Producer, Mixer, Writer

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

A: Several years ago I was hired as a session guitarist on a project to record Melissa Ethridge songs for her publishing company. I ended up acting as producer as well. Even though that was not why I was hired. The engineer saw that I knew how to make 'records' and asked me to help out. I've always loved the process so it was very fun and rewarding.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm producing 2 artists that are very different in style. And I've been doing several country tracks to be pitched to artists in Nashville.

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

A: I'll have to check.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love analog but, digital is so good now and it's so much faster.

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

A: If it's possible I will do my best to make it happen. (in other words, I will work hard to make a track sound great)

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Having a client tell me how much they love a mix or a song.

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

A: Can you fix it? My answer is usually: Yes! (but sometimes it's best to re-take something if the performance wasn't there)

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

A: That I am just a 'rock' musician.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your vision? Are you open to new ideas?

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

A: Don't listen to hype. If someone is talented and good they don't need to give you a hard sell.

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

A: NS-10's, UAD Apollo, Fractal AXE-FX III, MacMini Studio, Les Paul.

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

A: I started as a guitar player and worked a lot straight out of high school. Eventually I joined up with original bands and was later signed to Atlantic Records. After that I took on more producing jobs. I had a small studio in Los Angels and recorded countless bands to pay then rent. I learned a lot! So technically I've bending this since the 1970's. Don't let my age fool you!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Honest.

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

A: Prince. Just to see how he went about layering his parts.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: LISTEN!

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

A: Mostly Pop/Rock but I have also worked on Country and Chill music quite a bit.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Taking something raw and making sound more polished.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I've been a songwriter for as long as I can remember. So that means I'm big on song structure and using production to enhance the song to reach more peoples ears.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I listen first! Then talk with the client on what their vision may be and then discuss what I think I can bring to the table. It's all about the song!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use apple M1 Mac. I run Logic and ProTools with a TON of plugins. Waves, UAD, Slate, Plugin Alliance, Izotope, and more. Too many to list.

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

A: Honestly I love such a wide spectrum of music so that's hard to pick. I'm a fan of Bob Clearmountain, Chris Lord-Alge, Rick Rubin, Nile Rogers and a million more.

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

A: Producing, mixing.