Topliner, String arranger

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

A: People often assume working a creative job all the time is constantly fun/rewarding (which it is!), but it also takes a lot of patience and hard work.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I call the music I make "Noir & B," a hybrid of R&B/soul combined with cinematic arrangements inspired by films from the 1950's and 60s. When I'm working with other artists and musicians, I try to incorporate some of that through my arrangements, chord choices, and vocal melodies.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to find out what a client's goals are with the project and understand how I can best help them get there.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Classical composition and orchestration skills! I love adding string layers, or a horn part, or whatever else you need. I have a degree in classical composition from the Manhattan School of Music, so I have a lot of experience with that.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Typically, I like to work as efficiently as possible. If I'm writing a topline for a client, I'll make a demo of the verse and chorus and send that over for approval. Once we have agreed on the idea, I'll complete the song and send it over, and then we can discuss any changes that need to be made. I try to finish each project within a few days, depending on the scope of the task. If I'm arranging a string part, usually I'll compose the arrangement first and send the client the MIDI and we can make any necessary revisions. Once the string part is agreed on, I'll record the string part with musicians at my studio and then we'll send over the stems to the client. The composition could be finished in a few days, and the recording of the strings depends on the string player's schedule.

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

A: I specialize in vocal work and string arranging. I love singing lead vocals and arranging vocal harmonies. I also really enjoy adding a string section to a song. Live strings sound glorious!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Sometimes keeping things simple can be so effective- not over-thinking the arrangement is important, so working fast can be really useful to get down an initial idea. Then I like to fine-tune!

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

A: I love to work on pop, and classical music, but have also worked on Hip-hop/Rap, R&B, and EDM as well.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring the harmonies! I love R&B/jazz chords and so I tend to arrange with those styles in mind. Whether it's a string arrangement, backing vocals, or a piano line, I really love adding a little complexity to a song.

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

A: I would love to work with Orion Sun, or Nick Hakim. I'm a huge fan of Orion Sun's R&B influences, as well as Nick Hakim's sonic world. He blends acoustic instruments together with really fresh production and his sense of harmony really transports the listener.

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

A: Jennifer Pague (of Vita and the Woolf) is an incredible singer, producer, and artist, and she is here on the SoundBetter community. I'd definitely recommend her!

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

A: I started playing the piano when I was almost 5, but my interest in music came years earlier! When I was two years old, I asked my mom for a "pi-na-no." I studied classical composition in college (I graduated from the Manhattan School of Music) and was composing for orchestra while writing and performing my songs. Over the past few years, I've performed and released music under my name as my artist project and performed at various venues in Philly and NYC. I'm looking forward to using some of these skills here on Soundbetter.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have two studio setups: the first is a full, acoustically treated studio for recording pretty much anything (live strings!), and the second is my home studio space, with a Yamaha B1 piano, Nord Electro 3, Logic Pro X, and my SM7b. Between the two setups, we can work on anything!

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

A: I'm really inspired by R&B/Soul artists like Amy Winehouse, Nick Hakim, and Orion Sun. I also am influenced by pianist singer-songwriters, such as Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor.