Composer, Music Producer

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

A: To date, the best project I worked on was being the music composer for a stage play, "Chosen". The play was a divine take on the Cinderella story, which meant I needed to bridge Disney and church. I knew this music came from a higher place when I received the script, which had no details as far as musical style, etc. was concerned. The music then just started flowing out of me - I was writing and producing full orchestral and musical theatre songs in about 30-minute sittings. When the director and executive team came to my studio to listen to the songs, they cried. With this project, watching my music play a role in the play, seeing the actors singing my songs and dancing to my compositions, and - on opening night - seeing the audience react to the music was one of the greatest moments in my career. I would LOVE to do more of this, which is why one of my dream gigs is writing music for Broadway...so if anyone knows Lin Manuel Miranda...

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

A: I deliver a million dollar product for an affordable price.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Doing it. Next question!

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

A: That just because I work primarily from home doesn't mean I don't work just as hard if not harder than those sitting in an office all day. It's tough sometimes when you're not taken seriously as a creative.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1. Give me as specific a menu of your wishes for the project as possible. (Just so I know what boundaries I need to stay in). 2. Is there a budget? 3. What is this for? 4. May I draw up a contract and proposal and send to you?

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

A: Ha! Just a generator, my Mac Book Pro and charger, hard drive, lyric book, and Motif keyboard and I'm good to go.

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

A: I have been playing music since the age of 4; writing music since the age of 6; and "in the industry" for over 10 years. From literally just sitting down at the piano at 4 and trying to pick out Vince Guaraldi's "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by ear to 6 studio albums, a record label, and global clients - I have definitely been blessed for sure. Music is something that comes natural to me - I don't mean to sound cliche because I'm sure many other artists could say the same. But for me, it seems different. It comes from a divine place. Sometimes a word or visual or very vague description of something could open up a creative floodgate and I could create some of my best work. Sometimes the music comes so fast I can't keep up. It's hard to explain!

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

A: Two words: DAVID FOSTER. David and I really do the same thing - turn songs into hits (or at least I try to - one day they'll be hits haha). I love his production style and I just want to sit and watch him work. One word: ADELE. She is so down to earth and warm, plus her music is simple but deep. It wasn't until this most recent album I could see myself working with her. I'd just love to come up with some chords and have her write to them! Another word: YANNI. More than his music - which is phenomenal obviously - I really just want to learn from his experience and how he looks at the world. For those of you who know Yanni he's very philosophical; I believe his writing stems from this. It's the little nuggets that he teaches during his concerts that have touched me the most on my musical journey. I just have so many questions for him, so if anyone knows him...

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to share what you think would benefit a project. Yes you work for a client, but I came to understand that a lot of times the employer doesn't really know what they're looking for until they hear it, or they know but are just curious to see how you can bring their vision into fruition. Deliver what the client or artist asks for, but don't shy away from adding your creativity where you can OR sharing your ideas on what could make a song better in your professional opinion. I have found in my experience clients prefer the collaboration rather than the typical "you do what I want, I'll pay" relationship.

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

A: Being the owner and executive producer of an indie label here in Nashville, I have had the privilege of working with artists from genres of all styles. In the summer of 2020 I produced an adult contemporary EP for a client; in 2019, an artist wanted traditional pop; right now I am producing a 10-song gospel/CCM album. I am also writing a song for a short film, as well as composing music for a TV series. Oh, and obviously I love my contemporary jazz recording career so I work on this in between clients. Musically I'm all over the place!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill I believe is my musical intuition. Normally when a client approaches me about a project and their "wish list", my creativity kicks in and not only do I fulfill their requests, but I give them more - sometimes things they either didn't think about and love, or things they knew they wanted but just did not know how to communicate it. I have a way of knowing what's exactly appropriate for each project I take on. I think it's important to allow other interpretations to shine, which my clients understand. When they see the end product, they're ALWAYS beyond pleased.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: As crazy as it may sound, music just comes to me. But I can't take any credit for that, rather the Man upstairs who gave me this gift. Typically if a client sends over a song in raw form or basic lyric ideas, I immediately am able to hear all of the production and composition in my head. I usually need very little instruction, unless there is something a client definitely wants. However most of my clients know that and will tell you I deliver to them exactly what they want (sometimes more than what they asked for). I usually work pretty quickly, but it depends on the scope of the project and the kind of project (i.e. one that may involve particular musicians to hire, vocalists, etc.).

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

A: In my compositions, I am really inspired by Greek-composer, keyboardist, and performer Yanni - ever since seeing him when I was 13 years old. I love the way he commands the orchestra as well as plays along with them. I also love Disney music, particularly the work of Alan Menken. One of my bucket list items is to write and compose a song for an animated Disney movie! For production, the works of David Foster and Walter Afanasieff inspire me. I am a major fan of big orchestral love ballads of the 90s, be it instrumental (in the style of Kenny G) or vocals (Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Peabo Bryson, etc). In my contemporary jazz performing and recording career, Brian Culbertson I idolize. I try to mimic his performing style and his production style for most of my smooth jazz songs.

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

A: Composing music to lyrics, arranging music to lyrics and melody, full instrumental production in various genres and styles, developing artists and helping them create a fully recorded studio album from conception to completion, and composing/producing music for content such as films, commercials, theatre, books, podcasts, etc. are the most common types of work I perform for clients.