Multitrack Strings | Arranging

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

A: Orchestra leader for Sir George Martin. Why would I Not say this?

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Running my music venue, teaching, multitracking at home, playing in bands these days

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

A: record at 96k. Video is constantly going up in res. Why isn't audio? A lot of 'processing' can't be handled by 48k it becomes audible or deteriorates the sound.

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

A: Instrument. Computer/Sound system. HD's with Music & IMSLP on it.

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

A: Youth Orch system -->Conservatorium --> every local amateur semi-pro orch --> SSO casual --> Opera Orchestra, as Principal Violin for 25+ yrs. Started playing in bands on gigs 'sat in' as Elec vln played every style 3+ nights a week after work for 10+ years. I like the funk heavier style. I try to 'accompany' whatever I am fitting in with.

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

A: Brian May - because I think he has publicly shown what a great sport he is (jam with Bri during the lockdowns) & his consistent originality professionalism & quality as a performer & composer.

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

A: there is no 'usual' - unless calling orchestral work across 300 years of stylistic content, & any contemporary style since Elvis 'usual'

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: quality of playing. bringing ingenuity to a track.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Ability to fit in. Performing to the Style. Bringing to the table 30+ years of being embedded with orchestral soundscapes on a daily basis.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: home studio. Rode Classic valve is the main weapon.

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

A: Everyone I've ever worked with.

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

A: Rick Melick is an ace keys player. He's played in my Venue a fair bit, & played with Joe Bonamassa all over the World.

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

A: An above-quality standard of performance

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: the sounds. Creating Something from Nothing.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am trying to make your track sound like You, so the answer to this question is "your style"

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Understanding how to EQ large numbers of strings, & how to pan them is a fundamental. I am aware lots of producers try to "problem solve" using compression. Typically because they are not 'used' to how large ensembles sound at close range.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: let's say a commission to do 15 strings on a track, 'carte blanche' I will typically have the track on rotation randomly the day before I get into it I may record a couple of bars as a memory aid if I think of something solid. If all goes well at the time I start recording I treat the track as if I'm improvising along with it, then use this as a guide & rebuild the harmonies etc from the bottom up. I actually found this is about twice as quick as me writing an arrangement, then performing it!

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

A: typically multitrack string backings as arranger. Arranging. Outsourcing/recommending pro players mixing.