Creative Genius

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently executive producing a project for Isadore Noir. Outside of that I'm getting started on my next project 'High Fructose Love Syrup' while also writing and producing for over a dozen other artists. In addition to music, I'm also working as a brand manager for an up and coming art collective from Maryland who have their hands in music, fashion, fine art, and videography.

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

A: Isadore Noir, Lauran Marie, Mickey Shiloh

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

A: The project that I am most proud of would actually be my debut album, aMUSEment Park. I'm so proud of that project because it was literally my greatest offering of myself, musically, that I have ever made. Although I attempted to collaborate on this project several times, I think God had another plan. I winded up making every beat, writing every lyric, performing every vocal, mixing and mastering the complete project myself. It is literally like my second child and even with it's flaws it still remains as my proudest project to date.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I like both. Digital for ease of use and correctability but analog for the warmth and presence that it brings to music.

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

A: My promise is to always do everything in my power to achieve the very best song at the end of the day.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The ability to be creative and to actually do what I love every single day and have that provide for me. No feeling like it in this world.

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

A: My clients always ask me, "Can you put your 'sauce' on this for me?" and I always answer "Of course, you know 'Splizzy' gonna make it sound good!"

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

A: Most people think making music is so meticulous but I try to simplify it because at the end of the day, everybody has the same 12 notes on the scale. It's all about what you do with that.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What sound are you looking to achieve? How open are you to alterations to the song? How soon do you need this to be completed?

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

A: Try to have a direction for the sound you're looking to achieve but also be open to creativity and allow room for changes that may add to the song being better in the end.

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

A: I have over 10 years of experience as a producer, songwriter, artist and engineer. I started out as an artist way back in high school and over time I got fed up with waiting for producers and engineers to finish work for me so I began to learn how to do things myself. Over time I became really good and other musicians began to hire me to do work for them, which is how I acquired so many various skillsets.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is soulful, edgy, and creative.

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

A: I want to work with any artist that wants to work with me. Status doesn't matter to me, as long as we can make some amazing music together.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't overcrowd the canvas, allow the vocal to be the boldest paint brush.

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

A: I usually work on R&B and Hip Hop. I also work on Pop, Gospel and Country music as well.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: All of my skills are strong but my strongest skill would be full song production. I like to be hands on from inception to completion.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring creative liberty to any project I work on. I am always open to anything that may make the song better and I have no fear of pushing the envelope or trying a new approach to any part of the process. I believe that this level of freedom in my creativity is what contributes to my sound always being unique every single time.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I believe that songs really write themselves and we as humans just have to trust the moment and keep our minds out of the way. I like to allow the vibe and energy in the room to determine the direction of the project. Even though I produce, write and engineer, I always approach every project as an artist first in an effort to stay honest to the creativity.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My primary studio is actually my home setup, "The Living Room". As the title suggests, my studio is in my living room. It's a nice open room with very inspiring creative vibes. I run on a Mac Pro using Pro Tools DAW. I record on several microphones with my favorites being my Neumann and my MXL. I use the Apollo Twin Duo as well as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interfaces and I hear it all through my absolute favorite, Yamaha HS8 studio monitors My setup is very intimate and allows for greater connections with artists during the creative process.

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

A: Timbaland, Ryan Leslie, Ty Dolla Sign, Jon Bellion, Kehlani, OG Parker, Teyana Taylor, Dave Pensado, Mixed by Ali, Eric Bellinger, Hitmaka, Tone Stith, Gallant, Lucky Daye, Kiana Lede

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

A: The large majority of my clients come to me for my overall creative approach and musical input. I don't limit myself and what I can contribute regardless of what I was initially hired for. I often combine my skillsets when working on a project which is what keeps my clients coming back. I believe in doing whatever is going to guarantee the best final product, even if that involves me wearing a few different hats in the process.

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

A: Mac Pro, Neumann U87, Pro Tools, Apollo Twin Duo, Bose headphones