Music Producer, Sound Designer

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

A: Probably my proudest project would be my Riley project. I've been trying to pursue this sound for a long time and I'm finally close to what I want—its style speaks volumes for my musical identity.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working in a couple of different circles. One, my friend Sam Denton; we make Lauv-ish, Marc E. Bassy style music. I also have my own solo project called "Riley." Which is primarily dubstep and other electronic genres right now; but I'm branching out into Alternative/Acoustic. It's a work in progress, but I'm stoked about it. I'm also in an Alternative band called Ryland. We've got our first EP out: "Itinerary EP" which is always a joy to perform!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My home studio consists of a 48-key Behringer UMX490 midi controller, and a 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro with Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and highly-accredited software synths such as Native Instrument's Massive, Kontakt, and FM8; along with Xfer's Serum, Celemony's Melodyne, and Sonic Academy's Kick 2.

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

A: To give them a song/sound that not only satisfies them but blows them out of the water just as much as their fans!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your vision for this song? How do you want this to sound? Is there a specific feel or vibe you want me to aim for? What would you like me to emphasize, regarding what you want to stick out in your track?

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

A: Always ask what the producer's vision is. It doesn't need to match yours, it will simply give you a solid idea of what you're working with.

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

A: I've been producing for more than 8 years now; I started when I was 12 on FL Studio. I sounded like crap back then. But I've worked and studied every possible aspect there is to know regarding making music- both the theoretical and practical aspects. Now, I've broadened to Sound Design and I've made music AND sounds for various short films. I'm currently hoping to score and sound design video games.

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

A: Jon Bellion. His musicality is phenomenal- along with his uniquely innovative wordsmithing. I'd love to work with someone who loves to push musical boundaries like he does. Plus, his lyrics just knock me outta my socks.

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

A: Virtual Riot, Jon Bellion, Skrillex, Lex Luger, Noah Shebib, Neck Deep, Blink-182, Barely Alive. It's a wide spectrum, but this versatility has served me very well.

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

A: Most of what I've done is a full production line. They'll send me vocals to their tracks with a chord progression, give me a genre and a very articulate rundown of what they want, and I take care of the rest.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: NEVER. ever. Be afraid to experiment with your sound. Always push the boundaries of your music and put your skills to the test!

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

A: There's a producer AND recording artist called JayyDee. His voice is phenomenal, and he's fresh out of one of the most highly-praised music tech schools in the nation; Citrus College. He's got his degree in Recording Arts and everything. I've worked with him numerous times, and I still do! He's a top-notch songwriter too. Almost anything you need, he can do.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital- but only because of the creative freedom. As far as analog goes, it's a bit slow. I honestly LOVE analog- I could sit for hours and turn knobs to get unique timbres and feels, but most often it turns out I don't have the time.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love working collaboratively. I don't think I've ever produced a song or made a sound that I made solely on my own; I've always had a voice of reference to work with.

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

A: Can you make this sound happen? Yes. Yes I can.

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

A: "I only make one genre."

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

A: MacBook Pro and any kind of foley-oriented microphone.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: In one word, it's weird. My percussion is often made of really weird things like broken glass and door slams. So, it's definitely unconventional. But stylistically, it's abrasively unique; kinda like how sandpaper smoothens out a wood carving.

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

A: Electronic and Alternative. I've recently experimented in recording Punk and Metal, but not much more. My strongest suit is Dubstep- given my experience in Sound Design.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Definitely sound design. I've gained tons of experience in various tricks like frequency modulation and waveshaping, along with innovative ways of recording, so I can make tons of really unique sounds and feels to the table. If someone wants a super weird drum-head or wiggly guitar or something, or they don't even know, I can make that happen.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring not only myself, but everyone I've met that's made me who I am. It sounds strange, given we're talking about making a song here. But, when you think about it, music comes out of experience; it's received by perception of sound- a communication of memories and emotions. If we look at the big picture, there's wonderful memories that are pushing to be shared, and there's painful wounds that need to open to be healed. With that being said, it's simple enough to say I bring my entire life with me when I walk into the production of a song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: If we're talking about production, I simply start with a teeny-tiny idea that pops into my head; and I build and build from that concept. The original idea could've been a verse, or an intro, a drop, it doesn't matter. I basically start my work by building up from a foundation of inspiration.