Grammy Producer / 60+ #1 Hits

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

A: Prince, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, Tame Impala, Trent Reznor, David Foster, Max Martin, Jam & Lewis, Giorgio Moroder, Ozzy Osbourne, Yes, Phil Collins, Steve Lukather, Greg Phillinganes, John Mayer, David Guetta, Galantis, Chris Lake, Skrillex, Zedd, Deadmau5, MK, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Dead and Company, Grateful Dead.

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

A: One thing that I am very proud of was when I was musical director and on-stage performance partner for the comeback tour for Giorgio Moroder. I made new mixes of over 30 disco classics from the master tapes. I wanted to keep the magic and beauty of the original music, but sonically match it to today's sound systems. It was a ton of work, but ultimately paid off the minute Moroder and I hit the stage for the first show. I was happy to see him getting to feel the love for his music directly from the fans.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on a series of single releases for 2025, bot for myself and 2 labels that I am involved with.

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

A: Krysta Youngs is an amazing singer and songwriter, and makes every project better. Austin Leeds is one of the leading production talents in electronic music. Brian Reeves is my mixing mentor and one of the best ever. Angelica Cox delivers unbelievable vocal performances and arrangements.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I have had the honor of spending my career making, listening, and talking about music. I have had the pleasure of traveling around the world and connecting with people everywhere through music. There are very rough days in this job, but my worst day as a music creator is still better than the best day at other jobs I have had.

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

A: That it is fast and easy! Some aspects can move quickly, but professional A-List artist quality sometimes needs more attention to detail. Tools are easier and more redily available now, but what you do with those tools is where the experience and talent comes in.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your end goal? Where do you envision where you want your music played?? (It is for radio, clubs, festivals, record company submissions)

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

A: The more reference points you can play me from other releases, the better! You can explain a bass sound, but everyone perceives and imagines everything differently. If you play me 3 songs and say you are wanting to head in that direction, then it can speed the process along.

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

A: Apple M1 MacBook Pro, UA Apollo, AKG 414 microphone, Nord Lead 2 Synthesizer, my 1977 Fender Stratocaster... (I'm hoping that the island has some sort of solar power or salt-water driven generator to power the gear up!)

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

A: I started as a student at UNLV in Las Vegas on a music scholarship for saxophone. I then started doing dance remixes and edits for a DJ service, and that was when I was discovered and hired by Giorgio Moroder. I moved to LA and started working constantly, as well as meeting and learning from my heroes. I then co-founded a dance label that won the first Grammy for Best Dance Recording. I then remixed and produced under the moniker Thunderpuss for a few years. Since then, I alternate my time between client production work for artists and record labels, and my own artist recording and touring career.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Peak-hour music that is the soundtrack for the best night of your life! (lol) I have heard the following about my music: High Quality, Energetic, Creative, Epic, Inspiring, Emotional, Fun

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

A: I would love to be in the studio with Kevin Parker (Tame Impala). His work is deep and detailed, but his workflow seems spontaneous and effortless. I would also love to get behind the scenes with Max Martin, who is one of the greatest writer/producers of all time. Even if you don't care for pop music, you can't deny the level of quality and undeniable hooks to his productions.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I always build tracks from the ground up. Drums and groove (pocket) are the foundation for any modern record. For vocal tracks, I will define the steps needed to make a perfect vocal performance, and then I will build and arrange the track to best support the vocal.

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

A: Dance, Pop, Indie, House, EDM, Rock, K-Pop, Progressive, Dream Pop, Chill

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have an expert ear and years of experience, plus I possess an encyclopedic knowledge of music from the 60s to now for reference points. I am also enthusiastic about making something that we can both be proud of.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring decades of world-class professional sessions into every project that I do. It is rare that I encounter a problem that can't be easily fixed. I have a very solid workflow and pay attention to detail, and I am also easy to talk to and enter a project without an ego or attitude.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: 1. I will review your material and talk to you to determine what your goal/dream for the project is. 2. You will deliver your parts (either demo, stems, Logic Session, or Ableton Session) and any audio references (either mp3, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music) 3. You will set up payment through this site, and once funded we will agree on a deadline. 4. Once work has commenced you will get a reference snippet to make sure that you like where everything is headed (this won't be the case for things like Mastering, Feedback or Consulting jobs) 5. I will deliver finished mp3 for your approval. 6. If there are some tweaks required, those will be addressed. 7. Once you are 100% happy with your project, we will finalize payment and I will send you DropBox download links for your MASTER WAV files and reference mp3 files.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: It depends on the project. Every song and situation is different, and I am not precious about the analog vs digital debate. I believe that whatever tools completes the job is the right one. Sometimes it's the vibe and character of analog, while other times the precision and speed of digital is needed. Use everything needed to best serve the song.

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

A: I promise that if my name is on it, then I have given a project my best efforts to deliver world-class results.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Hybrid setup with digital and analog gear. Mixing primarily in the box, but with analog channels for certain tracking. Vintage analog synths, numerous guitars and effects pedals.

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

A: Mixing, Remixing, Arranging, Vocal Production, Sound Design, Editing