Producer // Mix Engineer

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

A: I am most proud of the full album I produced with Jahmena. First of all, Jahmena is so deeply creative, which adds depth to the process. She had the whole vision of the album laid out in her mind. Then, she would bring vocal memos to the studio and we'd get to work! I added chord progressions to each track, with her input. Then I built out the productions to match the vibe she was going for. Lastly, I mixed every record on the project. That was a profound experience, and we ended up with an album that we're extremely proud of.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now I'm producing a few Reggaeton/Latin Pop tracks, I'm in the middle of a theme song project for a scripted series, and I'm mixing some Gospel and Pop records.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: BOTH! It's silly to think it has to be either/or! Analog and digital are both tools with their own sets of pros and cons. Producers and artists should seek out the methods and tools that most inspire them :)

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

A: Any client who works with me will felt heard, inspired, and satisfied. We are going to produce a product that you are proud of and that captures your vision effectively. I can't promise your vision won't have to be altered if some of it is based on unrealistic expectations, but I will always communicate with you and help you arrive at the best outcome.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like working with people, I like project-oriented work, and I like the challenge of making music sound great! This job is so well-suited to my strengths, abilities, and passions. I've worked in a number of other fields in my life, and nothing compares to this.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that folks tend to blend the role of engineering, production, mixing, and mastering all into one category. Each one is its own art form requiring its own tools and expertise. Each one also must be compensated uniquely.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are your goals? What is your vision? What was your inspiration for this project? What is your desired timeline? What are your needs from a producer and/or another music professional? Do you have any reference tracks?

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

A: Seek out a producer that understands your style and with whom you enjoy collaborating. If you can have a video consultation prior to starting the process, that may help you to get a sense of their personality and skillset. It's worth taking that step, because no matter how much talent a producer has, it won't do you any good it they aren't fun to work with!

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

A: 1 laptop (pretend the battery lasts forever!), 1 microphone, 1 audio interface, speakers, and 1 midi keyboard with keys and pads and knobs on it!

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

A: I started producing music in middle school when I first began using a Mac. My first full album contained my own music, myself as the featured artist. Since then, I've directed choirs and music groups, studied music theory, learned about Afro-Brazilian music, and held internships and jobs at various studios. I've been producing music for over 10 years, and I've found that I really enjoy working on music for other featured artist more than for myself.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style tends to have an established groove. Often I'll use drums, percussion, and bass to carry that groove. I find that the groove of a record is really what brings me into it and opens up the other elements for me. As such, I try to create the safe effect in the records I produce. Keep in mind though, that I don't believe in applying my stock sound to your record! I strive to ensure that your record is more a reflection of your vision than of my sound.

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

A: I would like to work with India Arie. Not only is she deeply musically and vocally gifted, but her message is profoundly impactful and emotionally healthy. I would do everything in my power to make the process simple and fun for her, and by the end of it, I know I'd leave inspired to be a better human being.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Automation is your friend! It is incredibly advanced on all modern DAWs and gives you precise control of every element of the track. I like to start by playing things and drawing effects in real time. However after that, I'll get into the automation details with my mouse to make sure that pan or that reverb tail or that effect is doing what I want and going to the exact place I desire.

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

A: I usually work on alt-r&b, Soul, Reggaeton and Latin Pop. Though working mostly in these genres, I'm also pulling elements from Hip Hop, R&B, EDM, and percussive World music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is hearing. I can hear what a track is doing, what it's referencing, what its quality level is--and most importantly--what it needs. That is something that can't be easily taught, and it's something that a producer MUST possess in order to add value to the artists with whom they work.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring to every song a listening spirit, humility, customer service, technical mastery, and creative contribution. For a song to grow up and bloom, I can't approach it with an ego by trying to force my own go-to sound onto it. I must take the time to internalize my collaborator's vision and goals to ensure that everything I do with the song reflects that vision. Musical creation is a collaborative and intimate thing; so many producers overlook this first step of listening, and it ends up hampering the musical growth. In addition, I bring the technical mastery and creative contributions that the collaborator is counting on! I have over 10 years of experience working in music production, I have a great ear, and I have a passion for music. The artists I work with are in extremely capable hands.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: No matter what type of job I'm doing, the first step I always take is to LISTEN. The applies to production, mixing, engineering, consulting, project management--anything! For production, I'll listen to the source material that my collaborator provides. If it's a vocal demo, for example, I'm listening for emotion and groove. Then, I begin to put chords down and seek out a fitting sonic pallet. Once there is a solid demo of chords and an established groove, I fill out the production. During that time, the collaborator and I are also checking to see if the arrangement of the song is sitting right. After finalizing the production and arrangement, I move to mixing and vocal fx! For mixing I also start by listening. I identify the song's overall arc, where the focus of the track lies (be it vocals or a certain guitar riff, etc), as well as identify strengths and weaknesses in the overall balance. Having taken the time to identify those things, I go to work!

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

A: I am inspired by Gilberto Gil, India Arie, H.E.R., Marc Anthony, Angelique Kidjo, Uakti, Tito Puente, Dr. Dre, The Neptunes, Manny Fresh, Frank Ocean, Tyler, the Creator, Erykah Badu, Maxwell, Sarah Vaughan, Donny Hathaway, The Spinners, Quincy Jones, Bruce Swedien, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Oscar Peterson, Tiësto, Mary Mary...and so many more!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My work space is best described as a production and mixing studio. My my instruments and music making tools allow me the creative freedom to pursue any idea or inspiration that strikes. My monitoring tools, outboard gear, and room treatments afford me the clarity of sound needed to get a professional, even mix. I record everything through my Avalon Vt 737sp and Apollo x6. I mix through my Adam A7s and Sub10. I produce with a plethora of guitars, keyboards, percussion instruments, and midi gear, including the Maschine Mk3. I love my space! It's small, and produces a BIG sound!

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

A: I commonly work with an artist to develop a song from it's very beginning stages. The collaborator may send me a vocal demo, and we'll work together do build a chord structure and full production that reflects the core emotion and vibe of the demo. My biggest asset is my ear, which allows me to offer consultations to artists on what I believe could me added, removed, improved, or kept the same in their music. My mixing ability stems from my good ear and my knack for effects and panning design. I am also highly organized and communicative which allows me to offer a project management service. This entails liaising with studios, session players, record labels, mastering engineers, etc, to ensure the project is completed efficiently and beautifully!