Songwriter and Record Producer

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

A: Sometimes people think I'm just a rapper/lyricist but I'm good at harmonizing and writing melodic hooks/verses as well. I've also been taking vocal lessons.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I actually don't like this question. It's like MJ or Lebron...

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

A: I want to work with a lot of artists but at this exact moment, I'd say Alessia Cara. I think we can make something impactful together. No offense to her incredible team but on the songwriting side, I think I'd utilize that soulful voice of hers so much better!!

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

A: Mainly Hip-Hop with elements of pop (Such as melodic hooks and different harmonies).

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I usually bring raw emotion, high energy and concepts that relate to the listener. I try to stay away from what everyone else is doing and I believe every artist has a different sound to them or at least should have. I love the challenge of trying to guide an artist to reach deep within themselves and unleash their true god given unique sound.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My current setup is a Macbook Pro with available DAW's for use upon preference of the artist - Logic Pro X, Ableton or Adobe Audition. Rokit studio monitor speakers, Mojave MA-50 & Audio Technica AT2035 Mic with Scarlett 2i2 Interface. I also have the Maschine MK3. My go to plugins are a combination of EQ & Compression chains from Waves and iZotope for mastering.

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

A: The list is endless and very diverse... Ranging from songwriters like Chuck Berry to Willie Nelson, to Johnny Cash, Prince, Bob Marley and Smokey Robinson. Record producers like George Martin to Pharrell, Quincy Jones, The Beatles. You get the idea... I also feel like Will.I.Am is one of the most underrated producers of all time.

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

A: Songwriting and artist development. Artists trust me to sit in their sessions with them & value my input/feedback on their projects. I help them find that reconnection they had when they first wrote the song or if I'm hired to write the song for them, I write it in a style best suited to their specific sound. I can also mix/master their project.

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

A: I love all of them (or else I wouldn't have been a part of them in the first place)

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Myself, whatever that means.

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

A: I'll bring out a side of you that you didn't think you could tap into.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being a part of different creative projects. It inspires me and opens my mind to realms of music I may have not tried myself yet.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: With clients, I like to hear their ideas and interpret their direction. I go in with an open mind to try my best to feel what they feel so we're on a similar page. Then I let them take control with the direction unless of course they want my input, advice and so on. My goal when working with other artists is to use my experience to bring their vision to life.

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

A: If you're looking for someone who genuinely wants to connect with your vision and bring it to life because he truly believes in it and in you, why waste your time with someone else? I'm someone who genuinely isn't money hungry, just trying to make a few bucks. I want to be a part of something special.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Unique, yet recognizable. Meaning - if you feel a certain way, you say to yourself, "Damn... I need to put on some J. Artiste to really get me through this right now."

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Kill the ego and be open minded to criticism and direction but most importantly, relax and HAVE FUN.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your song about? What did you picture in your head as the music video while you were writing this? Are you open to making some changes to the song? What is your budget? What is the deadline?

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

A: Almost 2 decades creating original music. I've been writing rhymes since I was 12 & got my first mic when I was around 14. I've been writing songs ever since. The studio is my second home.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ear for music. I just don't hear songs the way other people do which can be a gift & a curse. It's all in the details!