Producer|Vocalist|Mix Engineer

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

A: I recently produced several songs from one of my best friends hard drive graveyard. She liked the songs but they were not consistency with her brand so she never pursued them. I gave them a life and pursued sync licensing opportunities for them. I'm so proud of the project because it gave her chills when we listened together in my studio. I gave these songs purpose and they are damn beautiful.

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

A: Do I think the song sounds finished? I compare it to the thickness of the reference and discuss any differences with the client, make adjustments and help them feel confident. When to "call it" can be the hardest part.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your budget, timeline, expected outcome and references. I will probe to gain a better understanding of the outcome. We will have a conversation.

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

A: Have a good idea of the outcome you are looking for and be open minded.

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

A: A generator, acoustic guitar, mic to capture all those glorious sounds, laptop, interface (we are assuming all the chords are included right?)

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

A: I've been a musician my entire life and I pursued a degree in music. I pursued a business career however so I am pretty strategic and intentional in all of my actions, which spills into music. I started out as a session vocalist but realized my real passion and talent lay in production. I have a sizeable catalog and I am represented by a number of boutique libraries/agencies.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Blended.

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

A: Hozier. He's a babe. Just kidding. No, I'm not. But seriously, listen to his production. I am in absolute awe of the way he uses background vocals. It is so rich and powerful. I like big sounds. Ain't gonna lie.

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

A: Indie pop, bedroom pop, rock and blue eyed soul

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am good at hearing through the frequency spectrum. I have a strong intuition for where everything should sit. This also transfers to vocal work and creating harmonies and stacks.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A woman's ear! Sort of kidding. Did you know that woman hear differently? We actually perceive and use sound in our own unique way, which can deliver something fresh in a male dominated industry. I'm also terrible at naming techy things like serial numbers. This is good. Hear me out. I'm really focused on does it work? Does it sound great? Am I giving both of us chills? Did I actually make myself cry in the middle of it? That's how we know we are making greatness. Screw the serial number ;0)

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Production: I talk with the client to understand their values and vision and what they like and don't like in various references. I then study the reference and map out the structure and instrumentation and discuss it with the client and realign as needed. I then map it out into the DAW to create a template. I create a mono and dry arrangement first and make sure that sounds great (ie high quality recording and good use of frequency spectrum), once the client is happy with the arrangement, I do a levels mix and then start adding processing where needed. I have a less is more approach as I believe a great track is working with great source material. Vocals: I first gain stage and ensure correct mic placement. I typically record multi-takes section by section and use the takes for comping. I record dry to get the best quality raw sound. I create doubles for chorus leads and all BGV and harmonies. I will create lead doubles on request. When recording harmonies and doubles I will drop "s" "k" and other semblance and plosives so they do not overwhelm when compressed. I edit all doubles, BGV and harmonies to remove breaths, mouth noises, clicks and soften any missed semblance or plosives. I tune all vocals by hand ensuring no artifacting.

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

A: I am inspired by artists such as Adele, Hozier, Brandi Carlile and Pheobe Bridgers. Honestly a lot inspires me, these are just the first few that came to mind.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Production and toplining for clients

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

A: n/a

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. It's current, flexible, compact and accessible.

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

A: High quality and on-time delivery in the requested formats

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love fitting pieces together and bringing a vision to fruition. It is amazing how I can start with nothing and end up with a competitive radio-friendly track.

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

A: Often people assume I am pursuing the artist route. I actually prefer to help artists get where they want to go or using my talents for commercial purposes such as licensing.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Listen for the frequency holes in a production. This is where an extra part might be needed to fill it out. Be careful not to overwhelm by adding parts in the same frequency range that compete for space.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a professional home studio with a professional grade condenser mic, FocusRite interface, studio monitors/headphones, professional sound treatment.