Session Guitarist / Songwriter

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Even when you think you have a solid, finished product, always seek feedback from others. Advice from other musical experts with a critical ear can prove invaluable in any production context.

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

A: My musical focuses have shifted over the years, and I guess they tend to move in phases. At university, I played in a thrash punk band, for which I focussed heavily on improving my fast, heavy riffing and shredding capabilities. Then, in my 20s, I switched to playing primarily acoustic guitar and experimenting with alternate tunings, attempting to imitate the style of fingerstyle greats such as Thomas Leeb and Don Ross and building up a repertoire as a singer-songwriter. Now, I try to focus on both styles in equal measure.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Although I consider myself a handy guitar and bass player, I would say that my strongest attributes in this respect are my ability to work harmoniously with others and my track record of never missing a deadline in any professional work I have ever completed. In other words, you don't just get a good guitar player; you also get someone who's receptive, easy to work with, and 100% reliable.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Throughout my career as a musician, I have always been a great believer in writing parts for songs in my head before picking up my instrument. When creating a guitar part for someone else's song, I like to listen to the song on repeat while formulating possible guitar lines either in my head or by humming out loud. I find that this method enables me to really tune into the feel of a song in an unrestricted manner (i.e., without the technical distraction of actually having to play). Once I have a form the basis for a guitar part on my head, I pick up my guitar and attempt to approximate my vision. This method has served me well for many years, particularly for writing solos.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 recording interface and Reaper as my DAW. When recording electric guitar, I primarily use my Hotone Ampero amp modeler and multi-effects processor; however, I also own a number of individual effects pedals (including distortion, overdrive, reverb, delay, modulation, and compression), which can be added to the chain where necessary. I usually record acoustic guitar parts using a Focusrite Scarlett Studio CM25 MKII condenser mic positioned close to the soundhole and a Shure SM57 dynamic mic at the neck.

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

A: I help my clients by writing and performing electric, acoustic, or bass guitar parts for their songs, paying close attention to their feedback throughout the process to help them achieve their musical vision.