GUITAR HOOKS, SOLOS AND RHYTHM

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

A: I had the pleasure of playing on the upcoming single "Relay" by Edinburgh Indie Rock artist, "Lachlan". The musicianship and production is on a very high level and I feel that the project pushed me to carefully consider the guitar tones that I used to fit but contrast with the other guitar that was already there. Mixed and Mastered by Jamie Martin from Venice Of The North Studio (Gerry Cinnamon, Make Sparks, Gary Johnstone)

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am remotely contributing guitar to an album by Glasgow based singer-songwriter "John Morrison" (nearly finished) as well as guitar parts for CCM/Worship artist "Darlington" and Indie Rock artist "Lachlan"

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

A: I am new to this specific platform so I don't have many contacts on here I could recommend. I am confident there are many reliable and worthwhile players on here.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: For the last number of years, I have been fully digital. The ease of use and endless possibilities of the Kemper Profiler gives me the freedom to provide the perfect consistent tone for your song. In addition, the customisation that I have is so much more than that of an analog rig. There are literally no limits to the sounds I can create using the thousands of profiles I have in the unit.

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

A: I will try my very best to meet (and hopefully) exceed your expectations for what you need and want for your track. I will be consistent with the communication to ensure the project is moving swiftly

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: There's no greater joy than following my main passion in life and pursuing music for a living. Running my own business gives me the freedom to work with my own schedule and make the big decisions for myself.

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

A: The two questions that will always stick out is "How much do you charge?" and "How long will it take"? Due to the current climate, right now I am offering tracks on a "PAY WHAT YOU WANT/FEEL LIKE or PAY WHAT YOU CAN"... I believe that this is a kind gesture due to how things are at the moment. I only ask in return that you will send me a download link toyour track when its mixed and mastered so I can use it to show on my portfolio!

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

A: That its just a "hobby" or "not a real job". The work that goes into crafting parts and ultimately making the artist as happy as they can be, can be challenging. Freelance Musicians are running a business after all so the buck is with me only to do the job. A freelance musician can often work longer hours than someone who is classed as having a "normal job"

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Aside from the essentials e.g. - "What sample rate are you working at?", I would ask the prospective client "What is your vision for this song?" and "Are there any reference tracks you can give me which would help align your vision and give me an idea where you are going?"

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

A: Go with your instincts. If the provider seems like a great fit and you like what they can offer then don't hesitate in sending them a message, its likely that you will be impressed with what they offer. Reliability is key and taking too long to respond should be a red flag. A provider who is worth their salt will give you speedy responses.

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

A: My Fender Stratocaster (cant go anywhere without it!), Acoustic Guitar, Phone (with a recording app installed and enough charge), extra strings and headphones

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

A: I have been playing guitar for 10 years playing in function bands and for singer-songwriters. I have always been heavily invested in music in some capacity whether that being an avid listener through early high school, picking up the guitar and practicing constantly through later high school and then studying at the Academy of Music and Sound, playing in lots of bands/setting up a home studio space

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Its a difficult one to describe but I would class myself as a strong groove-based player heavily influenced by Funk and Soul and Alternative Rock/Ambient. That is my foundation. Rhythm and playing around the tempo is what I am mostly thinking about for both rhythm and lead playing. Even when playing other genres such as Indie and Singer-songwriter, I tend to look at parts rhythmically.

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

A: As ambitious as it sounds, being able to work with a band like U2 would allow me to just go wild and experimental with effects and different tones and not get stuck in familiar territory.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Take breaks and come back with fresh ears for better productions!

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

A: Funk/Soul, Singer-Songwriter, CCM/Worship, Indie, Rock, Pop

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Previous clients and musicians that I have worked have made comments such as "You always get the tone and parts fitting right for the song". and "You dont overplay". Overplaying can be one of the biggest killers for a song so I think I my strongest skill is that I know the context/genre and styles well enough to play convincing parts

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I will listen to the song at least 5 times through to absorb all the finer points and internalise the song structure and form. Often I can take a "less is more" approach as it gives the song space to breathe. I like to add a lot of layers and textures through panning to fill out a song and give it quite a "wide production". This also gives me space to add more if I feel it's necessary. It is of paramount importance that the tone and parts that I play aren't overwhelming the vocal and flow well.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: The artist will send me what they have so far (the more the better) and if not already on it, I will lay down a rhythm guitar track initially to set the foundation and vibe that I build upon with hooks, guitar parts, solos, textures and rhythms (Whatever I feel the song needs) I will often track on different guitars to differentiate the tones and sounds therefore widening the record. Once an initial draft is complete that I am satisfied with, I will send it to the artist to see if any revisions need to be made. I will give leeway with revisions to make sure the artist is satisfied. I will only charge once you are totally happy! You being totally satisfied with the track is my main aim here!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use a Kemper Profiler as my main guitar rig/platform. Focusrite 2i4 Interface, Reaper DAW, M-Audio BX8 Speakers. Its minimal and familiar enough to me where I can record high quality guitar tracks and bounce them off quickly

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

A: The Edge from U2 has always been a massive inspiration to me. I really admire his masterful manipulation of effects and the lengths of experimentation and careful planning he goes to finding the right parts and tone for each song. Similarly I am inspired by Andy Summers from The Police, Nile Rodgers, Johnny Marr, The Smiths, The Kooks, The Pretenders, Nile Rodgers, Lindsey Buckingham, Prince, John Frusciante, John Mcgeoch, Bernard Edwards, Jimi Hendrix, John Squire, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, George Harrison, Stones, Beatles, Peter Green, Clapton, James Brown, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, James-Honeyman Scott, Joe Perry, Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois

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

A: The majority of the work I do is typically recording electric guitar parts, hooks, solos, layers, textures and rhythms. I understand how essential great rhythm guitar is to a track to set the foundation. I also post-mix, post-edit, produce and arrange from time to time per artists' vision and request to get the sound that they want.