Vocalist - Mixing - Editing

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Promotional audio and video for my cover duo. Helping my colleague produce new solos for our original project.

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

A: Luke Anderson is a fantastic bassist, guitarist, synth player, and all-around-rad-dude.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog always if possible, the fast-paced nature of the industry requires everyone to learn how to mix in the box; live or in the studio. If only gear grew on trees.

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

A: My attention to detail is unnecessary.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your goal for the song/project? What's the ideal budget? What in that budget is most important? How much guidance will you require to bring it to life/is the song written or project structure completed? What are the hard deadline and required milestones for the production?

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

A: If I can fit your project scope, I will be the most enthusiastic vendor you will find to bring your vision to life.

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

A: Impossible question.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Enthusiasm to see people be just as enthusiastic about their projects. I believe the hardest thing for creators is finding people who just want to "listen". I'd rather know your end goal and help our journey there than define its pathway. Art of any kind bares intrinsic value that can only be expressed at the cost vulnerability. Production can scare people away from vulnerability; I want to remove that barrier. I believe that will provide the most honest interpretation of a client/creator's song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Tracking Vocals/Guitars: gain a grasp of what I or a client is trying to achieve and plan the logistics of how to make it sound the most realistic, within an even more realistic time frame. Rather than over-exerting, I take time to listen to reference material/notes that will help bring the idea to life, and pace my performance and signal chain alterations as to remain consistent throughout the tracking session. Editing: Coffee, and willpower are my main tools for editing. I prefer to first make a simple mix of what the project deserves/needs, to determine where intensive editing is necessary. If a track is nailed, less editing is more sound quality. However, I will not hesitate to get as specific in cuts and comps as is desired by clientele. Producing: I like to push people in the right direction, not over the edge, or to what I necessarily think is best. When producing audio, I try to step back and sidechain musical knowledge and just listen. When I can materialize in my head the sound I or a client wants, I want to chase that instead of what may make immediate sense. Allow the project to grow structure, and solidify the foundation throughout the life cycle.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: PC/Windows tower operating a Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB, utilizing UA pres to directly record into Pro Tools as well as zero-latency monitoring. Selection of UAD plug-ins, along with UAD Spark Suite for mobile recording sessions (Mac, Universal Audio Volt 2). Selection of Neural DSP amplification software for guitar production. Blue Microphones Blue Bird for vocals tracked in a very effective home vocal booth.

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

A: I have been a professional live engineer for over 12 years, and I have been doing studio productions for 2 years with plans of making it a full-time career

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I like to bring out the same dynamic width through out a song; during the timid right into more involved sections.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more unless you need it.

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

A: Rock, Metal, Pop, R&B

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have been singing since I was a child, pursuing advanced choir placement through junior high while performing in an array of local bands throughout and past high school. Eventually, I pursued a full-time career as a vocalist in multiple original projects, while fronting a regional Top-40/Rock cover act out of Ocean City, MD. While taking a pause from performing, I pursued audio production and become obsessed with making vocalists sound fantastic, and in a studio environment. I sing. I strive to sound the best. Let me strive to make you or myself, sound incredible on your project.

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

A: Incubus, Halsey, Periphery, Polyphia, John Williams, Led Zeppelin, Jason Richardson, Luke Holland, Architects, Stray from the Path, Rage Against the Machine, Pink Floyd, Leon Bridges, ERRA, August Burns Red, Misery Signals,

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

A: I have been a live engineer for over 13 years. In the past two years, I have specialized in studio engineering and mixing, focusing on vocal production.