Producer & Singer-Songwriter

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

A: My first independent release of my own project 'Believe Again'. It holds an incredible amount of personal meaning to me and the level at which I executed the production, vocal perfomance, writing, visual assets and overall presentation is an accurate representation of what I am capable of on all creative fronts.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on my own music as well as a few corporate entities who need audio branding.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I unfortunately have not had the chance to work with much analog gear. Although those that have say the digital renditions of their analog counterparts have gotten much closer to the real thing over the years, I can't help but feel that analog has the special sauce that just can't be replicated.

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

A: That they will be proud of the work we create.

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

A: Often times an artist wants to sound like their influences. They don't directly ask to sound like them but I recognize them subconsciously making decisions to move in that direction with certain questions or concerns they raise. I don't necessarily think this a bad thing as long as it's to a certain extent. But often times, my answer to their question is for them to close their eyes, take a breath and search for what the moment in the song needs and why. This leads them to take inventory of why they are making the decision and often times makes them aware to the fact they are moving in that direction because they want to sound like their reference. It's my job to help guide the artist and help them find their sound within the record.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creating something that moves people out of nothing.

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

A: Read the client's mind.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: References of their style. Anything they can provide that helps me get on the same page as them and gives me the best chance to see their perspective of their vision.

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

A: We'll get along best if you're truly passionate, patient and genuine about your craft and message. I find it difficult/emotionally taxing to work with people who's intentions are fueled by the wrong things.

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

A: Laptop, Sennheiser 650HDs, Rode K2 Microphone, Hybrid Acoustic/Electric Guitar and Midi Keyboard.

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

A: I began as strictly an EDM DJ/Producer 12 years ago. After teaching myself production - I signed and released singles on some of the biggest labels in the world, received support from the biggest musical entities in the industry and decided to begin writing and performing my own lyrics. Essentially transitioning the project from DJ/Producer to Artist & Singer-Songwriter. My first single released on this new trajectory was picked up by the biggest radio station in the US and played for 10 million listeners and I am just getting started. I decided to dive further into the industry and explore other revenue streams as well as other ways to connect with other creatives so, here I am!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Modern Pop with the sophistication and energy of Electronic Dance Music.

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

A: Jon Bellion. I admire and respect his taste in almost every facet of the production and writing process.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Keep it simple, take breaks and use references. If you find yourself with multiple layers containing extensive processing chains filled with plug-ins and fxs and the mix/whatever it is that you're trying to achieve, still doesn't sound how you want it to - Chances are you're overproducing. Find a reference that nails what you're going for, shut all of that processing off and re-mix it in from scratch, this time keeping it simple processing wise. Take 10-20 minute breaks every so often to give your ears a break, come back to the track fresh and keep those ears healthy/tinnitus free!

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

A: Electronic Dance Music and Modern Pop Music (Think Martin Garrix and Jon Bellion)

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I can be a cut-throat executive producer and make hard, necessary decisions for the production without emotion while at the same time being a kid in a candy store, willing and excited to try everything and anything for the sake of curiosity. You won't find many people as passionate about making music than me.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: On one hand, I bring the technical abilities required to craft a professional quality, industry standard song that can stand up against any other production in the genre we're working in. On the other hand, I am an artist first and understand the intangibles of creating something with profound personal meaning. I like to think of myself as a storyteller, a writer more so than a musician. I am a huge fan and student of movies and film and take pride in understanding the elements that contribute to creating an emotion at any given moment. Production aside, I am very sensitive and critical of the story of a song and what we are trying to communicate. I bring a compass to the table that ensures we will end up with a powerful product that communicates exactly what we want to say.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Varies depending on the artist but for the most part the processing begins with creating an enviroment of trust and vulnerability. We all have to feel comfortable with one another to get to a place where we can craft our best, most honest expression of what we're feeling in the moment and want to communicate. Once that starts to take shape, it's a very collaborative process where the goal is to craft the best possible product that not only meets various industry standards but also serves the artist and their vision. I want our product to be as future proof as possible, so we don't look back and hear changes we shouldve made etc. I want everyone involved to be extremely proud of the work and feel they created something timeless.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Professionally treated environment. Adam A7X studio monitors with KRK Subwoofer for low end. Sennheiser 650HD headphones with a SubPac for more fine tuned attention to low end detail. Rode K2 Microphone in a treated booth with SE Microphone shield. Martin Acoustic Guitar as well as a Gibson SG Electric Guitar. Candles for the vibe!

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

A: Jon Bellion, John Mayer, Skrillex, Martin Garrix.

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

A: Create original productions from scratch as well as take existing ideas and help develop them into industry standard, radio-radio songs.