Songwriter, Drummer, Mix Eng.

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

A: My Christmas project. I love this one because I've always loved Christmas music, and I think this EP did a good job of capturing hope, happiness, sadness, country, classical, metal, and everything in between.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working on my next album that I hope to have out in the spring of 2023. I also am constantly writing with other writers here in Nashville, and often end up producing demos of songs we write.

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

A: I would recommend finding the right person for you!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: They're both great! Digital captures tons of detail and allows people to record without having to fill a room of really expensive gear, but analog sort of simplifies things and always brings that nice warm, nostalgic feel. I like a blend of both.

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

A: I promise to give you a product you'll be proud of. Something you can show your friends and family and blast on your car radio!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to wake up everyday and make music. Doesn't get much better than that!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are you looking for in the end? Do you have any reference tracks that are similar to the sound you're going for? How much are you willing to spend?

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

A: I started writing and recording in my basement when I was 15. Once I realized I had a real passion for it I moved to Tennessee and attended Dark Horse to get certified in audio engineering. A few years later I was fortunate enough to get signed to SB21 Music Publishing. I've been writing and recording with all sorts of people ever since!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I definitely have an old soul. I prefer more natural sounding songs with a human element to them.

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

A: Chesney. He has a great range of style, his songs are always very well-written, and his production is always top of the line.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Do it right! From the set-up to the instruments you use to the ears you have mixing your final product. There's nothing worse than having to redo a song because you cut corners the first time!

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

A: I mostly work on country that ranges from really old-school to brand new. However I do love other styles like metal and reggae and love to mix those projects.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Drumming and writing/composition are probably the two things I have the most experience in.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring completeness. Not many people can write, play, record, and mix all the elements of a song! So if you need a one-man-band and a full production team, I'm your guy!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Once the song is written and mapped out the first thing I'll do is record a scratch acoustic and a scratch vocal. From there I like to record drums and time-align all the drum tracks. This allows me to then layer any guitars, bass, keys, or vocals, and ensures they will be nice and tight to the percussion. Once the tracks have all been recorded I'll begin the mix process. Once everything sounds good I'll master it and bounce it out!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My set up is fairly simple. I run through an Apollo interface that comes with it's own digital console and UAD plug-ins. I usually mic for vocals and acoustic guitars. I prefer to DI electric guitars and bass, but will often blend DI and an amp with a mic on it. I use a MIDI keyboard for any keys/orchestral parts, and I use an electric drum kit that allows for a basically unlimited number of sound combinations!

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

A: A lot of the artists I work with inspire me because everyone brings their own style to the room. I also love country artists like Kenny Chesney, Cody Johnson, Waylon and Willie, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Morgan Wallen, etc.

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

A: Most of my work comes from recording drum tracks and acoustic guitar tracks. I also do a ton of songwriting for my clients. I can help with lyrics, melody, composition, etc!