Producer||Songwriter||Composer

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

A: One that definitely strikes me as a fond memory is a Pop/Punk record called "Bless Your Heart" by Lina Cooper, an emerging artist from Los Angeles, California. The song was written right after the COVID-19 pandemic and I produced the record myself. The song was released last November through Ninetone Records and was placed on 3 Spotify Editorial Playlists.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Exciting new projects by artists from both the US and Europe. A pop-punk album and a Pop/R&B EP, to name a couple.

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

A: Not a the moment. I'm excited to connect with anyone though.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: When it comes to recording instruments, definitely analog. No sample or MIDI library can compete with a real human recording a real instrument. I only strive to record or sample everything myself, with a mic or a phone. As far as production goes, digital is the way. I would only need my laptop and a DAW to create entire worlds.

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

A: 100% dedication and enthusiasm in shaping their vision and making it come to life through the record.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: How unpredictable it is. Every day is a blank canvas. Every artist I work with is a life touched, a connection established. I fall in love with music all over with every new record I help create.

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

A: Sometimes I still hear someone calling music a "hobby". Somehow, some people are still convinced that if you can play a few chords right and you're kinda good at Guitar Hero, you can call yourself a musician. Music is not a hobby, music is a lifestyle. In today's world, it takes years, decades, to hone the set of skills necessary to produce anything industry-level. It takes passion, dedication, sweat, tears, and quite a few meltdowns to become a successful musician. Most people give up, and those who don't and follow through, are worthy of admiration.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's the story behind the track? Do you have a reference? What's your goal/plan/vision for the track? Do you have a deadline for it?

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

A: Be serious and responsive. I lost count of how many times I had to chase people and clients, whether it was for info, money, or even feedback on THEIR own tracks. Producers and writers appreciate clients who always reply on time and provide them with the means to do their job.

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

A: I wouldn't need 5, just 3: an iPhone, my acoustic guitar, and my laptop. That's all I need to create entire worlds.

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

A: Music has always been part of my life. I started my musical journey at the age of 4 when I first picked up the violin. I spent the following 9 years practicing it in music schools and orchestras. At the age of 15, I started my first rock band in high school. I learned to play guitar, piano, bass and took my very first few voice lessons. At 19th I was accepted at Berklee College of Music with two scholarships (for voice and songwriting). I graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2020. Since then I worked and collaborated as a writer, composer, and producer with dozens of artists, publishers, brands, and record labels.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Unpredictable. I always try to bring something new with each song. I spend most of the time crafting sounds and samples with the sole goal of elevating a great record to "unique" status. If I had to name a constant element in my productions, that would be strings. My background as a young violinist and orchestra player left me with a love for strings and orchestral vibes. I will try to fit them into a track whenever possible.

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

A: Ryan Tedder would definitely be the #1 on the list. His prowess as a writer united with his skills as a record maker and his wit as an entrepreneur are unparalleled.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make your own sounds. Most records nowadays sound the same. The reason is the following: they all use the same trending samples. You don't need expensive subscriptions or sample packs. You only need a mic or even your phone. Literally all the songs I work on will have sounds recorded with my iPhone. Unique sounds make a unique record. Simple enough equation.

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

A: I mainly focus on Pop music, but my experience extends to all sorts of genres. In 2023 alone, I worked on Punk, Hip-Hop, Rock, EDM, Latin, Indie, R&B, Singer-Songwriter, soundtrack records.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My adaptability and versatility as a record maker. I have years of experience in the music industry and over a decade as a musician/writer/composer and producer. I shaped my path to be a one-man army. From songwriting and composition to recording and production, I'm your man.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Throughout my whole career in the music industry, I worked on honing all my sets of skills, from songwriting and composition to arranging, recording, and production. I listened to countless records and genres from all ages, from classical music (my original musical training, as a violinist) all the way to pop, rock, R&B, Metal, and more. I played 4 instruments (guitar, piano, bass, vocals) in various live and recording scenarios. As a result of this, I tend to craft sounds and samples on my own, only relying on Splice and Sample Packs when truly necessary. The artists who work with me will find a versatile and 360-degree record-maker, ready to hop onto any track at any stage and provide them with insight and knowledge on every aspect of the record. In my head, every record has the potential to become great. My #1 goal is to make it as unique as possible.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Whether it's a songwriting or music production gig, I usually start with a nice chat: getting to know the person in front of me is critical, in my opinion. To provide the perfect result, I need to know what drives you, what the song or the music means to you, and connect on a human and personal level. In my experience, this can go a long way when it comes to crafting a great record. Next, I would take time to research and collect references: more often than not, artists and clients have a clear vision based on records that are out already. Furthermore, finding cool and different references and mixing them together can produce something truly new. After all of this is done, I would dive deep into the track and provide the artist/client with regular updates, so that they may shape the music's direction according to their vision. Every job is also a collaboration for me. I put 100% of enthusiasm and dedication into every song as if they were my own. That's the only way to make great records.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: A cozy home studio equipped with two computer screens, Rokit8 KRK Monitor System, Apollo UAD interface, 3 microphones (Shure SM7B, Sontronics Aria Tube Mic, Lauten Audio LS-208) for various types of recordings (Acoustic Guitar, Single String Pieces, Vocals, Voiceovers), two keyboards, 4 guitars (two different Fender Strats and a Rickenbacker 360 FG) and 1 electric bass (Fender Jazz).

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

A: I was always fascinated by great music entrepreneurs, such as Ryan Tedder, Ed Sheeran, FINNEAS, and Charlie Puth (to name a few). On top of being incredibly talented musicians each one with a unique sound, they were able to elevate their craft and direct it towards more aspects of the music industry. Their ability to communicate at each step of the record-making process (from writing to production, marketing, and promotion) is unparalleled, and such a great skill to hone. My whole journey as a musician has been shaped by this goal.

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

A: Regarding artists, my job's most frequent aspects are full production work and songwriting. When it comes to brands, it's usually composition and jingle writing. I generally hop on board in the early stages of tracks and records (writing sessions) and take it all the way to mixing and mastering.