Songwriter/Arrangements

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

A: Tony Paoletta-Pedal Steel guitar. Probably one of the best.

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

A: I've been writing songs for most of my life. As Hayes Carll put it "This line of work no one retires'

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't worry about what anyone else says. Follow your ears.

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

A: I have some pretty big ears, so I try to get my hands in as many jars as I can so to speak.

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

A: I'm especially proud of the Halley album FORGET THE LEAVES AUTUMN WILL CHANGE US from 2002. It was the band i fronted in Austin, TX. Alongside my band-mates we made a record on our own that people like us would want to listen to late at night in the still hours hanging out with good friends.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Whichever proves best for the songs. There is no "right answer" to this, only what's right for you.

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

A: To put my ego aside and commit to giving you the best I have. I'm here on this planet to create.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Everything

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What three songs/artists do you most closely connect with musically? What are you trying to say with this? How much or little do you want me to be involved/hands on? Who are you making this for?

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

A: Be honest about what you're really looking for and listen to your inner self and go with your gut feeling about a project, co-writer, time-frame, all of it. The perfect situation for someone else isn't necessarily yours so find out what works for you and go with it.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My personal musical style is either singer/songwriter raspy voice storytelling guy or loud melodic guitars and synths in a swirl of 90s space rock fuzz. Honestly I love it all tho.

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

A: I would love to record a Burrito Brothers style country record with Evan Dando of The Lemonheads.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I usually have a good outline/plan of what we're aiming to accomplish, but willing to throw it all out and start from scratch if the mood strikes. I like a good amount of balance.Mostly its about connecting with the artist to find out what the songs are needing or what songs (or what type) the artist is needing and fulfilling that.

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

A: I have always admired the quiet brilliance of Dave Fridmann helping create many many worlds with some great artists. Of course I'm a fan of all the heavy hitters that make all the lists. As far as songwriters the list kinda goes: Paul Williams, Martin Gore, Carol King, Bryan Adams, Brandi Carlisle, Max Martin, Shel Siverstein, George Michael, Jeff Lynne, Swamp Dogg, Elliott Smith, Kathleen Edwards, Norman Whitfield, Harry Nilsson, Tom Waits, Tom Petty, Tom T Hall Plus lots of others we could go down the rabbit hole together with.

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

A: I'm a songwriter at heart. I work with artists personally to help them achieve their ultimate vision within the song/recording. I have a modest tracking setup to start most projects that I am always finding ways to expand on.