PRODUCER UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP

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

A: That it's easy. That anybody with some basic gear can do it. That the client is paying for labor. In every production there are smooth sailing moments, and there are "tear your hair out" moments. Getting a record right is serious business. The client is paying for expertise, for compatibility and shared vision, for great ears, for relevance in todays music marketplace. And really so much more. On Soundbetter I try to keep my fees pretty low as compared to what labels pay me. But it's still a very involved and consuming process. I love it, but it's definitely not easy.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A guy here in LA just hired me today to finish a production he started on an EDM song. Also just finishing pop productions for a client in Houston.

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

A: Probably just an acoustic guitar.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Create each production from scratch, don't rely on a standard template too much. That's a time saver for sure, but your music will sound uninspired. Also, listen to new music constantly.

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

A: blackbear, Lana Del Rey, Benny Blanco, Louis Bell, Sofi Tukker, Greg Kurstin, Jon Bellion, Timbaland, Scott Storch, Max Martin

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I'm a Cubase guy. My go to plugins are Universal Audio and Waves. Neumann mic, Les Paul, Strat, Taylor, Korg M3. My computer based synths are Omnisphere, Serum, all the NI Komplete stuff, Sylenth, Addictive Drums.

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

A: I guess I could say the first Selena Gomez record. I had 4 songs on that album that I co-wrote and produced, including the first single. I've vastly improved since then, and I prefer my more current production work. But being a part of that album set everything in motion.

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

A: Katy Perry. I worked with her early on, and we have cuts on another artist. But I didn't have the time to help get behind her when she was in the trenches trying to build a career. She is a massive writer as well as singer, and really creative.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Music Production. Strong vocal producer as well. As a player, my main instrument is guitar.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I fight for the magic. It's got to inspire me. Technically speaking, I can write the music and help with the top line. I sometimes bring in my favorite top line writers from around LA if I feel it's needed. As for the production, I play everything on most of the songs I do. Once in a while if I may bring in a player, but rarely. I've also got strong mixing skills, recently got a big thumbs up from Ariel Chobaz!

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

A: I need to get more familiar with some of the other professionals here before I answer that. I'm sure there is a ton of talent.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I'm in the box these days, but whether it's a voice or a guitar or other live instrument (or a sample for that matter), analog is a constant part of this. But the possibilities that exist within the digital world are infinite. Pop music, for the most part is shaped constantly by those digital potentials.

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

A: To give them a fully produced mixed/mastered record that fulfills their dream and is ready to exploit to radio or pitch to labels or licensing opportunities. And that meets my own personal demand for excellence.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like blowing someone's mind with this music. The artist and fans must be captivated. I love making the music, but the reaction to it is what I live for.

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

A: In long distance working situations, people want to know how the production is going to unfold in a manner that fulfills what their after. So you have to keep them in the loop from start to finish. They also want feedback on their music. Sometimes it's advice on how to make it in todays industry, and that's a major topic for me.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are some target songs/artists that they would like their song to be like? That usually gets us into the ballpark together. Then we can expand as necessary. If a client is shooting for something that I don't see myself as the right fit for, I'll let them know. There are a lot of other questions, but what I ask all depends on the situation.

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

A: Take a moment to consider what a producer does. A producer must be able to work with you creatively and understand your vision. A producer must take your song/vocals and make absolute magic for you. A producer is never just an engineer laying down sounds for you and tweaking volumes and EQ. It's all about vision - that's what you're paying the for. So pick a producer who you feel you can trust, even when they may ask you to push your own boundaries a bit. Remember, when Justin Bieber got in with Skrillex and Diplo the first time, he wasn't getting it. He said, I don't know guys, I don't think this is for me. They said just wait. And by the time they tracked his vocals to "Where Are U Now", he was sold. He let them guide him a little, and it really expanded who he was. A producer needs to help the artist realize their dream. But they also need to help unearth parts of the dream that haven't yet come to the surface.

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

A: I came to LA and worked in music publishing (Rondor & Universal). for awhile, and I was playing in bands. Then I started producing, and helped get an unsigned band on tour with the Killers in 2007. So I became a member of the band for a minute just so I could play arenas for once in my life. Things started taking off after that, but mainly in the pop world with Miley Cyrus and then Selena Gomez. I've been producing professionally for about 11 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Pop, but my beats are often more rhythmic, and my top layers can even shift to a little alternative now and then.

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

A: Pop, EDM, R&B and some alternative and indie

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Producing and writing a song can take me 4-5 days. Usually I first consult in detail with the client about their song or the song they want to write. I can lay a basic rough track for them to track vocals to in 10-15 minutes, but if I'm sending it for them to track themselves, I prefer to build it out a little more so they catch the dynamics and general flow of the production. Once vocals are tracked, I spend 4-7 hours comping, editing, tuning and aligning. Most of the records I make are for labels, so I take my time and get the vocal right. Finishing the production and mix can take a few days, because I really fight to make sure every moment is magic.

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

A: Song Production