Dynamic Vocalist Songwriter

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: We use a Telefeunken Copperhead tube microphone, a Rupert Neve Portico 5017 mic pre/comp into an Apollo Twin thunderbolt audio interface. Of course, numerous plug ins are available including Sonnox, Slate, Lexicon, Sly-fi, Exponential Audio, Fab Filter, UAD, Valhalla, Celemony and VocAlign.

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

A: Have a budget in mind and make your offer, the more clear we are and the sooner we get business out of the way, the more free we are to create something fabulous, which is exactly what I will strive to give them, the right feel and sound to take their project to the next level.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently writing a R&B/pop hook for a client right here on Soundbetter. : )

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

A: There's a song on Kid Rock's Rebel Soul album called Chicken in the Pen. That song throws back to the songs I mentioned before - with the featured background singer wailing her heart out. I was that wailer. I loved how they used my voice throughout the song. What I performed added the finishing touches that the song needed. It's one of my proudest vocal performances.

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

A: Brent Kolatalo is a brilliant mix engineer.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: These days I prefer a combination of both. Analog is still warmer and has a vibe to it but the digital world has opened up so many doors and is sounding better and better.

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

A: I promise to work hard to give you the musical interpretation you want for your song.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Giving life to a song. Your musical interpretation determines how people will connect with a song. It's exciting to find the perfect tone that gives the song the right feel. It's breathing life into music. That's truly fulfilling.

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

A: What was it like singing with (fill in the blank)? My reply? It was awesome!!!

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

A: Many people think this isn't work but very often you work harder when pursuing your passion and there's the same stress as when you have a nine to five job. Performing is incredible but there is a lot of work that goes into music as art.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have a reference of the type of sound you want? Do you want vocal options? What is the time frame for your project? Do you need additional lyrics? Would you want an alternative melody?

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

A: A laptop, mic, an interface, a guitar and someone to play it!! LOL

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

A: I've been very fortunate to sing with some of the greatest performers of our time. I cut my teeth singing with Nile Rodgers and Chic. When I wanted to perform with a rock artist, because my personal music is heavily flavored in rock, I started singing with Kid Rock. From there, I got to work with, Lenny Kravitz, who is the type of artist I want to be. My musical arc has been worthwhile and fulfilling.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: While my voice naturally lends itself to dance music, I consider myself as a pop/rock/soul singer. I'm not too much in one direction, but a hybrid of the three.

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

A: I think I would really enjoy working with Dave Matthews. I've always enjoyed the way he plays with melodies. He's got a great folky pop blend. I think we would sing well together.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to experiment, it's really cool right now to blend genres, set your creative expression free!

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

A: I work on a variety. I've written pop, EDM, rock, and soul and I've sang on various records from hip hop to rock.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm a great belter. I like old school wailers on songs like Give Me Shelter, and the Great Gig in the Sky. I feel I'm akin to those types of singers.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When given a song, I like to sit with it for a while and let it speak to me. That's especially so for writing. I usually hear a hook first, then I'll write a verse once I know what the song will be about. The music tells me the subject, unless the artist I'm working with requests a particular topic.

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

A: I'm inspired by my boss, Lenny Kravitz because of his ability to traverse several musical plains but remain true to himself. He's a rock star in every way, but he's done R&B, Funk, Pop, you name it. I love artists that are part chameleon.

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

A: I mostly sing backgrounds for my clients, but I've also been asked to write lyrics when needed.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I'm very diverse. I can give different interpretations, depending on what the client needs. I also try to bring the emotion behind the story.