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

A: I was able to add horns to the song industry baby by Lil Nas x. I'm proud because that's the first time I had something on the radio and for it to be as big as it was and knowing that the horn part of the song is so integral to it. It makes me happy to know that I was able to help "thicken" that up for them

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I'm working on songs with an artist name mumbi kasumba from Zambia.

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

A: Not yet. Unfortunately I'm new to the site and haven't had a chance to see everyone on here. It was recommended to me by one of my friends who said he was told by his friends who are on the site to get on but he hadn't set up his own account yet. So I will recommend a great trombone's name. Timothy James Robinson aka TJ once he sets up his account!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: To each his own. I have friends who still record to tape and it sounds incredible but I also have friends who never do that and it sounds incredible. I think it's about was comfortable and accessible. I feel like I do my best creative work with my loop pedal and it's something I've been using for over 10 years so it's very comfortable to me.

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

A: Im promise I'll always listen to your needs and do my best to give you what you desire in your music.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Im blessed to play the gigs i want to play, not play the gigs i don't wanna play, make good money and see the world.

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

A: Them:Can you play ( song no one's ever heard of) ? Me: Let me "ask" the band

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

A: Idk honestly as far as remote/virtual work goes. I can say as a gigging musician that people believe the band just magically knows every song ever and that when they bring up their super obscure request that we just have that ready to go lol. Sometimes yeah we do and we're capable of learning on songs the fly but not every song

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: How are you doing? How you feelin? Do you have an idea of what you want? Do you have a reference? Whats the bpm? Can you Whatsapp me? I dont have an iPhone lol.

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

A: Just let me know what you want and how you want it and I'll always do my best to give you exactly that. I'm good with honesty so if you feel like something isn't right, you can say it because I much rather know how you feel than have to guess.

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

A: If laptops dont count. Boss Rc-600 Ev-re20 My Krk Rokit 6s 61 key keyboard. Trombone Or Laptop Re20 Rme UCX ii interface Rokits Trombone 61 key keyboard

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

A: I'm born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio where I went to Cleveland School of Art. I've played trombone since I was 9 years old and started playing gigs for money once I turned 15. I went on to receive scholarship at the New School for Jazz Contemporary Music in New York City where I attended for 3 and 1/2 years and still live today. I've gotten the opportunity to play Big shows like the VMAs with Rihanna in 2015 as well as made in America with Lauryn Hill last year and so many shows in between with people like Macklemore, the Fugees, TLC, Solange, Hezekiah Walker, Broadway Musicals, etc. I have recorded for people like Busta rhymes, Take a day trip (industry baby Lil Nas x) , ELEW and much more that I can remember at the moment lol. I usually play trombone and do rap vocals in a brass band called the Hudson horns and I've begun to teach a few private lessons over the last few years to give to the next generation as like it was given to me. I also do my own music which originated from my time playing in the NYC subways in college. It's generally a loop based electronic soulful trombone thing that's very near and dear to my heart and sound.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: A 90s baby continuing the lineage of black american music through the trombone.

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

A: As far as living artist goes probably Kendrick lamar. Im a big rap fan and kendrick is so musically versatile that it would possibly allow me to be the musician i spent my life practicing to become and he'd be into it.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The goal is find the easiest way to get your ideas out. If you have an idea for drums or melody sometimes its best to record yourself singing it exactly how u want it. That way you can capture the magic that your receiving and add in the details after. So either get as comfortable with your workflow as possible or use what you already know best, your voice and body!

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

A: Gospel, Pop, R&B, Jazz, Rap, Hip hop, New Orleans Brassband, Funk.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Horn lines or solos.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Ease, Confidence, Soul!, Good tone, very experienced improvisor/soloist, That "live" feeling, good ideas, good energy!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Process is usually speaking with client to get an understanding of what they're looking for in the music, checking references songs or inspirations that they have and then making suggestions or just playing what they already want from me. As far as my recording process it depends on what the client needs. For horn parts i Record multiple take of each hit or line and if necessary do some editing to make sure things are lined up and tuned if they need to be. If its a solo or improvised section I'll usually play a few takes and try to give a few options if needed. Once the client hears it if they need a quick revision or addition its usually not a problem.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use a Electro Voice Re-20 mic, Into a Scarlett 18i8 interface, I use Ableton Live 11 and 12 currently and I'm a windows user. Im set up for Zoom recording sessions or to just send parts remotely.

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

A: People that inspire me are Fred Wesley, Trombone Shorty, Jeff Bradshaw, Earth wind and Fire, Tye Tribbet, Kirk Franklin, Timbaland, Dr. Dre, Drake, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Prince Michael Jackson, Art blakey and the Jazz Messengers and Stevie Wonder to name a few lol

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

A: Trombone player. I can record horn parts, solos, and fx based trombone on whatever kind of music you need. I also can do the editing for my parts if needed.Guaranteed to be filled with soul!