Songwriter and Producer

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

A: I produced the album 'Maps' by Vanishing Shores and it was a emotional song cycle that demanded sensitivity and subtlety. I am very proud of the finished product.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on producing a few albums with Vanishing Shores, Chris Taylor, Sweet Fantastic, and Emily and Ivory.

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

A: Phil Madeira and Chris Donohue

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. One should never be unconditionally dependent on any form or medium. Whatever works best for the song is what matters.

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

A: I will always give 100% effort. I believe in the power and potential of the song. Nothing else matters.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Seeing people reach their creative potential.

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

A: Don't second guess yourself.

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

A: Misconceptions only come from miscommunication. I want to be open and honest and work with the client through whatever creative process they wish to pursue.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are their strengths and goals?

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

A: Be open and honest about your goals and expectations. Be willing to be flexible and let the song take you in unexpected directions.

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

A: Telecaster, Vox Amp, Mellotron (hahah), 4 track recorder, and Rubber Soul on vinyl.

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

A: I have been doing this for over 20 years. I have mostly been focused on my own music and that of a small community of friends and collaborators but I am eager to expand it and partner with people around the globe who are eager to pursue beauty in song.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I don't have a particular style as much as I have a consistent thread of emphasizing melody in all of my productions. I don't want an artist to sound like me. I want them to sound like the best version of themselves. I am about their identity, not creating clones of my music.

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

A: I like to work with any artist who is willing to put in the hard work to make a song of lasting beauty. I don't care about how many fans they have. I only care about their heart and willingness to pursue something of value.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The song must be the most important element. Connection is more important than innovation.

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

A: My work normally involves Indie Rock or Singer/Songwriters looking for a little more edge and creativity.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is songwriting and song-based production.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My greatest skill is bringing out the melody of a song and enhancing it. I hear harmonies and instrumental parts that serve and support and strengthen the melody. The song is what matters, not the pops and buzzes.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to first start with the basics of a song, one voice and guitar or piano to really get inside the song and know its strengths and weaknesses. From there I like to experiment and build until we get the right combination of sound and performances.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is contains a number of custom guitars, amps, and audio equipment. I also utilize other recording studios to enhance the production and presentation of the material.

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

A: I am inspired by all kinds of different musicians and artists like Elvis Costello, Neil Finn, Arcade Fire, Deerhunter, and David Bowie. The main thing for me is the focus on melody. A melody is what makes a song transcendent.

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

A: The most common work I do is songwriting assistance and production work. I like to really dig into the 'heart' of the song with the client and bring out its natural gifts.