All-Around Music and Sound

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

A: I've had the great pleasure of working with Christine Havrilla. Christine is an artist that keeps her music close to her heart and tends to know exactly what she wants at all times. The last 2 records we did together, I extremely proud to have been a big part of the production and arrangements of the songs. When you go in for a session only t be asked your thoughts and then what the artist act on those thoughts is extremely energizing; especially when you really respect that artist.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Gigging regularly. Wrapping up sound design/mix on a short film. Awaiting 4 more films to score and/or mix starting in January.

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

A: KJ McNeill

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Yes. There are benefits to both. Digital is how we work in this day and age and is the fast way t work because it's non-linear and non-destructively editable. Analog is quirky and fun to work with if you have the time and the means.

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

A: We will always find a meeting point where imagination and reality converge. It takes patience and communication - and a willingness to compromise a little.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creativity. Collaboration, Learning Opportunity, Hone my craft.

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

A: Can you turn that one part up? Sure, but something else has to move out of its way.

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

A: Most either believe this work is easier than it looks or so complicated they won't ask questions or pursue what they really was or settle. Also, a lot of folks believe if you can play something on one instrument, you can play it on all of them.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your overall vision? How do you envision (even sonically) the final result? What is your preferred type of communication? What's too much/little? How comfortable are you giving/receiving feedback? How can I make this experience the best for you?

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

A: Ask questions!! Personally, I always welcome as many questions as necessary. That's part of the collaborative process. It serves to ensure everyone is on the same page and there's no doubts moving forward. These questions should be wide ranging and not just about a particular project. Get to know each other and establish a line of trust. It's also a great way to learn. Also, be as clear and concise about what you want as possible. Don't say things like, "I'm not feeling that" and not have a follow up to keep things moving in the right direction. "I'll know it when I hear it" isn't an option - unless you're paying by the hour.

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

A: Some kind of mechanical piano so I don't need to plug it in acoustic guitar acoustic or upright bass wind-up record player and vinyl records paper and pencil to write down ideas

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

A: My first instrument was trumpet in 4th grade followed by piano in 5th. From there I begged to play French horn, trombone, tuba, and other brass instruments through middle and high school. I was also fortunate to pick up upright bass and study mallets for a couple year. From there, I went to college as a Jazz piano major and studied piano performance as well as arranging, recording, and music industry. Since college I have worked with a myriad of artists all over the east coast of the US playing every style of music imaginable. Most recently, I've been fortunate to score, orchestrate, and complete all production and post-production sound and mix on several short films.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I've always approached playing with other artists like a chameleon - present but not totally noticeable. Blending in.

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

A: Jacob Collier - He's so above and beyond from his knowledge and playing skills that you're guaranteed to walk away with something new.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Capture the best sound you can within your means.

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

A: Rock, Pop, Jazz, Gospel, Funk, Soul/R&B, Classical, Orchestral, instrumental, vocal

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Being a multi-instrumentalist who has played several instruments over the years, including many wind instruments, I hope to bring a level of empathy to any instruments I may be writing/arranging for. Also, my career has crossed over many, many genres and blessed me the experience and understanding to work in nearly any environment in any musical situation.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Passion, creativity, inventiveness, and a collaborative spirit. Plus, when needed, some pocket/groove.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will typically work with a client/collaborator to work out the total vision. From there, we work together to determine a timeline and necessary deliverables. I tend to utilize calendars and notebooks to keep organized and detail-oriented. Informing during important points in the process is also very important. Having a clear dialogue for feedback is also extremely important to ensure everyone is happy with the final result. Delivery is always organized and through any means dictated by the end-user.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: • Home - UAD Apollo, Adam A77x's, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Davindi Resolve, Izotope, various microphones, Rhodes MK V, Wurlitzer 200, various basses and el/ac guitars, full compliment of plugins for effects as well as virtual instruments from Sprectrasonics, Spitfire Audio, 8dio, Cinesamples, Waves, UAD, etc. • Public studio - ProTools HD, Adam A77x's, 5.1 Surround setup, Pro Tools, Logic, DaVinci Resolve, various microphones, live drums, Rhodes Suitcase, Hammodn organ and Leslie, guitars and basses, amps, full compliment of effects and virtual instrument plugins.

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

A: • The Beatles, Jellyfish, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, 10CC, XTC, Corey Henry, Chick Corea, James Jamerson, Bobby Babbit, Cornell Dupree, Eric Gale, Steve Gadd, Richard Tee, Donny Hathaway, Elvis Costello, John Williams, Michael Giacchino, James Horner... •George Martin, Geoff Emerick, Warren Huart, Al Stewart, Junky XL...

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

A: There are 2 sides to the work I do most often: • Music - session multi-instrumentalist (keys, bass, guitar, vocals, other instruments as needed), producer, arranger, editor, mix engineer. • Production/Post-Production Music and Sound - Film Composer, Sound Designer, Dialogue Editor, Sound Cleanup & Restoration, Sound for Video mix and final delivery