Pop, Alt Rock Producer

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, cause why put limits on what we do? But if I had to work only one, I'd say digital. Few people can hear the difference anyway, newer plugin tech is SO good and really, the gear doesn't matter. Knowing what you have well and how to use it properly does.

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

A: "How'd you do that!?!" And I'll explain whatever it is, every time.

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

A: That you can fix it in the mix. If the producer doesn't do their job well, or the vocal takes aren't done with care and thoroughness, there's nothing a mix engineer can do to fix that. A good take, by a good musician in a well-treated room is essential to the success of a song.

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

A: Not every producer is a match for you! It's a relationship, and the wrong one won't do your music justice. I could be the best producer on the charts and if we don't connect or you don't feel heard, then we shouldn't be working together.

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

A: Aside from computer and interface? My Manley Ref C mic, Neve portico preamp, Road-worn Strat, Native Instruments keyboard, and my Slate VSX headphones/ref system.

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

A: I've been a musician for over 25 years. I attended Berkeley College Of Music for Guitar Performance and Music Business, and spent time working in various student and Boston studios. In 2013, I came to la to play and tour and somewhere along the way I fell even more in love with computers, tech and production. I was always the first at the studio for sessions, the last to leave at night and would spend all my time chatting with the producers, learning from them and sharing in any way I could. I was so lucky to be working with talented producers who were willing to share. I started heavily sharing producing duties for my bands and learned how to become far more integrated with the final product beyond the rehearsal space. A few years ago, when my main band fell apart, I realized production not only came so naturally to me, but I loved it more than playing live and felt there was more to learn from it. I jumped in with both feet and haven't looked back since.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Dynamic, polished, modern, lively.

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

A: You!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Automate everything! Some of the biggest would be synthesizer parameters, channel EQ filters, individual track levels, reverb levels, vocal doubles width and even things on the master track, like volume or eq width on choruses. It makes the song breathe more, makes it feel dynamic and more alive. You have to play the session like a band playing instruments.

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

A: Mostly pop, hyper pop and alt-pop. But I love alt rock, chill stuff like trip hop, and indie pop as well.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am eternally patient haha. But outside that, the programming/sound creation part of production.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I've really refined a way to take an artists vision and not just see it through, but to make the process two-directional. Helping my clients learn more, explaining any process they have questions about and being transparent throughout the whole journey always yields a better song, an educated client and a great relationship. My favorite songs are an even balance of everyone sharing and making the final result better than any one of us could have done separately.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I always start with getting to know each other! We spend time listening to music we love, chatting and just getting comfortable. I take notes about your needs, things you want to improve from your past work and what is inspiring you at the moment. The next step is figuring out the vision, while identifying and breaking down the components of the songs and styles you love. We then put all of those things together to craft the style, energy and direction of the song. Writing day typically takes about 4-6 hours, and if another day is needed, I'm down! I NEVER charge hourly for the writing/creative or vocal tracking processes. I want this time to be dedicated to free creation and an open mindset, not spent counting minutes or worrying if we will finish everything in a day! At the end of writing day, we usually have a strong demo and any instrumentation needed I add the next day and send over. There's usually some time where I give the client the opportunity to rehearse and listen to the track at home for ideas and to get confident in their parts. I then schedule a tracking day where we record all vocals and make all final vocal take selections, which I will then tune and time the day after (and send you for review). If you purchased mixing, at this point I'll open a mix session and within a day or so send you over your mix 1! I include a breakdown of what to look for and what format to use when sending notes. For most reasonable mix notes, I have the edits out in a day tops. When you've signed off on final mix, I will send you all the files you need for mastering, backing tracks and instrumental mixes. And that's it, you have your song!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a home studio with great lighting for setting the vibe and social media work. There's beautiful double door access to an outdoor break/relaxation area, an incredibly comfortable couch and a view of the Hollywood Hills. I'm located right by some great lunch options too, as well as neighborhood bars and nightlife. I have excellent custom treatment from GIK acoustics, and monitor with Neumann hk series monitors and sub (which have all been tuned to my room). For mics, my main tools are a Manley Ref C, Warm Audio 251, and Shure SM7b. I have a few 500 series hardware pieces for a detailed, full and modern vocal sound, including Neve and Audioscape inserts. I also have a slew of top-tier guitars, pedals and acoustic instruments. OH and great coffee!

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

A: Oh man all of them haha. I'm mostly inspired by artists who blend modern and new production techniques with great songwriting. Hearing those two things come together to balance out a new song is always motivational for me. People like Benny Blanco, Monsters and Strangerz, Chainsmokers, David Guetta and so many more.

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

A: My work spans everything from writing and track building to vocal coaching, mixing, tuning and even mastering. The majority of my work centers around bringing a full, dynamic and modern sound to the songs my clients bring to me, or write with me. It's my job to think out of the box and keep things fresh!