Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, we still need large format consoles and expensive tube mics and gear for recording. When it comes to mixing, I could care less. The technology of Plug-ins are absolutely stunning in their design, with all of the harmonic characteristics and behaviors. I think less about the gear and more about what you're recording and who's involved in the project.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Meeting and forming relationships with new people. Creating experiences and feelings that can be heard forever. The best feeling is sharing emotional experiences with the artists that I work with.

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

A: We will talk everything through before we start the process, so we will be on the same page about everything. If it's mixing that you are inquiring about, it's nice to have everything labeled and organized in the sessions. I also like to have the latest rough mix to help me with a starting point. Any references you may have are also good to pass along.

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

A: I was in drumline and a drummer in rock bands in high school. It was fun, but I decided that I wanted to be a part of making records because its not just a single fleeting performance for one moment, its capturing that in a time capsule for ever. So I signed up for the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences before moving to Nashville. My drums were not something I could fit into my 2 door car, so I bought a guitar and taught myself enough to write songs. I completed my first internship at Sound Stage Studios, and then ended up landing on my feet at County Q. Now I am a free lance engineer and producer working all over Nashville everyday.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Creative Vision: A unique perspective that shapes the song's direction, capturing its emotions and themes. Production Expertise: Utilizing sound design, arrangement, and instrumentation to enhance the song's sonic quality and appeal. Technical Skills: Proficiency in mixing and mastering to ensure that the final product is polished, balanced, and radio-ready. Emotional Resonance: Understanding the emotional core of the song and ensuring that every element contributes to creating a powerful listener experience. Collaboration: Working closely with artists and bands to draw out their strengths, ensuring their vision is realized while providing expert feedback and support. Innovative Techniques: Using the latest technology and production techniques to create fresh sounds that stand out in today’s music landscape.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a mix room at my house, but have access to any of the world class studios in Nashville

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

A: Anything that's original. As far as producers go, definitely Phil Ramone, Bob Ezrin, Phil Spector, Goerge Martin, Max Martin, Jack Antonoff.

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

A: Recording, producing and mixing artists and bands.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I always have a handful of projects I'm working on at any given time. As well as writing and creating music myself everyday. So excited to show the world whats coming soon!!

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

A: My promise is that you will walk away with an experience and product that you will cherish forever.

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

A: That making a good album is easy. It's freakin hard work.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who are your biggest influences. What time of record are you shooting for.

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

A: Just a Piano and a great songwriter. I don't think that any individual microphone chains or units mean anything unless you are recording a good song with an inspired artist. Pianos are the most versatile instrument in my opinion, and songs are the most important thing in the studio. It doesn't matter how good something sounds, if it's not a good song, it does not matter to anyone how good that kick drum sounds.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is who's ever I'm working with. I'm fun and easy to work with, but I am also very honest, I'm not afraid to do whatever I need to do to get the best out of the performance.

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

A: Ryan Adams or John Mayor, every one of their albums are so different and diverse. I'd love to have a page in either of those books.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Be as honest with yourself as you can. Who cares if it doesn't fit in with what other people think it should be or doesn't quite sound "Modern" or like what's on the radio. That box shrinks daily. The stuff that lasts is the stuff that makes you feel good. So ask yourself, how does this make me feel, not always just how does this sound.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: If we are starting a project from scratch I like to sit with the songwriters and go over all the songs we plan on recording to ensure that they are in the best shape they can be in before we even walk into the studio. There are a lot of questions, arrangements, tempos, keys, things of that nature that we can answer before there is money and time being spent in the studio. If it's a mix thing, I like to find out what their influences are, and to be presented with the latest rough mix that everyone has been living with to get a good start.