Mixer|Producer| Session Player

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I like to blend the two. Using analog preamps, consoles, compressors, and EQs to record digitally into ProTools is the best of both worlds. This way you get that analog warmth recorded in the digital domain which can then be edited and mixed with easy recalls should any changes be needed.

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

A: I promise you will sound better than you have ever sounded before and you will love the production of your song(s).

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love hearing a song go from an idea to the finished product.

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

A: I see people buying recording equipment thinking they can do this themselves. You could buy all the best gear in the world and still not achieve the results that a professional such as myself can.

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

A: I have a unique skillset which gives me a unique sound in my music productions. If you listen to my work across multiple artists you'll hear it. You want to hire someone that pays attention to the small details and that has your artistic vision in mind.

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

A: I would need my Takamine acoustic guitar, Eastman mandolin, 1965 Kay upright bass, Paul Beard Goldtone Dobro and a Gretch drum kit. Since none of these require electricity, at least I could play and write songs! Can't live without music.

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

A: I started messing around with sound when I was a teenager, always running the PA system for my band. Then I picked up a Tascam 4-track recorder and I began exploring the art of recording. I only played guitar at the time so I was layering guitar tracks and had to get creative with how to get all the ideas on only 4 tracks! After high school, I went to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where I studied Music Production and Engineering (MP&E). I learned from so many great producers and engineers and earned my bachelors degree in MP&E, graduating Cum Laude in 1997. Berklee makes you a well-rounded music professional, as I had to study music classes like theory, conducting, ear training and harmony, all while focusing on the technology and art of recording. After graduating form Berklee, I worked in NYC at a major jingle house recording music for global TV commercials and advertising. I got to work with Ron Carter, Shawn Pelton, Carley Simon, Bebe Neuwirth, Marc Cohen and so many others. I now own a successful audio production studio called Aberrant Sound which has been in business for 20 years.

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

A: It would be amazing to work with the Wood Brothers. They just have this amazing vibe and musicality that I haven't seen or felt in quite some time. I bet those recording sessions are really fun.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more. Sometimes people think they need to add everything they can think of into a song. It can get cluttered quickly, overpowering and distracting the listener.

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

A: I work on almost any genre, but usually rock, pop, alternative, americana, folk, jazz, world, etc.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I think my strongest skill is how I listen. My ears hear things most people's don't. I also love writing vocal harmonies, which really bring a song to life.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I like to analyze each song and really think about the lyric content. Many creative decisions will be made to link the music with the lyrics. I feel the music as an instrumental should always convey the emotion that the lyrics are describing.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to meet with my clients over Zoom or in person to get to know them and their music before I get started. We'll talk about other bands/artists you think you sound similar to and how you visualize your finished project. I'll have you send me any demos you might have or record a basic demo to give me an idea of each song. We'll decide on instrumentation, tempo, key, any lyric changes, etc. Then the fun begins in the studio! Tracking, overdubs, edits, mixing and mastering.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am using a Mac Pro with ProTools HDX, Avid HD I/O 16x16 analog audio interface, a vintage Soundtracs CMX4400 analog console (the song "How Bizarre" by OMC was recorded and mixed on this console), Control 24 mixing surface, JBL LSR 4328 main monitors, Yamaha NS-10M near field monitors, Avalon 737sp Tube Mic Pre/Compressor/EQ, endless amount of professional plugins from Waves, Sound Toys, SSL, TubeTech, Slate Digital, and more.

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

A: Musicians and artists that inspire me are The Wood Brothers, Radiohead, Chris Cornell (Soundgarden and Audio Slave), Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, Chris Stapleton, Dave Grohl and FooFighters, and so many more!

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

A: I am usually hired as a producer and mixing engineer due to the creative aspects I bring to the table. But I almost always end up playing an instrument or two on most recordings.