Producer

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

A: The single "Receipts" (2023) which was released as a multi-artist collab with Kate Ryder and producer SCi-FY. The origin of the song was so organic and spur of the moment, and the three of us just had a blast essentially making the record in the writing session. It's a powerful, anthemic uber-pop song loaded with all the melodies and gloss and punch that I constantly gravitate towards as a music creator and fan, and I got to make it with two of my absolute favorite collaborators.

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

A: Kate Ryder, Rich Harris, Will Cooper, Alaina Cross

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

A: "How fast and how much?" I have established standard pricing and turnaround times, but because music production is such complex and unpredictable work, like a scavenger hunt without a list, sometimes it's difficult to know what time commitment will be required until you start digging in. Is it one song, an EP, an album? Am I putting finishing touches on a song that's already produced for the most part, or am I creating an entire track from scratch? Is it for demo purposes or a mastered release? No matter how we get there, my number one priority is always to make sure you get the best and most competitive product possible, and are able to feel confident that it will grab the ears of your intended audience.

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

A: That it is formulaic or easily replicated.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Pro Tools 2023 // Studio One 6 Pro // RME interfaces/converters // UAD-2 QUAD Core // UA Apollo Twin X // Outboard gear: Heritage, Empirical Labs, Focusrite, SSL, Inward Connections // Tube, condenser, dynamic mics: Telefunken, UA, Warm, Shure, Gauge // Slate VMS // Dozens of electric and acoustic guitars // Roland Juno-106, Dave Smith Prophet '08, and Moog Grandmother analog synths // Nord Electro 3 // PMC & Focal monitors // Thousands of plug-ins and virtual instruments // Native Instruments Komplete // Arturia collection (everything they make) // TBs of vintage drum machine samples (Linn, 808, etc.) // Superior Drummer and Toontrack collection (everything they make) // Tons of stompbox effects, guitar amps and cabs // More than enough to get any job done! Being in Nashville, I also have access to larger commercial studios as well as boutique microphone and gear rentals from Blackbird.

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

A: I'm inspired in some way by almost all music I come into contact with. My north stars have always been Prince and Max Martin. These days I really look up to producers like Cirkut, Lostboy, Andrew Wells, Greg Kurstin, Charlie Puth, Ryan Tedder, Andrew Watt, Louis Bell.

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

A: Complete song production.

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

A: I've been playing or making music my whole life and doing it professionally for close to 20 years. My dad was a drummer in a major label rock band in the ‘70s/‘80s. I started playing bars with him when I was 12 years old and never looked back. Since 2011 I've been based in Nashville, and have toured North America with a variety of national acts (most recently Gary Allan) and recorded/performed/done live TV with dozens of artists of all stripes, from emerging indies to platinum major label stars. Prior to Nashville, I earned a Bachelor of Music in music technology and jazz guitar from Duquesne University, and worked under the tutelage of Emmy-winning producer Rick Witkowski, contributing to thousands of recording sessions in a variety of roles, including compositions for Nickelodeon and Spike TV, albums that featured Bruce Springsteen, and popular video game Guitar Hero which mapped original guitar tracks that I performed. I continue to release my own original music, but prioritize producing, developing, and writing music with/for emerging pop and indie artists.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Learning and improving everyday.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Hybrid but mostly digital. Convenience, efficiency and fidelity from a primarily digital setup, sauce and mojo from a few great outboard analog pieces (and desert island analog synths like the Juno-106 and Moog Grandmother).

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

A: Be clear and honest about your vision, even if you are not exactly sure what it is yet. Music is a conversation! It's so beneficial to communicate openly about your goals for your project.

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

A: To do my very best to honor and help you achieve your vision, and to be an honest collaborator and communicator.

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

A: Max Martin. His work has had an indelible influence on my creative process and musical philosophy since I was young.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Decades of finely tuned ears and encyclopedic knowledge, but more importantly I bring a deep love for the process. Writing and producing a song is a magic trick that never loses its wonder. I have experience in almost every facet of the music industry and a unique palette of wide-ranging influences, so when I'm in the room my forte is to be a linchpin and a big-picture person.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who are your influences or artists whose career you wish to emulate? Even though you don't want to sound exactly like someone else, if I know what you love about another artist's work, I have a much clearer launch point for the production process.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The reward of creating something cool that doesn't yet exist and then releasing it into the world. I'm constantly learning from every song and artist I work with.

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

A: I gravitate towards any music that is part-driven, well-crafted, and built around hooks. Creating those types of songs is my passion!

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

A: '63 Stratocaster, Juno 106, LinnDrum, SM57, Tascam Portastudio. Other than cabling and a generator, you could make a record on any desert island with just those pieces. :D

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Simplicity always wins! We live in a short attention span world. Every part should be singable and memorable.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Track production and melody writing.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Commercial, competitive, punchy and clean.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Every project is unique, but everything starts and ends with the song. I try to lead with decisions that serve the song first, regardless of whether I'm mixing, arranging a vocal, or producing a track.