Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer

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

A: Although I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with some amazing producers while signed to a major label, I’m especially proud of the projects I’m working on right now. Creating my own music from scratch and seeing it through to release is incredibly fulfilling. I get to handle everything myself, from writing and recording to producing and mastering. It’s like being in the driver’s seat of my own creative journey, I’m also obsessed with content creation and video editing, so I’m diving into that as well. Combining these passions allows me to fully express my artistic vision and connect with my audience in new and exciting ways. It’s a lot of work, but seeing the final product come together and knowing it’s all my own is an amazing feeling.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now, I’m deep into writing, recording, and producing my own songs to add to my repertoire. Being an independent artist is a wild ride—I get to do everything myself, from brainstorming ideas to mastering the final track. It’s like being Harry Potter in the studio, whipping up some musical magic! Sure, it’s a lot of work, but having that creative freedom is just so exciting. Plus, I get to say I’m the boss of my own music, which feels pretty awesome.

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

A: I haven’t had the chance to connect with anyone on SoundBetter yet, but I’m really excited to explore and discover talented professionals here. There’s such a wealth of creativity and expertise on this platform, and I’m looking forward to checking out more profiles and potentially collaborating with some amazing artists and producers. As I get to know the community better, I’m sure I’ll have some great recommendations to share with my clients in the future!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer digital, hands down. While analog has its charm, digital offers so much more flexibility and precision, which is crucial for the kind of work I do. With digital tools, I can experiment endlessly, tweak every detail, and achieve the exact sound I’m aiming for. Plus, the convenience of being able to work anywhere with a laptop and some essential gear is a huge advantage. The range of plugins, virtual instruments, and editing capabilities in the digital realm is incredible, and it allows me to bring my creative ideas to life more efficiently and effectively.

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

A: My promise to my clients is to deliver high-quality, authentic work that truly reflects their vision. I’m dedicated to putting in the time, effort, and creativity needed to bring your ideas to life. Whether it’s through meticulous vocal production, sound design, or music creation, I’m committed to making sure every detail is just right. I also promise open communication and collaboration throughout the process, so you always feel heard and involved. Ultimately, my goal is to exceed your expectations and create something we’re both proud of.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job is the creativity and connection it allows. I get to bring ideas to life, whether it’s through my voice, sound design, or production work. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about turning a simple concept into a full-fledged piece of music that resonates with people. I also love the collaboration aspect—working with other artists and clients, sharing ideas, and creating something unique together. The process is challenging, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Every project is a new adventure, and I’m constantly learning and evolving.

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

A: A question I hear a lot from customers is, "How long does it take to complete a project?" My answer is that it really depends on the scope and complexity of the project. I like to take the time needed to ensure everything is just right, but I’m also mindful of deadlines and work efficiently to meet them. Another common question is, "Can you help bring my specific vision to life?" Definitely! I love collaborating with clients to understand their ideas and bring them to reality. Whether you have a clear vision or need help shaping it, I’m here to guide the process and make sure the final result matches your expectations.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that it’s all glamour and easy work. People often think that being a singer and producer is just about performing or sitting in a studio pressing a few buttons. But the reality is, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes effort involved—from hours of vocal training and rehearsals to the meticulous process of mixing, editing, and perfecting tracks. It’s a creative and rewarding job, but it also requires a lot of discipline, technical skill, and attention to detail. The magic you hear in the final product comes from a lot of hard work!

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

A: I’d rather describe my path because, honestly, I’m not sure how to define a “career” these days. As mentioned in my bio, my journey began with disciplined vocal training and years of singing in piano bars, private gigs, and weddings. In 2008, I participated in German Idol and became the runner-up of the season, which led to a contract with Sony Music for two albums. My first single and album, Blessed, were released shortly after the show and topped the charts. Blessed was written and produced specifically for me by a team that had worked with icons like Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, and Justin Timberlake. This newfound fame allowed me to tour and perform extensively. In 2010, I released my second album, followed by two others. That period was incredibly enriching as I learned a lot about studio work and life on the road. However, the demands of touring began to take a toll on my body, so I decided to slow down and take it easy for a few years. During the pandemic, I went back to college to study sound design, earning a degree after two years. This has allowed me to combine my talents as a singer with my knowledge as a producer, which is why I’m writing this now.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When I’m chatting with new clients, I usually ask a few things to get a good feel for what you’re looking for: What’s your vision for this project? – Just want to know what you’re dreaming up and what you’re hoping to achieve. Got any examples or references? – If there’s a song, artist, or style you love, let me know! It helps me get a sense of your taste. What’s the main goal you’re aiming for? – Knowing what success looks like for you helps keep us on track. Any deadlines or key dates? – Helps me plan things out so we hit all the right notes on time. How involved do you want to be? – Whether you want to dive into every detail or stay hands-off, I want to make sure it’s a good fit. Any concerns or challenges you’re worried about? – If there’s anything you’re unsure about, let’s talk it through so we can tackle it together.

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

A: My advice for anyone thinking about hiring someone like me is to keep the lines of communication wide open. Let me know what you have in mind, share your vision, and don’t be shy about your preferences or examples of work you love. The more I understand what you're aiming for, the better I can tailor my work to match your style. Also, feel free to give feedback as we go along—it's all about working together to create something great. And most importantly, let’s enjoy the process and make something awesome!

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

A: That’s an easy one! If I were stuck on a desert island, I’d definitely bring my laptop, an audio interface, a microphone, some cables, and a MIDI keyboard. With those, I could keep recording and producing music, and maybe even form an imaginary band with the local wildlife.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I’d describe my style as deeply emotional. I believe emotions are the boat that carries us all to our desired destinations. Whether I’m working on a pop anthem or a soulful ballad, my goal is to connect with listeners on a profound level and convey the heart of the music. By tapping into genuine feelings and experiences, I aim to create performances and productions that resonate and leave a lasting impact.

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

A: I’d love to work with Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas. They’re so inventive with their music, especially with how they incorporate unconventional sounds, like those recorded on the street, into their tracks. As a sound designer, I really appreciate that level of creativity and attention to detail. It’d be amazing to collaborate with them and experiment with those kinds of unique sounds and textures in a new project.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One of the best music production tips I can share is to always trust your ears over your eyes. While visual tools like waveforms and meters are useful, your ears are the ultimate judge of how a track sounds. Take the time to listen critically and make adjustments based on what you hear, not just what you see. This approach ensures that your mix translates well across different listening environments and feels right to the listener.

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

A: I’m not a fan of fixed labels or boundaries, and I genuinely love diving into a wide range of music genres. Whether it’s pop, jazz, soul, funk, rock, crossover opera, or ambient, I’m comfortable working in any style. Much like cooking, I aim to create the best possible results with the ingredients I have, and I’ve got a diverse set of tools to make that happen.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My biggest strength is singing and using my voice in creative ways. I love adapting and surprising with the range and versatility of my instrument. Being a polyglot, I enjoy singing in multiple languages, which adds a special touch to my performances. I’m also really passionate about harmonies—they’re one of my favorite things! For me, vocal production is not just something I do; it’s something I genuinely love.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I like to believe that I bring an element of surprise and a unique twist to a song through my vocal performance, adding excitement and offering variations to the client. When working on others' vocals, I make it my mission to get the best out of them. My goal is to add a touch of magic.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: As a vocalist, I listen to the track many times to feel its vibe and understand the story it’s telling. This guides my voice naturally. I avoid over-studying the track, preferring to leave space for spontaneity. After preparing my studio for recording and warming up my voice, I start recording and listen back to evaluate how it feels. When working on my own vocals or those of others, if needed, I’ll comp the takes and then move on to mixing. This involves addressing unpleasant frequencies, vocal riding, adjusting the compressor, de-essing, applying parallel compression, reverb, and extensive automation, primarily for effects. I prefer to tune as little as possible, but if necessary, I’ll manually adjust each note in Melodyne and fine-tune the syllables to achieve the best result. I can proudly say that I am a pro in this area.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: As a state-certified sound designer and music producer, I’m truly captivated by the technological advancements that enable us to create music from home. It’s incredible to think about the success of Billie Eilish and her brother, who crafted a Grammy-winning album right from their bedroom. My setup includes a high-performance PC, a MIDI keyboard, several sound cards, and an array of microphones. I’ve also invested a fortune in software and plugins to ensure I have the best tools at my disposal. With my voice spanning over four octaves and traversing genres from pop to opera, I often need to switch microphones to capture the perfect sound for each track.

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

A: As a vocalist, my ultimate vocal heroes are Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. I was incredibly fortunate to meet both of them—Mariah playfully toyed with my hair, and Celine held my debut album in her hands, which was a dream come true! As a producer, I’m a huge fan of Michael Cretu for his extraordinary versatility, from the unforgettable sounds of Sandra to the groundbreaking work with Enigma. His ability to reinvent himself is truly inspiring!

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

A: As a passionate vocalist, my primary goal is to deliver the highest-quality vocals that perfectly complement the track. With the wide range and rich colors of my voice, I can adapt my technique effectively to achieve the best possible outcome. I am dedicated to the art of comping, mixing, and tuning vocals in a way that remains organic and natural while maintaining a powerful presence.