Producer/Writer

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

A: My favorite project so far has been the CLR BLND (Colorblind) EP by Sinclair. Sinclair is an absolutely incredible writer, producer and instrumentalist, and it was such a joy working alongside her on those songs, plus many more that didn't make it onto the EP. On this project I co-wrote, co-produced and played bass, keyboards, percussion and sang a few backing vocals. I am most proud of this project because I was so heavily involved, and I think it really showcases my love for dancy pop music, which is the direction I want to go as a producer/writer.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment I am working on getting some bass tracks over to my producer friend Aaron, whom I work with on a regular basis as a regular bassist. (Sorry, I had to.)

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

A: Simple: the client leaves happy. I will happily re-do something as many times as necessary (within reason) to satisfy my customers. I have never had to do more than two rounds of tweaks on a project, and I am very proud of this statistic.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It is wonderful to set my own schedule and work from home. I also love working around town. Touring is exciting but also very draining and exhausting. I really enjoy having a home base where I can relax and put a clear-headed approach toward my work.

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

A: Although not really an artist, I would love to work and write with Max Martin. Even just to be in his studio watching him work would be an amazing life achievement. He is my production hero, and his ear is just simply insane. He pulls melodies out of thin air, they soar and they're all beautiful. I also love the bass and guitar playing of his partner-in-crime Shellback. The two of them make an unstoppable production machine.

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

A: Usually I work on country or indie rock music, being in Nashville. I like all types of melodic music, but my heart and soul lies in the pop realm.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Probably my skills as a player. I have spent most of my free time in life attempting to teach myself as many instruments as possible. In recent years, I have narrowed the focus to drums, bass, guitar and keyboards.

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

A: Though highly unoriginal, I suppose I should begin with The Beatles. They were my first love and first exposure to popular music, thanks to my parents. To me, the Beatles began a pop music renaissance that continues to the present day. They may not have been the first to structure simple and catchy pop tunes, but they and their team brought this type of music to the masses, inspiring generations of other musicians. In terms of more modern production, some of my biggest influences are Max Martin/Shellback, Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco and Greg Kurstin. A few of my favorite artists/writers: Paul McCartney (of course) Diane Warren, Elton John, Queen, Henley/Frey and Savan Kotecha.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a simple but very effective setup in my home which consists of a Macbook Pro running Logic Pro X (with great Waves plugins), an Avalon Preamp and a Focusrite Pro 40 interface. Additionally, I have many friends in the music business here in Nashville, and I have access to a multitude of other great studio rooms, wonderful microphones and any instrument under the sun!

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

A: I typically work with Nashville producers in town to provide them with whatever instrumentation they need. Bass, keyboards, drum programming and guitars are my most common requests.