70s/80s 3-Octave Rock Vocalist

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

A: Singing and recording heavy metal vocals are my main gigs. Usually bands will give me the lyrics + vox melody - I can smash them out fast. If they need me to write lyrics and/or write the vox melody, that will take longer. I also sing live for various bands and genres (from top 40s radio hits to speed metal), and have provided vocals for various local bands (recording and performing).

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

A: Definitely Back To Eden's EP called Blackened Heart. The song Twin Flame (on my profile) was featured in a US magazine called Jamsphere a few years ago. That album portrays the majority of my vocal versatility.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Various projects! I'm working with a local band here and they're going to record an EP this year. I'm also forming a metal tribute band covering songs I love to sing, just for fun.

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

A: Yes, Edan a guitarist. We have an amazing songwriting relationship together. He's an amazing songwriter, check out our band "Back to Eden" and our "Blackened Heart" EP! =D

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

A: I treat every song as if I'm singing it to your raving fans. I want to make sure your listeners are not disappointed with your creation. And if I fail to meet your expectations, you don't pay me a single cent.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to sing! I absolutely love singing and seeing (or hearing rather) how far I can go with my voice in terms of power, range, and genre versatility. You can say I'm a vocal athlete.

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

A: That I can only do a certain style, or that I can only sing heavy. I can do soft ballads too.

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

A: Communicate with me! I want to deliver your song as best as possible, but I need your cooperation. I cannot "guess" what's in your head so the more we talk and discuss, the better my delivery will be.

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

A: I started getting serious around 2002 (probably earlier). Then I joined various bands and performed live countless times. Life priorities (and money) prevented me from recording more, as much as I'd love too. Right now I'm actively singing with local bands in Melbourne and recording a few songs with them.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I'm quite versatile as I sing songs from various singers. I tend to emulate them as best as I can. I can never be just like the original of course, but I'm proud to say I can get pretty close haha. I'm also proud to be in a Ronnie James Dio tribute band (Melbourne's one and only! hehe). I dare not say I sound like Dio, but hey I've not been boo-ed off stage yet...

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

A: WOW, lots. Dio of course, but unfortunately he's now only performing in Hell. =( I'd love to work with David Coverdale, he's also one of my biggest vocal idols. Hopefully I'll get some of his chick-magnet powers... my missus can't get enough of him! I'd also love to work with Tommi Iommi, his riffs are just pure evil they make me feel at home.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When singing in the studio, switch off the aircon!!! I like the studio to "feel" as if I was singing live, hot and sweaty. Bring lots of deodorant. I use Lynx Black Night.

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

A: 70's, 80's heavy metal! Power metal (like Helloween) is one of fav genres. I love to sing power ballads too.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My unique sounding vocals! One thing I learned over the years as a singer is how important it is to be distinctive and unique, just like how Ozzy sounds like Ozzy. You simply can point out it's them very quickly. I believe I sound quite unique, as narcissistic as that sounds HAHA.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I'll start with familiarising myself with the song first. I might ask you to explain the meaning of the song, if required. I want to understand the message fully, and the feel you want to achieve. (I believe nailing the emotion is key to a good song). Then, I'll record a rough raw take as a preview to see if I'm heading in the right direction, which I'll send to you (won't be a full song, please understand). After that, I'll record a vocal track and will work with my audio engineer to clean it up, so you'll get a raw track you can use however you see fit.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Definitely my voice. I'm constantly looking for ways to improve it, and I'm always challenging myself to sing songs that I find difficult. It's extremely satisfying for me to "master" a song that I've always wanted to sing! I can also rap! (not as fast but I can do "Forgot About Dre" chorus decently...)

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

A: I'm mostly inspired by vocals from 70s to 80s, as I believe they're the toughest genre to sing. I've always wanted to sing with as much power as Dio, as high as Rob Halford or Milijenko from Steelheart, or as sexy as David Coverdale or Robert Plant. I love exploring my vocal abilities and see how far I can go with it. I just love learning about vocals!