Songwriter/Singer/Accomplice

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

A: I co-wrote a song called 'A Good Thing' with the band Saint Etienne. It was released as a single and was used in a lot of TVs shows including 'Grey's Anatomy'. It was then featured in a movie called 'Volver' by Pedro Almodóvar starring Penélope Cruz.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Ideas for the next album by a name act

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both - but analog if I have to choose. I can get a great idea by strumming chords on a guitar - but that doesn't mean I won't move those chords onto a soft synth if it sounds better

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Tea or coffee? What bands, singers and songwriters do you like? What do you want to do with the song you hope to write?

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

A: Lyrics don't often come when you are sitting at a desk trying to write them. They come when you are thnking about something else - like running, cleaning or driving.

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

A: Have a clear idea of the kind of song you want to write - ideally some reference tracks that represent the kind of thing you are after Have some of your ideas ready to play me to demonstrate your current output.

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

A: Martin acoustic guitars, Telecaster, Fender Jazz bass, iPad pro with Logic installed, a great microphone and Focusite iTrack Solo audio interface

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

A: Worked in a rehearsal/recording studio and played in bands. Then became partner in a music production company in Soho doing mostly advertising work. Then focused mostly on song writing with artists.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Melodic melancholic indie pop

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

A: Currently Steve Lacey. He has a wide appreciation of different genres and the confidence and ability to blend them into something new and interesting. From the past Brian Wilson. Because he's a genius.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Keep all your first takes.

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

A: Indie pop

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Melody.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Ideas, energy, patience and determination

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will write and record demos with an artist either in my home studio or via the internet. If a song is selected for further development I will typically share the song project (GarageBand/Logic/audio stems) with the producer who will take the track onwards.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: AKG C214 Recording Mic, Focusite iTrack Solo audio interface, GarageBand, Logic, Martin and Guild Acoustic Guitars, Fender Telecaster, Squire Jazz bass.

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

A: Bacharach & David, Lennon & McCartney, Tyler, the Creator, Steve Lacey, The High Llamas, Jimmy Webb, Teenage Fanclub, The Sundays, The Beachboys, Gram Parsons, George Jones, Max Martin, Denniz Pop, Billy Eilish and Bob Dylan.

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

A: I will typically write songs with an artist (lyrics and/or music) and bring the ideas up to a level where they can be presented to either other band members, a producer or a record company.