producer, mixing/mastering

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer to use primarily digital, but I have a deep appreciation for analog. I have experience in Logic Pro X and Pro tools but I am currently using FL Studio.

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

A: I worked on GIVE UP STILL HERE's three album "SALLY" series over the course of 2019. I am incredibly proud of this project, as everyone involved cared deeply and worked very hard to achieve a satisfying final product. I was the main vocals, distributer, art designer, and mixing/mastering engineer.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on my self produced album, CANDY CIGARETTES. It's primary focus is on detailed, experimental, and lo-fi trap production. I also release singles consistently and collaborate with new artists every day.

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

A: I am new to SoundBetter, but I am already seeing lots of creative and talented artists on this platform.

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

A: I promise I will work to deliver a product that you are satisfied with.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love being able to help artists create the track that they envisioned. Making music is my livelihood and I don't know what I'd do without it.

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

A: Will I be able to release this track with a big label? I always tell artists to keep working at their goals and I will do my best to help achieve them. Licensing for instrumentals will be discussed and exclusive rights are included with all mixes and masters.

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

A: Mastering doesn't matter if the mix isn't perfect.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: The first best question to ask is "What are you looking to create and how can I help you achieve that vision?" followed by questions regarding reference tracks by artists they enjoy, sounds they would like me to use, how much creative input they want, and what expectations for a final product are.

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

A: Look for someone who is actively creating music in their field, cares about the work they are doing, and be picky. This is a very specific field and each artist brings different sounds and feelings to the tracks they dedicate their time to.

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

A: I would take my laptop, my microphone, CloudFilter, Scarlett interface, and ATM50X Headphones.

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

A: I have creating art of many mediums for as long as I can remember. It has always been my passion and I knew that this was the career path I needed to head down against all odds. I have been creating music for 5 years and I plan to do this for the rest of my life. It is my purpose to create.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a lot of things. I mix instrumentals to sound wide and intricate with replay-ability and a unique sound choice. I dig deep for samples and I am dedicated to crafting a sound that compliments the style of the artist I am working with. My goal is to breathe new life into sound.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Trust your ears, because nothing is more truly important than quality sound selection.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I have too many different processes to list because each project is special in its own way and requires a unique approach, but one of my most common practices is to listen to a mix on different headphones/speakers and take notes on frequencies, levels, etc. I then revisit the project and make the noted changes.

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

A: I produce instrumentals, mix, and master tracks. This work is typically with artists in the alternative, experimental, and lofi hip hop sub genres. My goal is to help artists achieve their vision through detail focused production.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have an at home studio with a Shure SM7B microphone, a CloudFilter, 2020 MacBook Pro, Akai Professional MPD218 Drum Pad, Scarlett interface, 35" Monitor, ATM50X Headphones, a microphone stand with a foam backing, and some nice fake plants.

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

A: I would like to work with JPEGMAFIA because he is an incredibly creative and genre bending artist. His production has inspired me greatly and changed my outlook on Hip-Hop as a whole. He has brought forth topics that are rarely mentioned in the Rap community and this inspires me to continue being myself.

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

A: I typically work within the genre of Rap & Hip-Hop, specifically sub genres like lo-fi, trap, and experimental. I have worked on hyperpop, metal, alt, electronic, and more. I am always looking to delve into more genres, but Hip-Hop is my specialty.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I believe my strongest skill is that I genuinely care about what I work on. I like to build relationships with artists so we can truly express a creative vision. I want to see artists succeed and be apart of their growth, so I am very dedicated and ready to collaborate.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring stand out production that I believe has many unique layers of soul lying within it. The sound of my work varies depending on what feeling is trying to be achieved through audio. My favorite sound selection includes calming samples with instrumentation consisting primarily of piano, guitar, and drums. I use lots of detailed textures and mixing techniques to make a track shine.

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

A: Many artists inspire me daily and continue to inspire me. I am most influenced by artists that I work with, such as vqcant, cuddlegoon, and GIVE UP STILL HERE. Some of my favorite producers include J. Dilla, Madlib, Ronny J, JPEGMAFIA, Mac Miller, and MF DOOM. When it comes to my favorite artists, there are truly too many to list. My favorite project of all time is Give Up by The Postal Service. The way that their producer (Jimmy Tamborello) brought unique textures and sounds into the indie genre truly changed how I view instrumentals as a whole.