Piano & Keys

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Ok... If the studio setup supplies analog gear, then it is so incredible. You have the original vibe and feel of a synthesizer the way it was meant to be. However, the increase in the quality of digital instruments are unreal. And with Spectrasonics, Nord, and so many other great companies making quality gear, the vibe does not suffer with digital instruments.

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

A: Car Therapy by Faye Webster. 1 day in the studio with her and members of the Richmond Symphony. It was a dream come true.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on songs for various artists and pitching them to management companies across the industry. One of the most fun things about this job is to try to hear an artist's current influences and match them without sacrificing your own artistic intuition. It's a delicate balance but one I love.

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

A: Yes! Annie Leath! She plays strings on all Faye Webster records and is her touring keys player.

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

A: That when I work on your project it will have my full attention. I won't be balancing it with another 12 projects that have the same level of priority. When I work on something, I work on only that until it's done.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Getting a chance to play music! It is a job though, and you have to be timely, communicative, reliable and respectful. All of the attributes that would make you successful in another field.

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

A: Many of the customers I work for are industry professionals so I've come to them one way or another by word of mouth or they've heard me on a project before. Often they've asked me about projects I've worked on before and what that was like. Every project is different so every answer is different lol. But the overarching theme is making the best music possible.

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

A: No real misconception. I think that when I work with someone they know that I'm going to do the best job possible to bring the vision to life.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: First I want to ask them what inspired them to write what they're sending me. I want to get in their head as much as possible so I can really understand where they're coming from. Then, I ask if they had any specific influences regarding the song that might help me to choose the sonic palette to best serve them. Afterwards, I want to know about logistics. For example, if they're on a tight timeline that influences how I prioritize their music and I work to make space for them mentally.

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

A: Ask as many questions as you need! Ultimately you're hiring a provider for music like you would for a home. If you think of your project as a house, you wanna make sure someone knows what to buy from Home Depot before starting work on the deck. It's the same thing here.

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

A: 1. Mellotron MD-40000 2. Steinway Hamburg Concert Grand 3. Wurlitzer 200A That's all I'd need.

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

A: Forever lol. When I was 5 years old, I translated a piece of music from a kids book to the upright we had in the house so my parents got me piano lessons. When I was 15 I knew this was going to be my life. From then, I've dedicated myself to become a master of this craft and it's only in the last few years I feel like I've achieved a true sound and feeling for the music I hear in my head.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I have the capacity to be a musical chameleon but growing up in the USA, you can't help but be influenced by the entire catalog of Black music and the enormous musical potential it has to offer. So as far as genre goes, I can dip my toes into anything.

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

A: Been thinking about Chris Stapleton recently. His ability to communicate music is second to none.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I think that ultimately you want to get to a point in the ruff draft where a mix won't necessarily solve the issues but simply refine them and make it more listenable. A ruff draft should be something that you feel comfortable playing to someone you don't know.

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

A: All kinds, I dip my toes into every different genre available.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill as a musician is the capacity to bring anyone's vision to life regardless of influence, upbringing, or style.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: 35 + years of experience in all kinds of music, style, genre, and feel.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First instinct is KING. Even if things change down the road, the first instinct always provides the door to the room. Once you're in the room you can play around.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Nord and Spectrasonics products to record. They have amazing sounds right off the bat and incredible adaptability. I always send both Audio and Midi to give the artist a chance to edit on their own terms.

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

A: Bill Laurence, Bill Evans, Frank Ocean, Carsie Blanton, Nick Drake, John Mayer, Somi, Cassandra Wilson, Fleet Foxes, Solange, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jacques Schwarz - Bart

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

A: I mostly add keyboards off all kinds to different projects. My reputation is mostly as a pianist and keyboardist so I'm often asked to utilize those skills. Recently I have been asked to write some music as well.