Pro Topliner, Session Singer

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

A: I tracked, mixed and assistant mastered a track for a client about 4 months ago that ended up being released as a single. She was a fairly well known singer/songwriter in the New York scene. I tracked everything my self using a 64 channel SSL console. I mixed the track using the same console using all types of techniques like parallel compression with Analog compressors. I also performed and co-arranged Backing Vocals on the track with the artist. I'm very proud of the result that came out of that experience.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment I'm programming some music for a client. He needs backing tracks for his upcoming live performances. I am also helping a client put chords to his original music in a sort of pre-production phase of recording his single. We will be going into the studio to track live instruments in a week.

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

A: If you need female vocals I can totally recommend my friend Bea Go. She does some amazing work.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both have their uses. In most cases you can't beat an analog sounding unit but they are not always easy to get your hands on. Digital plug ins can make a process much speedier and also create a similar result if you are using the right plugins.

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

A: I promise to deliver a high quality performance that leaves you satisfied.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: My job is in the music industry. I love everything about it. I think if I had to chose a favorite thing it would, being part of the creative side of things.

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

A: How soon can you get this to me? My answer is. "When do you need it by" I always like to get things done as fast as possible. It's good for me to turnover projects faster and good for the client to have things back in a timely fashion. In saying that, I don't like to rush projects without putting the proper time and effort into it. I want my clients to come back time and again.

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

A: That I can only sing pop music. I am flexible in my styles from pop to RnB, from County to Classical.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: It would have to depend on the material that they present to me.

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

A: I can provide you with an extremely high quality performance whether it be a vocal performance or you need your song mixed. Whatever you need doing, I will deliver an extremely professional performance with a quick turn around.

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

A: My guitar. My Neumann TLM 103, My computer with Protools. A set of speakers and a channel strip of some sort.

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

A: I have been a professional singer since I was 13 years old. I am now 35 so I have been singing for 23 years. about 7 years ago I moved more into music production and Audio Engineering as well as continuing my singing career.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is contemporary pop. Top 40. I try and create catchy music that sells.

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

A: I'd like to work with someone like Justin Timberlake. I believe he is just brilliant. He thinks outside the box when he creates music and pushes the boundaries and it almost always turns to gold!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The most important thing I've leant is to make sure your room is sonically sufficient. If your room is not treated, it is lying to your ears.

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

A: So many different styles. Not a whole lot of Heavy metal. Mainly pop, Rnb and Hip Hop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I've been a professional singer most of my life. So i would say my strongest skill would be my vocal ability. But I believe I bring a strong talent to many facets to the creation of music.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a professional vocal that makes your song stand out from the rest. I also have the ability to add any effects to my own vocals, your vocals or your mix. I can also tune any vocals that you need tuned either with Auto Tune for the T-Pain effect or Melodyne for that subtle, realistic effect.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Depending on the nature of the project, I will listen to the clients needs and address them in the most professional way.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work out of a Grammy award winning recording studio in Downtown New York. It's called Engine Room Audio. I have access to some of the best Microphones in the world. Professional tracking booths and multi platform plugins. We use Lynx convertors and a variation of speakers.

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

A: Max Martin, Timberland, Im a huge Justin Timberlake fan.

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

A: Im predominantly a session singer, providing both Lead Vocals and Backing vocals. I am also capable of composing and arranging vocals for peoples projects.