Music Producer, Audio Engineer

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

A: ØLYMPUS Music and Emily Wheatcroft-Snape are two people I have been in touch with here in New Zealand who have both worked on some incredible music.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I love analog instrument equipment over digital, it feels better to play and usually sounds better. Digital for all in the box processing due to how quick and easy it is to get great sounds.

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

A: I will do my best to meet my client's expectations.

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

A: That being creative is easy/anyone can do it

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goal with this project? Who are your favourite artists? What are you specifically after from me? What is your budget, and when do you need it done by?

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

A: Find someone who is a great communicator first as people skills are the most important thing. Then determine if your vision for your project aligns with the skillset and sound of the portfolio of the provider.

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

A: My fender Stratocaster as it is signed by John Mayer. My computer and my Apollo Twin so I can create anywhere. I would take my AKG mic as it sounds fantastic. And lastly I would take my bass as creating baselines is one of my favourite things to do.

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

A: I have been playing guitar since the age of 6, studied music at Bachelor's degree level after high school and have been releasing music I have worked on for the past few years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Punchy, groovy, catchy, harmonically tasty.

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

A: I would love to work with Anderson Paak. His drumming is incredible and his songs always have such soul and richness to them. I think my guitar playing would compliment his style well.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: First ideas are usually the best ideas - roll with them.

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

A: Music that is reminiscent of my influences, yet is different enough to make people realise that I made it.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My guitar playing for sure. Also my capabilities across creating overall instrumentation that serves the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring tasteful musicianship, interesting ideas and quality production to a song. It will sound as good as it feels, and often gives people a real desire to move or sing along.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For songwriting, the chords and tempo always come first. This dictates the overall feel of the song. I have my template ready to go so I can mix/sound design as I create. Melody will usually follow and lyrical concepts after that. Otherwise I will programme a drum groove which allows me to get a feel for the rhythmic interaction between drums, bass and other instrumentation.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My Apollo Twin paired with my Satellite is my interface of choice - I absolutely love all of the Universal Audio products. I run a 2021 MacBook Pro 16" which gives me plenty of processing power to run large sessions with Logic Pro. I have a multitude of third party plugins and software instruments. I monitor using Yamaha HS8 speakers. I record audio with my AKG C414 microphone.

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

A: Tom Misch, SG Lewis, Conor Albert, John Mayer, Jordan Rakei, Disclosure

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

A: Co-writing in session with artists, instrumental & vocal production, stem mixing, guitar tracking & overdubs