Creating, Mix+Master, Produce

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

A: I wrote, self-produced, mixed, and mastered an LP and put it out there. I'm pretty proud of it, even if it is still amateur. It felt really good to put something complete out into the airwaves.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have about ~200 unfinished Logic Pro X projects...But I'm working on a new album with my fellow Fearless King, J-Web.

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

A: I've worked with Arthur Pingrey. Great chap!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Because some sounds and styles sound better in Analog, and vice versa. Don't pigeonhole yourself because of conception or tradition. My favorite band of all time, MuteMath is usually strictly analog. But all my favorite producers and artists are pretty digital. Who cares.

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

A: I promise to put every ounce of creativity I have into the work. That's all I can promise, and it's honestly the best I can do, because it's me to a T.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Music is everything to me, so I am thrilled to sit down at the keys and create. I feel like the world is a blank canvas every time I open a new project, pull out a new piece of paper, or even pick up an instrument.

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

A: They ask me if I'm any good, and I ask them to have faith in me, and usually we have a great time making music together.

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

A: Anyone can do music production. It's not for everyone. Some people are artists rather than producers. And some people are producers rather than artists. I like to think of myself as both, but who knows. Maybe I should stick to one thing or another. But everyone, and I mean everyone, can play, create, and enjoy music.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When can we start?

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

A: Find the best fit for you. Value is what you make of it. If it's what you wanted, then the money is worth it. If it isn't, then even if you went cheap, it wasn't worth it. I hope I'm the right fit for somebody.

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

A: A keyboard or piano, a cajon or snare drum, a never-dying amplifier, a friend who can sing, and a gritty-a$$ organ or something. Does beer or whiskey count as gear?

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

A: I've been making music for 20 years, but I'm only just now getting into professional music production. I have a day job, but I'm hoping to make this my career for the rest of my life.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Eclectic Pop mixed with rhythmic influences.

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

A: Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, or James Blake. Because their genius is infectious and I'd love to collaborate with them. Or just be a fly on the wall in the studio.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to walk away for a while. Come back to it. Don't overthink anything. And above all, be more creative than fearful.

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

A: These days my focus is Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and Electronic.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm decent at piano, after taking classical lessons for 10 years. But I'm always trying to improve. I have taught myself guitar, cello, singing, and I also took a year of violin.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As much creativity as possible, and as much humility. Music is a wild beast. We can't tame it, we can only attempt to learn from it and try to channel our emotions through it.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I love to just sit down and crank out music for hours at a time. But I also try to walk away, hit the beach, take some time to step back and reflect on the track or project.

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

A: Frank Ocean is a main influence. J-Web Muzik is main collaboration partner.

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

A: Hip-Hop Collaboration, Full Instrumental Productions, Mixing, Mastering, Editing, Vocals, Piano.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Logic Pro X, Ozone Mastering, Yamaha Keyboard, M-Audio Keyboards, Mackie Pro 16 Channel Board, Shure Microphones, MXL Microphone.