Composer, SFX / Audio Engineer

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

A: One project I am especially proud of is the optional audiobook for the tabletop game Frosthaven. I had the opportunity to do sound design for about a dozen episodes of this interactive audiobook. It was an incredibly exciting and educational experience. It was a gigantic project, but I think our team did an amazing job.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm developing my own video game. It's a cool project where I handle project coordination, programming, sound design, and composing - doing a bit of everything. Let's see how well I manage it all! :)

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

A: No, unfortunately not. I'm quite new here.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Well, when it comes to synthesizers, analog is definitely more interesting. However, for everything else, I find that both analog and digital work well enough if you know what you're doing.

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

A: Your vision, my promise. Simple as that.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: A photo of a loved one can evoke strong emotions. Audio has the same power, but I believe it can reach even more people. We are naturally trained to recognize the person in the photo and each individual needs their own photo to evoke feelings. However, audio is universal - a language of emotions for everyone. I think that's the most beautiful aspect of my job.

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

A: Q: Can you make the music sound like artists X or Y? A: Sure thing. Let's give it a try. :P

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

A: Surprisingly, many people think I am primarily a songwriter and producer with a recording studio for artists. This is likely because it's the most well-known branch of the audio profession - everyone is familiar with recording studios. However, my specialization in sound design and composing opens up a whole new perspective for most people on the media they consume daily. It reveals the intricate and essential role sound plays in video games, films, and other multimedia projects, which often goes unnoticed.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask a lot of questions. It would be impossible to list them all here because each project comes with its own unique challenges. Generally, my questions focus on the specific desires and requirements of the clients. Often, even before I have all the details, I get a sense of the direction my production will take. However, this direction becomes clearer as I gather more information over time. Understanding the client’s vision and expectations is crucial to delivering a successful project.

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

A: Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Try to identify which strengths you need and which weaknesses you can tolerate. Also, trust your gut! :)

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

A: If we assume I have access to electricity on the desert island, I would definitely bring my monitors, my computer, my favorite microphone, my favorite guitar, and most importantly my flute (why not?). These essentials would allow me to continue creating and producing music, even in such an unusual setting.

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

A: My career path began with many years of experimenting on the keyboard. At the age of 12, I finally got my hands on a guitar and dreamed of becoming a rockstar. As I grew older, my interests expanded to include sound design and game music. This led me to pursue a degree in composition for film and games. After graduating, I worked for a while at BOOM Library and Dynamedion as a Sound Designer. These experiences honed my skills and deepened my passion for creating compelling audio. Now, I’m here, ready to help you with your project!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as emotional and striking. It tends to be bold and grandiose, making a strong impression. Whether it's through powerful melodies or intricate soundscapes, my work aims to evoke deep emotions and leave a lasting impact on the listener.

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

A: I would love to work with Mick Gordon (DOOM Eternal). His ability to make music so powerful and impactful is truly impressive. I believe there is so much I could learn from him, especially in terms of how he crafts such intense and dynamic tracks. I would jump at the opportunity to collaborate with him and gain insight into his creative process.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One valuable music production tip is to take regular breaks. It might seem counterintuitive when you're in the flow, but your ears can become fatigued, leading to poor judgment in your mix. Drink a coffee or tea, listen to one of your favorite songs - this helps to reset your perspective. Think of it like painting a picture. You shouldn't get too fixated on one perspective; sometimes you need to step back and view the whole picture from a distance. This approach is essential in mixing as well, allowing you to maintain a balanced and clear mix by regularly refreshing your auditory viewpoint.

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

A: I usually work on game soundtracks across all genres, covering a wide range of musical styles to match the diverse needs of different games. This versatility allows me to adapt and create music that perfectly complements each unique gaming experience. In my free time, I enjoy dabbling in heavy metal music, which is my secret passion. This genre allows me to explore my creative boundaries and indulge in the high-energy, intense compositions that I love.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is undoubtedly sound design. Whether I’m designing sound for videos or creating SFX for games, this is where I truly excel. I have a knack for building comprehensive and convincing soundscapes that are both realistic and immersive. My sound designs are not only believable but also packed with punch and impact. This ability to craft detailed and dynamic audio environments allows me to enhance the overall experience and bring projects to life in a powerful and engaging way.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: When it comes to my contributions to a song, one of my key strengths lies in creating driving and emotional melodies and song structures. I place a high emphasis on structural development, ensuring that each piece evolves in a way that captivates the listener and takes them on a journey. This focus on progression and development doesn't mean I can't craft atmospheric music—I'm fully capable of creating immersive soundscapes—but my real forte lies in the creation of strong, memorable melodies and counter-melodies. These melodic elements are designed to evoke deep emotions and connect with the audience on a profound level. By weaving together intricate melodies and harmonies, I strive to create compositions that are both compelling and moving, making sure each piece stands out with its unique emotional impact.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process begins with thorough communication with the client to capture their exact vision for the project. Understanding the client's goals and creative direction is crucial, so I spend time discussing their ideas and expectations in detail. Following this initial discussion, I conduct comprehensive research to gather inspiration and technical information relevant to the project. This step ensures that my work is both creatively inspired and technically sound. Next, I create a preview of the concept. This preview allows the client to hear my interpretation of their vision before I proceed to the final product. Importantly, this preview stage is a critical part of my process and does not count as a revision. It serves as a checkpoint where I can show the client the direction I’m taking and receive feedback to confirm whether it aligns with their expectations. By integrating client feedback early in the process, I ensure that the final product meets their vision accurately. This collaborative approach not only streamlines the workflow but also enhances the quality and satisfaction of the final deliverable. Through this method, I maintain clear communication, minimize misunderstandings, and deliver audio that truly resonates with the client's vision.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is divided into two dedicated rooms, each designed to optimize different aspects of my work. The primary room is my main studio, where I compose music, handle audio production, mix, and master. This space is equipped with everything necessary for high-quality audio creation and production, allowing me to execute every detail with precision and creativity. The second room is an acoustically treated recording room tailored for foley and sound effects recordings, as well as voice-over work. This specialized environment ensures pristine audio capture, essential for producing top-notch SFX and VO recordings. As a guitarist, I have a collection of guitars at my disposal, which I often incorporate into my projects. Additionally, I possess a diverse array of microphones, enabling me to select the perfect mic for each specific SFX recording to achieve the exact sound I envision. At the heart of my studio are the Sky Audio Verdad II monitors. These monitors are crucial to my setup, providing unparalleled clarity and precision, ensuring that every nuance of my audio work is accurately represented and refined. This combination of specialized rooms, high-quality equipment, and a passion for audio excellence defines my studio setup and supports my work across various audio projects.

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

A: John Williams, Mick Gordon, Gareth Coker, Wilbert Roget II

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

A: As a composer and sound designer, the most common type of work I do for my clients involves creating sound effects (SFX) for video games, which is one of my greatest passions. I immerse myself in the game's world to understand its unique atmosphere and narrative, allowing me to design and produce sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience and make it more immersive for players. From the subtle rustling of leaves in a mystical forest to the intense, heart-pounding explosions in a high-stakes action sequence, my goal is to ensure that every sound effect aligns perfectly with the game's aesthetics and emotional tone. I collaborate closely with game developers to fine-tune these sounds, ensuring they seamlessly integrate into the game and elevate the overall player experience. In addition to game sound design, I also compose music and create sound designs for films and other media. This involves a deep understanding of the narrative and emotional undercurrents of each project, allowing me to craft audio experiences that resonate with audiences. Whether it's scoring a poignant film scene or designing the intricate soundscape of a fantasy world, I bring my expertise and creativity to a wide range of audio projects. Creating these soundscapes and compositions involves a mix of field recording, synthesis, and manipulation of various audio elements to achieve the desired result. It’s a meticulous and creative process that requires both technical skill and artistic vision, and I take great pride in contributing to the storytelling and emotional impact of each project I work on.