Songwriter / Guitarist

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

A: I have been asked to record guitars to an existing melody, whether that means writing them from the start or simply improving on the existing ideas. I feel I can give good inputs on song arrangements, the different guitars and tones used (e.g. which, how many lead guitars for the desired effect). In addition I can compose a full song in my style (modern heavy rock), however that's not the most common thing I get hired for.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My metal band from Switzerland, we are in the songwriting phase of our debut album that will release in late-2023.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: There are benefits and drawbacks to each. Analog guitar recording through an amp like my JP2C cannot be beat. However it is not as flexible as digital, where you have many and of great quality options. I use both.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1. What purpose do you want the guitars to serve in your song? 2. How much do you want me to follow your idea VS bring my own element? 3. Are you in a hurry? Recording guitars is one thing, but songwriting needs a certain amount of work for the result to be impactful.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Yeah! 2 rhythm guitar takes are better than one, and half as good as 4 ;)

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

A: Yeah! Chandler Mogel for vocals. Hands-down the most professional and versatile singer I have worked with. Then Jess P Tzimas for mixing. And with Georgios Bonatsos on the drums, you have a dream team.

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

A: Alter Bridge. Great musicians, very productive, a lot of attention on songwriting, kick-ass performances.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Energy and story-telling. I view songwriting as a form of communication and even though a guitarist, I consider myself a composer first.

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

A: Alter Bridge for their songwriting prowess, Gojira for their attention to detail, Brian Sperber for his exceptional mixes.

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

A: The latest EP from my Greek band, Lazy Dukes, that came out in March 2022 was the biggest undertaking for me to-date. I wrote the songs, recorded guitars (of course) and did most of the arrangement. Also I ran the project, during which time I more than.. quadrupled my music production knowledge. The result was great, I have the opportunity to work with some amazing musicians as well.

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

A: Electric Guitar, solar charger, my JP2C Mesa Boogie, cab and.. that's it I guess.

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

A: From melodic, heavy rock to metalcore.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Song arrangement.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Whether this is creating a song for you, working on your song or simply recording your guitars, I want to hear as much as possible on your vision. Any references are helpful, but if you are not sure I can apply my own style. I will put together an example or 2 that move towards the desired direction and from there we will start getting into specifics. We will be in touch at key points during writing, which reduces the chances of misdirection. But there will definitely be a chance for revision(s) depending on the stage we're at. Hence, the project will organically take form. The aim is to bring out something that you will be fascinated by.