Session Musician: Banjo

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

A: In March 2024, I released my 3rd album. It was my first album of all original music and my first contemporary country album. I was proud of my writing, playing, and singing on this record. It was a dream in the making to release this! The album is called, "Outside the Lines." I'd love for you to check it out!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently writing my 4th album!

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

A: I believe Mark Dolin is on SoundBetter. He is a great producer and saxaphone player!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital because I am 30 and have never used analog. Haha!

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

A: I promise to listen to what you want, provide high quality performances, and meet our discussed deadlines.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the creativity that comes from experimenting with different styles.

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

A: Most of the time, customers ask me if I can squeeze them in for a tight turnaround. As an artist myself, I know how important timelines can be and how frustrating it can be if they are not met, so I always do my best to make those tight turnarounds work.

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

A: The biggest misconception is that banjo players only play traditional bluegrass or that a banjo always has the "hillbilly" sound.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask if they want me to play a specific line or if they would rather I come up with the part myself. I also ask what their timeline is.

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

A: The best advise I can give is to be clear about what you want, what you don't want, and what your timeline is.

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

A: 1. My Osborne Chief banjo 2. My Weber guitar 3. My computer with Logic 4. My EarTrumpet Edwina microphone 5. My Scarlett solo

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

A: I have been playing music for 22 years. I am a professional entertainer, songwriter, and musician.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am schooled in bluegrass scruggs style and contemporary three-finger banjo playing. I like to roll with cool rhythmic patterns that compliment the guitar and bass lines.

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

A: I would love to work with Reba McEntire. I love the way every song has a musical hook and pulls you right in. Every instrument/vocal of her songs are placed perfectly to bring an energetic feel to her music.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: My biggest tip is to always listen to what is there and imagine what else is going to be there when creating a part. Don't over play!

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

A: I work on all styles of music ranging from folk to rock to country.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is creating music lines that compliment the track.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I like to consider banjo to be the "sparkle" in a song. I provide interesting, creative music without overpowering. I listen and pay attention to the other instruments in the production to be sure that I am complimenting the rest of the band, not competing with them.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: While work process can vary from song to song, typically I start by charting the song, playing it once through, and then recording three full takes. I choose the best take and comp where necessary.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a home studio. I record on Logic, and I have varying microphones that I use depending on what instrument I am recording and what style I am recording in.

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

A: I find inspiration in all styles of music, but my favorites include modern & classic country, bluegrass, and classic pop.

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

A: I am most commonly asked for banjo tracks. I have provided tracks for various styles including folk, rock, and country.