Producer, Engineer, Writer

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

A: I'm especially proud of the sample pack I've been building and plan to release soon! This is something I've wanted to do for a long time. I've already learned so much and it is a venture into a new space of business I haven't had much experience with. Becoming known for creating high quality sample libraries is an aspiration of mine.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A number of things! I'm currently working on my first official sample pack, my regular monthly beat packs, recording & mixing some of my clients projects, and building my brand through content and collaboration!

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

A: Not yet! Can you tell me about anyone I should know?

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Its impossible to match something like a real Sony 800G, Neve1073, Tube-tech CL1B hardware vocal chain in the digital realm. At the same time, Digital clipping has given an entirely new sonic identity to modern music. Ask any FL Studio producer what's on their master channel... its probably a soft-clipper.

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

A: I promise to deliver exceptional quality that meets or exceeds expectation within the allotted timeframe.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the creative process. There is no real right or wrong way to do things and every project is a little bit different. It's constant problem solving which always keeps me engaged.

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

A: Often times I'm asked if I can make something sound like (insert beat or song reference). My answer is usually yes I can, but I will follow up with many more questions to see if we can land on something unique and specific to the client, with the intention of bringing out their own identity through their project.

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

A: Probably the amount of work and experiential knowledge that go into a polished piece of music. Those songs you hear on the radio are often created by a team of writers, producers and only a handful of trusted mixing and mastering engineers. Although the studio can be fun, a lot industry pros are some of the hardest working people you'll ever meet.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I often ask for references of what they consider to be great work. Through those references I can decipher what qualities they appreciate most and their overall taste. I will also ask them what brought them to me specifically. I do this to further hone in my understanding of my own strengths. Beyond that it mainly involves typical budget, timeline and other logistical questions.

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

A: Have a clear understanding of the services outlined. Ask as many questions as you need to find out what is included and what it is limited to before proceeding. Vibes don't lie.

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

A: My laptop, Audio Technica M50s, Yamaha HS8, Apollo Interface, Sony 800G

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

A: My career started out on Garageband. I've always had a huge passion for music and in my teens I fell in love with making beats. After High School I attended the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology, where I won a production award and graduated with honours. Once I had graduated from College, I moved to Toronto looking to gain industry experience. I was consistently working on improving my production skills as I reached out to and collaborated with artists in my local scene. Often times I would make beats for them, record their songs, and mix and master them while working whatever other jobs I had to for money. Eventually my network started to grow and I met a couple of other engineers who were also OIART grads. We partnered up and formed CASA Recording, a studio focused on delivering the quality of big name studios at a more affordable rate. I gained a ton of experience and seat time here and to this day is where the bulk of my learning and growing took place. I continued to network as much as possible, locking in with artists I believed in, and seeking out music business relationships. This pursuit ultimately led me to a management deal with partners of Universal Music Group. In total I've been professionally doing music for 5 years and I feel as though I've only scratched the surface of my career. I know there are hugely exciting opportunities around every corner.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Emotionally driven melody with hard hitting drums and heavy bass,

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

A: I would love to work with Don Toliver. I love his beat selection and vocal production and I believe I could make something incredible with him.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Create a main idea that gives you goosebumps, then create a complimentary, slightly different B section. Having these two elements will drastically improve your arrangement. Returning to the A section after a well executed B section will feel amazing.

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

A: I work mainly in Hip Hop/Rap, R&B, Pop and sometimes House music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is knowing when to hold back and keep it simple vs. when to really go all out for an impactful moment in a song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My specialty has to be my hard hitting, emotionally driven production style. Over the years I've also created three of my own concept albums giving me a unique ability to understand what an artist is looking for. I can help find the core message of a song, trimming the fat and structuring it in a way that best conveys the true meaning. Lastly, I can make sure its is mixed to industry standards, so that it will always translate.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It starts with a good morning routine, a cup of coffee and some ear conditioning. I like to do my most important work of the day first, and ride the momentum after that. I take frequent small breaks to re-calibrate and move my body. Walking away and coming back always gives me a fresh perspective on what's missing or what needs to be taken away.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I mainly work out of CASA Recordings in Toronto, CA, and frequent other studios such as 80A, Arthaus & Dreamhouse. At CASA, we have two fully treated control rooms with Pro Tools, Yamaha monitoring, UAD Apollo X8, TLM 103, AKG C414, Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro mixing headphones and more.

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

A: Don Toliver, Tyler the Creator, Drake, SZA, Baby Keem, 21 Savage, Brent Faiyaz, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Bad Bunny, Rosalia, Steve Lacy and many more

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

A: I most commonly offer exclusive production, mixing and mastering. I also can help you take your project from concept to completion in all areas including instrumentation, lyrics, melody and arrangement.