Music Producer, Writer, Player

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

A: Scuba Steve

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

A: I love working with bands and I find myself working with a lot of artists/vocalist that come to me with ideas and then we write together. The style of music can range dramatically. I've been doing a lot of alt rock, americana and pop lately.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Being present and adaptive to every session. No artist/session is the same. I just try to know how and be able to do anything so I can meet any need quickly.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First I spend time with the artist listening to music and finding out what they like about any song and how it relates to their vision. Then we grab a guitar or go to the piano and work on their song or write one together. I like to produce a demo first and really find the song. Then we start tracking for real once the song's structure and flow is established. Each project is different. Sometimes I bring in a session-band and we cut multiple songs, sometimes it's all overdubs, sometimes it's all in the computer. I'd like to think that I have a well rounded set of skills that allows me to adapt my process to the artist's/project's needs.

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

A: Of course I'm proud when I work with the big name artists, but I'm mostly proud of the productions that I'm currently pouring my musical-soul into

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: BOTH. They're just tools like an artist uses different brushes or paints. As a Creative you need to know your tools and then choose which ones to use in an appropriate situation

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

A: Does it sound okay? depends :-)

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

A: I've been playing, writing and recording music for over 20 years. I've put in my time gigging and touring as a bassist, I started recording professionally about 9 years ago and interspersed in there I've Tour Managed and mixed FOH for a few different major artists including Andy Grammer, Fifth Harmony and Dariush. My main focus for a while has been producing, writing and recording in my studio.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I'm super chill, we always have a good time. I just love good music. My roots are in the American/British music from the 60-70's highlighting Rock to Motown. I was born in the 80's, grunged in the 90's, fell in love with the bass/drums playing in Funk, Rnb and Neo Soul and now I don't really care about the style - i just wanna make great music that makes me feel something

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on a few Rock Records (artists and bands) a synth pop single, I just recorded a string quartet yesterday, producing music for a live kids choir, writing and producing for a few singer songwriters and mixing a few other singles for other producers.

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

A: to listen

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to make music all day and hang out with cool people

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

A: That it's easy

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Musical References, Budget, Schedules, etc... We have a conversation :-)

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

A: If you think they're good, just meet them and see if it's a good fit personally.

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

A: 1073's, Vari Mu, Pultec, SM7b, U67

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

A: Any that has a drive and readiness to make things happen

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Move to a different part of the room where all the sound is coming together naturally, put your phone away, close your eyes.. LISTEN ;-)

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: In addition to recording, on a daily basis i'll bring anything from writing, arranging, playing multiple instruments, programming instruments, editing, mixing, etc...

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a great live room and separate control room. I practice a zero setup in which everything is setup and ready to go through an amazing chain within just a few TT patches. Please reference the gear and instrument list for a feel of what we have.

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

A: Rick Rubin, Andrew Scheps, Butch Vig, Dr. Luke

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

A: Album/Single production/writing. I take my artists from beginning to end with whichever role that they need. If i can't do it excellently then we'll bring in a colleague who can, either way it's gonna end up great.