Vintage Studio Guitarist

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: "Tell me what your song is about". I've been in so many sessions where producers and engineers never bothered asking this basic and crucial question. Every decision in the production and recording process needs to serve the intent and emotion of the song. Knowing exactly what the artist wants to communicate with their music comes first.

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

A: I came up playing rock guitar in high school while taking jazz guitar lessons from my father who is a professional jazz guitar player. I did my undergrad in jazz guitar performance at York University in Toronto where I met my band, Jane's Party. We have since released many records, have had our music in films and TV, and toured North America and Europe opening for Tom Odell, Arkells, Jefferson Starship, Blue Rodeo, and many more. In between songwriting, tours and studio sessions, I did my Masters degree in guitar performance at the University of Toronto and attended the Banff International Workshop in Jazz & Creative Music and continued to develop my skills. Based on my work with my own band, other artists began calling me for shows and to play on their records. Since 2009, my studio involvement has grown beyond just performance, and into producing, engineering and mixing, as well as composing for film.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Yeah, spend your time and money on getting the sound you want in the air - BEFORE you spend 3K on your dream preamp or compressor. Make sure your performer, their instrument and the mic technique is really good. Then you're already 90% there.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Frequently being a part of the entire music process: songwriting, producing, engineering, mixing, performing, I have a strong sense for the development of a musical idea, and how to preserve its uniqueness. There's nothing more deflating than hearing a musical idea you're in love with gradually deteriorate with every step in the process. A strong vision from day 1 is crucial in translating your artistic intent from the first strummed chord all the way to the mastering session.

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

A: Most of my work comes from artists and bands looking for a reliable and professional guitar player for live shows and sessions. Clients are often under time and budget constraints and need a guitar player who can nail a 40-song setlist with no rehearsal. Being able to deliver an exciting and engaging live performance on top of that is typically why I get called back.