Blues-Jazz Vocalist & Topline

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

A: One of the most common misconceptions about my role as a producer is that people often assume I create beats or add additional sound elements, which is not part of my responsibilities.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1-Are you interested in lead vocals only, or would you like to include background vocals and harmonies? If so, how many background vocals would you prefer? 2-Would you like the vocals to be tuned, or do you have specific requirements regarding tuning? 3-Are you seeking assistance with songwriting, or would you like any part of the song composed for you?

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

A: If you're looking for a session singer, I recommend providing reference tracks if you have them. Additionally, make sure to include music sheets and lyrics. This clarity will help the singer capture the style and vibe you're aiming for. Clear communication about your vision and expectations is key to achieving the best results.

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

A: If I were stranded on a desert island, the five pieces of equipment I would bring are my Shure 55 microphone, a MacBook computer, a generator, Audio-Technica headphones, and a Focusrite audio interface.

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

A: My career as a Blues and Jazz singer has been thriving for over 20 years. I've had the opportunity to perform on television and at various local events, which has been incredibly rewarding. In the past few years, I've also delved into the technical side of music, learning how to record my vocals and fine-tune them. This new skill set has allowed me to enhance my sound and reach a broader audience. Overall, my journey has been fulfilling, and I'm excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My singing style is characterized by a warm and soulful quality. I embrace vulnerability in my performances, allowing me to convey a wide emotional range—from deeply poignant interpretations of sad songs to powerful renditions that express intense anger.

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

A: I aspire to work with Jonny Lang, as he was the first artist I encountered in the blues genre during my childhood. Prior to discovering blues, my family primarily listened to mariachi music, making this new genre particularly captivating for me. I struggled to find where my voice fit, but ultimately recognized that it possesses the soul of the blues, marking the beginning of my musical journey.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Certainly, one production tip I highly recommend is to invest in a quality pair of headphones. You may be surprised at how much sound production can improve with the right equipment."

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

A: I typically specialize in Blues and Jazz music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is singing. I have a deep passion for bringing songs to life and expressing vulnerability through my performances.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: With each song, my rich, mezzo-soprano voice infuses warmth and soul into every piece of music. My vocal range, spanning from G3 to E6, allows me to explore a diverse palette of emotions. Whether delivering a soft, breathy rendition or a powerful, resonant performance, I strive to connect deeply with my audience through the transformative power of song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: In my typical workflow, I begin by assessing the type of song I am working with, whether it falls under blues, jazz, or a combination of both. I then analyze the song’s thematic content and my personal interpretation of it. Following this, I determine the appropriate key for the piece. Once the key is established, I evaluate the necessity of background vocals or harmonies to enhance the overall sound. Finally, I proceed with vocal tuning, if required, to ensure the final product meets the desired quality.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I utilize a high-quality setup for my music production, featuring the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, a renowned audio interface that ensures pristine sound quality and low latency, ideal for recording vocals and instruments. Complementing this is the Audio-Technica AT2020, a versatile condenser microphone known for its exceptional clarity and wide frequency response, making it perfect for capturing nuanced vocal performances. For my digital audio workstation (DAW), I employ Logic Pro, a powerful platform that offers an extensive range of tools for music composition, recording, and mixing. To enhance my vocal tracks, I integrate Melodyne, a leading software for pitch correction and vocal tuning, allowing for precise adjustments and creative vocal manipulation. Additionally, I possess an extensive library of specialized plugins designed for vocal recording, editing, and tuning. These plugins provide further flexibility and creativity, enabling me to achieve professional-grade sound and polish in my productions.

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

A: The musicians who inspire me are Etta James, Diana Krall, Susan Tedeschi, Jonny Lang, B.B. King, and Joss Stone. These artists have a remarkable ability to tell stories through their songs, showcasing deep emotion and unapologetic vulnerability. Their music engages me in the performance and makes me feel that I'm not alone, no matter what I’m going through—whether it’s heartbreak, anger, or happiness. Their ability to express these feelings inspires me to connect with my own emotions and experiences through music.

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

A: I offer a range of vocal services, including lead vocals and background harmonies, which enhance the overall quality and expressiveness of my clients' music. Additionally, I provide vocal tuning services using Melodyne to refine and perfect recorded vocals. If desired, I am also available to compose original songs for clients.