Alto Vocalist

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

A: Mad Love is a track Rod Carillo and I worked on. I toplined on that one and recorded all the vocals. Just a soulful little number. We also have a handful of remixes that hit hard.

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

A: For sure!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital all the way! It's all I know so I'm biased yes, but with the ease of use I can't imagine doing it any other way.

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

A: I am at a stage in my career where I can and will put the utmost care into your project. I will work closely with you to get something unique we can both be proud of.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It is a true joy to be able to create on unique projects and then hear that what you've done in it's final stage. Seeing hat can be done with a raw vocal and how a track can really pop in the end. Magic

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

A: People always ask what other artists I sound like or what my style is. I'd say, Patsy Cline or Bonnie Raitt: slow, soulful and smooth is my forte.

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

A: Good question, there are a lot of those, haha but I'd say how much professionalism and business skills you really need to possess along with the your musical craft to be successful.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I would ask you for some example tracks or vocalists to get an idea of the sound you're going for.

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

A: Make sure to cover all the bases and ask all the questions beforehand so we know we're gonna be a good fit for each other. Be honest as to

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

A: I went to a musical school growing up and sang and played percussion for many years. I stepped out of the music world to pursue environmental sustainability and worked in organic farming for many years. After some major life events, I knew I needed to start singing again and found a home with the acclaimed Pittsburgh Heritage Gospel Chorale in Pittsburgh, PA. Then, after moving to Tucson, Arizona I started writing my own songs and making music with James Chris who has become one of my favorite people. We released a few house tracks together and I've released with others as well along the way. I am also lucky to have a musical partner to tour southern AZ with playing classic country music and indie folk classics. I've also released a handful of my own tunes under the name Katie Elle. It's been quite a grab bag and a whole lot of fun!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My personal songwriter style is soulful Americana

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

A: Anyone who wants to make something super unique/atypical yet an amazing collab. I love it when artists mix divergent genres seamlessly. The track 'Electric Life' by Azizi Gibson and Hippie Sabotage is a great example with the opera singers adding the main backing vocal. They just make the track.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Try and not overproduce the vocals because rather than sounding better, they may just sound different.

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

A: Folk, Americana, Country, House, Electronic, House

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Maybe you can help me figure that out!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I would approach your work knowing it is one of a kind and tailoring my performance to match your goals for the song. Your project would be handled with care and consideration.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I take time before recording to get into the right headspace and character for the performance. I'll run through the song a number of times the day before recording because the following day it's easier to get in the zone to record. If I receive an instrumental track to topline on I also go into it very intentional, preparing myself before I even listen to the track. Then, I press play and let it flow. Guided by the music I use imagery that comes to mind to craft a lyric that fits the vibe of the song.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I practice, write, and record in a conditioned room made just for the music and vibes. I am blessed to be able to have a beautiful space in my home to create.

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

A: Singers and songwriters that can tap into raw emotion and express it fully whether that be pure joy, or the opposite, and those with a sensitivity to their voices showing vulnerability, not just the power vocal so many admire. I have always loved and been inspired by the raw creativity and honesty of Bonnie Raitt and Tori Amos.

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

A: I deliver quality alto vocals, including: lead, harmony, adlibs etc. I also topline on a case by case basis.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm continually building my catalog. Right now, I'm laying down vocals for a country song I wrote. Building out all the layers, dbls, harmony, adlibs, octaves, maybe a gang vox.

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

A: laptop mic headphones interface notebook/paper