Producer, writer and mixer

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

A: The project that put me on the map was a band formed in Denmark called 'New Politics'. I co-wrote and produced all our demos. That got me started and gave me a sense of 'I can do this..'. The jump from 'demo' to 'done' seemed steep in the beginning but it's actually not that far - you just have to believe in what you're doing and not be too precious when it comes to asking for help or working with other people. That was an amazing and important lesson to learn.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now I am working on a personal record, a duo with an amazing artist and finishing up mixes for another record. I also engineer for a top producer and write a lot with other artists.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! Analog for crunch and vibe - digital for impact and precision. I use analog compressors, preamps, and EQs. I even run everything through analog gear (SSL Fusion, tape, and transformers) on the master to get some saturation. But I also clean up noise, EQ, and compress in the box. I think a healthy hybrid is a healthy mix.

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

A: I promise that I will do everything in my power to get your song to a place where you can release it and be proud of it!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love seeing a client happy! Nothing is better than taking a demo or a song idea and turning it into something the artist is super proud of showing to the world.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always try to find out who they are. There are 3 different types of clients: 1: The person who made a bunch of demos at home. Usually, they already have a sonic universe that just needs to be expanded upon. 2: The artist who demoed a bunch of songs with a bunch of different producers/writers. Here I have to find the red thread and make a record that sounds like them and not the other writers. 3: The person who isn't sure who they are yet. Maybe the demo is just a voice memo or maybe it's just a Garageband demo with some loops. I ask questions to find out who they are.

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

A: Find the right person! Someone you think you would trust and be able to be yourself with. It's your art and you have to make sure you are able to have your voice heard.

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

A: A laptop, an Apollo interface, an SM7, a guitar and a U67

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

A: I got my first computer and interface 25 years ago. Traded in an electronic piano and bought a really bad microphone and Cubase. And then I just did it. Learned the program and eventually outgrew it so I switched to Logic. And when I started getting record deal offers and my productions ended up being released I switched to Pro Tools so it was easier sending tracks to mix. After 10 years of touring with a band, I bought a place to record in Nashville and here we are! I have been a full-time producer, mixer, and engineer ever since.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to sound like you! It's easy to overthink things, especially when making art. If we try to sound too much like someone else, we already sound like last year's news when the song comes out. Don't hide away who you are in a jungle of tracks :)

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

A: I usually work on pop and rock but have produced and written electronic pop records, Americana, soft rock, punk-pop, country, singer-songwriter records and much much more.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am good at communicating and making sure the artist gets what they pay for! I have 20+ years of experience recording and am very fluent in using my tools. I am a firm believer that art comes from the heart and nothing is better than seeing a client shine. That's how we make history - theirs and ours.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Since I am a songwriter myself I like to think that I understand songs. It is just as important the music is telling a story as the lyrics are. I have seen what a good song with the right production can do! I play a lot of instruments and can contribute in whatever capacity the client wants.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to get a demo sent over. I then spend some time with it and try to imagine where it could go. Then I talk to the client and if we agree I get to work! I like to use tracks from the demo, as well. After all, the sonic universe inspired the artist to want to finish it, and there is always magic in the initial tracks. I like to flesh out the basic production, talk to the artist, and then bring it home!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My setup is based around an amazing-sounding vintage console. A 1974 MCI 416B with API op-amps. I also have a 1973 MCI 4-track and a bunch of fun outboard gear and microphones. I run Pro Tools Ultimate through a Burl Mothership and have all the modern plug-ins, as well. The studio is set up as a 'everything is always on' situation. Want to record drums? Just go and play. Want to record piano? Just go and play. It is also easy to configure for a full analog mix.

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

A: I grew up on rock n roll! I love everything from early 2000's pop/rock to metal. I really appreciate early Coldplay, Radiohead, Keane, Franz Ferdinand, Strokes and that kind of stuff, but I have worked on many different records in many different genres. I just love music!

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

A: I usually get hired to produce and finish people's records or songs. A client will either give me a voice memo or a somewhat done track and I help them make it the best it can be. I have always been an artist myself and that has really helped me when it comes to communication because I know how important it is, as an artist, to be happy with how the song sounds! I also get hired to mix a lot. It is a different, but equally as important, part of the process!