Session Guitarist (Acc+Egt)

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 a recent project I worked on with my friend Aidan Madden. We have a great Paul-and-John type relationship, which makes the collaboration not only productive but also really enjoyable. My role involved helping him with demos, where I brought his vision to life through arrangement, instrumentation, and production. It was rewarding to see how our creative synergy translated into music that truly reflects Aidan’s style and aspirations. Being able to contribute to his artistic journey and help shape his sound was a fulfilling experience, and I’m excited to see where his music takes him next!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: for TV shows, movies, video games, commercials, and more. I write, record, play, mix, and master all of it myself, allowing me to maintain full creative control over the projects. In addition to that, I’m also working on a lot of demo work and co-writing for other artists. I love the variety and the opportunity to collaborate with different musicians while exploring new creative directions!

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

A: I would highly recommend Matt Butler on SoundBetter. He’s a fantastic all-around musician and an excellent mixing and mastering engineer. His versatility and attention to detail make him a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their projects. I’ve seen firsthand how he approaches his work with professionalism and creativity, and I’m confident he can help bring any artist's vision to life!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I have a strong preference for analog, as I love the warmth and character it brings to recordings. I have analog echo plexes and plenty of vintage amps, though I often find myself spending more time maintaining them than actually playing! While analog has its charm, I recognize that it can be less reliable than digital. That said, digital technology has come a long way and offers incredible flexibility. I like to hybrid my work by using vintage guitars and old microphones alongside modern plugins in my DAW. This approach allows me to capture the best of both worlds, combining the rich tones of analog with the precision and convenience of digital.

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

A: My promise to my clients is to fully execute their vision while delivering the highest sonic quality possible. I’m dedicated to understanding their goals and working tirelessly to bring those ideas to life, ensuring that every detail is polished and impactful. Your satisfaction and the integrity of your project are my top priorities, and I strive to create music and sound that truly resonates.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job is the opportunity to work on new songs every day and play a role in bringing an artist's vision to life. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about collaborating creatively and helping to shape a project. With podcasts, I strive to create an immersive experience for listeners, making them feel like they’re right there in the room during the conversation. I have an absolute drive to deliver the best work possible, ensuring that both the podcast client and the artists I work with are thrilled with the final product. It’s that passion for helping others achieve their goals that keeps me motivated and excited every day!

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

A: The most common questions I get from customers are about the parts I might hear for a track and how many I think are needed. My response varies depending on the song. Sometimes, I might suggest that just one well-placed part is all a track needs to shine. Other times, it may require a few additional parts to complement the other instruments and create a cohesive blend. It really depends on the vision for the song and how I feel the elements work together. My goal is always to serve the music in the best way possible!

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that musicians aren’t hard workers. In reality, those of us who are truly passionate about our craft often put in 15 to 20 hours a day to deliver the best possible work. It’s not just about playing an instrument; it involves writing, arranging, recording, mixing, and constantly refining our skills. The dedication to excellence in every aspect of music production is what drives us to create meaningful and impactful art. It’s a labor of love, and that commitment often goes unnoticed.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When working with prospective clients, I like to ask a few key questions to get a clearer understanding of their vision. First, I inquire about their sources of inspiration—are there specific artists, songs, or styles that resonate with them? I also ask if they have a particular type of instrument, style, or phrase in mind for my parts, which helps me align with their expectations. For podcast projects, I often ask if there are any specific podcasts they enjoy listening to that I could use as reference material.

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

A: My advice for anyone looking to hire a provider like me is to clearly communicate their vision. The more details you can share about what you want to achieve, the better I can tailor my approach to meet your needs. I’m dedicated to working hard to bring your ideas to life, and understanding your goals helps me deliver the best possible results. Whether it's a specific sound, mood, or overall direction, your vision is crucial in guiding the creative process. Let's collaborate to make something amazing together!

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

A: If I found myself on a desert island with only five pieces of gear, I would definitely choose my Mac, my Heritage Les Paul, my Telecaster, a Neumann U87, and a Fender Princeton. Having my Mac would allow me to record and produce music, keeping my creativity flowing. The Heritage Les Paul and Telecaster give me a versatile range of tones, covering everything from smooth jazz to crunchy rock. The Neumann U87 would be perfect for capturing high-quality vocals and instruments, while the Fender Princeton would provide that classic, warm sound for any guitar work. With this setup, I could keep making music no matter the isolation!

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

A: My career path began as a guitar player doing session work. After high school, I transitioned to working full-time in studios, where I delved into post-production tasks. This hands-on experience allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the recording process. Over time, I combined all of these skills—session playing, engineering, and production—to become the versatile musician I am today. This journey has shaped my approach to music, enabling me to bring a unique perspective to every project I take on.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a blend of various guitar techniques and genres, drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences. I love the smooth, organic swing of George Benson, which adds a touch of sophistication to my playing. I also incorporate the chicken pickin’ country twang of Brent Mason, which brings a lively, dynamic feel to my music. Additionally, I admire the big rock rhythm sounds of Keith Scott, which infuse energy and power into my tracks. This diverse palette allows me to adapt my playing to fit any project, creating a unique sound that resonates across genres.

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

A: I would love the opportunity to work with Shania Twain. Her music has always been a huge inspiration for me, as her records exemplify perfect production and showcase her incredible voice. I admire how she blends different styles, creating a sound that’s both timeless and innovative. Collaborating with her would be a dream come true, as I have so much respect for her artistry and the impact she’s had on the music industry. It would be amazing to contribute to that legacy!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: My one music production tip would be to always take the artist’s vision to heart and work diligently to serve it. It’s essential to really listen to what the artist wants and understand their goals for the project. By prioritizing their vision and putting in the effort to achieve it, you can create something truly special. This approach not only fosters a collaborative environment but also ensures that the final product resonates with both the artist and their audience. Dedication to their vision can make all the difference in producing high-quality music.

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

A: I work across a wide range of musical styles, including country, jazz, pop, rock, and even rap. This versatility has allowed me to become well-versed in the nuances of each genre, which helps me adapt my playing and production techniques to suit the specific needs of any project. Whether it’s crafting a catchy pop hook, laying down a solid country rhythm, or adding intricate jazz elements, I approach each style with the same dedication and creativity. This breadth of experience not only enriches my work but also enables me to collaborate effectively with diverse artists and projects.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is definitely my ear. I have a knack for identifying the right parts that truly serve the song, whether it’s finding the perfect guitar riff, arranging harmonies, or determining the ideal mix balance. This ability allows me to enhance the overall sound and ensure that every element contributes meaningfully to the track. I listen intently to the nuances, and I’m always striving to elevate the music in a way that resonates with both the artist and the audience. It helps me craft my mixes as well for podcasts, because I can craft each individuals voice to make it sound as if you're in the room with them.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: For me, originality, efficiency, dedication, and passion are the cornerstones of any song or podcast project. My passion for recording has been a driving force throughout my musical journey; it started with recording guitar parts and blossomed into a deep interest in engineering, mixing, and mastering. I’ve studied the craft extensively and have continually sought opportunities to refine my skills. This dedication means that I approach each project with a fresh perspective, always looking for ways to infuse originality into the work. I find joy in every facet of recording, from the initial tracking to the final mix, and that enthusiasm fuels my commitment to delivering high-quality results for my clients.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My work process begins with carefully listening to the track and considering any notes the artist has shared about the specific sounds they want to achieve. I love brainstorming creative ways to bring those ideas to life, whether it’s experimenting with different guitar tones or layering textures to enhance the overall feel of the music. For podcast projects, I dedicate a significant amount of time to perfecting the mix. And for both music and podcasts, I believe that getting the right balance and clarity is crucial, so I pay close attention to every detail, making adjustments until everything sounds just right. This thorough approach ensures that the final product not only meets the artist's vision but also resonates with listeners.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is designed to provide versatility and high-quality sound for my projects. I use two JBL monitors for accurate audio monitoring, ensuring that I can hear every detail in my mixes. My audio interface is a Scarlett, which provides great sound quality and reliable performance. I work primarily on a Mac, utilizing both Logic Pro and Pro Tools, depending on the needs of the project. Each DAW has its strengths, and I appreciate the flexibility they offer. I also have a range of plugins for each platform, which allows me to experiment with different sounds and effects, enhancing both music production and podcast mixing. This setup helps me deliver polished, professional results for my clients.

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

A: I draw a lot of inspiration from musicians and music production professionals who have had a significant impact on my journey. For me, Johnny Minick, my grandpa, and my dad, Aaron Minick, are foundational figures—they’ve not only shaped my musical style but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship in music. Beyond my family, I admire the work of Tom Herby and Dave Cleveland for their incredible versatility and ability to blend genres seamlessly. Kelly Back’s unique approach to guitar, always inspires me to think outside the box, while Michael Sykes' expertise in producing and songwriting resonates deeply with my own production philosophy. Each of these artists brings something unique to the table, and their creativity pushes me to grow and explore new ideas in my own work.

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

A: The most common work I do for clients revolves around my roles as a studio electric and acoustic guitarist, and podcast mixer and mastering engineer. As a guitarist, I often collaborate with artists to create the perfect sound for their tracks, whether that means laying down vibrant electric riffs or delicate acoustic melodies. My experience allows me to adapt to various genres and styles, ensuring that each project reflects the artist's vision. In my role as a podcast mixer and mastering engineer, I focus on delivering high-quality audio that enhances the listening experience. I work closely with podcasters to edit and refine their content, ensuring clarity and balance while maintaining the natural flow of conversation. Mastering the final product is crucial, as it ensures consistency across episodes and a polished finish. Overall, my work combines technical skills and creative input, allowing me to support clients in achieving their artistic goals across various mediums.