R&B & Neo Soul Producer/Writer

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital for most things, but analog synths or at least good plugins that emulate the real deal.

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

A: R&B (contemporary and 90s-influenced), Neo Soul and other hybrids of soul, funk, Afrobeat, jazz and pop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have a very deep understanding of composition. I’ve had a great ear for music from a young age and I can pick apart most genres and figure out what works and what doesn’t.

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

A: I collaborated with JJ Mist, a retro-pop artist from New Zealand on a song called Cruel Love. It was featured on NewRetroWave, a YouTube channel with over 1.2 million subscribers. I composed the music, played all the instruments and produced, mixed and mastered the song.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m working on a number of songs for R&B vocalists and an 80s soul/funk synth project.

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

A: I would hope that my clients would be happy enough with my work without me needing to send them to someone else!

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

A: I’ll bring your vision to life with my 20+ years of professional insight and well-honed musical talent!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I spend all day working with music.

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

A: It’s usually about file formats. 48kHz/24-bit WAV files are best for me.

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

A: That anyone can do it after watching a few tutorials. It’s simply not true. You have to hone your craft for a long time before you can expect to get the work.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: It’s very helpful if you supply reference tracks. If you need me to write something from scratch, then it really helps to know what has influenced your music so I can make it fit your brief as best as possible.

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

A: Send me a message. I’d love to hear from you.

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

A: You wouldn't find me on a desert island. Synths need electricity.

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

A: I’ve played instruments since I was 10 years old. I played guitar in bands from a very young age and went on to study music production at university. I have a BA (Hons) and MA in the subject. I have worked at Universal and in various studios. I have been fully independent for the last 7 years. I previously did ghostwriting and ghost production in the soulful house genre and I own a successful London-based music school.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I think my style is quite unique, because I grew up in the 90s and consumed all the amazing music that was around back then, but I've always loved 80s synth music. I’ve worked with so many genres over the years and it’s helped me find my niche. I love laying down a bass groove or some tasteful piano, but I’m equally at home knocking out a ripping guitar solo if that’s what you need.

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

A: I absolutely LOVE Maeta’s vocals, so working with her would be a dream.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Take your time, get it right and don’t just use the first idea that comes to mind.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My talents, hopefully!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When a client sends me their song, I spend a couple of days listening to it and making notes before putting anything down in Cubase. I can’t stand rushed recordings - that music is going to be out there forever with your name on it, so you need to give it your best effort. Finding the right sound is just as important as the performance, so I spend a long time designing the synth patches and effects.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I converted my spare room into a home studio and I love spending most of my time in there. It’s full of keyboards, guitars, basses and other instruments. I have a vocal booth for when clients want to record in person with me.

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

A: I’m influenced by the broad spectrum of music that I listen to. You need to keep pushing yourself as a musician. Discovering new artists and new ways of thinking musically is the key to unlocking new levels of creativity - you find yourself doing things you never thought were possible.

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

A: It’s actually quite a varied job. Some days I will be writing and recording instrumental parts and other days I will be beat making for vocalists or producing the entire track.