Writer and Full-Stack Producer

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

A: In 2020, I participated in a collective production and writing project with a small label called Kimura. I got to help a handful of artists write songs then produce and mix them after the fact for submission to sync licensing contracts. Some of my favorite projects to date came from that project.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on producing and mixing singles for some local singer-songwriters here in NC, as well as producing and mixing a pop rock EP for a new band called Modernkind.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Eh, it depends on whats available to you. Analog definitely has its own magic, but digital can give you a lot of options and keeps getting better. The better analog emulations get in digital formats, the easier it is to default to a digital approach. I also think digital is just so much more available and accessible to artists and producers.

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

A: I promise to listen well. That may seem like a small deal, but listening well leads to really understanding what you want as well as understanding what it takes to serve your song and project well.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: My passion is helping other artists make things they're excited about. Writing songs is like planting seeds, and I can provide the light, soil, and water it needs to grow into its fullest potential!

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

A: - I think many people think producers or mix engineers are just trying to copy the latest trends to be relevant. Every engineer and producer I know does stay on top of those trends, but is more concerned with making sure an artist/writer is represented in a way that's true to them and their work!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: - How do you want this project to feel? - What other songs are a good example of your desired direction? - What's the story behind your song and its writing/concept?

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

A: Make sure you connect well with your provider on a personal level! You don't have to be best friends, but you've gotta be able to vibe and communicate well so that your provider can understand your goals on every level.

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

A: Assuming access to electricity... A laptop, my Nord Electro 6D, my Cole Clark acoustic guitar, my UA Volt interface, and my Shure SM7B.

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

A: I've been an artist, producer, and music director in various capacities for 15 years. That includes church work, playing in touring bands, writing and releasing my own projects, as well as producing other artists (my favorite).

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I'd describe my style as engaging, emotional, and expressive.

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

A: My dream would be to work with Noah Gundersen, Lennon Stella, or Lizzy McAlpine. The way their production always enhances their brilliant songwriting is such a good example of the kind of producer and artist I want to be.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I love the advice I've been given about vocal layers! As a baseline, I always make sure to capture at least five duplicates of the lead tracks, three duplicates of each applicable harmony, then at least one copy of a lower octave for each part. This gives me SO much to work with in ways that aren't always obvious but can really help a vocal sit in a mix or create really stylized layers that can give any song some real unique flair.

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

A: I am most prone to pop, rock, and singer-songwriter projects.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I think my strongest skill is producing and mixing like an artist. I myself am a singer-songwriter and play in a diverse array of projects, so I think I'm able to bridge the gap well between technical processes and artistic expression.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I think what I bring to a song the most is emotional engagement. I really like to get a deep understanding of the emotional context of a song or project, then make sure that the production and writing choices we make together serve that experience well.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to start from making sure I have a complete understanding of where my client is currently and where they'd like to go in terms of style and references. Once we have a vision for the project in mind, I like to organize my workflow in terms of priority instruments, then make sure we have all the essential elements. Next step is any unique flavor or production hooks that make the song unique and let it really pop, then going through the mix to make everything dynamic and cohesive.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work predominantly through Logic Pro X and Ableton. I run through UA interfaces and Yamaha HS8 monitors, as well as Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro headphones. The studio also has instruments such as a Nord Electro 6D, 1968 Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, Cole Clark FL1AC, and Moniker Reedsdale. Microphone highlights include Shure SM7B and Avantone Pro CV-12.

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

A: I'm particularly inspired by producers like Jack Antonoff, Phil Schawel, Blake Mills, and Justin Vernon. My favorite artists are typically in unique pop or singer-songwriter variations like John Mark McMillan, Noah Gundersen, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lennon Stella.

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

A: I most commonly help my clients with full-scale production. I help finalize melodies, write instrumental accompaniment that I then can play or help to outsource, then provide mixing services for each song.