Songwriter / Music Producer

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Internally, I have a Mac running Logic X. It's absolutely full of plug-ins and samples, ranging from glossy Native Instruments effects to more vibey and warm SoundToys stuff. Externally, I swear by Aston Microphones and do everything with their mics. I also have Roland drum machines, very retro Yamaha keyboards, and a Kawaii Synth module from 1988! My studio is all about balancing new technology with the charm and character of old gear.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Everything starts with the song. I typically lay out the guide vocal before anything else and build the track from there. This may mean creating a beautiful piano part to compliment the vocal melody, or coming up with a cool drum beat. Whatever the style, the track and vocal comes first.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I like to think of myself as an enabler, whether producing or writing. I can see other peoples projects from an outside perspective and know what small changes to make in order to make the music as good as possible. This is especially true with songwriting and co-writing on other peoples work. it's not about transforming someones track into something and alienating the artist, but making it the best possible version of itself without losing the original character and soul.

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

A: I work on a real mix of music, but do a lot of work with alternative songwriters that blend amazing melodies with interesting ambient sounds and synths.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Give the vocal space, don't over fill the arrangement. Just because something is a great part individually doesn't mean it'll add anything to a song in the context of a whole mix.

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

A: I'd love to write with FKA Twigs. She is a visionary and has such a unique approach to everything she does.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Beautiful melodies and arrangements poured through an analog funnel and then washed in Roland Space Echo reverb.

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

A: I signed a publishing deal when I was 18 and began making my first record. I then started getting introduced to other artists and began writing and producing with them. This caught the attention of people in advertising, and so they asked me to compose stuff for their briefs. Now I do a mix of everything!

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

A: I'm not sure I need more than 5 bits of gear normally! An electric guitar, a keyboard, my mac, an Aston Origin, and a pair of headphones.

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

A: Don't be afraid to push me - I love a challenge.

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

A: That it all comes naturally! Inspiration is important, but hard work is what gets a song over the line.

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

A: 'Is my performance good enough?' comes up a lot. The answer really depends, but generally nothing beats a great performance. I can spend days trying to make an average performance sound good, but a brilliant starting point makes everything so much easier.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I'm obsessed with making music, so being able to watch a rough vocal turn into something that's getting thousands of plays on Spotify is fun.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I can't really have one without the other, and it shouldn't be an 'either / or' scenario.

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

A: Arron Storey is a fantastic lyricist and a very clever guy. He speaks fluent French and does a lot of work translating songs for the French music industry.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm producing a young songwriter from London who is very raw but has the most incredible voice ever.

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

A: A lot of artists will bring me their 75% finished demos and I'll help get them up to release standard. This usually involves working together to tweak the arrangements, write stronger lyrics, and tighten the structure. We then start the process of producing the song into a great finished master! I think being an artist first puts me in a great position to treat other peoples work sympathetically and respect their craft while still getting the best out of their song.

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

A: Beyond being inspired by masters of their craft, I'm really inspired by musicians and producers that have a positive attitude. Music can be difficult at times - the hours can be long! It's the people that are still smiling and enthusiastic about a project towards the end of the day that I want around me.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm a songwriter, first and foremost!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What kind of music inspires you? What records do you love to listen to? Where do you want to take your music?

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

A: We'll finish the work, you'll love the results and will enjoy working with me!