Remote session Pianist

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 a recent project where I worked on a pop track. My role was to provide the piano performance that added emotion and depth to the song. The client had a clear vision, and I was able to bring it to life by focusing on the right dynamics and timing, creating a sound that fit perfectly with the overall vibe. The end result was something we both were proud of, and knowing I helped bring their vision to life made it even more rewarding.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I’m focusing on perfecting my piano services and building my presence on SoundBetter. I’m also working on expanding my skills and ensuring I can deliver the best possible experience for my clients. Always striving to improve and take my craft to the next level!

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

A: I'm new to the platform and still dialing things in, so for now, I don’t have anyone to recommend. But as I continue using it, I’m sure I’ll find some great talent to suggest in the future!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. For convenience and ultimate refinement, allowing you to get exactly what you need down to the tiniest detail.

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

A: My promise to my clients is to do whatever is necessary to bring their vision to life. At the end of the day, what matters most is that they’re happy with the final result. I could say it’s my best, but if the client isn’t satisfied, I haven’t done my job. Even if it means going beyond my current skill level and pushing myself further, I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get exactly what they need.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Other than location and time freedom, what I enjoy most is creation—seeing an idea or a thought turn into a reality, and I get to be part of that process. There’s something special about taking someone’s vision and helping bring it to life through music—it’s incredibly rewarding.

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

A: 'How soon can you get it done?' – My answer: I always aim to meet the client’s deadline, and I’m happy to discuss a realistic timeline based on the complexity of the project. 'Can you play in a specific style?' – My answer: Absolutely! I’ve worked in various genres like jazz, pop, R&B, and gospel, but I’m open to any style and always strive to capture the essence of what you need. 'How many revisions do I get?' – My answer: I provide a couple of revisions to make sure everything is just right. I want you to be fully satisfied with the final result. 'What if I don’t like something?' – My answer: No problem! I believe communication is key, so if something doesn’t feel right, just let me know, and I’ll make the necessary adjustments.

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

A: It's not about playing fast or adding lots of chords to show off. What I’ve learned through years of experience is that it's about discipline—doing as much as possible with the least number of notes. Sometimes, you're not presented with the opportunity to play a lot in songs, and that’s when knowing what to play and when becomes crucial. Your ears are more important than your fingers. It’s about creating impact with simplicity and playing what serves the song, not just filling space.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask clients about the mood or emotion they want to evoke, if they have reference tracks or specific styles in mind, and the overall vibe they’re going for—whether it’s laid-back, energetic, or dramatic. I also check on their expectations for delivery time, revisions, and any specific details they want me to focus on. The more information I have, the better I can tailor my performance to their needs.

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

A: My advice for a customer looking to hire a provider like me is to have a clear vision and be open to communication. That’s the bare minimum. As long as we’re on the same page, we can work together to create something amazing. And honestly, if there's something you don’t like, don’t hesitate to speak up. I’m here to make sure you’re satisfied with the end result, so your feedback is always welcomed!

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

A: Well, first off, I’d take water and food—got to stay alive, right? Then, assuming I’ve got some power on that desert island, I’d bring my laptop, my headphones, and my MIDI keyboard with a sustain pedal. That’s all I really need to make some music while waiting for rescue—or even doing my work there, making sure the client is satisfied with my piano services. Who knows? Maybe I’ll end up writing a hit song about being stuck on an island!

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

A: Music has always been my true passion, but I was pressured to pursue a 'real' job, which led me into aviation. I loved it and still do as a hobby, but music has always been at the core of who I am. After some time, I decided to fully dedicate myself to music, and I’ve been working professionally in the field for over a decade now. It’s been a fulfilling journey, and I’m grateful to be where I am today.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is all about emotional expression and attention to detail. It's about playing what’s needed to move the song forward and connect with the listener on an emotional level.

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

A: I don’t have a specific dream artist in mind, but if the opportunity comes, I would be incredibly appreciative. To be honest, this is a question I haven’t really thought about until now—it’s never really crossed my mind. I’m just focused on the music and the opportunity to collaborate with any artist who shares a vision that resonates with me.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Whether you're playing drums, keys, bass, or you're a music producer, your job is to bring the client’s vision to life. Communication is key—your ego should be left at the door, and your focus should be on enhancing the song. If you're already competent, skill isn't usually the problem; it’s your character and demeanor that make all the difference. A humble, focused attitude and a strong understanding of the artist’s needs are what truly elevates the song.

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

A: I usually work on jazz, pop, R&B, and gospel music, as I’ve had a lot of opportunities in those genres. However, my attention to detail and ability to adapt means that I would thrive in other genres as well, if the opportunities present themselves. I approach every style with the same commitment to emotional expression and technical precision, ensuring the piano performance elevates the song, no matter the genre.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is emotional communication through music. It's not just about playing the right notes or technical skill—it’s about ensuring the music connects with the listener. I excel at not overplaying; I focus on serving the song and ensuring every note has purpose and meaning. I also prioritize clear communication with the client, making sure I understand their vision and emotional direction for the piece. Above all, my goal is to evoke emotion in the performance, whether it’s joy, tension, or melancholy—whatever fits the story of the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: What I bring to a song is a deep emotional connection through my piano performances. I don't just play the notes—I make sure every chord, every melody, and every dynamic shift carries the right emotion and helps tell the story of the song. I focus on bringing out the mood and vibe the artist envisions, whether that’s warmth, tension, joy, or melancholy. It’s about paying attention to the small details, like timing, expression, and dynamics, to make sure the performance feels alive and authentic. Ultimately, I bring a personal touch that complements the song, enhancing its overall impact and ensuring it resonates with listeners

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process starts with clear communication with the client. I make sure to fully understand their vision by discussing ideas and confirming details—sometimes even re-explaining the brief back to them. If they provide a reference track, I listen to it multiple times, paying close attention to what they admired, whether it’s the dynamics or specific elements of the performance. From there, I replicate the feelings and techniques, but also tailor them to the song at hand. It's all about refinement—dialing in the reverb, adjusting the velocity of each note, fine-tuning the timing, and making sure the expression feels natural. I aim for a dynamic performance without any uneven audio spikes, almost like a surgeon carefully making adjustments during an operation. Once I’ve perfected everything and I can't take anything else out or add anything more, I send it to the client. They usually love it—not because I think I’m awesome (though I am!)—but because I took the time to give them exactly what they need, not just what I think they need. That, to me, is far more important than any skill or expertise.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I'm not a complicated guy—I believe in getting straight to the music. My setup is simple but effective: an Alesis MIDI keyboard paired with a sustain pedal, running through FL Studio with high-quality piano VSTs (as mentioned in my profile). I use an M-Audio 192/4 interface for clean signal processing and Audio-Technica M40x headphones to ensure every detail is captured accurately. My focus isn’t on having the flashiest gear but on delivering authentic, emotionally rich piano performances that enhance the music.

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

A: Robert Glasper, Rodney East, Travis Sayles, and Jason Tyson are my biggest inspirations. For me, it's not just about technical skill—it’s about the ability to evoke emotion in every note. Whether it’s ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ their playing always makes you feel something, and that, to me, is the true purpose of music. Their approach to piano goes beyond just playing the right notes; it's about storytelling, connection, and expression. That’s the same philosophy I bring to every session—ensuring that the music speaks just as much as it sounds good.

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

A: As a session pianist and producer, I specialize in crafting expressive, high-quality piano recordings tailored to each artist’s unique vision. Whether it's rich, emotional chord progressions for a ballad, intricate jazz voicings, or dynamic piano layers for pop and R&B tracks, I bring a deep musical sensitivity to every project. My goal is to enhance the song’s storytelling with professional, polished piano performances that seamlessly blend into the production.