No Hype. Just Bangers.

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

A: When I say I am a music producer, many people assume this means I am just offering mixing and mastering services. I do provide a guide mix as part of my service, but the main focus of my work is in beatmaking, creating instrumentals and helping artists create/arrange the songs.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I write songs (or 'beats' if you prefer) in my own funk/R&B style, and quite often I provide lyrics and melodies also if required. Firstly I ask the client some pertinent questions, including what they are trying to achieve with the song and any reference files they have for me to work with. Once I understand the artist's vision I begin creating the song, keeping the client updated along the way. If I am providing vocals/melodies I provide a preview track with a guide vocal (usually recorded by a pro session vocalist), and once approved the artist can record their own vocal track to the instrumental. Once I get back the artists WAV files with their vocal on I can import into the project before final mix and master. There are variations to this workflow depending on what the client wants me to do, but this is a fairly typical project...

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run a pretty lean studio set up, but it gives me everything I need on hand to create quality productions. I use Logic X on an imac and macbook pro, Microkorg XL synth and vocoder, Arturia 61 Keylab, Rocktron Banshee talkbox, a few electric and acoustic guitars, Focusrite preamp, Rode condenser microphone and Rokit G5 monitors. I also have over ten years worth of plugins, loops and samples, Slate digital, Izotope and Waves plugins.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Funky.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Completely depends on the project and budget. However, I do favour digital and I think the advancements in modern years of soft synths rivals analog. For emerging artists on a realistic budget this makes a lot more sense, and it won't stop anyone topping the charts.

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

A: I recorded a song with Soundbetter artist Jessie Wagner last year called 'Bring Your Loving Back'. The song is an 80's funk/R & B inspired track that has had a lot of airplay on French radio, and hopefully will be released worldwide on vinyl later this year. I wrote and produced the track.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: An electro-funk album scheduled for Summer release, and a house track with top lines provided for client.

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

A: That I will bring my A game to your project and treat the song as if it were my own. We're in this together...

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Every project is a different challenge, there are so many talented artists across the world and we now have the privilege to connect and work together.

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

A: Can I provide lyrics/melodies? The answer is yes but some direction is preferred, otherwise I am essentially writing the song completely for you. (which is fine by the way, but 'artistic license' is required if so). Can I work for a discounted rate? (or some alternative of this!) My rates are already greatly reduced as I am new to the soundbetter platform, and I also include buyout as part of my price. Please take into account the time involved in creating a track, recording vocals, mixing etc. etc. before asking me to work for nothing.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What vision do you have for the song? Are there any reference tracks you can give me that have the same sound/feel? What do you want to be the main focus of the song? Hook, lyric, guitar part etc. Are there any specific sounds/instruments you want?

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

A: Get in touch and let's talk about your project!

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

A: Acoustic guitar, Laptop, Audio interface, Microkorg XL, waterproof GPS satellite phone...

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

A: Since a very young age I have lived a musical life. I was 11 years old when I heard the guitar solo to 'Sweet Child O Mine' and immediately started learning to play guitar. Since then I have not looked back, firstly spending many years in touring live rock & soul bands and later becoming involved in EDM and dance music production. I now love to work with artists and help them bring their songs to life.

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

A: Evelyn Champagne King - my favourite female funk vocalist and I hope she answers my DM's one day...

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: For anyone wanting a funky bass synth sound (and why wouldn't you), copy the bass track over and transpose up one octave. Dial this down to around 60% of the original volume and pan slightly to squeeze more funk out of the sound.

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

A: Modern funk, r&b, soul, disco and pop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am highly skilled at creating a full production from scratch, including all beats and instrumentation. I play guitar and keys, and I am also very experienced in programming in midi. I have a massive collection of plugins for a wealth of sounds, and I love the process of creating a bespoke song from scratch for a client.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My own musical style and almost 20 years experience as a musician.

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

A: Way too many to mention, but a few would be: Kashif, Change, Quincy Jones, Prince, Teddy Riley, Marvin Gaye, D'Angelo, Cameo, Nile Rodgers, R Kelly, Isley Brothers, Bruno Mars, Breakbot, George Benson, Mick Guzauski

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

A: I class myself as a producer and songwriter, meaning I work with artists to turn their ideas into great songs. Most of my work is with artists who are looking for an original track for their vocal. I am often asked to basically create a song from scratch based on a specific reference track or genre - I also do this for bands, record labels and publishers.