SINGER (EN-FR) / SONGWRITER

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the variety and the creativity - both witnessing other people's enthusiasm and creativity and also being able to bring a song to life or participate in arrangements of BGVs for example. I do love songwriting as well and seeing a song through from 'spark' to finish!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I will usually ask if they have a reference track or artist/vocal in mind. I try and gage the vibe they are going for and check back quickly.

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

A: I actually studied Biology and Psychology at Uni! But then went on to study guitar at ACM in the UK for 2 years. I have been a gigging and session musician ever since, so for the last 15 years now. Mainly my work was playing live, in covers bands for weddings/corporate events, also bars, clubs, and at some point I played a couple of boats and trains! :) But session work and recording was always on the cards too and I loved more than anything songwriting and getting in the studio. I have recorded from home for years but also experienced larger studios for some projects (I did some demos with Dan Smith of Bastille early on, also recorded at Angelic Studios UK and Chapel Studios). I did a few television shows as a guitarist and an EU promo tour with Rachel Platten for example. So very varied. Mainly I sang lead/fronted bands in the early days or played solo acoustic, also electric guitar in covers bands, then progressed to more bass and BVs as I prefer being more towards the back of the band :) Or recording from home or studio!:)

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style can be quite soul-y but also pop-rock and a bit of singer-songwriter.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I do try to always 'get into' the song and it's vibe. I believe I have the ability to capture the emotion behind the words, and that's what I strive for in every project. My voice definitely has a unique quality to it, and I can also apply my vocals to varied styles, and enjoy doing so :)

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will go through all directions and info provided, so reference tracks/vocals and get the vocal down as a rough demo, then check back with a client early on to make sure they're happy with the general sound and/or and direction the BGVs are taking etc...Then generally I'll provide 2 slightly different lead vocal tracks (to choose or comp from), and up to 3 tracks BGVs and a track of adlibs. And I usually include 1 or 2 minor revisions in my offer too. All files are sent back as raw wav files unless otherwise agreed.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My home studio setup is a Macbook Pro (plus an imac), Logic Pro X, Focurite Scarlett 2i2 interface, mainly using Neumann TLM 102 and AKG P170 mics. Also use a Sure SM57 on occasion, and M-Audio Keystation controller. Guitars include Maton acoustic, Fender Telecaster and Fender P Bass

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

A: I'm inspired by many songwriters and heartfelt vocals, such as Foy Vance, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, The Brothers Landreth... writers and performers who can really tug on the heartstrings but also rock out! :) I grew up listening to an eclectic mix of The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Indies like Reef, Turin Brakes, Radiohead, Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo, Aerosmith, John Mayer, Paul Simon, Donny Hathaway...so lots of variety there! Lovin' Billie Eilish's stuff at the moment, as well as Doyle Bramhall, Blake Mills & Madison Cunningham

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

A: Mainly I've been doing session vocals, lead and BGVs (generally I've provided my own arrangement for these) and adlibs.