with one of my producer/engineer friends. I enjoy working with others and letting those who are better than myself at audio engineering work the board while I sing my heart out.

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

A: When I’m not on Sound Better, I’m playing live in Nashville for all sorts of venues and events. Playing live and sharing my voice is my favorite thing in the world to do. :) On Sound Better, it’s sorta a toss up between songwriting or recording vocals for clients. I seemed to be commissioned for both equally. I enjoy both avenues and hope to do more on this platform, for sure.